Introduction
Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are the perfect combination of crispy chicken, spicy-sweet bang bang sauce, and fresh toppings—all sandwiched between soft slider buns. These sliders are bursting with flavor and texture, offering a delightful balance of heat, sweetness, and crunch. Perfect for game day, parties, or weeknight dinners, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone wanting more.
The first time I made these, they disappeared almost as fast as I served them. The bang bang sauce is the real star—creamy, tangy, with just the right amount of kick. It’s a perfect match for the crispy chicken, while the fresh toppings like lettuce, cucumber slices, or a quick slaw add brightness and crunch.
What makes these sliders even better is how easy they are to customize. You can go classic with just sauce and chicken or pile them high with extra toppings like pickled onions, avocado, or shredded carrots. Serve them with fries, chips, or a simple salad, and you’ve got a meal that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, these Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are a must-try!
Perfect for:
- Game-day snacks
- Party appetizers
- Family dinners
- Potlucks
- Fans of bold, spicy flavors
Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
Here’s why Bang Bang Chicken Sliders will become your new go-to dish:
- Crispy and Juicy Chicken: The chicken is fried to golden perfection while staying tender and juicy inside.
- Sweet and Spicy Sauce: The bang bang sauce is the star of this dish, made with a blend of creamy, sweet, and spicy ingredients that perfectly coat the chicken.
- Easy to Assemble: These sliders come together quickly and are easy to customize with your favorite toppings.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of crispy chicken and tangy sauce makes these sliders irresistible.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve them as a main dish, appetizer, or party food.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 12 sliders
- Calories per serving: Approximately 200 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 15g, Carbs: 18g, Fat: 9g
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make Bang Bang Chicken Sliders:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into slider-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
Sliders:
- 12 slider buns
- Lettuce leaves (butter lettuce or romaine work well)
- Sliced cucumber
- Sliced red onion (optional)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Ingredient Highlights
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are easy to work with and cook quickly for sliders.
- Buttermilk: Helps tenderize the chicken and create a crispy coating when fried.
- Bang Bang Sauce: This sauce is a combination of creamy mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and spicy Sriracha—perfect for coating or drizzling over the chicken.
- Slider Buns: Soft buns are essential for holding all the delicious fillings together.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to make Bang Bang Chicken Sliders:
Prepare the Chicken:
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 1 hour for more flavor).
- Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s well coated.
- Fry the Chicken: Fry the chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
- Mix the Sauce Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until smooth. Adjust the Sriracha for your desired spice level.
Assemble the Sliders:
- Toast the Buns (Optional): Lightly toast the slider buns for extra texture and flavor.
- Assemble: Place a lettuce leaf on the bottom half of each bun, followed by a piece of fried chicken. Drizzle or generously coat the chicken with the bang bang sauce.
- Add Toppings: Top with sliced cucumber, red onion, and fresh cilantro. Cover with the top bun.
Serve:
- Serve the sliders immediately, while the chicken is still crispy and warm.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are versatile and can be served in many ways:
- Party Platter: Arrange the sliders on a large platter for easy serving at parties or gatherings.
- Weeknight Dinner: Serve with a side of sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or a simple salad for a complete meal.
- Game Day Snack: These sliders are perfect for game-day snacking, paired with your favorite beverages.
- As an Appetizer: Make mini versions with smaller buns for bite-sized appetizers.
Additional Tips for Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
Here are some tips to make sure your Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are perfect every time:
- Marinate the Chicken: Marinating the chicken in buttermilk makes it extra tender and flavorful.
- Use a Thermometer: Check the oil temperature to ensure the chicken fries evenly and doesn’t become greasy.
- Adjust the Heat: Customize the spice level of the bang bang sauce to suit your taste. Add more Sriracha for extra heat or reduce it for a milder flavor.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the chicken in batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature.
- Toast the Buns: Lightly toasting the buns adds extra texture and helps prevent them from getting soggy.
- Fresh Toppings: Use fresh, crisp toppings like cucumber and lettuce for a nice contrast to the crispy chicken.
