Name: Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 sliders
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds thin sliced chicken breasts; Kosher salt; Fresh black pepper; Garlic powder; 1/2 cup flour; 1/4 cup cornstarch; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 tablespoon hot sauce; 1 large egg; 2 cups or more as needed Panko bread crumbs; Vegetable or canola oil for frying; 12 slices mozzarella cheese; 12 slider rolls; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce; 1 tablespoon Sriracha; 1 teaspoon rice vinegar; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon paprika

Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe are a true explosion of flavor that have taken the culinary world by storm, and for good reason! Imagine succulent, crispy fried chicken coated in a sweet, spicy, and utterly addictive Bang Bang sauce, all nestled within fluffy slider buns. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that makes them an instant crowd-pleaser, perfect for game nights, parties, or even a fun weeknight treat. What truly sets this Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe apart is that incredible sauce – a creamy, tangy, and subtly fiery concoction that clings to every bite of chicken, creating an unforgettable flavor experience. We’re about to dive deep into creating these sensational sliders, ensuring your kitchen is filled with the irresistible aroma and your guests are begging for seconds.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 pounds thin sliced chicken breasts
Kosher salt
Fresh black pepper
Garlic powder
1/2 cup flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon hot sauce
1 large egg
2 cups or more as needed Panko bread crumbs
Vegetable or canola oil for frying
12 slices mozzarella cheese
12 slider rolls
Bang Bang Sauce (recipe below or store-bought)

Bang Bang Sauce Ingredients:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon Sriracha (or more, to taste)
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika

Instructions:

Prepare the Chicken:

Begin by preparing your chicken for frying. Take the 1 1/2 pounds of thin sliced chicken breasts and pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step for achieving a crispy coating, as excess moisture will prevent the breading from adhering properly. Season both sides generously with Kosher salt, fresh black pepper, and garlic powder. Make sure to get an even coating of seasonings all over. You want the chicken to be flavorful from the inside out.

Set Up the Breading Station:

Next, let’s set up our breading station, which is essential for evenly coating the chicken. You’ll need three shallow dishes or bowls. In the first dish, combine the 1/2 cup flour and 1/4 cup cornstarch. Whisk these together until they are well incorporated. The cornstarch helps create an extra crispy texture. In the second dish, pour the 1 cup buttermilk and stir in 1 tablespoon of hot sauce and 1 large egg. Whisk vigorously until the egg is fully combined with the buttermilk and hot sauce, creating a smooth, homogenous liquid. This is your wet mixture, which will help the breading stick. In the third dish, place your 2 cups or more of Panko bread crumbs. Panko bread crumbs are key for that delightful crunch you’re looking for in your Bang Bang Chicken Sliders. Ensure you have enough Panko to generously coat all of your chicken pieces.

Bread the Chicken:

Now it’s time to get your chicken perfectly breaded. Working with one piece of seasoned chicken at a time, dredge it first in the flour and cornstarch mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Shake off any excess flour. Then, dip the floured chicken into the buttermilk mixture, letting any excess drip off. Finally, press the chicken into the Panko bread crumbs, coating both sides completely. Gently press the Panko onto the chicken to help it adhere. Place the breaded chicken pieces on a clean plate or wire rack and repeat this process for all of your chicken slices. Allowing the breaded chicken to rest for a few minutes can help the coating adhere even better.

Fry the Chicken:

Heat your frying oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil temperature by dropping a tiny bit of Panko into it; it should sizzle immediately. Carefully place the breaded chicken pieces into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken in batches if necessary to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Use tongs to remove the fried chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain any excess oil. This keeps the chicken crispy and prevents it from becoming soggy.

Assemble the Bang Bang Chicken Sliders:

While the chicken is draining, prepare your slider buns. Lightly toast the inside of the 12 slider rolls if you prefer. Once the chicken is fried and slightly cooled, place one or two pieces of chicken onto the bottom half of each slider roll. Top each piece of chicken with a slice of mozzarella cheese. You can briefly place these under a broiler or cover the pan with a lid for a minute or two to melt the cheese, or simply let the residual heat from the chicken melt it. Drizzle a generous amount of Bang Bang sauce over the melted cheese and chicken. Close the sliders with the top half of the rolls. Repeat for all 12 sliders.

Make the Bang Bang Sauce (if not using store-bought):

In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce, 1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust to your spice preference), 1 teaspoon rice vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon paprika. Mix until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. This sauce is the star of the show and provides that signature sweet, spicy, and creamy flavor profile.

Conclusion:

And there you have it – your guide to crafting the most delicious Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe! This dish is truly a crowd-pleaser, offering a perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors that dance on your taste buds. The crispy, tender chicken paired with that iconic sweet and spicy Bang Bang sauce, all nestled in soft slider buns, creates an irresistible bite. We hope you enjoy making and sharing these fantastic sliders with your loved ones. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your presentation!

For serving suggestions, these sliders are perfect as an appetizer for parties, a fun weeknight meal, or even a delightful addition to a potluck. They pair wonderfully with a crisp coleslaw, sweet potato fries, or a simple green salad for a more balanced meal. Remember, the beauty of this Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe lies in its adaptability. Feel free to adjust the spice level of the sauce to your preference, or add a drizzle of sriracha for an extra kick. You can also swap out the chicken for shrimp or even crispy tofu for a vegetarian option.

We encourage you to dive into this recipe and experience the joy of creating these flavor-packed sliders. Let us know how yours turn out! Experiment with different toppings like chopped cilantro, sesame seeds, or thinly sliced red onions. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The Bang Bang sauce can be made up to 2-3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes assembly even quicker when you’re ready to serve.

What kind of chicken is best for these sliders?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for their tenderness and flavor, which hold up well to the frying and sauce. However, chicken breast will also work, just be mindful not to overcook it to prevent dryness.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

To increase the heat, you can add a dash of cayenne pepper or an extra tablespoon of sriracha to the Bang Bang sauce. You could also incorporate some finely chopped fresh chili peppers into the sauce or as a topping.