Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Crispy and flavorful, Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are a delightful treat for any gathering. These mini sandwiches feature tender fried chicken tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce, all nestled between soft slider buns. Perfect for parties, game days, or family dinners, they offer a unique twist on classic sliders that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of crispy chicken and zesty Bang Bang sauce creates an explosion of taste in every bite.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and easily accessible ingredients, you’ll whip up these sliders with minimal fuss.
• Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, these sliders are sure to impress.
• Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice level of the Bang Bang sauce to suit your taste; from mild to fiery hot!
• Fun to Assemble: Let guests build their own sliders with toppings for an interactive dining experience.

Tools and Preparation

Getting ready to make Bang Bang Chicken Sliders is a breeze with the right tools. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large bowl
• Medium bowl
• Shallow dish
• Skillet or deep fryer
• Tongs
• Paper towels

Importance of Each Tool

• Large bowl: Ideal for marinating the chicken, ensuring even flavor distribution.
• Skillet or deep fryer: Provides consistent heat for frying, resulting in perfectly crispy chicken.
• Tongs: Useful for safely handling hot chicken during frying.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Sliders:

• 12 mini slider buns
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
• 1/2 cup pickles (optional)
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Cut the chicken breasts into small pieces suitable for sliders. In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces and cover them completely with the marinade. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best results.

Step 2: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce

In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, honey, lime juice, and garlic powder. Mix until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed; set aside.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

In a shallow dish, mix together flour and panko breadcrumbs. Take each piece of marinated chicken and let excess marinade drip off before dredging it in the flour mixture. Press lightly to ensure even coating.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in your skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken pieces in batches without overcrowding. Cook each side for about 3–4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Use tongs to transfer cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Toast the Buns

While frying the chicken, lightly toast slider buns on a griddle or in a toaster until they turn golden brown.

Step 6: Assemble the Sliders

Spread a generous amount of Bang Bang sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Layer several pieces of fried chicken on top followed by shredded lettuce, sliced red onion, and optional pickles. Garnish with fresh cilantro before placing the top bun over it all.

Step 7: Serve

Arrange your delicious sliders on a platter and serve right away with extra Bang Bang sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy!

Adjusting spice levels is easy by changing how much sriracha you use in your sauce. Marinating overnight will enhance tenderness and flavor in your chicken. These sliders are best enjoyed fresh and hot!

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are not just delicious; they are also versatile. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your slider experience.

For Game Day

• Snack Platter: Arrange sliders on a large platter with dipping sauces like extra Bang Bang sauce and ranch dressing.
• Slider Bar: Set up a DIY slider bar with toppings such as jalapeños, shredded cheese, and various sauces for guests to customize their sliders.

At Family Gatherings

• Casual Buffet: Serve the sliders alongside a variety of sides like coleslaw and baked beans for a relaxed meal.
• Mini Meal Packs: Create individual meal packs with a slider, a side, and a drink for easy serving and cleanup.

For Parties

• Themed Decorations: Decorate the serving area with festive colors that match the sliders’ flavors to create an inviting atmosphere.
• Tasting Menu: Pair the sliders with small samples of different beverages, such as craft beers or fruity mocktails, to enhance the tasting experience.

For Picnics

• Portable Pack: Bundle sliders in parchment paper for easy transport and mess-free eating while enjoying the outdoors.
• Pair with Chips: Include bags of kettle-cooked chips or veggie sticks for a crunchy complement to the soft sliders.

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How to Perfect Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Creating the perfect Bang Bang Chicken Sliders is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your sliders shine at any occasion.

• Marinade Flavor: Marinate chicken overnight for maximum flavor and tenderness.
• Crispy Coating: Use a mix of flour and panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture when frying.
• Controlled Frying Temperature: Maintain oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) for even cooking and crispiness without burning.
• Toast Buns Lightly: Lightly toasting the buns adds flavor and prevents sogginess when assembling the sliders.
• Customize the Sauce: Adjust sriracha levels in your bang bang sauce according to your heat preference, ensuring it’s perfect for all guests.
• Serve Immediately: Enjoy sliders fresh from the skillet for optimal crispiness; keep them warm in the oven if needed before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

To round out your meal, consider pairing these delicious side dishes with your Bang Bang Chicken Sliders. Each option complements the flavors of the sliders perfectly.

1. Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw adds freshness and balances the richness of the fried chicken.
2. Sweet Potato Fries: These provide a sweet contrast that pairs well with spicy flavors; bake or fry until crispy.
3. Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn brushed with butter is a classic summer side that everyone loves.
4. Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad offers comfort and makes a great addition to any picnic or gathering.
5. Vegetable Skewers: Grilled or roasted vegetable skewers bring color and health benefits while enhancing your table’s appeal.
6. Macaroni Salad: A creamy pasta salad is always popular at gatherings, offering a satisfying side that pairs well with sliders.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Bang Bang Chicken Sliders, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some tips to ensure your sliders turn out perfectly.

• seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken properly can lead to bland sliders. Always season your marinade well and adjust spices to your taste.
• Skipping the marination: Failing to marinate the chicken for at least one hour can result in dry meat. Take the time to allow flavors to soak in for tender, juicy chicken.
• Overcrowding the pan: Frying too many chicken pieces at once can lower oil temperature, making them soggy. Fry in smaller batches for a crispy texture.
• Ignoring sauce balance: Using too much sriracha or sweet chili sauce without tasting can make the sauce unbalanced. Always taste and adjust before serving.
• Forgetting the toppings: Skipping toppings like lettuce or pickles can make sliders less exciting. Add fresh veggies for crunch and flavor contrast.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover sliders in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

• Wrap sliders individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place sliders on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes until warm and crispy.
• Microwave: Heat on a microwave-safe plate for 30 seconds to 1 minute. This method may make them slightly softer.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Bang Bang Chicken Sliders.

What is Bang Bang Chicken?

Bang Bang Chicken is crispy fried chicken tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha.

Can I use other meats for sliders?

Yes! You can substitute boneless chicken thighs, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian option when making Bang Bang Chicken Sliders.

How do I store leftover sliders?

Leftover sliders should be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within three days for best quality.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The Bang Bang sauce can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. It will actually enhance its flavors!

Are these sliders suitable for meal prep?

Yes! You can prepare all components ahead of time and assemble them just before serving. This makes it easy for busy weeknights or gatherings.

Final Thoughts

Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are an irresistible treat perfect for any occasion. Their crunchy chicken paired with a tangy sauce offers incredible flavors that everyone will love. Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings or adjust the spice level of the sauce. Try these delightful sliders soon!