When it comes to flavor-packed bites that leave a lasting impression, nothing tops Bang Bang Chicken Sliders. These delightful sandwiches are crispy, spicy, and downright addictive, making them perfect for any gathering—from casual weeknight dinners to game day parties. I remember the first time I made them; the crispy chicken, slathered in creamy sauce and nestled in soft slider buns, disappeared within minutes. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a delicious experience waiting to happen.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

If you crave a dish that works for any occasion, look no further. Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are a fantastic choice for those hectic weeknights when you need something quick yet satisfying. With their crispy fried chicken, zesty sauce, and fresh toppings, they’re universally loved—kids and adults alike will be reaching for seconds! Plus, they can be made in bulk, making them a budget-friendly option for gatherings.

"These sliders were the star of our Super Bowl party! Everyone loved the crunch and the sauce was just the right amount of kick!"

How This Recipe Comes Together

Creating Bang Bang Chicken Sliders is a straightforward yet rewarding process. First, you’ll marinate the chicken to infuse flavor and tenderness. While that’s happening, you whip up a creamy Bang Bang sauce. Then comes the fun part—dredging and frying the chicken until it’s golden and crispy. Finally, all that’s left is to assemble your sliders with fresh toppings and serve. Sounds easy, right? Let’s break down the ingredients so you’re ready to go.

Gather These Items

For the Chicken:

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Vegetable oil for frying

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Sliders:

12 mini slider buns
1 cup shredded lettuce
1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
1/2 cup pickles (optional)
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Feel free to make substitutions; for a lighter option, consider baking the chicken or swapping it with crispy tofu for a meatless meal!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Submerge the chicken in the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to overnight for more flavor).
Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, lime juice, and garlic powder. Taste and tweak as needed, adding more sriracha for heat or honey for sweetness.
Dredge and Fry the Chicken: In a shallow dish, mix the flour and panko together. Remove the chicken from the marinade, dredge it in the flour mixture, and fry in oil heated to 350°F (175°C). Work in batches, cooking until golden and cooked through, which should take about 3-4 minutes on each side. Drain the cooked chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Assemble the Sliders: Lightly toast the slider buns. Spread a generous amount of Bang Bang sauce on the bottom buns, stack on the crispy chicken pieces, then top with shredded lettuce, red onion, and pickles if you like. Garnish with cilantro and cap it with the top bun.
Serve: Arrange your sliders on a serving platter and don’t forget to serve extra Bang Bang sauce on the side for dipping!

How to Plate and Pair

Want to impress your guests? Plate the sliders on a large platter, garnished with fresh herbs or colorful vegetables for a splash of color. Pair them with crispy potato wedges, a simple green salad, or sweet potato fries. You might also consider finger foods like veggie platters or buffalo cauliflower bites to keep the flavors fun and varied.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), storing them properly is key. Allow the sliders and chicken to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the fried chicken separately—this way, you can reheat it in the oven while keeping its crispy texture intact.

Pro Chef Tips

For a crunchier texture, add a bit of cornstarch to the flour and panko mix.
Experiment with the marinade! Adding spices like cumin or cayenne pepper can create additional layers of flavor.
For an easy cleanup, consider using a deep-fryer instead of frying in a pan.

Flavor Swaps

Feeling adventurous? Try adding a hint of lemon zest or ginger to the Bang Bang sauce for a unique twist. You can also experiment with toppings; spicy slaw or avocado slices can add great depth. And if you’re looking to make it vegetarian, crispy cauliflower can be an excellent substitute for the chicken.

Your Questions Answered

What is the total prep time for this recipe?

Preparation can take about 30 minutes, plus an hour for marinating (or overnight for optimal flavor).

Can I bake these sliders instead of frying?

Yes! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even cooking.

How should I store leftover sliders?

Place leftover components in separate airtight containers. Store chicken and buns separately in the refrigerator to maintain their texture, and enjoy within 3-4 days!

Try out these Bang Bang Chicken Sliders for your next meal and let their crunchy exterior and spicy, creamy sauce elevate your dinner table!