Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe

If you are craving a bite-sized explosion of flavor, you are going to fall head over heels for this Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe. Imagine crispy, juicy chicken pieces enveloped in a spicy, sweet, and tangy Bang Bang sauce, nestled inside soft slider buns and topped with a lightly pickled coleslaw that adds the perfect crunch and brightness. This dish brings together textures and tastes that make every bite irresistible—ideal for game day, casual get-togethers, or just an exciting weeknight dinner that elevates your usual sandwich routine.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet essential to create those authentic Bang Bang Chicken Sliders. Each one plays a crucial role—from ensuring crispy, flavorful chicken to adding balance with a tangy slaw and a creamy-spicy sauce that ties it all together.

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Perfectly tender when cut into bite-sized pieces and marinated.
• 1 cup buttermilk: Adds tang and tenderizes the chicken for juicy bites.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour: Forms a crispy coating when combined with other dry ingredients.
• 1/2 cup cornstarch: Ensures extra crispiness and light texture for the fried chicken.
• 1 tsp garlic powder: Infuses a subtle garlic flavor into the coating.
• 1/2 tsp paprika: Gives warmth and a hint of smokiness to the batter.
• 1/2 tsp salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors.
• 1/4 tsp black pepper: Adds just enough gentle spice.
• Vegetable oil: Ideal for frying to golden perfection.
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise: The creamy base of the signature Bang Bang sauce.
• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce: Brings sweetness and a gentle heat to the sauce.
• 1 tbsp Sriracha: Gives the Bang Bang sauce its exciting kick—adjust to your preferred spice level.
• 12 slider buns: Soft and small, just right to hold an irresistible portion of chicken and slaw.
• 1 cup coleslaw mix: Adds a fresh, crunchy contrast to the creamy sauce.
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar: Lightly pickles the slaw for bright acidity.
• 1 tsp sugar: Balances the vinegar with a touch of sweetness.
• 1/4 tsp salt: Enhances the slaw’s flavors.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by combining the bite-sized chicken pieces with buttermilk in a bowl. This simple step deserves patience—it tenderizes the meat wonderfully while adding a subtle tang that will complement the bold Bang Bang sauce later. Pop this into the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the magic happen.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating Mix

While the chicken is marinating, you can mix the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This combination ensures a golden, crispy crust filled with flavor that sticks perfectly to the chicken.

Step 3: Heat the Oil for Frying

Set a deep skillet or fryer to heat your vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Maintaining the right temperature is crucial here—it helps the chicken cook evenly and develop that irresistible crunch without being greasy.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk, dredge it thoroughly in the flour coating to lock in flavor and crunch, then fry in batches. This ensures each piece gets the oil’s heat evenly, resulting in golden brown perfection in about 4 to 5 minutes per batch. Once cooked, let them drain on paper towels to shed any excess oil.

Step 5: Whip Up the Bang Bang Sauce

While the chicken cooks, blend mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha in a small bowl. This creamy, sweet, and spicy blend is what makes this sliders recipe truly stand out. Adjust the Sriracha amount to suit your heat preference, making it just right for your taste buds.

Step 6: Pickle the Coleslaw Mix

Combine the coleslaw mix with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes so the slaw softens slightly yet stays crisp, imbued with a fresh, tangy brightness that contrasts beautifully with the warm, saucy chicken.

Step 7: Toss Chicken in Bang Bang Sauce

Once fried and drained, toss the chicken pieces in the sauce until each nugget is luxuriously coated. This step ensures every bite delivers that signature sweet and spicy punch that defines a Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe.

Step 8: Assemble the Sliders

For an extra touch, toast the slider buns lightly to add warmth and a bit of crunch. Then layer each bun with a pile of pickled slaw, a generous helping of Bang Bang chicken pieces, and finally the top bun. The combination of textures and flavors here is simply unbeatable.

Step 9: Serve Warm and Enjoy

Serve these sliders immediately while the chicken is warm and crispy. Whether it’s a casual lunch, a party snack, or a finger food for any occasion, these sliders are guaranteed to impress and satisfy.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe

Garnishes

Feel free to enhance your sliders with fresh garnishes like thinly sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. These add subtle aroma and a dash of color, turning your sliders into little masterpieces that look as good as they taste.

Side Dishes

To round out your meal, serve with classic sides like crispy sweet potato fries, a refreshing cucumber salad, or even some crunchy pickles. These sides complement the rich, spicy flavors of the Bang Bang Chicken Sliders, making the meal more balanced and exciting.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not invite friends to a slider bar? Lay out bowls of coleslaw, extra Bang Bang sauce, and various toppings like jalapeños or cheese slices, so everyone can build their own sliders exactly how they like. Alternatively, serve mini skewers with chicken and slaw for a fun party appetizer twist on the classic Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which might be hard), store the fried chicken pieces separately from the buns and slaw in airtight containers. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain crispness and freshness.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken pieces after draining and cooling, placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 1 month. For best results, do not freeze the assembled sliders—assemble fresh when ready to serve.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken in a hot oven or an air fryer to restore its crispy texture—microwaving tends to make it soggy. Warm the buns separately, then reassemble just before eating. This way, you get to enjoy nearly freshly made sliders even the next day.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and add extra flavor, though the texture will be a bit different. Just cut them into similar bite-sized pieces and marinate the same way for best results.

How spicy is the Bang Bang sauce?

The heat level depends mostly on how much Sriracha you add. Start with one tablespoon and adjust according to your spice preference. The sauce balances a creamy sweetness with a mild to moderate kick, so it’s super adaptable.

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken in buttermilk?

While it’s not absolutely required, marinating in buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and adds a lovely tang that complements the Bang Bang sauce. It also helps the coating stick better, giving you that coveted crispy texture.

Can I make these sliders vegetarian?

For a vegetarian twist, you could try making Bang Bang Sliders with crispy fried cauliflower or tofu as the base. Toss them in the same Bang Bang sauce for equally delightful flavor, though the cooking times and texture will vary.

What’s the best way to toast slider buns?

A quick toast on a hot skillet with a little butter gives the buns a golden surface and enhances flavor, while also adding gentle crunch that holds up to the juicy chicken and slaw.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about the perfect Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe—the blend of crispy chicken, spicy-sweet sauce, and refreshing slaw wrapped in a soft bun. Whether you’re making these for a crowd or a cozy night in, they’re sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. So don’t wait—grab those ingredients, have fun with the process, and let these sliders bring some serious joy to your table!

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