Bang Bang Chicken Sliders: 12 Irresistible Bites

Ugh, weeknights, right? Between getting home, figuring out what to make, and actually *making* it, sometimes dinner feels like a marathon. That’s exactly why I, Anna, your friendly neighborhood food lover, am all about finding those simple, super flavorful chicken recipes that just make life easier and way more delicious. My whole mission is to take the stress out of weeknight cooking and bring back the joy, because honestly, who has time for complicated? That’s where these amazing Bang Bang Chicken Sliders come in. They’re this incredible mix of spicy, sweet, and savory, all packed into a perfect little slider that feels like such a treat after a long day.

Why You’ll Love These Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Seriously, these sliders are a game-changer for a few reasons:

• They’re super quick to whip up, making them perfect for those nights when you’re rushing.
• You get this amazing zingy, sweet, and creamy flavor explosion in every bite. It’s the best of all worlds!
• They work for pretty much any occasion – a fun weeknight dinner, a party appetizer, or even just a really satisfying snack.
• And let’s be honest, who can resist a perfectly sauced chicken sammie on a soft bun? They’re always a total hit!

Gathering Your Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Ingredients

Alright, let’s get down to business! To make these incredible Bang Bang Chicken Sliders, you’ll need a few things. Don’t worry, it’s all pretty straightforward and totally worth it. I like to get everything prepped before I start cooking, which makes the whole process a breeze. Think of it like setting up your own mini-food station!

For the Crispy Chicken

First up, the star of the show: crispy chicken! You’ll need about 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. I like to cut them into these cute, bite-sized pieces, perfect for sliders. Then, for the marinade that makes them so tender, grab 1 cup of buttermilk. You’ll also need 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika, plus 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and black pepper. For that amazing coating, you’ll want 1 cup of all-purpose flour and 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs. And of course, some vegetable oil for frying!

For the Signature Bang Bang Sauce

This sauce is what makes it all BANG! It’s so easy to whip up. You’ll need 1/2 cup of mayonnaise as your base, then 1/4 cup of sweet chili sauce for that perfect sweet kick. For the heat, we’re using 2 tablespoons of sriracha, but you can totally add more or less if you like it spicier or milder. A tablespoon of honey adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance it out, plus 1 tablespoon of lime juice for a little tang. And just a little teaspoon of garlic powder to round it all out.

For Assembling the Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Now for the fun part – putting it all together! You’ll need 12 mini slider buns, lightly toasted. Then, for toppings, I like to have about 1 cup of shredded lettuce, 1/2 cup of thinly sliced red onion, and some pickles if you’re feeling it. A little fresh cilantro for garnish is always a nice touch, too!

Preparing Your Delicious Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Alright, let’s get these sliders made! It’s really not complicated, and the results are SO worth it. We’ll start with the chicken, get that sauce mixed up, fry it all to crispy perfection, and then build these little flavor bombs.

Marinating the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

First things first, let’s get that chicken soaking up all the goodness. Take your bite-sized chicken pieces and pop them into that bowl with the buttermilk and all those yummy spices – garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir to make sure every piece is coated and submerged. Cover that bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour. Honestly, if you can let it go longer, like overnight, even better! It really makes a difference in how tender and flavorful the chicken gets.

Crafting the Perfect Bang Bang Sauce

While the chicken is doing its thing in the marinade, let’s whip up that magical Bang Bang sauce. Just grab a bowl and whisk together the mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, lime juice, and that little bit of garlic powder. Give it a good stir until it’s all smooth and creamy. Now, this is your chance to make it YOURS! Taste it. Want it spicier? Add more sriracha. Too spicy? A little more honey or mayo will mellow it out. Get it just right!

Frying Your Bang Bang Chicken to Golden Perfection

Okay, time for the crispy part! Get your flour and panko breadcrumbs mixed in a shallow dish. Take your marinated chicken pieces out, let any excess buttermilk drip off – you don’t want it too wet. Then, dredge each piece really well in the flour mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Heat about an inch of vegetable oil in a skillet or a deep fryer to about 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the chicken pieces in batches – don’t crowd the pan, or they won’t get crispy! Fry them for about 3-4 minutes per side, until they’re a beautiful golden brown and cooked all the way through. Then, just pull them out and let them drain on a paper towel-lined plate like little golden nuggets.

