Get ready to spice up your dinner routine with these irresistible Bang Bang Chicken Sliders! These mini sandwiches pack a serious flavor punch, combining tender chicken with that beloved sweet-spicy bang bang sauce that’s taken the culinary world by storm.
Perfect for game day gatherings, weeknight dinners, or anytime you’re craving something a little different, these sliders strike the perfect balance between comfort food and exciting flavors. The combination of crispy chicken, creamy sauce, and soft slider buns creates a bite that’s impossible to resist!
Why You’ll Love This
- Quick and easy to prepare – ready in just 45 minutes from start to finish
- Perfect crowd-pleaser for parties, game days, or family dinners
- Customizable heat level – make them as mild or spicy as you prefer
- Great for meal prep – the chicken and sauce can be made ahead of time
- Kid-friendly with the right balance of sweet and spicy flavors
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds thin sliced chicken breasts
- Kosher salt to taste
- Fresh black pepper to taste
- Garlic powder to taste
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs (or more as needed)
- Vegetable or canola oil for frying
- 12 slices mozzarella cheese
- 12 slider rolls
- Bang Bang sauce (prepared separately)
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts on both sides with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Set up three bowls: mix flour and cornstarch in the first, whisk buttermilk, hot sauce, and egg in the second, and place panko breadcrumbs in the third.
- Dredge each seasoned chicken piece first in the flour mixture, then in the buttermilk mixture, and finally in the panko breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs firmly to ensure good coating. Place on a plate and repeat with remaining chicken.
- Add a thin layer of oil to a large skillet and heat over medium heat. Once hot, fry the breaded chicken cutlets in batches without overcrowding, adding more oil as needed. Cook until golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. While chicken cooks, prepare the Bang Bang sauce in a small bowl and set aside.
- Cut the chicken cutlets into smaller pieces to fit the slider buns. Place chicken on bottom buns, top with a slice of mozzarella cheese while chicken is still warm, drizzle with Bang Bang sauce, and top with the other half of the bun.
- Serve the sliders while the chicken is hot and the cheese is melted for the best taste and texture.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, toast your slider buns with a light brush of butter
- Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free panko and buns
- Add sliced pickles or avocado for extra texture and flavor
- For a lighter version, bake the breaded chicken at 400°F for 15-20 minutes instead of pan-frying
- Substitute chicken with firm tofu or cauliflower florets for a vegetarian version
- Make it spicier by adding more sriracha or a dash of cayenne pepper to the bang bang sauce
Serving Suggestions
These Bang Bang Chicken Sliders pair beautifully with crispy sweet potato fries or a simple side salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil. For a complete spread, add some pickled vegetables or kimchi on the side to cut through the richness of the sliders.
If you’re serving these for a party, consider setting up a slider bar with extra toppings like pickled jalapeños, sliced cucumber, or additional bang bang sauce so everyone can customize their own!
Notes
- Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and has no pink in the center
- Store leftover chicken separately from the buns and sauce to prevent sogginess
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat chicken in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to restore crispiness
- The bang bang sauce can be made up to 5 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and often result in juicier sliders. Just adjust cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
How can I make these less spicy for kids?
Reduce or omit the sriracha in the bang bang sauce and increase the sweet chili sauce and honey slightly to maintain flavor while reducing heat.
Can I prepare these in advance for a party?
Yes! You can bread the chicken and make the sauce a day ahead. Cook the chicken just before serving and keep warm in a low oven while assembling.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover sliders?
For best results, store components separately and reassemble when reheating. Warm chicken in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes to maintain crispiness, then rebuild your sliders with fresh sauce.
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