Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
If you’re on the hunt for a bold, flavorful, and utterly addictive snack or meal, Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are your ticket to flavor town. Combining crispy chicken with a creamy, spicy sauce, these bite-sized delights bring a perfect balance of heat, crunch, and zest that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or craving a quick comfort food fix, Bang Bang Chicken Sliders deliver an unforgettable punch that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of spicy bang bang sauce and crispy chicken creates a mouthwatering balance of heat and tang.
- Bite-Sized Convenience: Sliders are perfect for easy, mess-free eating, making them ideal for parties or casual meals.
- Texture Contrast: Crispy chicken paired with soft buns and fresh toppings offer a satisfying crunch with every bite.
- Simple Ingredients: You don’t need a pantry full of exotic items to whip these up; familiar ingredients shine here.
- Customizable: The recipe is versatile enough to tweak spice levels and toppings to fit your taste perfectly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Bang Bang Chicken Sliders comes from simple yet essential ingredients, each adding a unique note to the overall flavor and texture. From crunchy chicken to creamy sauce to fresh greens, these components come together effortlessly.
- Chicken Tenderloins: Easy to cook and stay juicy, chicken tenderloins are perfect for slider-sized portions.
- Bread Crumbs or Panko: For that crispy coating, panko gives an extra light and crunchy texture.
- Bang Bang Sauce: A creamy, spicy sauce made typically with mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha—key to that signature bang.
- Slider Buns: Soft and small buns hold everything together without overpowering the flavors.
- Lettuce or Cabbage Slaw: Adds a fresh, crisp bite that balances the rich sauce and fried chicken.
- Oil for Frying: A neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil works best for frying chicken evenly and crisply.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder enhance the chicken’s flavor before frying.
Variations for Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are incredibly adaptable, perfect for swapping ingredients to match your cravings, dietary needs, or whatever you have on hand. Feel free to experiment with these variations to discover your ideal bite.
- Grilled Chicken Version: Swap fried chicken for grilled for a lighter, smoky flavor.
- Spicy Level Up: Add extra sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce for more heat.
- Gluten-Free Twist: Use gluten-free panko and buns to make these fit gluten-sensitive diets.
- Vegan Option: Try crispy tofu or cauliflower in place of chicken and vegan mayo for the sauce.
- Pickled Toppings: Add tangy pickled onions or jalapeños for sharp acidity that cuts through richness.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken tenderloins with salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder. Then, coat them evenly with panko or your choice of bread crumbs for extra crunch once fried.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
Heat your oil in a deep pan to about 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken pieces until golden brown and crispy, about 4 to 5 minutes, turning occasionally to cook evenly. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
Combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha in a small bowl. Adjust the ratio based on your preferred heat level—this sauce is the heart of the flavor.
Step 4: Assemble the Sliders
Slice the slider buns, spread a generous dollop of bang bang sauce on both halves, add lettuce or slaw, then top with the crispy chicken. Finish with another drizzle of sauce if desired.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
Enjoy while the chicken is still warm and crunchy, accompanied by your favorite sides or garnishes.
Pro Tips for Making Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
- Use Fresh Oil: For the crispiest chicken, use clean oil at the right temperature to avoid sogginess.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry chicken in batches so they cook evenly and stay crispy.
- Make Sauce Ahead: Prepare the bang bang sauce ahead of time to let the flavors marry better.
- Keep Buns Warm: Lightly toast or warm buns before assembling to prevent sogginess.
- Adjust Heat to Taste: Customize the sauce spiciness gradually to suit your guests.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
Garnishes
Add fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions on top of the sliders for a pop of color and freshness that lifts the dish.
Side Dishes
Serve with crispy sweet potato fries, a tangy coleslaw, or even pickled veggies to balance the creamy, spicy flavors of the sliders.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange sliders on a wooden board or a vibrant platter with small ramekins of extra bang bang sauce for dipping, creating an inviting snack or party platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep buns separate to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
Freeze the fried chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag; this prevents sticking. Freeze for up to 1 month.
Reheating
Reheat leftover chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8 to 10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it makes the breading soggy.
FAQs
What is Bang Bang Sauce?
Bang bang sauce is a creamy, spicy condiment typically made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha, giving it a perfect balance of heat and sweetness.
Can I make Bang Bang Chicken Sliders gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free panko or breading alternatives and gluten-free slider buns to enjoy this recipe without gluten.
How spicy are Bang Bang Chicken Sliders?
The heat level is adjustable; classic recipes have a moderate spicy kick from sriracha, but you can dial it up or down based on your preference.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Absolutely! Baking is a healthier alternative—just coat the chicken in panko, place on a baking sheet, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until crispy.
What kind of buns work best for these sliders?
Soft slider buns or small brioche buns work perfectly as they hold the filling without overpowering the flavors or making the sliders too heavy.
Final Thoughts
Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are truly a flavor-packed, fun, and easy recipe that will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. With their crispy chicken, zesty sauce, and perfect slider size, they’re perfect for sharing or indulging anytime. Give them a try—you won’t regret sinking your teeth into these irresistible little bites!
Related Posts
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are a bold and flavorful snack featuring crispy chicken tenderloins coated in panko and fried to perfection, paired with a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Served on soft slider buns with fresh lettuce or cabbage slaw, these bite-sized delights deliver a perfect balance of heat, crunch, and zest, making them ideal for casual meals, parties, or quick comfort food.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 sliders 1x
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs (or regular bread crumbs)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Oil for frying (canola or vegetable), enough for deep frying
Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 to 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to preferred heat level)
Assembly
- 8 slider buns (soft slider or small brioche buns)
- 1 cup lettuce or cabbage slaw (fresh and crisp)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken tenderloins with salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder. Then coat each piece evenly with panko or your choice of bread crumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the coated chicken pieces for about 4 to 5 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking and a golden brown crispy crust. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Adjust the amount of sriracha to your preferred spice level, mixing until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Sliders: Slice the slider buns in half. Spread a generous amount of bang bang sauce on both the top and bottom bun halves. Layer with lettuce or cabbage slaw, then add the crispy chicken tenderloin. Optionally drizzle more sauce on top before closing the slider.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy the sliders while the chicken is warm and crunchy. Serve with your favorite sides or garnishes.
Notes
- Use fresh oil heated to the correct temperature to keep the chicken crispy and avoid sogginess.
- Do not overcrowd the frying pan; fry in batches to maintain even cooking and crispiness.
- Prepare the bang bang sauce ahead of time to allow flavors to meld and deepen.
- Lightly toast or warm the buns before assembling to prevent sogginess from the sauce.
- Adjust the spiciness of the sauce gradually to suit your taste and those of your guests.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free panko and buns are used)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: bang bang chicken sliders, crispy chicken sliders, spicy chicken sliders, party appetizers, comfort food, finger food