If you’re looking for a fun, flavor-packed crowd-pleaser, this Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe is an absolute winner. I love these sliders because they combine crispy, tender chicken with a spicy-sweet sauce that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or just craving a fun twist on dinner, these little bites are sure to delight. Let me take you through everything you need to know to nail this recipe flawlessly and impress everyone at your table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple, approachable technique: Even if you’re not a pro-cook, the steps are straightforward for perfectly crispy chicken every time.
- Bold Bang Bang sauce flavor: The spicy, creamy sauce is addictive and perfectly complements the mild mozzarella and chicken.
- Perfectly sized sliders: Easy to make in batches and share at parties or just enjoy as a fun dinner for your family.
- Customizable and versatile: You can tweak the heat or toppings to suit your taste buds and occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe is really in the balance of textures and flavors. The buttermilk gives the chicken a tender bite, while the Panko breadcrumbs shine with their crispiness. Plus, that Bang Bang sauce is what ties it all together beautifully.
- Thin sliced chicken breasts: Go for fresh or freshly thawed for even cooking; thin slices crisp up nicely without drying out.
- Kosher salt, fresh black pepper, garlic powder: Simple seasonings that boost flavor without overpowering the chicken.
- Flour: Helps the coating stick and creates a good base for the breading station.
- Cornstarch: Key for extra crisp, it lightens the flour mixture and keeps the crust crunchy longer.
- Buttermilk: Tenderizes chicken and adds tang – if you don’t have it, a milk and lemon juice mixture works, too.
- Hot sauce: I like Frank’s RedHot for just the right kick and flavor.
- Egg: Acts as a glue to hold the breadcrumbs in place.
- Panko bread crumbs: The star for crispy coating; Japanese style works best for that airy crunch.
- Vegetable or canola oil: For frying; these neutral oils heat evenly without adding extra flavor.
- Mozzarella cheese slices: Melts beautifully and balances the sauce heat with a mild, creamy touch.
- Slider rolls: Soft but sturdy enough to hold everything together.
- Bang Bang Sauce: This iconic spicy, creamy sauce can be homemade or store-bought – more on that later!
Variations
I’m all about mixing things up, so feel free to tweak this Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe to fit your mood or dietary preferences. You’ll find the versatility makes it an easy hit in any kitchen.
- Spice levels: When I first made this, I toned down the hot sauce for my kids, but I love amping it up with extra sriracha for adult game nights.
- Cheese swaps: Try pepper jack or cheddar if you want a sharper bite or more melting flair.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free flour and panko to enjoy without worry—I’ve had great success swapping these out with no loss of crispiness.
- Grilled chicken alternative: For a lighter version, grill the chicken and toss it in the Bang Bang sauce, then pile into rolls.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season Your Chicken
Start by seasoning your thin sliced chicken breasts on both sides with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a touch of garlic powder. I discovered this combo really brings out the chicken’s natural flavor without competing with the bold Bang Bang sauce later. Set each piece aside while you prepare your breading stations.
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Stations
In classic triple-dip fashion, mix your flour and cornstarch together in one shallow bowl. In the second, whisk together the buttermilk, hot sauce, and egg for a tangy, spicy batter. The third bowl holds the crunchy Panko bread crumbs. Remember, pressing those crumbs gently onto the chicken ensures an extra-thick, crispy crust—don’t be shy here!
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
Dredge each seasoned chicken cutlet first in the flour mixture, shaking off any extra. Next, dip into the buttermilk mixture, letting excess drip back in the bowl. Finally, coat it thoroughly with Panko, pressing the crumbs in so they adhere well. I usually place the breaded chicken on a plate before frying, so I can keep everything organized and ready to cook.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken to Crispy Perfection
Add a thin layer of vegetable or canola oil to a skillet and heat it over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking. Carefully add the breaded chicken pieces without crowding the pan—crowding lowers the oil temperature and ruins that crisp. Cook in batches if needed, flipping after 3-4 minutes or when the edges turn golden brown. When you see that gorgeous crust forming, flip on a slice of mozzarella cheese to melt during the last minute of cooking. This is one of my favorite parts—melty cheese over crispy chicken is pure comfort.
Step 5: Assemble and Drizzle with Bang Bang Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked and cheese melted, place each cutlet onto a soft slider roll. Then, spoon that creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce generously over the chicken before topping with the slider lid. Trust me, the sauce is what transforms these into addictive bites. Serve immediately while everything’s still warm and melty.
Pro Tips for Making Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe
- Perfectly Thin Chicken: I like to butterfliy the chicken breasts if they’re thick, so the pieces cook evenly and stay juicy inside.
