If there’s one appetizer that I will gladly make for a crowd (or devour on my own for dinner), it’s the Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe. These darling sliders pack the perfect punch: juicy fried chicken drenched in a creamy, sweet-spicy sauce, all tucked inside fluffy slider buns with crisp veggies for crunch. They’re inspired by that wildly popular bang bang chicken, but in handheld form—the kind of finger food that’s as irresistible at a party as it is for a cozy weeknight meal. If you love a flavor-packed, playful twist on classic chicken sliders, you’re in for a treat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh fridge finds, the Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe comes together easily. Every single ingredient plays its own delicious part, from the tender-marinated chicken to that crave-worthy signature sauce!
- Chicken breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for juicy, bite-sized pieces that cook up quickly and stay tender inside.
- Buttermilk: This tangy marinade tenderizes the chicken and helps the crispy coating stick beautifully.
- Cornstarch: Adds the extra crunch we all love in fried chicken, making each bite deliciously crisp.
- All-purpose flour: Blends with the cornstarch to create a golden, crunchy crust.
- Salt: Just the right amount of seasoning for both the coating and the chicken itself.
- Black pepper: Offers a subtle heat that pops against the creamy sauce.
- Garlic powder: Adds mellow, savory flavor throughout every bite.
- Vegetable oil: Great for frying, thanks to its high smoke point, keeping the chicken crispy and golden.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the bang bang sauce, dialing up savoriness and smooth texture.
- Sweet chili sauce: Sweetness with a bit of tang and a mild touch of heat, this is the magic ingredient in your sauce!
- Sriracha: Spicy, garlicky and vibrant—add more for a little fire, or less for just a tingle.
- Slider buns: Soft, fluffy buns—try brioche or Hawaiian rolls for extra sweetness and pillow-like texture.
- Shredded lettuce: Fresh crunch and color, the perfect textural contrast to the saucy chicken.
- Thinly sliced cucumbers: Add refreshing crispness and a cool finish with every bite.
- Chopped green onions: Gives a pop of color and gentle onion flavor right at the finish line.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Tender, flavorful chicken starts with a simple buttermilk marinade. In a bowl, toss your chicken pieces with the buttermilk, making sure every piece gets coated. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes. This step is key—it softens the meat and helps the crispy coating cling during frying. If you have extra time, you can even marinate overnight for maximum tenderness!
Step 2: Prep the Coating
In a second bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This blend is what makes the Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe stand out, giving you an audibly crisp crust with loads of flavor. Whisk everything together so your spices are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or saucepan—about two inches deep is just right. Heat it over medium-high heat until it shimmers, but doesn’t smoke. To test if it’s hot enough, drop in a pinch of the flour mixture: if it sizzles right away, you’re golden!
Step 4: Dredge and Fry the Chicken
Take your buttermilk-marinated chicken and dredge each piece in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Fry the chicken in batches (don’t overcrowd!) for 3–4 minutes per batch, or until every piece is beautifully golden brown and fully cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. You’ll be amazed at how irresistibly crunchy they come out!
Step 5: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
While your chicken drains, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha in a small bowl. This creamy, spicy-sweet concoction is what gives the Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe their signature personality. Taste and add a dash more sriracha if you like it hot!
Step 6: Toss Chicken in Sauce
Add the crispy chicken to the sauce bowl and gently toss until every piece is thoroughly coated and shimmery. You want that sauce in every nook and cranny, so each bite delivers a full hit of flavor.
Step 7: Assemble the Sliders
On the bottom half of each slider bun, pile on shredded lettuce for crunch, then nestle in your saucy chicken. Top with sliced cucumbers and a sprinkle of green onions. Crown with the top bun and you’ve got the kind of sliders your guests will talk about for weeks!
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
Go all out with your garnishes—sprinkle extra green onions, maybe a few toasted sesame seeds, or even a dash of extra sauce drizzled over the top. For extra color and crunch, a bit of shredded red cabbage is fabulous too! These little touches turn the Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe into something restaurant-worthy, right at home.
Side Dishes
These sliders love company! Serve them alongside shoestring fries, sweet potato wedges, or a crisp Asian-inspired slaw. If you’re going light, a tangy cucumber salad or steamed green beans pair beautifully, balancing out the richness of the fried chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting, line up the sliders on a platter and stick a fun toothpick or tiny skewer in each. Or, set up a “slider bar” so guests can add their own toppings and garnishes. For game nights, serve them in parchment-paper snack cones for easy eating. However you present them, the Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe always draws a crowd!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra sliders (lucky you!), keep them fresh by storing the chicken, sauce, veggies, and buns separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This way, you avoid soggy buns and keep the veggies crisp for up to 3 days.
Freezing
The cooked chicken pieces freeze beautifully! Just lay them out on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to a month—just defrost and sauce them right before serving. Avoid freezing assembled sliders, as buns and fresh veggies can get a little sad when thawed.
Reheating
Recrisp your chicken by popping it in the oven or air fryer at 350°F until hot and crunchy again. Then, toss in fresh sauce and assemble with your favorite toppings—good as new! Microwaving works in a pinch, but for the very best texture, a quick blast in the oven is the way to go.
FAQs
Can I make the Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe without frying?
Absolutely! For a lighter take, bake the dredged chicken pieces on a wire rack at 400°F until crispy, or air fry them at 375°F. You’ll sacrifice a little of that ultra-crispy texture, but the sliders will still be packed with flavor.
How spicy is the signature sauce?
The bang bang sauce is designed to be more sweet than spicy, with sriracha giving just a gentle kick. If you love extra heat, feel free to increase the sriracha or even add a pinch of cayenne for more fire!
What kind of slider buns work best?
Brioche slider buns are a classic choice for the Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe, but Hawaiian rolls give a lovely sweetness that’s irresistible. Whole wheat mini buns work well too for a slightly healthier spin.
Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can fry the chicken ahead and store it in the fridge. To keep the coating crispy, wait to toss it in the bang bang sauce until just before serving and reheat as directed above.
What proteins can I substitute for chicken?
You can use shrimp, tofu, or even cauliflower florets for a tasty twist on the Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe. Adjust your cook time accordingly and enjoy the same saucy, craveable experience!
Final Thoughts
If you’re hunting for a slider that delivers knockout flavor in every bite, you have to try this Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe. It’s a guaranteed hit at parties, family meals, or anytime you want to treat yourself to something joyfully bold and delicious. Give it a try and watch these saucy, crispy little bites disappear right before your eyes—happy cooking!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 sliders
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are a perfect combination of crispy, succulent chicken tossed in a spicy, creamy sauce, served in soft slider buns with crunchy veggies. They make a great appetizer or party food.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- vegetable oil for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
Additional Ingredients:
- 8 slider buns
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- ½ cup thinly sliced cucumbers
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, marinate the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Coating: In another bowl, mix together the cornstarch, flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet, dredge the marinated chicken in the flour mixture, and fry until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha.
- Coat the Chicken: Toss the fried chicken in the sauce until well coated.
- Assemble the Sliders: Place lettuce on the bottom bun, top with chicken, cucumbers, and green onions. Cover with the top bun and serve.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add extra sriracha to the bang bang sauce.
- You can also bake or air-fry the chicken for a lighter version.
- Use brioche or Hawaiian rolls for a sweeter flavor contrast.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
