Get ready to excite your taste buds with this incredible bang bang chicken sliders recipe! These irresistible mini sandwiches are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for any party, game day, or a fun family meal. Featuring perfectly crispy fried chicken, smothered in a creamy, sweet, and spicy bang bang sauce, all tucked into soft slider buns. This guide makes creating these delectable sliders simple and fun, even for beginner cooks.

Why You’ll Love These Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

You’ll quickly fall in love with making this bang bang chicken sliders recipe for so many fantastic reasons. They are truly a special treat!

Irresistibly Crispy Chicken: Each slider boasts golden, crunchy chicken, seasoned to perfection.
Quick & Easy Preparation: Our step-by-step instructions ensure a smooth cooking process, perfect for busy parents and beginners.
Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual snack or a party showstopper, these sliders fit right in.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The unique sweet and spicy sauce creates a flavor explosion everyone will adore.
Customizable Heat: Easily adjust the spice level of the bang bang sauce to suit everyone’s preference.

Ingredients

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to making this incredible bang bang chicken sliders recipe. You’ll find everything you need for the crispy chicken, the creamy sauce, and assembling the perfect slider right here.

For the Crispy Chicken Cutlets:

1 ½ pounds thin-sliced chicken breasts
Kosher salt, fresh black pepper, and garlic powder (for seasoning)
½ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup cornstarch
1 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
1 large egg
2 cups (or more as needed) Panko bread crumbs
Vegetable or canola oil for frying

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sweet chili sauce
1-2 tablespoons Sriracha (adjust to your spice preference)
1 teaspoon rice vinegar

For Slider Assembly:

12 slices mozzarella cheese (or desired cheese)
12 slider rolls (brioche or potato rolls work great)
Optional garnishes: chopped fresh cilantro, thinly sliced green onions

Notes & Substitutions

You have flexibility with many of these ingredients. Feel free to adapt them based on what you have on hand or dietary needs.

Chicken: No thin-sliced breasts? Pound thicker breasts thin, or use pre-made chicken tenders for an even quicker shortcut. Chicken thighs also work.
Buttermilk: To make your own dairy-free “buttermilk,” combine 1 cup plant-based milk (like almond or soy) with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it curdles slightly.
Panko: Regular breadcrumbs work in a pinch, but panko provides the best crunch. For gluten-free, use gluten-free panko.
Hot Sauce/Sriracha: Adjust the amount of Sriracha to control the heat. For less spice, omit the hot sauce from the buttermilk mixture and use less Sriracha in the sauce.
Cheese: Cheddar, provolone, or Monterey Jack are also fantastic options for your sliders.

Equipment

Having the right tools makes preparing this bang bang chicken sliders recipe a breeze. You likely already own most of these kitchen essentials.

Large skillet or cast iron pan for frying
Three shallow bowls or dishes for breading
Whisk for mixing
Tongs for handling chicken
Plate or wire rack lined with paper towels
Meat thermometer for checking doneness

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create amazing bang bang chicken sliders that are crispy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. We’ll guide you through each stage from prep to assembly.

Prepare the Chicken: Begin by patting the thin-sliced chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with kosher salt, fresh black pepper, and garlic powder.
Set Up Breading Station: Get three shallow bowls ready. In the first bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and cornstarch. In the second bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, 1 tablespoon hot sauce, and the large egg until well combined. In the third bowl, place the Panko bread crumbs.
Bred the Chicken: Take one seasoned chicken cutlet and dredge it completely in the flour mixture, tapping off any excess. Next, dip it into the buttermilk mixture, allowing any extra liquid to drip away. Finally, press the chicken firmly into the Panko bread crumbs, ensuring a thick, even coating. Place the breaded chicken on a clean plate or baking sheet and repeat with the remaining chicken.
Fry the Chicken: Pour about ½ inch of vegetable or canola oil into your large skillet. Heat the oil over medium heat until it shimmers and a small sprinkle of flour sizzles instantly when dropped in. Carefully add the breaded chicken cutlets to the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. You may need to cook in 2-3 batches, adding more oil if necessary.
Cook Until Golden: Fry the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side, or until it’s beautifully golden brown and cooked through.According to the USDA, ensuring poultry reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is crucial for food safety.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer the cooked chicken cutlets to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Keep them warm while you cook the remaining chicken.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha (to taste), and rice vinegar until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the Sriracha if you prefer more or less spice.
Assemble the Sliders: Slice the cooked chicken cutlets into smaller pieces that fit nicely onto your slider buns. Open the slider rolls and place a piece of warm chicken onto the bottom bun. Immediately top the chicken with a slice of mozzarella cheese so it starts to melt from the residual heat. Drizzle generously with the prepared bang bang sauce.
Serve Immediately: Place the top bun on each slider and serve your delicious bang bang chicken sliders right away while they are warm and the cheese is melty.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieving perfect bang bang chicken sliders is easy with these helpful tips. You’ll be frying like a pro in no time!