Recipe Variations for Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
Here are 10 variations to try with Bang Bang Chicken Sliders:
- Bang Bang Shrimp Sliders: Swap the chicken for crispy fried shrimp for a seafood twist.
- Grilled Bang Bang Chicken Sliders: Grill the chicken instead of frying for a lighter option.
- Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Sliders: Add extra Sriracha or cayenne pepper to the sauce for an extra kick.
- Asian-Inspired Sliders: Add pickled vegetables like carrots and daikon for an Asian fusion vibe.
- Honey Garlic Bang Bang Chicken: Mix honey and garlic into the sauce for a sweeter, garlicky twist.
- Pineapple Bang Bang Chicken Sliders: Add fresh pineapple slices for a tropical touch.
- Buffalo Bang Bang Sliders: Combine bang bang sauce with buffalo sauce for a spicy, tangy variation.
- Bang Bang Tofu Sliders: Substitute crispy tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Cheesy Bang Bang Chicken Sliders: Add a slice of pepper jack or cheddar cheese to each slider.
- Baja Bang Bang Sliders: Top the chicken with avocado, lime crema, and fresh jalapeños for a Baja-inspired twist.
Freezing and Storage for Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
- Freezing: The fried chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot and crispy.
- Storage: Store leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Assemble the sliders just before serving.
Special Equipment for Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
Here are some tools that will make preparing your Bang Bang Chicken Sliders easier:
- Deep Fry Thermometer: Ensures your oil is at the perfect frying temperature.
- Mixing Bowls: Use a variety of sizes for marinating, coating, and mixing the sauce.
- Wire Rack: Place fried chicken on a wire rack to keep it crispy.
- Tongs: Essential for frying and handling the chicken.
- Zester: If adding lime zest to the sauce, a zester is helpful.
- Baking Sheet: Use for warming the buns or reheating chicken.
- Sharp Knife: For slicing chicken and toppings.
Frequently Asked Questions for Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
- Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes, you can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. - Can I make the sauce in advance?
Absolutely! The sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. - How spicy is the bang bang sauce?
The sauce is mildly spicy. Adjust the amount of Sriracha to control the heat level. - What other proteins can I use?
Try shrimp, tofu, or even crispy fish for a delicious variation. - Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free flour and slider buns to make a gluten-free version.
Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a spicy, savory, and slightly sweet dish that’s perfect for grilling season or anytime you crave bold flavors. These juicy chicken skewers are marinated for maximum flavor, grilled to perfection, and drizzled with a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce made with mayonnaise, chili sauce, and honey. They’re a crowd-pleaser at barbecues, family dinners, or game nights, offering a tantalizing mix of heat and sweetness with every bite.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Bamboo or metal skewers
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
Ingredient Highlights
- Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Thighs are juicier and more flavorful, but breasts work well for a leaner option.
- Soy Sauce and Rice Vinegar: These add umami and a hint of tang to the marinade.
- Bang Bang Sauce: The signature sauce balances spicy, sweet, and creamy flavors. Adjust the sriracha for your preferred heat level.
Instructions
Marinate and Prepare the Chicken:
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, olive oil, rice vinegar, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk to combine.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, tossing to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for more flavor).
- Soak the Skewers: If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Cook the Skewers:
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
- Grill: Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has grill marks. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
- Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth and creamy.
- Drizzle or Serve as a Dip: Drizzle the sauce over the skewers or serve it on the side for dipping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus optional marinating time)
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 300-350 kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 25g
Conclusion
Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are a flavor explosion in miniature form! Crispy, juicy chicken coated in a creamy, spicy-sweet bang bang sauce is nestled between soft slider buns, creating the ultimate bite-sized treat. Add fresh toppings like lettuce, coleslaw, or pickles for extra crunch and balance, and you’ve got a dish that’s sure to be a hit.
Perfect for game days, casual dinners, or weekend gatherings, these sliders are easy to make and even easier to devour. Customize them with your favorite toppings and watch them disappear from the plate in no time!
Be sure to snap a pic of this recipe and share it on social media. Tag me so I can see your delicious creations! Enjoy and happy cooking!