Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are more than just a meal; they’re a celebration of bold flavors and textures that come together to create the ultimate bite-sized delight. Inspired by the classic Bang Bang Chicken from Sichuan cuisine, which features tender chicken dressed in a spicy, nutty sauce, these sliders reimagine the dish in a fun and approachable way. With crispy fried chicken, a tangy and creamy sauce, and fresh toppings nestled between soft slider buns, this recipe is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
Perfect for game days, casual get-togethers, or even a family dinner with a twist, these sliders offer the best of comfort food with an exciting twist. The name “Bang Bang” itself hints at the explosion of flavors in every bite—sweet, spicy, creamy, and crunchy.
Whether you’re hosting a party or simply indulging in a weekend treat, these sliders bring joy to the table, creating moments to savor with friends and family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- A Harmony of Flavors: The crispy chicken paired with the sweet and spicy Bang Bang sauce is a match made in heaven.
- Quick and Easy: With straightforward steps, you’ll have a stunning dish ready in no time.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level, swap out toppings, or even try a baked version for a healthier option.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: These sliders are versatile enough for parties, picnics, or even a hearty lunch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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)
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
The secret to juicy, flavorful chicken is all in the marinade.
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into evenly sized pieces that fit well in slider buns. This ensures even cooking and makes for perfect portions.
- Mix the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Submerge the chicken pieces completely in the mixture.
- Refrigerate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest in the fridge for at least 1 hour. For the best results, marinate overnight.
Step 2: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
This signature sauce is where the magic happens.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, lime juice, and garlic powder. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Adjust the Flavor: Taste your sauce—need more kick? Add extra sriracha. Prefer it sweeter? Drizzle in more honey. Set the sauce aside for assembly.
Step 3: Bread and Fry the Chicken
For that perfect crispy coating, follow these steps:
- Set Up a Breading Station: In a shallow dish, combine flour and panko breadcrumbs.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove each chicken piece from the marinade, shaking off the excess, then coat evenly in the breading mixture. Press the breading gently to adhere well.
- Heat the Oil: Pour enough vegetable oil into a deep skillet to cover about an inch. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, test with a small piece of breading—it should sizzle instantly.
- Fry in Batches: Fry the chicken pieces in small batches to maintain the oil’s temperature. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 4: Assemble the Sliders
Here’s where your sliders come to life.
- Toast the Buns: Lightly butter the insides of the slider buns and toast them on a griddle until golden.
- Layer the Flavors: Spread a generous amount of Bang Bang sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Add 2-3 pieces of crispy chicken on top.
- Add Freshness: Layer on shredded lettuce, sliced red onion, and pickles for crunch and zest.
- Top It Off: Garnish with cilantro if desired, then crown with the top bun.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Arrange the sliders on a platter and serve immediately. Pair them with extra Bang Bang sauce on the side for dipping and watch them disappear in no time!
Helpful Tips
- Make Ahead: You can prep the chicken and sauce in advance. Store the marinated chicken in the fridge and fry it fresh before serving.
- Healthier Option: Bake the breaded chicken on a greased sheet pan at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Grilling Alternative: If you’re looking for a smokier flavor, marinate the chicken and grill instead of frying.
- Slider Variations: Experiment with different toppings like coleslaw, avocado slices, or even pineapple for a tropical twist.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Appetizers or Mains
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Halal-friendly, customizable
Notes
- Always taste your sauce as you go to strike the right balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy.
- For extra crunch, double coat the chicken by dipping it back into the marinade and breading before frying.
Nutritional Information
Per Serving:
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 15g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought Bang Bang sauce?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, pre-made sauce works well, though homemade always packs more flavor.
Can I make these sliders vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the chicken with crispy tofu or cauliflower bites.
How do I store leftovers?
Store the components separately. Keep the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and reheat in the oven for crispiness.
Related Recipes
If you loved these Bang Bang Chicken Sliders, you might also enjoy:
Conclusion
These Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are the perfect addition to any occasion, offering bold flavors and an irresistible crunch. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your rotation. Serve these up, and let the “bang” in Bang Bang speak for itself!
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Bang Bang Chicken Sliders: A Flavor-Packed Crowd-Pleaser
Description
Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are more than just a meal; they’re a celebration of bold flavors and textures that come together to create the ultimate bite-sized delight. Inspired by the classic Bang Bang Chicken from Sichuan cuisine, which features tender chicken dressed in a spicy, nutty sauce, these sliders reimagine the dish in a fun and approachable way. With crispy fried chicken, a tangy and creamy sauce, and fresh toppings nestled between soft slider buns, this recipe is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
Perfect for game days, casual get-togethers, or even a family dinner with a twist, these sliders offer the best of comfort food with an exciting twist. The name “Bang Bang” itself hints at the explosion of flavors in every bite—sweet, spicy, creamy, and crunchy.
Whether you’re hosting a party or simply indulging in a weekend treat, these sliders bring joy to the table, creating moments to savor with friends and family.
Ingredients
- 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)
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
The secret to juicy, flavorful chicken is all in the marinade.
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into evenly sized pieces that fit well in slider buns. This ensures even cooking and makes for perfect portions.
- Mix the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Submerge the chicken pieces completely in the mixture.
- Refrigerate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest in the fridge for at least 1 hour. For the best results, marinate overnight.
Step 2: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
This signature sauce is where the magic happens.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, lime juice, and garlic powder. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Adjust the Flavor: Taste your sauce—need more kick? Add extra sriracha. Prefer it sweeter? Drizzle in more honey. Set the sauce aside for assembly.
Step 3: Bread and Fry the Chicken
For that perfect crispy coating, follow these steps:
- Set Up a Breading Station: In a shallow dish, combine flour and panko breadcrumbs.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove each chicken piece from the marinade, shaking off the excess, then coat evenly in the breading mixture. Press the breading gently to adhere well.
- Heat the Oil: Pour enough vegetable oil into a deep skillet to cover about an inch. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, test with a small piece of breading—it should sizzle instantly.
- Fry in Batches: Fry the chicken pieces in small batches to maintain the oil’s temperature. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 4: Assemble the Sliders
Here’s where your sliders come to life.
- Toast the Buns: Lightly butter the insides of the slider buns and toast them on a griddle until golden.
- Layer the Flavors: Spread a generous amount of Bang Bang sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Add 2-3 pieces of crispy chicken on top.
- Add Freshness: Layer on shredded lettuce, sliced red onion, and pickles for crunch and zest.
- Top It Off: Garnish with cilantro if desired, then crown with the top bun.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Arrange the sliders on a platter and serve immediately. Pair them with extra Bang Bang sauce on the side for dipping and watch them disappear in no time!
Notes
- Always taste your sauce as you go to strike the right balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy.
- For extra crunch, double coat the chicken by dipping it back into the marinade and breading before frying.
