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This crispy chicken slider recipe transforms ordinary chicken into extraordinary mini sandwiches with a creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce that will have everyone reaching for seconds. The combination of crispy fried chicken and the sweet-spicy sauce creates an irresistible flavor bomb that works perfectly as an appetizer or main dish.
I first made these sliders for a football watch party, and they were such a hit that they've become my signature dish for gatherings. The empty platter at the end of the night tells me everything I need to know about their popularity.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts the foundation of our sliders that stays juicy inside while crisping beautifully outside
- Buttermilk tenderizes the chicken while adding tanginess and helping spices adhere
- Garlic and onion powder provides depth of flavor in both the marinade and sauce
- Panko breadcrumbs creates an extra crispy coating that regular breadcrumbs simply cannot match
- Sweet chili sauce brings the perfect balance of sweetness and mild heat to the Bang Bang sauce
- Sriracha sauce adds that signature spicy kick that makes Bang Bang sauce so addictive
- Mini slider buns provides the perfect bread to filling ratio for these handheld delights
- Fresh toppings the crisp lettuce, red onion, and optional pickles add texture and brightness
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken
- Cut chicken breasts into slider sized pieces that will fit your buns. Combine buttermilk with all marinade seasonings in a large bowl, whisking until smooth. Submerge chicken pieces completely, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour but ideally longer for maximum tenderness. The buttermilk actively breaks down proteins while infusing flavor.
- Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
- Mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, lime juice and garlic powder in a medium bowl. Whisk until completely smooth with no streaks remaining. Taste and adjust heat level by adding more sriracha if desired. The sauce should be creamy with a vibrant orange hue. Refrigerate until ready to use to allow flavors to meld.
- Dredge the Chicken
- Set up your dredging station with the flour and panko mixture in a shallow dish. Remove chicken pieces from marinade one at a time, allowing excess to drip off. Press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, turning to coat all sides completely. For extra crispiness, let the coated pieces rest for 5 minutes before frying.
- Fry to Perfection
- Heat oil to exactly 350°F using a thermometer for accuracy. Add chicken pieces without crowding the pan, working in batches to maintain oil temperature. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes per side until deeply golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to paper towels and immediately sprinkle with a pinch of salt while hot.
- Toast the Buns
- Lightly butter the cut sides of each slider bun and toast in a dry skillet until golden brown. This prevents the buns from becoming soggy when the sauce is added. The toasting takes just 1 to 2 minutes but makes a significant difference in texture.
- Assemble the Sliders
- Spread a generous tablespoon of Bang Bang sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place a piece of fried chicken on top, pressing gently to secure it. Layer with shredded lettuce, red onion slices, pickles if using, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Arrange completed sliders on a serving platter with extra Bang Bang sauce in a small bowl for dipping. Serve immediately while the chicken is still warm and crispy. For presentation, secure each slider with a decorative toothpick to keep everything together.
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I discovered the magic of Bang Bang sauce during a cooking class several years ago, and it's become my secret weapon in the kitchen. My family now requests it on everything from grilled chicken to roasted vegetables. The sweet-spicy balance makes it universally appealing even to those who typically avoid spicy foods.
Make-Ahead Options
The beauty of these chicken sliders lies in their prep potential. You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, which not only saves time but actually improves flavor development. The Bang Bang sauce can be prepared up to three days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For entertaining, I often fry the chicken pieces up to two hours before serving and keep them warm in a 200°F oven on a wire rack. This allows me to assemble the sliders just before guests arrive without sacrificing that perfect crispy texture.
Serving Suggestions
These Bang Bang chicken sliders shine as part of a larger spread. For game day, pair them with classic sides like sweet potato fries or Asian slaw to complement the fusion flavors. For a more substantial meal, serve alongside a light cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar to balance the richness. If you're hosting a slider bar, consider offering a variety of sauces beyond the Bang Bang including perhaps a garlic aioli or honey mustard to give guests options. Garnish the serving platter with lime wedges and extra cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.
Heat Level Customization
One of the most appealing aspects of this recipe is how easily you can adjust the spice level to suit your audience. The Bang Bang sauce as written provides a medium heat that most people enjoy. For a milder version, reduce the sriracha by half and increase the honey slightly. For spice lovers, double the sriracha and add a teaspoon of gochujang paste for deeper heat and complexity. You can also create a tiered spice experience by preparing different batches of the sauce labeled as mild, medium, and hot, allowing guests to choose their own adventure. Remember that the sweet chili sauce already contains some heat, so adjust accordingly.
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Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make Bang Bang Chicken Sliders ahead of time?
You can prepare components ahead of time, but assembly is best done just before serving. Marinate the chicken and make the Bang Bang sauce up to 24 hours in advance. Fry the chicken pieces up to 2 hours before serving and keep warm in a 200°F oven. Assemble sliders just before serving to maintain the crispy texture.
- → How spicy are Bang Bang Chicken Sliders?
The spice level is moderate with a nice balance of sweet and heat. The Bang Bang sauce contains sriracha and sweet chili sauce, creating a warm kick rather than overwhelming heat. You can easily adjust the spiciness by reducing or increasing the sriracha amount to suit your preference.
- → Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake the chicken for a lighter version. After coating the marinated chicken pieces in the flour-panko mixture, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray with cooking oil and bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
- → What sides pair well with Bang Bang Chicken Sliders?
These sliders pair beautifully with Asian-inspired coleslaw, sweet potato fries, cucumber salad, or a simple green salad with sesame dressing. For a more substantial meal, serve with vegetable fried rice or garlic noodles. The sweet-spicy flavor profile works well with cooling sides that balance the heat.
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast meat?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs make an excellent substitute and often result in juicier sliders. Cut them into slider-sized pieces and follow the same marinating and cooking process. Thighs may need slightly longer cooking time (4-5 minutes per side) to reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- → How do I store and reheat leftover Bang Bang Chicken Sliders?
Store the chicken separate from the buns and toppings in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken pieces on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it will make the coating soggy. Reassemble sliders with fresh toppings.