These Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser that will have your guests coming back for seconds, thirds, and maybe even fourths! I've been making these spicy chicken slider recipe gems for years, and they never fail to steal the show at any gathering.
What makes these Bang Bang Chicken Sliders so special is their perfect balance of crispy coating, creamy bang bang sauce, and fresh crunchy slaw all nestled between soft slider buns. Trust me, once you master how to make bang bang sauce and pair it with tender boneless chicken thighs, you'll understand why these mini sandwiches have become my go-to appetizer ideas for every occasion.
Why These Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Are Game-Changers
Bang Bang Chicken Sliders have taken the culinary world by storm, and for good reason! These Asian-inspired delights combine the best of both worlds ; crispy fried chicken with a sweet and spicy sauce that packs just the right amount of heat. Unlike traditional buffalo chicken, Bang Bang Chicken Sliders offer a more complex flavor profile with sweet chili sauce undertones.
The beauty of this jimmy's bang bang chicken sliders recipe lies in its versatility and quick preparation time. Whether you're hosting a game day party, planning a casual dinner, or looking for creative appetizer ideas, these Bang Bang Chicken Sliders deliver every single time. The combination of panko breading and buttermilk marinade creates that perfect crispy coating that stays crunchy even after being dressed with the signature sauce.
Jump to:
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- Boneless chicken thighs, cut into slider-sized pieces
- Buttermilk
- Panko breading
- All-purpose flour
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Vegetable oil
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- Mayonnaise
- Sweet chili sauce
- Sriracha mayo
- Rice vinegar
- Garlic powder
For Assembly
- Slider buns
- Coleslaw mix
- Pickled vegetables
- Fresh cilantro
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Base
- Cut boneless chicken thighs into uniform slider-sized pieces, about 3-4 inches wide
- Submerge chicken pieces in buttermilk marinade for at least 30 minutes
- Mix flour, panko breading, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bowl
- Heat vegetable oil to 350°F in a deep skillet or fryer
Step 2: Create the Perfect Bang Bang Sauce
- Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha mayo in a medium bowl
- Add rice vinegar and garlic powder, mixing until smooth
- Taste and adjust spice level ; add more sriracha for heat or sweet chili sauce for sweetness
- Set aside until ready to assemble your Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
Step 3: Fry the Chicken to Golden Perfection
- Remove chicken from buttermilk and dredge each piece in the flour mixture
- Fry chicken pieces for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F
- Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil
- Toss warm chicken immediately with half of the bang bang sauce
Step 4: Assemble Your Amazing Sliders
- Slice slider buns in half and lightly toast if desired
- Spread remaining bang bang sauce on bottom buns
- Place one piece of sauced chicken on each bun
- Top with crunchy slaw and pickled vegetables, then crown with top buns
Expert Cooking Tips
Temperature Control is Key Maintaining oil temperature at 350°F ensures your Bang Bang Chicken Sliders get that perfect crispy coating without being greasy. Use a thermometer and adjust heat as needed.
Chicken Preparation Secrets
- Pound chicken thighs to even thickness for uniform cooking
- Don't skip the buttermilk marinade ; it tenderizes the meat and helps coating stick
- Pat chicken dry before dredging for maximum crispiness
Sauce Application Timing
- Make your bang bang sauce ahead of time for flavors to meld
- Toss chicken with sauce while still warm for better absorption
- Reserve some sauce for extra dipping or spreading on buns
Assembly Pro Tips
- Toast slider buns lightly for added texture contrast
- Keep coleslaw cold and crisp until assembly time
- Serve immediately after assembly to prevent soggy buns
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
Dietary Modifications
For gluten-free Bang Bang Chicken Sliders, substitute regular flour with almond flour and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. The texture remains wonderfully crispy while accommodating dietary restrictions.
Protein Alternatives
- Shrimp Bang Bang Sliders: Use large shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist
- Cauliflower Version: Replace chicken with cauliflower florets for vegetarian option
- Fish Variation: White fish fillets work beautifully with the same coating method
Spice Level Adjustments
- Mild Version: Reduce sriracha and increase sweet chili sauce ratio
- Extra Spicy: Add cayenne pepper to flour mixture and extra sriracha to sauce
- Asian Fusion: Include sesame oil and ginger in the sauce for deeper Asian-inspired flavors
Creative Toppings
Experiment with different slaw combinations, pickled cucumbers, or even fresh pineapple chunks for tropical flair that complements the sweet and spicy profile perfectly.
