If you’re craving a fun and flavorful twist on classic sliders, this Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Crispy, tender chicken pieces soaked in a zesty marinade, fried to golden perfection, and smothered in a creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce all nestled inside soft mini slider buns—each bite bursts with just the right balance of heat, sweetness, and freshness. Whether it’s game day, a party, or simply a weeknight treat, these sliders are guaranteed to bring everyone to the table with smiles and second helpings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step towards making these irresistible sliders. Each component plays an essential role, from the buttermilk marinade that tenderizes the chicken to the crunchy panko coating that gives that satisfying crisp. The homemade Bang Bang sauce ties it all together with a vibrant kick.
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that becomes tender and juicy after marinating and frying.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Helps to tenderize the chicken and infuse subtle tanginess.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds depth of savory flavor to both the marinade and the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Brings a gentle sweetness and roundness to the chicken seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: A mild smoky note that enhances the chicken’s color and taste.
- ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced flavor.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Creates the base for the crispy coating.
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs: Provides an ultra-crispy, light texture on the fried chicken.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point to get that perfect golden crust.
- ½ cup mayonnaise: The creamy foundation of the Bang Bang sauce.
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce: Adds both sweetness and a subtle spicy undertone.
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce: Brings the signature heat to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Balances out the spice with a lovely touch of sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Brightens the sauce with citrusy zing.
- 12 mini slider buns: Soft, small, and perfect for stacking all the delicious components.
- 1 cup shredded lettuce: Adds refreshing crunch and color contrast.
- ½ cup thinly sliced red onion: Provides a sharp bite that cuts through the richness.
- ½ cup pickles (optional): A tangy addition to complement the creamy and spicy flavors.
- Fresh cilantro (optional): Offers an herbal freshness that elevates the overall flavor.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and perfect slider-sized bites. Next, mix the buttermilk with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. This marinade is a magic potion that tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with flavor. Once the chicken is fully submerged, pop it into the fridge for at least an hour—or better yet, overnight for maximum juiciness.
Step 2: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
While your chicken bathes in that delicious marinade, whip up the Bang Bang sauce that will make these sliders unforgettable. Combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, lime juice, and garlic powder until everything is smooth and perfectly balanced. This sauce is creamy with a tantalizing kick, and it’s what sets this Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe apart from the rest.
Step 3: Coat and Fry the Chicken
Mix the flour and panko breadcrumbs in a shallow dish to create a coating that crisps up incredibly well. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, ensuring it’s hot enough for frying. Remove chicken from the marinade and dredge each piece through the flour and panko mixture until fully coated. Fry these beauties in batches for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until they reach a perfect golden brown. After frying, place the chicken on paper towels to drain excess oil while keeping that crunch intact.
Step 4: Assemble the Sliders
Now the fun part — putting your sliders together! Spread a generous amount of the Bang Bang sauce on both the tops and bottoms of the mini buns to ensure every bite has that creamy, spicy punch. Layer each bottom bun with a piece of the crispy chicken followed by fresh shredded lettuce, thinly sliced red onions, pickles if you like, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for an added burst of freshness. Finally, crown each with the top bun and get ready to impress.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate these sliders from amazing to unforgettable. A few sprigs of cilantro add herbal brightness, while pickles bring an extra tang that contrasts beautifully with the rich sauce. Thin red onion slices offer a crisp bite that balances the creaminess perfectly. Don’t be shy—decorate generously to entice both eyes and taste buds.
Side Dishes
Pair these sliders with sides that complement their bold flavors. Crispy sweet potato fries, crunchy coleslaw, or a simple cucumber salad offer refreshing counterpoints. For a lighter option, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the chicken and sauce. These sides round out the meal and keep things exciting on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking beyond just placing them on a platter? Try serving Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe on a rustic wooden board or slate, garnished with extra Bang Bang sauce dipping cups. For parties, skewer sliders with colorful toothpicks adorned with small flags or herbs. You can even carefully stack mini sliders into ‘towers’ to create a fun visual centerpiece. Presentation can be just as fun as eating!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers—which might be rare—they keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain the crunch, store fried chicken separately from the buns and sauce, then assemble fresh before serving again.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze cooked, breaded chicken pieces on a parchment-lined tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Keep buns and sauce separate to avoid sogginess. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken in a hot oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5 to 8 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy. Warm buns separately and reassemble the sliders just before serving to keep everything fresh and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use different cuts of chicken for this Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe?
Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken breasts work great, you can also use thighs for a juicier, more flavorful experience. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure they’re fully cooked.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, swap out the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives like rice flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs. Just be sure your frying oil and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
How spicy is the Bang Bang sauce? Can I adjust it?
The sauce has a mild to moderate kick thanks to the sriracha and sweet chili sauce. You can easily adjust the heat by using less sriracha or switching it out for a milder hot sauce, or omit it altogether for a creamy, sweet version.
Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time for a party?
Definitely! Marinate the chicken the night before to deepen the flavor. You can also fry the chicken in advance and reheat just before serving. Keep sauce and buns separate until assembly for best results.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise in the Bang Bang sauce?
If you prefer a lighter or dairy-free option, Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo substitute works well and still provides creamy texture with a slight tang.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a finger-licking snack that’s bursting with flavor and guaranteed to wow your friends and family, this Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe is the perfect answer. From the tender, crispy chicken to the irresistibly creamy and spicy sauce, every bite delivers something special. Treat yourself to making these sliders soon—you won’t regret it!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (includes marinating and frying time)
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Bang Bang Chicken Sliders feature crispy, buttermilk-marinated fried chicken coated in a crunchy panko and flour crust, generously topped with a creamy, spicy, and tangy Bang Bang sauce. Perfectly assembled on mini slider buns with fresh lettuce, red onion, pickles, and cilantro, they make an ideal appetizer or party snack packed with flavor and crunch.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Breading
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Assembly
- 12 mini slider buns
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- ½ cup thinly sliced red onion
- ½ cup pickles (optional)
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, making sure they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, honey, lime juice, and garlic powder until the sauce is smooth and well combined. Set aside for later use.
- Prepare the Breading: In a shallow dish, mix together the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs to create the coating for the chicken.
- Heat the Oil: Pour enough vegetable oil into a large skillet to cover the bottom with about 1/2 inch depth. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking, approximately 350°F (175°C).
- Bread and Fry the Chicken: Remove the marinated chicken pieces from the refrigerator. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour and panko mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks well. Carefully fry the coated chicken pieces in the hot oil, cooking 3 to 4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer fried chicken onto paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Assemble the Sliders: Spread a generous amount of Bang Bang sauce on the top and bottom halves of each mini slider bun. Place one piece of fried chicken on the bottom bun, then top with shredded lettuce, sliced red onion, pickles if using, and fresh cilantro leaves if desired. Cover with the top bun.
- Serve: Serve the sliders immediately while the chicken is crispy and the sauce is fresh for the best experience.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate chicken overnight instead of just one hour.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha in the Bang Bang sauce to control the heat level.
- Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature at 350°F for perfectly crispy chicken that cooks evenly.
- Pickles and cilantro are optional but add a nice tangy and fresh contrast to the spicy chicken.
- If you prefer a lighter option, bake the breaded chicken at 425°F for 20 minutes turning halfway instead of frying.