Assembling Your Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Now for the grand finale – building these beauties! Lightly toast your mini slider buns. Spread a generous amount of that glorious Bang Bang sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Pile on those crispy fried chicken pieces – don’t be shy! Then, add some shredded lettuce, those thin slices of red onion, and if you like a little extra tang, toss on some pickles. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro is super pretty and adds a nice fresh flavor. Pop the top bun on, and there you have it – perfection!

Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Every Time

Want to make sure these sliders turn out absolutely amazing? I’ve got a few little tricks up my sleeve that really make a difference. First off, when you’re marinating that chicken, really make sure every single piece is totally submerged in the buttermilk mixture. That’s how you get that super tender, juicy chicken inside all that crispy coating. It’s worth the extra few seconds to give it a good stir!

When you’re frying, please, please, please don’t overcrowd the skillet! I know it’s tempting to just toss them all in, but trust me, they need their space to get that perfect golden-brown crispiness. Fry them in batches, and you’ll be rewarded with much better texture. And that sauce? Definitely taste it and adjust the sriracha and honey before you start assembling. It’s so easy to dial in that perfect spicy-sweet balance just for you!

Serving Suggestions for Your Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Now that you’ve got these amazing Bang Bang Chicken Sliders, what should you serve alongside them? To keep the meal feeling fresh and balanced, I love pairing them with something that cuts through that delicious, creamy sauce. Crispy sweet potato fries are always a huge hit – that little bit of sweetness complements the sliders perfectly. If you want something lighter, a simple, refreshing coleslaw is fantastic; the crunch and tang are just what you need. Or, for a really easy option, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette works wonders. It’s all about those yummy dinner recipes new ideas that make a week day meal feel special! You might also like these Southwest Chicken Tortilla Pinwheels for another quick bite.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Got more questions about these tasty sliders? I get it! Here are a few things people often ask:

Q1. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it for these sliders?
You totally can! While frying gives them that authentic crispy texture, you can bake them. Toss the coated chicken pieces on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through. They won’t be quite as crispy, but they’ll still be delicious!

Q2. How spicy is the Bang Bang sauce, really?
The sauce uses 2 tablespoons of sriracha, which gives it a nice medium heat with a good kick, balanced by the sweetness of the chili sauce and honey. But remember, sriracha brands can vary! I always say taste it before you assemble. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with 1 tablespoon and add more if you like. It’s your chicken sammie, after all!

Q3. Can I make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time?
Oh, absolutely! The sauce is perfect for making ahead. You can mix it up a day or two in advance and keep it stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before you use it, as it might thicken a bit. It’s one of those great dinner recipes new ideas that saves you time! For more chicken inspiration, check out this Honey Butter Chicken Alfredo Pasta.

Storing and Reheating Your Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Got leftovers? Lucky you! To store your delicious Bang Bang Chicken Sliders, let any leftover chicken cool completely, then keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store the buns and any un-sauced toppings separately. When you’re ready to reheat, the best way to get that chicken nice and crispy again is to pop it in a preheated oven or toaster oven at around 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that crunch – nobody likes soggy chicken! Reassemble with fresh sauce and toppings for the best experience.

Nutritional Information for Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Just so you know, the nutritional info is an estimate, and it can change a bit depending on exactly what you use and how you make these yummy sliders. But generally, a serving of about two sliders will have around 450 calories, 25g of fat, and 25g of protein. It’s a pretty satisfying bite!

Share Your Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Creations!

I just LOVE seeing what you all create in your kitchens! If you whip up these Bang Bang Chicken Sliders, please share your pics in the comments below or tag me on social media. You can also find more recipe inspiration on Pinterest. I can’t wait to see your delicious takes and hear what you think – it really makes my day!

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