Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe
When it comes to delicious and satisfying meals, Bang Bang Chicken Sliders stand out as a crowd-pleaser. These sliders pack a punch of flavor and are perfect for game days, parties, or casual family dinners. They offer a wonderful combination of crispy fried chicken, a tangy sauce, and fresh toppings, all tucked into a soft mini bun. If you want to impress your friends or family, this recipe is just what you need.
Why Make This Recipe
Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are a fantastic choice for several reasons. First, they are incredibly tasty. The combination of spices and sauces creates a unique flavor profile that everyone will love. The crispy chicken contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce and fresh vegetables. Second, they are easy to make. With straightforward steps and common ingredients, anyone can whip these up in their kitchen, even if they are not a seasoned cook. Third, sliders are portable and easy to serve at gatherings. They are the perfect finger food for parties or BBQs, making them ideal for sharing. Finally, making these sliders allows you to customize them to your liking. You can add your favorite toppings or adjust the spice level to fit your taste. With all these benefits, it’s clear that Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are a recipe worth trying.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
Making Bang Bang Chicken Sliders is simple and fun. Let’s break it down into easy steps.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 12 mini slider buns
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/2 cup pickles (optional)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Directions:
Marinate the Chicken: Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a large mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until combined. Submerge the chicken pieces in the marinade, ensuring they are fully covered. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or longer if possible. This marinating step is crucial as it helps to tenderize the chicken and infuses it with flavor.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce: While the chicken is marinating, you can prepare the Bang Bang Sauce. In another bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, honey, lime juice, and garlic powder. Stir well until all ingredients are fully combined. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning to your preference. If you like it spicier, you can add more sriracha. If you prefer it sweeter, add more honey.
Dredge and Fry the Chicken: Next, you will want to prepare for frying. In a large dish, combine the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, take the marinated chicken pieces out of the refrigerator. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, coating it evenly. Carefully place the coated chicken in the hot oil. Fry the chicken pieces in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the fried chicken and drain it on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
Assemble the Sliders: To put the sliders together, start by toasting the mini slider buns to a light golden color. Spread a generous layer of Bang Bang Sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Place a piece of fried chicken on each bun, followed by shredded lettuce, thinly sliced red onion, and pickles if using. Finish by garnishing with fresh cilantro. Place the top half of the bun on each slider to complete the assembly.
Serve: Arrange the sliders on a platter, and serve them warm. Offer extra Bang Bang Sauce on the side for dipping. Your guests will love these sliders, and they will quickly become the star of your meal.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
When serving Bang Bang Chicken Sliders, consider offering a variety of sides to complement the meal. Classic choices include fries, potato wedges, or a simple side salad. For a more festive touch, you can serve them with coleslaw or corn on the cob. Make sure to have extra Bang Bang Sauce available for dipping, as many will want more of that flavorful sauce.
If you are hosting a party, arrange the sliders on a large serving platter and decorate it with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a visually appealing presentation. This way, your guests can help themselves easily.
How to Store Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
If you have any leftover Bang Bang Chicken Sliders, you can store them to enjoy later. Place the sliders in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. They can last for up to 3 days. However, it’s best to store the fried chicken and buns separately if possible. This way, the buns remain soft, and the chicken stays crispy.
To reheat the sliders, you can use an oven or an air fryer for better results. Heat the chicken at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Re-toasting the buns slightly will also help revive their texture.
Tips to Make Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
Use Fresh Ingredients: To maximize flavor, use fresh spices and high-quality chicken. Fresh garlic and onion powder can make a noticeable difference.
Adjust Spice Level: If you want milder sliders, reduce the amount of sriracha in the sauce. You can also omit it altogether for a non-spicy version.
Let Chicken Rest: After frying, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.
Prep Ahead: For easier assembly, you can marinate the chicken and prepare the sauce a day in advance. Just fry the chicken and assemble the sliders when you’re ready to serve.
Alternative Breading: If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you may replace all-purpose flour with cornstarch and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Variation
While Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are delicious as is, you can create variations to suit your taste. For a healthier option, consider baking the chicken instead of frying. You can coat the chicken in flour and panko, then bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
Another variation is to use shrimp instead of chicken for Bang Bang Shrimp Sliders. Simply swap the chicken for shrimp and follow the same steps. The shrimp will give a delightful twist to the sliders.
FAQs
1. Can I make the Bang Bang Sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Bang Bang Sauce a day in advance and keep it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. This will help the flavors meld together.
2. Can I freeze the sliders?
While it’s best to eat them fresh, you can freeze the cooked chicken if you’ve made too much. Wrap it tightly in foil or a freezer bag and store it for up to 2 months. Just reheat it in the oven before assembling the sliders.
3. What can I serve with Bang Bang Chicken Sliders?
Many sides pair well with sliders. Consider serving french fries, onion rings, or a fresh garden salad. You can also provide dipping sauces like ranch or BBQ sauce for more variety.
By preparing this delicious Bang Bang Chicken Sliders recipe, you give yourself and your loved ones a wonderful treat that is sure to be a hit! Enjoy your cooking!
Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
Ingredients
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, mix together buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Submerge the chicken pieces in the marinade, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- In a bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, honey, lime juice, and garlic powder until combined.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Combine flour and panko in a large dish.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Dredge each marinated chicken piece in the flour mixture, then fry until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Toast the mini slider buns lightly.
- Spread Bang Bang Sauce on the bottom half of each bun.
- Add fried chicken, followed by lettuce, red onion, pickles, and cilantro.
- Top with the upper half of the bun.
- Arrange sliders on a platter and serve warm with extra sauce on the side.