Name: Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, cut into small strips or bite-sized pieces; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; Vegetable oil, for frying; ½ cup mayonnaise; ¼ cup sweet chili sauce; 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (adjust to your spice preference); 1 teaspoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon honey (optional for added sweetness); Shredded lettuce; Pickles (optional)

Jump to Recipe·5 from 6 reviews

If you’re looking for a dish that’s equal parts fun, flavor-packed, and sure to turn even a simple gathering into a mini-feast, Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are your new go-to. Imagine crispy fried chicken pieces—tender on the inside, crunchy on the outside—tumbled in a sweet and spicy, creamy Bang Bang sauce and tucked into fluffy slider buns. Whether it’s game day, an impromptu party, or a family dinner with a twist, these sliders always disappear fast and have everyone reaching for seconds.

Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Bang Bang Chicken Sliders come together with a handful of approachable ingredients, each one playing an important role in the dish’s irresistible appeal. From the crisply fried chicken to the signature sauce, every item is easy to find but absolutely essential for that signature taste and texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

Chicken breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide the perfect base—lean, easy to cut, and quick to cook.
Buttermilk: Marinating in buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and adds a subtle tang that sets the stage for juicy bites.
All-purpose flour: It forms the crispy, golden crust that makes these sliders utterly addictive.
Garlic powder: Brings out savory depth and aromatic warmth in every bite.
Paprika: Adds gentle smokiness and a pop of color to that crunchy coating.
Salt and pepper: Season generously for well-balanced flavor.
Vegetable oil: The essential ingredient for deep-frying and achieving that irresistible crunch.
Mini slider buns: Soft and buttery, slider buns are the perfect vehicle for all the saucy, crispy goodness.
Mayonnaise: Provides a creamy base for the Bang Bang sauce, making it lusciously smooth.
Sweet chili sauce: Adds sweetness, gentle heat, and tons of zing to the sauce.
Sriracha sauce: For a customizable kick—add more or less depending on how spicy you like it.
Rice vinegar: Lends a touch of acidity to balance out the creamy and spicy flavors.
Honey (optional): For just a kiss of added sweetness, if you like your sauce with a mild edge.
Shredded lettuce: Offers cool crunch that perfectly complements the warm chicken and sauce.
Pickles (optional): If you’re a pickle lover, you can’t go wrong with a snappy, tangy bite in each slider.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start off strong: Place your bite-sized chicken pieces in a bowl and pour over the buttermilk. Give them a little toss so each piece is well-coated. If you have the time, letting the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes makes a big difference in tenderness and pulls in those tangy flavors.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

While the chicken’s soaking up flavor, mix together the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish. Take each marinated chicken piece and dredge it thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks and you’re guaranteed that golden fried crunch.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pan until shimmering—aim for about 350°F if you want to be exact, but the tip of a wooden spoon should bubble in the oil. Carefully fry the coated chicken pieces in batches, about 3-4 minutes per side, till they’re crisp, golden, and irresistible. Drain on paper towels for a minute or two—you want them crunchy, not greasy!

Step 4: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

Whisk up the magic! In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and honey (if using). Stir until silky and smooth, and taste to adjust your spice level. This sauce ties the whole Bang Bang Chicken Sliders experience together—creamy, tangy, spicy, and a little bit sweet.

Step 5: Assemble the Sliders

Slice those mini slider buns in half, then toast lightly if you want a little extra crunch (highly recommended!). Dollop some Bang Bang sauce on the bottom bun, top with a hot, crispy chicken piece, drizzle more sauce on top, then finish with fresh shredded lettuce and a couple pickles if that’s your jam. Cap it all off with the other half of the bun—stack them high, and get ready to serve.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Garnishes

Want to add the finishing touch? Garnish each slider with a sprinkle of thinly sliced green onions or even a light dust of sesame seeds for color and a pop of flavor. A little extra drizzle of Bang Bang sauce never hurts, either. If you’re feeling fancy, a gently pickled slaw can give your sliders a colorful, tangy twist.

Side Dishes

Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are practically a meal on their own, but a few sides make them shine: think classic fries, sweet potato wedges, chilled cucumber salad, tangy coleslaw, or even waffle chips. For a lighter spread, try pairing with a simple green salad tossed in a bright, citrusy vinaigrette.

Creative Ways to Present

Big crowd? Line the Bang Bang Chicken Sliders up on a wooden board and add bowls of extra sauce for dipping. Hosting a party? Use mini skewers for each slider and arrange on a fun platter, festival-style. For a build-your-own vibe, lay out all the components separately for everyone to craft their perfect slider—it’s interactive, customizable, and always a hit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the chicken, sauce, and buns separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The crispy chicken keeps best when it’s not assembled with sauce or veggies—this way, it stays fresher and doesn’t get soggy. Plan to use up Bang Bang Chicken Sliders within 2-3 days for maximum flavor and texture.

Freezing

Fried chicken pieces actually freeze remarkably well. Let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag. The sauce and buns are best made fresh, but you can freeze the chicken for up to one month—just thaw and reheat right before assembling your sliders.

Reheating

To bring leftover chicken back to its crisp glory, preheat your oven to 375°F and bake the fried pieces for 8-10 minutes on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Skip the microwave if you can—it’ll soften the coating. Quick tip: Always re-assemble Bang Bang Chicken Sliders just before eating for the freshest flavor and best texture.

FAQs

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Absolutely! While frying delivers that signature crunch, you can bake the chicken on a wire rack at 425°F after dredging, spraying with a bit of oil. Bake for about 20 minutes or until golden, turning halfway through—you’ll still get a delicious result.

Can I make Bang Bang Chicken Sliders gluten-free?

Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend and use gluten-free slider buns. Double-check your sauces, but most store-bought options are already gluten-free—these tiny tweaks make the recipe wonderfully inclusive.

How spicy are Bang Bang Chicken Sliders?

The heat really comes from the sriracha in the sauce, so you have total control. Go easy for a milder bite or amp up the sriracha for those who like things spicy. Sweet chili sauce adds its own gentle warmth but nothing overwhelming.

What if I don’t have buttermilk for the marinade?

No worries! Just mix 1 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Stir and let it sit for 5 minutes before adding the chicken—it works wonderfully to tenderize and flavor.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Definitely! Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful, making them an excellent substitute. Cut into bite-sized pieces, they’ll fry up beautifully in this recipe, resulting in extra tender Bang Bang Chicken Sliders.

Final Thoughts

You truly can’t go wrong with Bang Bang Chicken Sliders—each bite captures a perfect harmony of creamy, spicy, crispy, and fresh. They’re ridiculously fun to make and even more fun to eat, so don’t be surprised if they disappear in record time. Give them a try the next time you want to seriously wow your friends and family!