Get ready to bite into bold flavor with this Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe. Crispy golden chicken, a creamy sweet-and-spicy sauce, and pillowy buns come together for the ultimate party food. These sliders bring restaurant-style taste straight to your kitchen, without complicated steps. Whether you’re hosting game day or looking for a fun family dinner, this recipe guarantees juicy chicken with just the right kick. Easy to make, impossible to resist, and always a crowd favorite.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe
- Quick and easy: You can prep and cook these sliders in under an hour.
- Simple ingredients: Pantry staples and fresh chicken keep it budget friendly.
- Perfect for parties: Bite-size sliders make them ideal for game day, potlucks, or family gatherings.
- Flavor-packed: Crispy breaded chicken meets creamy bang bang sauce for the perfect sweet heat balance.
What makes this version stand out? The chicken fries up with a crunchy coating that holds its crispness, while the sauce blends just the right amount of tang, spice, and creaminess. Every bite is satisfying, comforting, and guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients Needed for Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe
For the Crispy Chicken
- Chicken breast, butterflied and cut into slider-size pieces
- Egg and water mixture (for dipping)
- All-purpose flour seasoned with garlic powder, cayenne, coriander, salt, and pepper
- Panko breadcrumbs for a crunchy coating
- Avocado oil or vegetable oil for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- Mayonnaise for a creamy base
- Sweet chili sauce for sweetness and mild heat
- Hot pepper sauce for extra spice
- Rice vinegar for a tangy kick
For Assembly
- Hawaiian rolls or soft slider buns
- Fresh lettuce leaves for crunch
Notes & Substitutions
- Chicken: Chicken tenders or thighs work too, and thighs usually give a juicier bite thanks to their higher fat content.
- Breadcrumbs: Gluten-free panko can be swapped in without losing crunch.
- Sauce: Light mayo works if you want to cut calories. Adjust hot sauce to control spice.
- Buns: Try brioche rolls for richness or whole wheat for a nutty flavor.
- Lettuce:Use shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix for extra texture.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe
1. Prep Your Station
Line a baking sheet with parchment. Gather three shallow bowls for dredging. This setup keeps the breading process clean and organized.
2. Cut and Bread the Chicken
Slice the chicken into slider-size pieces. Whisk egg and water in one bowl. Mix flour with spices in another. Place panko in the third. Dip chicken in egg, then flour, back in egg, and finally into panko. Arrange on the prepared sheet. Chill briefly so the coating sticks.
3. Make the Bang Bang Sauce
Whisk mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, and rice vinegar until smooth. Taste and adjust spice if needed. Keep it chilled until serving.
4. Fry the Chicken
Heat oil in a cast-iron skillet until it reaches about 350°F. Fry chicken in batches, 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and an instant-read thermometer reads 165°F, as recommended by the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service. Drain on paper towels.
5. Toast the Buns
Split the rolls and toast lightly. This prevents sogginess and adds a buttery crunch.
6. Assemble the Sliders
Spread sauce on the bottom bun, add lettuce, top with chicken, drizzle more sauce, and finish with the top bun. Serve warm.
7. Baked Method
For a lighter option, place breaded chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Bake at 400°F for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
8. Air Fryer Method
Spray breaded chicken lightly with oil. Air fry at 375°F for 12–14 minutes, flipping once. This gives a crispy finish with less oil.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Expert Tips
- Keep it crunchy: Chill breaded chicken for 10 minutes before frying so the coating sticks better.
- Check oil temperature: Use a thermometer and keep oil around 350°F. Too hot burns the outside, too cool makes the chicken greasy.
- Sauce smart: Toss chicken in sauce right before serving to keep the coating crisp.
- Balance flavors: Add a squeeze of lime juice to the sauce if you like extra tang.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the pan: Fry in batches to keep oil hot and coating crisp.
- Skipping the toast: Untoasted buns can get soggy fast.
- Overmixing the sauce: Stir just until smooth to keep it creamy.
Creative Shortcut
Bake the chicken on a wire rack instead of pan-frying for a hands-off method that still gives you crunch. Perfect for when you’re making a big batch for a crowd.
Serving, Storage & Variations
Serving Ideas
- Serve sliders with fries, sweet potato wedges, or a fresh side salad.
- Add extra sauce on the side for dipping.
- Top with pickles or coleslaw for extra crunch.
Storage Guidelines
- Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Keep the sauce in a separate jar, refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Avoid storing fully assembled sliders to prevent soggy buns.
Reheating Tips
- Reheat chicken in an oven or air fryer at 350°F until hot and crispy.
- Avoid the microwave, which softens the coating.
Variations
- Spicy version: Add extra hot sauce or crushed red pepper to the bang bang sauce.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free panko and buns.
- Lighter version: Bake or air fry the chicken instead of frying.
- Vegan twist: Swap chicken with crispy cauliflower florets.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (1 slider):
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | ~251 |
Protein | 10 g |
Fat | 12 g |
Carbohydrates | 27 g |
Fiber | 1 g |
Sugar | 5 g |
Sodium | 410 mg |
Ingredient Health Notes
- Chicken breast: provides lean protein that supports muscle recovery and helps with satiety, according to research from the National Institutes of Health.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Add crunch with less oil absorption compared to traditional breading.
- Bang bang sauce: Brings bold flavor; adjust hot sauce and mayo to suit your nutrition goals.
- Lettuce and buns: Fresh greens balance the richness, while soft rolls keep it satisfying.
Tip: If you swap ingredients or adjust portions, use tools like MyFitnessPal or Cronometer to double-check nutrition values.
Conclusion
These Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are the perfect mix of crispy, juicy chicken and a creamy sauce with just the right kick. They’re quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for parties and game days. With simple ingredients, easy steps, and tons of flavor, this recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again.
Tried it out? Leave a comment and a star rating below. Share your sliders on Pinterest or Facebook so more people can enjoy them too. What twist did you add extra spice, slaw, or a new bun choice? Let us know in the comments.
FAQs About Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes. Bake breaded chicken on a wire rack at 400°F for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway. You’ll still get a crispy crust with less oil.
How do I make these gluten free?
Swap in gluten-free panko and use gluten-free slider buns. The flavor stays the same while keeping it friendly for those avoiding gluten.
What buns work best for sliders?
Soft Hawaiian rolls are the classic pick, but brioche or potato buns add a rich, buttery touch. Whole wheat works if you want something heartier.
How spicy is the sauce and how do I adjust it?
The sauce has a gentle heat. Add more hot sauce for extra kick or balance with extra mayo if you prefer it milder.
Can I prep the chicken and sauce ahead?
Yes. Bread the chicken up to a day in advance and keep it chilled. Sauce can be made 3–4 days ahead and stored in the fridge.
How do I keep the chicken crispy for a party?
Hold the fried chicken on a wire rack in a 200°F oven until serving. This keeps the coating crunchy without drying it out.
Can I freeze the cooked chicken and reheat later?
Absolutely. Freeze breaded and cooked chicken pieces in a single layer, then reheat in an oven or air fryer until hot and crisp.