Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe

Picture this: a lazy summer evening, the grill is fired up, and the irresistible aroma of crispy fried chicken dances through the air. There’s something magical about sliders – they’re small, they’re fun, and they’re perfect for gatherings. My Bang Bang Chicken Sliders have stolen the spotlight at every barbecue, family gathering, and game night. It’s that joyful laughter shared over good food that makes cooking worth it!

What makes this recipe special

So, why should you add these Bang Bang Chicken Sliders to your recipe repertoire? First off, let's talk flavor. The chicken, marinated in a rich buttermilk mixture with a medley of spices, is juicy and tender, creating a flavor explosion the moment you take a bite. The crunchiness from the panko breadcrumbs adds that delightful texture contrast, while the Bang Bang Sauce delivers a sweet, spicy kick that keeps you coming back for more.

It's also a forgiving recipe, making it suitable for cooks of any skill level. Whether you fry, bake, or grill the chicken, it’ll turn out deliciously, and the assembly is as easy as stacking a few tasty ingredients on a bun. It’s an approachable dish that has the power to impress without keeping you slaving away in the kitchen all day. Trust me, your taste buds will be dancing!

Gather these ingredients

To pull off these sensational sliders, you’ll want to gather the following:

• Chicken (2 lbs of boneless, skinless breasts): The base of the dish. Juicy, tender chicken is a must. For a lighter option, consider chicken thighs!
• Buttermilk (1 cup): This not only tenderizes the chicken but adds a wonderful tanginess. If you’re out, a mix of regular milk and a squeeze of lemon works fine.
• Spices (1 tsp garlic powder, onion powder, paprika; 1/2 tsp salt, pepper): These add a flavor punch that elevates the chicken. Feel free to play around with your favorite spices!
• All-purpose flour (1 cup): Essential for dredging. It helps the crumbs stick for that perfect crispy coating.
• Panko breadcrumbs (1 cup): They provide that irresistible crunch. Regular breadcrumbs will work too, but panko is more fun!
• Vegetable oil (for frying): You want enough oil to fry – about 2-3 inches deep in your pan.
• Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): The creamy base for Bang Bang sauce. You could swap this with Greek yogurt for a healthier twist!
• Sweet chili sauce (1/4 cup): This is key for that sweet kick in the sauce. You can find it easily at your local grocery store.
• Sriracha (2 tbsp): Spice level? Adjust to your liking! Add more for a fiery zing.
• Honey (1 tbsp): A sweet touch that balances the heat beautifully.
• Lime juice (1 tbsp): Freshly squeezed is best—it brightens the sauce and adds zing!
• Slider buns (12 mini): Choose your favorite—potato buns, brioche, or even whole grain for added nutrition.
• Shredded lettuce (1 cup): For that refreshing crunch.
• Red onion (1/2 cup, thinly sliced): Adds a nice bite and color. You can substitute with green onions if desired.
• Pickles (1/2 cup, optional): A tangy addition that many love! They’re optional, but I highly recommend them for that extra crunch.
• Cilantro (for garnish, optional): Fresh herbs brighten any dish. Swap with parsley if cilantro isn’t your fave!

How this recipe comes together

Ready to create some magic in the kitchen? Let’s break down the cooking process:

1. Start by marinating the chicken. Cut it into bite-sized pieces, and in a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Submerge the chicken pieces in this marinade and cover it up. Refrigerate for at least an hour, but if time allows, let it soak overnight for maximum flavor.
2. While the chicken is marinating, let’s whip up the Bang Bang Sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, lime juice, and garlic powder. Give it a taste and adjust the heat or sweetness according to your preference. It’s all about making it your own!
3. Now, let’s dredge and fry the chicken. In a shallow dish, mix together the flour and panko. Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade, dredge them in the flour mixture to coat nicely, and gently fry them in hot oil set at 350°F (175°C). Cook in batches for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels—a good cook knows that no one likes greasy food!
4. It’s time to assemble the sliders! Lightly toast the slider buns to add some crunch. On the bottom buns, generously spread the Bang Bang Sauce, then layer with the perfectly fried chicken, shredded lettuce, red onion, and pickles if you love that tang. Top it off with cilantro, cap it with the top bun, and voilà!
5. Lastly, arrange those sliders on a serving platter and don’t forget to serve some extra Bang Bang sauce on the side for dipping. Trust me, your guests—well, and you—will appreciate it!

Best way to enjoy it

These sliders are the perfect party companion! Serve them with a side of sweet potato fries or a fresh coleslaw for a delightful crunch. Pair it up with a refreshing lemonade or an ice-cold beer, and you’ve got a drumming good time on your hands! And if you’re feeling extra festive, consider a fun dipping station with multiple sauces to explore.

Keeping leftovers fresh

Got leftovers? Let’s make sure they stick around! You can store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you're thinking ahead, you can freeze the sliders (without the buns) for about a month; just make sure they’re cool before popping them into the freezer. When it’s time to enjoy them again, reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. And if you need a little moisture, a spritz of water before covering them will bring back the juicy goodness.

Extra tips and advice

Here are a few nuggets of wisdom I’ve gathered over the years to help you nail this recipe:

• Marination is key! The longer the chicken soaks up the flavors, the better the end result.
• If you’re looking for a lighter version, consider baking the chicken at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping once for even cooking. Or, throw that chicken on the grill for a smoky flavor.
• Want a vegetarian twist? Substitute the chicken with crispy tofu or cauliflower. Trust me, it’s just as satisfying!
• Looking for a little zing? Add a hint of Dijon mustard to your sauce for extra tang, or toss in a dash of cayenne pepper for some serious heat!

Recipe variations

If you’re feeling adventurous, here are a few variations to customize your sliders:

• Sweet and Spicy: Combine some diced jalapeños in the mayonnaise for a spicy kick.
• Tender and Juicy Tofu: Swap out chicken for marinated crispy tofu for a fantastic vegetarian version that still packs a punch!
• Flavor Fusion: Add in Asian flavors by mixing some sesame oil into the Bang Bang sauce.
• Try different buns! Swap slider buns for lettuce wraps for a low-carb option, or use whole grain buns for a healthier spin.

Ingredients list

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil for frying
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
• 2 tbsp sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 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)

Directions to follow

1. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Marinate in buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper for at least 1 hour, ideally overnight.
2. In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, lime juice, and garlic powder. Adjust according to your taste.
3. Mix flour and panko in a shallow dish. Remove chicken from marinade, dredge in the flour mixture, and fry in 350°F oil until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
4. Toast slider buns. Spread Bang Bang sauce on the bottom buns, add fried chicken, shredded lettuce, red onion, and pickles. Garnish with cilantro and top with the top bun.
5. Serve on a platter with extra Bang Bang sauce for dipping.

Your questions answered

• Can I bake instead of frying? Absolutely! Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Can I make this vegetarian? Yes! Swap chicken for crispy tofu or cauliflower.
• How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze without buns for up to a month.
• How spicy is the sauce? The spice level can be adjusted by adding more or less sriracha to taste!
• What should I serve with these sliders? They pair well with fries, a salad, or even fresh fruit for a light contrast.

Cooking is more than just a means to fill your belly; it’s a way to connect with friends and family, unleash creativity, and share delightful experiences. I hope you’re inspired to try these Bang Bang Chicken Sliders, make them your own, and savor each bite! I can’t wait to hear what you think—feel free to share your twists and tales in the comments. Happy cooking!