- Temperature Matters: Keep your oil at medium heat; too hot, and the crumbs burn before chicken cooks through.
- Press Breadcrumbs Gently: Pressing them into the chicken creates an even, sturdy crust that stays crispy.
- Avoid Overcrowding Pan: Fry in batches to keep oil temperature stable and crispiness intact.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping these sliders with fresh shredded lettuce and thin slices of cucumber or pickled jalapeños for a little crunch and acidity. If you want a bit of herby freshness, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or green onions works wonders too.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides with Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are crisp sweet potato fries or a tangy coleslaw to balance the spicy sauce. I’ve even paired these with simple steamed veggies for a lighter meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I’ve arranged mini sliders on wooden boards garnished with fresh herbs, and served the Bang Bang sauce on the side in ramekins so everyone can dip or drizzle at will. It makes for a fun, interactive meal that guests love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I place leftover chicken in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I usually store the sauce separately so the breading stays crispier when reheated.
Freezing
I’ve frozen cooked breaded chicken before by wrapping each piece individually in foil, then placing in a freezer bag. When I want to enjoy them again, they thaw quickly overnight in the fridge and crisp back up in a skillet.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, I heat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat to restore its crispiness, then warm the slider buns separately. Adding fresh Bang Bang sauce right before serving keeps the sliders tasting fresh and vibrant.
FAQs
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What is Bang Bang sauce made of?
Bang Bang sauce is typically a creamy, spicy sauce combining mayo, sweet chili sauce, and a bit of hot sauce or sriracha. It’s simple to make at home and packs a sweet-heat punch that pairs perfectly with fried chicken.
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Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes! You can bake the breaded chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet at 425°F (220°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until crisp and cooked through. Baking makes it a bit lighter, though frying gives the crispiest texture.
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How do I keep sliders from getting soggy?
Keep the breaded chicken and buns separate until just before serving. Also, store the Bang Bang sauce separately and add it fresh to each slider. This keeps the bread from getting soggy and the chicken crisp.
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What’s the best way to get thin chicken slices?
If your chicken breasts are thick, I recommend butterflying them or pounding them gently with a meat mallet to an even thinness. This helps them cook quickly and stay juicy inside.
Final Thoughts
This Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe has become a favorite in my kitchen because it’s simple, flavorful, and always a hit wherever I bring it. I love how the crispy crunchy chicken, melty cheese, and spicy sauce come together in every bite. Give this recipe a try—you’ll enjoy making it as much as eating it, and your friends and family will definitely ask for seconds!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 Sliders 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious and crispy Bang Bang Chicken Sliders featuring thinly sliced breaded chicken breasts fried to perfection, topped with melted mozzarella, and served on soft slider rolls with a flavorful Bang Bang sauce.
Ingredients
Chicken and Breading
- 1 1/2 pounds thin sliced chicken breasts
- Kosher salt, fresh black pepper, and garlic powder for seasoning
- 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
Assembly
- 12 slices mozzarella cheese
- 12 slider rolls
- Bang Bang Sauce (amount as desired for serving)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Start by seasoning both sides of the thin sliced chicken breasts with kosher salt, fresh black pepper, and garlic powder evenly. This ensures the chicken is flavorful throughout.
- Prepare Breading Stations: Set up three separate bowls: one mixing the flour and cornstarch together, the second combining the buttermilk, hot sauce, and egg, and the third filled with Panko bread crumbs. This setup facilitates an efficient breading process.
- Bread the Chicken: Dredge each seasoned chicken breast first in the flour-cornstarch mixture, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the buttermilk-hot sauce-egg mixture, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken thoroughly with Panko bread crumbs, pressing them firmly to form a crispy layer. Place breaded chicken on a plate and repeat with remaining pieces.
- Heat Oil in Skillet: Add a thin layer of vegetable or canola oil to a skillet and heat over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
- Fry the Chicken: Fry the breaded chicken cutlets in batches without crowding the pan, adding more oil as needed. Cook each piece until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 3-4 minutes per side depending on thickness.
- Assemble Sliders: Place a slice of mozzarella cheese on each cooked chicken piece to let it melt slightly. Then place the chicken with melted cheese onto slider rolls and add a generous amount of Bang Bang sauce. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure oil temperature is medium to medium-high to avoid soggy breading and undercooked chicken.
- Use thin sliced chicken breasts for quick cooking and easy assembly into sliders.
- Adjust hot sauce quantity in buttermilk mixture according to your preferred spice level.
- Press breadcrumbs firmly onto chicken to get a crispy coating that holds during frying.
- If preferred, warm slider rolls before assembling for a better serving experience.
- Serve sliders immediately to enjoy optimal crispiness and melted cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
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