Equipment Recommendations
Essential Tools for Perfect Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
- Deep skillet or fryer for even cooking
- Instant-read thermometer for food safety
- Wire cooling rack to maintain crispiness
- Large mixing bowls for marinading and coating
- Tongs for safe chicken handling
Budget-Friendly Alternatives If you don't have a deep fryer, a heavy-bottomed pot with at least 3 inches of oil works perfectly for these jimmy's bang bang chicken sliders.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Refrigeration Guidelines
Cooked Bang Bang Chicken Sliders components can be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep chicken, sauce, and slaw in separate containers to maintain optimal texture.
Freezing Instructions
- Cooked Chicken: Freeze without sauce for up to 2 months
- Bang Bang Sauce: Stores in freezer for up to 1 month
- Assembly: Freeze assembled sliders wrapped individually for quick meals
Reheating Methods
- Oven Method: 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness
- Air Fryer: 375°F for 3-4 minutes for best results
- Microwave: Quick option but may compromise texture
Make-Ahead Strategy
Prepare components separately up to 24 hours in advance. Marinate chicken, make sauce, and prep slaw, then assemble fresh when ready to serve your Bang Bang Chicken Sliders.
Secret Sauce Mastery Tips
The real magic behind incredible Bang Bang Chicken Sliders lies in perfecting the sauce consistency and application technique. I've discovered that letting the sauce sit for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to marry beautifully, creating that restaurant-quality taste everyone craves.
My secret technique involves applying the Bang Bang Chicken Sliders sauce in two stages ; first tossing the hot chicken immediately after frying, then adding a fresh dollop during assembly. This double-sauce method ensures maximum flavor penetration while maintaining the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and spicy notes that make these sliders absolutely irresistible.
FAQ
Is bang bang chicken meant to be cold?
Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are best served warm or at room temperature. While the chicken can be enjoyed cold, the warm temperature helps the flavors meld better and maintains the optimal texture contrast between crispy coating and creamy sauce.
What makes chicken bang bang?
The signature bang bang sauce makes chicken "bang bang" ; it's a creamy combination of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha that creates the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors that define authentic Bang Bang Chicken Sliders.
Why is it called bang bang chicken?
The name "bang bang" comes from the traditional preparation method where chicken was pounded (banged) with a rolling pin to tenderize it. Modern Bang Bang Chicken Sliders get their name from this technique and the explosive flavor combination.
What does bang bang chicken taste like to eat?
Bang Bang Chicken Sliders offer a complex flavor profile ; crispy exterior gives way to tender, juicy chicken coated in a creamy sauce that's simultaneously sweet from chili sauce, tangy from mayo, and spicy from sriracha with subtle garlic undertones.
Your Next Favorite Recipe
These Bang Bang Chicken Sliders have become my signature dish for good reason ; they're incredibly easy to make, absolutely delicious, and guaranteed to impress every single time. The combination of crispy chicken, creamy sauce, and fresh toppings creates the perfect bite that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Whether you're hosting a game day party or looking for quick dinner recipes, these Bang Bang Chicken Sliders deliver restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen. Don't forget to try my Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe for outdoor grilling season, or switch things up with my Breakfast Sliders Hawaiian Rolls Recipe for morning entertaining. Both recipes use similar techniques but offer completely different flavor experiences that your family will absolutely love!
Happy cooking and enjoy every crispy, saucy bite! 🍔
Adams
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe:
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
Equipment
- 1 Deep skillet or fryer
- Mixing bowls
- 1 Tongs
- 1 Instant-read thermometer
- 1 Cooling rack
- 1 Whisk
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 lbs Boneless chicken thighs Cut into slider-sized pieces
- 1 cup Buttermilk For marinade
- 2 cups Panko breading
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- Salt and pepper To taste
- Vegetable oil For frying
Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup Mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoon Sriracha mayo Adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon Rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
For Assembly
- 12 Slider buns
- 2 cups Coleslaw mix
- ¼ cup Pickled vegetables Optional
- Fresh cilantro For garnish
Instructions
- Marinate chicken thighs in buttermilk for 30 minutes.
- Mix flour, panko, and seasonings in a bowl.
- Heat oil to 350°F in a deep skillet.
- Dredge chicken in flour mixture and fry until golden and cooked through.
- Toss warm chicken with half the bang bang sauce.
- Toast buns and spread sauce on the base.
- Assemble with chicken, coleslaw, and pickled veggies.
- Top with fresh cilantro and serve immediately.
Leave a Reply