Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe

If there’s one dish guaranteed to thrill both spice lovers and comfort food fans at any gathering, it has to be Bang Bang Chicken Sliders. Imagine tender, crispy chicken tucked into fluffy slider rolls, each bite bursting with creamy mozzarella and a fiery, tangy bang bang sauce. These sliders strike the perfect balance between crunchy, juicy, and saucy, and they vanish in moments whenever I serve them. Whether it’s game day, a family party, or just a weeknight dinner in need of excitement, you won’t believe how easy it is to pull together such an explosion of flavor!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe comes together with a handful of familiar ingredients, each playing a crucial role in making your Bang Bang Chicken Sliders totally irresistible. Don’t overlook anything! The best textures and flavors shine through when every piece gets its moment to shine.

• Chicken breasts: Choose thin sliced pieces for quicker cooking and maximum crispiness.
• Kosher salt, fresh black pepper, garlic powder: Sprinkle these generously to infuse the chicken with a savory, aromatic base.
• Flour: Helps create a dry surface for the breading to stick and builds a crunchy exterior.
• Cornstarch: Combined with flour, it gives an ultra-light, crisp texture that won’t get soggy under sauce.
• Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and adds a subtle tang, while helping the breading adhere.
• Hot sauce: Brings a bright, zippy heat that shines in every bite.
• Egg: Binds everything together for breading that stays put.
• Panko bread crumbs: Japanese-style panko makes the crust extra-crunchy and golden.
• Vegetable or canola oil: Delivers a classic fry without overshadowing the flavors.
• Mozzarella cheese: Melts into creamy perfection over the warm chicken for a mild, gooey contrast.
• Slider rolls: Soft, slightly sweet rolls are ideal; they soak up the sauce but hold everything together.
• Bang Bang Sauce: This zesty, creamy sauce ties it all together and earns these sliders their name.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Step 1: Season and Set Up Your Breading Station

Start by laying out your chicken breasts on a clean surface and giving them a generous seasoning with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This early hit of flavor ensures your chicken is anything but bland. Next, organize your breading station: mix flour and cornstarch together in one bowl, whisk buttermilk, hot sauce, and the egg in a second bowl, and fill a third bowl with crunchy panko bread crumbs. Everything goes more smoothly when you prep this way, especially if you have little helpers.

Step 2: Bread the Chicken

With clean hands, dip each seasoned chicken breast into the flour-cornstarch mix, shaking off any excess. Move it to the buttermilk-egg-hot sauce bowl for a quick dunk, letting extra drip away before its final stop in the panko. Press those crumbs in firmly, so every corner is coated and ready to fry. Set your breaded chicken aside on a plate as you go, making it easier to fry everything in quick succession.

Step 3: Fry to Crispy Perfection

Add a layer of vegetable or canola oil to your largest skillet and heat it over medium. Once shimmering, lay in a few breaded chicken pieces without crowding the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, adjusting for thickness, until the coating is deeply golden and the chicken reaches 165 degrees internally. Transfer each piece to a paper towel-lined plate while you finish the remaining batches. The goal: juicy chicken, shatteringly crispy crust.

Step 4: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together your bang bang sauce ingredients. This signature sauce is what makes Bang Bang Chicken Sliders sing—it’s creamy with just the right kick, equally great for drizzling or dipping.

Step 5: Assemble and Finish the Sliders

Slice each crisped chicken cutlet into slider-sized pieces. Place them on the bottom half of soft slider rolls, then immediately top with a slice of mozzarella cheese so it melts over the warm cutlet. Crown with a generous drizzle of that bang bang sauce and close with the top bun. Your Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are ready to wow!

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Garnishes

For a pop of color and flavor, sprinkle your sliders with finely chopped scallions or cilantro right after adding the sauce. A few toasted sesame seeds or thin slices of red chili also look gorgeous and give a hint of extra excitement without overpowering the main flavors.

Side Dishes

Pair Bang Bang Chicken Sliders with crispy sweet potato fries, a tangy slaw, or even a fresh cucumber salad to contrast the heat and richness. Cool, crunchy sides work best to cut through the luscious texture and bold spices on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try lining up your sliders on a rustic wooden board for parties, or serve them in individual cupcake wrappers for easy grab-and-go style. You can even mix up the cheese or use different mini buns, like brioche or Hawaiian rolls, for a twist. Set out extra bang bang sauce in little cups for happy dunking.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If any Bang Bang Chicken Sliders survive your gathering, wrap them tight in foil or store in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to three days, though the breading won’t be quite as crisp as on day one.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the cooked, breaded chicken cutlets (without buns or cheese) on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to freezer bags for up to a month. When you’re ready, just reheat and assemble fresh sliders without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

To re-crisp the chicken, place the cutlets on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until hot and crunchy. Reheat rolls separately for the best texture, and wait to add sauce and cheese until assembling.

FAQs

Can I make Bang Bang Chicken Sliders in advance?

Absolutely! You can bread and fry the chicken cutlets ahead of time, then store them in the fridge or freezer. When you’re ready, just reheat the chicken, melt the cheese, and assemble the sliders with fresh rolls and sauce for that just-made flavor.

What’s in bang bang sauce?

Bang bang sauce is a tangy, creamy blend often made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, a hint of hot sauce, and sometimes a touch of honey or sriracha for spice. It’s addictive and pairs perfectly with crispy chicken!

Can I bake instead of fry the chicken?

If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can bake the breaded chicken on a wire rack over a sheet pan at 425°F, flipping once. Mist the chicken with a bit of oil for maximum crispiness—the texture is slightly different but still delicious in your Bang Bang Chicken Sliders.

How spicy are these Bang Bang Chicken Sliders?

The sliders have a noticeable but balanced kick from the hot sauce in the bang bang sauce and chicken marinade, but you can easily adjust the heat. Use more or less hot sauce to suit your crowd, or offer extra on the side for spice enthusiasts.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Swap the flour and panko for your favorite gluten-free versions, and double-check your sauces to ensure they’re wheat-free. The result is every bit as crispy and flavorful, so everyone can enjoy Bang Bang Chicken Sliders together!

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try these Bang Bang Chicken Sliders—they’re crunchy, saucy, and endlessly fun to share. Whether you’re making them for a crowd or a weekday treat, I promise they’ll disappear fast, and you’ll be dreaming about that zippy sauce long after. Roll up your sleeves and enjoy every bite!

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