Bang Bang Chicken Sliders: The Ultimate Recipe & Guide

Bang Bang Chicken Sliders: Prepare to be amazed! These aren’t your average mini-burgers; they’re a flavor explosion in every bite. Imagine juicy, crispy chicken coated in a creamy, spicy sauce, nestled between soft, toasted slider buns. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked.

The inspiration for these delectable sliders comes from the popular Bang Bang Shrimp, a dish that has taken the culinary world by storm. While its exact origins are debated, the creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce is undeniably Asian-inspired, reminiscent of flavors found in Szechuan and Thai cuisine. This sauce has a magical ability to transform ordinary seafood and poultry into something extraordinary, and these Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are no exception.

What makes these sliders so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of textures and tastes. The crispy chicken provides a satisfying crunch, while the creamy sauce adds a luscious richness and a delightful kick. The sweetness balances the spice, creating a harmonious flavor profile that will tantalize your taste buds. Plus, they’re incredibly convenient! Perfect for parties, game day gatherings, or a quick and easy weeknight meal, these sliders are always a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience slider perfection!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• For the Bang Bang Sauce:
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons sriracha (or more, to taste)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• For the Sliders:
• 12 slider buns
• Shredded lettuce
• Thinly sliced green onions, for garnish
• Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Chicken

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Make sure the chicken is fully submerged in the buttermilk mixture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. The longer the chicken marinates, the more tender and flavorful it will be!
2. Prepare the Dredging Station: While the chicken is marinating, prepare your dredging station. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Make sure everything is well combined.
3. Dredge the Chicken: Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk marinade, letting any excess drip off. One at a time, dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, making sure it’s completely coated. Press the flour mixture onto the chicken to ensure it adheres well. Place the dredged chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Frying the Chicken

1. Heat the Oil: Pour about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature. Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial for crispy, evenly cooked chicken. If the oil is too cool, the chicken will be greasy; if it’s too hot, the chicken will burn on the outside before it’s cooked through.
2. Fry the Chicken in Batches: Carefully add the dredged chicken to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken. Fry for about 5-7 minutes per batch, flipping the chicken halfway through, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
3. Remove and Drain: Use a slotted spoon or spider to remove the fried chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. This will help keep the chicken crispy.

Making the Bang Bang Sauce

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, and garlic powder until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. If you prefer a spicier sauce, add more sriracha. If you like it sweeter, add a touch more honey.
2. Adjust Consistency (if needed): If the sauce is too thick, you can add a teaspoon or two of water to thin it out. The consistency should be easily pourable but not too runny.

Assembling the Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

1. Prepare the Sliders: Lightly toast the slider buns, if desired. This will help prevent them from getting soggy.
2. Sauce the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the fried chicken pieces with the Bang Bang sauce until they are evenly coated. Make sure every piece of chicken is generously covered in that delicious sauce!
3. Assemble the Sliders: Spread a layer of shredded lettuce on the bottom half of each slider bun. Top with a generous portion of the Bang Bang chicken.
4. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chicken with thinly sliced green onions and sesame seeds (if using). Place the top half of the slider buns on top. Serve immediately and enjoy! These sliders are best enjoyed fresh, while the chicken is still crispy and the buns are soft.

Tips for the Best Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

• Use a Thermometer: A deep-fry thermometer is essential for ensuring the oil is at the correct temperature for frying.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Frying the chicken in batches prevents the oil temperature from dropping too low.
• Keep the Chicken Warm: If you’re making a large batch of sliders, you can keep the fried chicken warm in a preheated oven (200°F) while you’re assembling the sliders.
• Make the Sauce Ahead of Time: The Bang Bang sauce can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This will allow the flavors to meld together.
• Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce to your liking.
• Add Other Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings to your sliders, such as coleslaw, pickles, or sliced avocado.

Variations

• Bang Bang Shrimp Sliders: Substitute the chicken with shrimp for a delicious seafood version.
• Bang Bang Cauliflower Bites: For a vegetarian option, use cauliflower florets instead of chicken. Dredge and fry the cauliflower as you would the chicken.
• Bang Bang Tofu Sliders: Use firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed to remove excess water, cut into cubes, and follow the same dredging and frying instructions.
• Spicy Mayo Variation: If you don’t have sweet chili sauce, you can substitute it with more sriracha and a touch of sugar or honey.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these sliders as an appetizer, snack, or main course.
• Pair them with a side of fries, coleslaw, or a simple salad.
• They’re perfect for game day, parties, or any casual gathering.

Conclusion:

So there you have it! These Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are truly a flavor explosion you won’t want to miss. From the crispy, juicy chicken to the creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce, every bite is an absolute delight. I genuinely believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to add a little excitement to their meal rotation. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner, yet impressive enough to serve at your next gathering.

But why are these sliders so special? It’s the perfect balance of textures and tastes. The tender chicken, coated in a crispy, golden-brown breading, provides a satisfying crunch. Then comes the Bang Bang sauce – a symphony of sweet, spicy, and creamy that elevates the chicken to a whole new level. And nestled between soft, toasted slider buns, it’s a handheld masterpiece that’s impossible to resist.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

These Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are incredibly versatile. Serve them as a main course with a side of crispy sweet potato fries or a refreshing coleslaw. They’re also fantastic as appetizers for parties or game day gatherings.

Want to kick things up a notch? Try adding a slice of pepper jack cheese for an extra layer of cheesy goodness. Or, for a bit of freshness, top the sliders with shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, or even a few slices of avocado.

For those who prefer a milder flavor, you can adjust the amount of sriracha in the Bang Bang sauce to your liking. Alternatively, you could substitute the sriracha with a milder chili sauce or even a touch of honey for a sweeter flavor profile.

If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider baking the chicken instead of frying it. While it won’t be quite as crispy, it will still be delicious and significantly lower in fat. You could also use whole wheat slider buns for added fiber.

Another fun variation is to use different types of protein. While chicken is the star of this recipe, you could easily substitute it with shrimp, tofu, or even cauliflower florets for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different toppings and sauces to create your own unique version of these Bang Bang Chicken Sliders. The possibilities are endless!

I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a family favorite. The key to truly amazing Bang Bang Chicken Sliders is in the sauce, so don’t skimp on the ingredients and be sure to taste and adjust as needed to get it just right for your palate.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, fire up your stove, and get ready to experience the deliciousness of these Bang Bang Chicken Sliders. I can’t wait to hear what you think!

Once you’ve tried this recipe, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. Let me know what variations you tried, what toppings you added, and how much you enjoyed them. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me to continue creating recipes that you’ll love. Happy cooking!