For Extra Crispy Chicken: Ensure your oil is hot enough before adding the chicken, but not smoking. Also, don’t overcrowd the pan; this lowers the oil temperature and can lead to soggy chicken.
Oil Temperature: Aim for medium heat (around 350°F / 175°C if you have a thermometer).For best results, understanding the optimal oil temperature for frying chicken is key to achieving a crispy exterior and juicy interior.
Too low, and the chicken absorbs oil; too high, and the outside burns before the inside cooks.
Checking Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer. Chicken needs to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
Mess-Free Breading: Use one hand for dry ingredients (flour, panko) and the other for wet ingredients (buttermilk). This keeps one hand clean and prevents clumpy breading.
Adjusting Sauce Spiciness: Start with less Sriracha in the bang bang sauce and add more gradually. You can always add, but you can’t take away! A squeeze of lime juice can also brighten the sauce.

Serving, Storage & Variations

This bang bang chicken sliders recipe is incredibly versatile! Here are some ideas to make them your own and manage leftovers.

Serving Suggestions

These sliders are fantastic on their own, but pairing them with simple sides can make a complete meal.

Sides: Serve alongside a crisp coleslaw, a refreshing cucumber salad, or some sweet potato fries.
Toppings Bar: For parties, set up a slider bar! Offer extra bang bang sauce, pickles, fresh cilantro, thinly sliced red onion, or even a different cheese.
Occasions: They’re perfect for game day, birthday parties, casual get-togethers, or even a fun weeknight dinner.

Storage Instructions

Proper storage helps maintain freshness and flavor for your bang bang chicken sliders.

Cooked Chicken: Store leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Leftover Sauce: The bang bang sauce can be stored separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Reheating: Reheat chicken in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or in an oven at 375°F (190°C) until crispy and heated through. Avoid microwaving the chicken, as it can make it soggy. Assemble with fresh buns and sauce after reheating.

Flavor Variations

Get creative with your bang bang chicken sliders!

Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for a kick, or mild provolone.
Toppings: Add a fresh crunch with shredded lettuce, thinly sliced cucumbers, or pickled jalapeños.
Different Protein: This bang bang sauce is amazing with other proteins too! Try it with crispy fried shrimp, firm tofu, or even pan-seared fish for a delicious alternative.

Nutrition Information

Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this bang bang chicken sliders recipe. Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrient	Amount Per Slider (Estimated)
Calories	350-400 kcal
Protein	25-30 g
Fat	20-25 g
Carbs	20-25 g

These estimates do not include additional toppings or sides. Always consider your specific dietary needs.

FAQ

Got questions about making this delicious bang bang chicken sliders recipe? We have answers!

Can I bake or air fry the chicken? Yes, you absolutely can! For baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), spray breaded chicken with oil, and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. For air frying, preheat to 375°F (190°C), spray, and air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
How do I prevent the sliders from getting soggy? Assemble the sliders just before serving. The sauce and warm chicken can make buns soggy if they sit too long.
Can I make the sauce less spicy? Definitely! Reduce the amount of Sriracha in the bang bang sauce, or omit it entirely if you prefer a very mild, sweet flavor.
What kind of slider buns work best? Soft brioche or potato slider rolls are ideal as they hold up well to the sauce and chicken without being too dense. Avoid overly crusty rolls.
How far in advance can I prepare components? You can bread the chicken a few hours ahead and keep it chilled, and the bang bang sauce can be made 2-3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Conclusion

This bang bang chicken sliders recipe is a guaranteed hit, bringing a fantastic blend of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors to your table. We hope you feel confident and excited to try making these incredibly tasty and fun sliders. They are simple to prepare, making them perfect for both beginner cooks and seasoned pros looking for an easy, impressive dish. So go ahead, whip up a batch for your next gathering or a special weeknight meal, and enjoy every crispy, saucy bite!