Get ready to meet your new favorite game day or weeknight obsession: Bang Bang Chicken Sliders! These little flavor bombs pack a punch with that irresistible spicy-sweet kick we all crave. They’re so easy to whip up, you’ll have a whole batch ready faster than you can say “more, please!” It reminds me of my Grandma Max; she always said the best food, even the simplest, came from a place of wanting to share joy. She’d be the first to tell you that a great recipe isn’t just about ingredients, it’s about the love and care you put into it, and that’s exactly what we’re doing here. My years of teaching folks how to cook, just like Grandma taught me, have shown me that delicious food doesn’t need to be complicated.
Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe
Trust me, these sliders are a total crowd-pleaser! Here’s why you’ll be making them again and again:
- So Quick to Make: Seriously, you’re looking at about 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for when hunger strikes fast!
- Flavor Explosion: That creamy, spicy, sweet bang bang sauce is just out-of-this-world good.
- Party Perfect: They’re the ideal size for parties, game days, or just a fun family dinner.
- Cook Your Way: Fry them, bake them, or air fry them – they turn out delicious no matter what.
- Totally Customizable: Tweak the spice, load up on your favorite toppings. Make them yours!
Gather Your Ingredients for This Easy Chicken Slider Recipe
Alright, let’s get our kitchen prepped for these amazing Bang Bang Chicken Sliders! This is truly an easy chicken slider recipe, and like my Grandma always said, using good, fresh stuff makes all the difference. Don’t worry, you probably have most of this in your pantry already. We’re gathering everything to make those tender, crispy chicken bites and that dreamy, creamy bang bang sauce that’s the star of the show.
For the Crispy Chicken
You’ll need about a pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into yummy bite-sized pieces. For that amazing coating, we’re grabbing 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup cornstarch, and a little seasoning: 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and a pinch each of paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. You’ll also need one large egg, beaten, and 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs. For cooking, have vegetable oil ready if you’re frying, or just cooking spray if you’re baking or air frying!
For the Homemade Bang Bang Sauce
This is where the magic happens! For our homemade bang bang sauce, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise with 2 tablespoons of sweet chili sauce. Then, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of sriracha – you can totally play with this to get your perfect spice level. A teaspoon of honey or sugar adds that lovely sweetness, and 1/2 teaspoon of lime juice or rice vinegar gives it a little zing to balance everything out.
How to Prepare Our Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe
Alright, let’s get these delicious Bang Bang Chicken Sliders into your hands! It’s really not complicated, just a few simple steps. First things first, let’s get that amazing sauce ready. In a little bowl, just whisk together your mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and that sriracha – remember, you can add more or less sriracha to make it just how you like it spicy. Stir in a bit of honey or sugar and that splash of lime juice or vinegar for balance. Give it a good mix until it’s all smooth and creamy. Set that aside; it’s going to coat our chicken beautifully.
Now, for the chicken! Get a shallow dish and mix up your flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. This is what gives our chicken that lovely coating. Dip your chicken pieces into the beaten egg first, let any extra drip off, and then toss them into the flour mixture. Make sure every piece is nicely coated. Don’t worry if a little of the coating falls off; it happens!
For the best, crispy chicken, you have a couple of great options. If you’re frying, heat about an inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches – don’t crowd the pan! – for about 3 to 5 minutes per side until they’re golden and cooked through. Drain them on paper towels. If you’re baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), toss your coated chicken with a little oil, spread it on a baking sheet, and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway. For the air fryer crew, preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C), give the chicken a light spray of oil, and cook in a single layer for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. You want them golden and cooked through for all methods.
Making the Creamy Bang Bang Chicken
Once your chicken is cooked and looking perfectly golden, it’s time to get it all saucy! Gently toss those hot, crispy chicken pieces in the prepared Bang Bang sauce. Make sure every single bite gets coated in that creamy, dreamy goodness. It smells so incredible at this stage, doesn’t it? This is what gives you that irresistibly creamy bang bang chicken texture we’re after.
Assembling Your Delicious Mini Chicken Sandwiches
Now for the fun part – building these perfect little mini chicken sandwiches! Grab your slider buns. Place a few of those saucy, crispy chicken pieces onto the bottom half of each bun. Don’t be shy; pile them on! If you like, add some shredded lettuce, a bit of coleslaw, or some crunchy pickles for extra flavor and texture. Then, just pop the top bun on. Ta-da! You’ve got yourself some amazing mini chicken sandwiches ready to go.
Tips for Success with Your Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
Okay, let’s make sure these Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are absolutely perfect every single time! It’s all about a few little tricks I’ve picked up over the years. My Grandma always said the secret to great flavor is in the details, and that’s definitely true here. Make sure you don’t skip coating the chicken *really* well in that flour mixture – it helps everything stick and get nice and crispy. And for the sauce, taste it as you go! My personal little secret? A tiny pinch of smoked paprika in the sauce adds a subtle depth that just makes everything sing. It’s not in the main recipe, but trust me on this one!
Achieving the Perfect Crispy Chicken
For the ultimate crunch, make sure your chicken pieces are totally dry before you dredge them. And when you’re frying, don’t overcrowd the pan! Give them space so they get beautifully golden and crispy, not soggy. If you’re baking or air frying, a light spray of oil on the coated chicken really helps achieve that lovely crisp without all the grease.
Customizing Your Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
Want more heat? Add another tablespoon of sriracha to your sauce! Prefer it milder? Back off the sriracha and maybe add a little extra honey. These spicy bang bang chicken sliders are totally yours to play with. I also love topping mine with some quick-pickled red onions or even a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for an extra pop of flavor and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
Got questions about these amazing Bang Bang Chicken Sliders? I’ve got answers! Let’s dive into some common things people ask when they’re whipping up these little flavor bombs.
Can I make the bang bang sauce ahead of time? Absolutely! This homemade bang bang sauce is actually *better* if you make it a few hours or even a day ahead. Pop it in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors meld together beautifully, giving you an even more delicious sauce for your chicken sliders. Just give it a good stir before you use it.
How do I store and reheat leftover bang bang chicken sliders? Store any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For the best results when reheating, I’d suggest popping the chicken pieces in an oven or air fryer for a few minutes to crisp them back up. Microwaving can make them a bit soft, but it’s still tasty! Reheat the sauce gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
What are some good topping ideas for crispy chicken sliders recipe? Oh, the topping possibilities are endless for this crispy chicken sliders recipe! Beyond the classic lettuce and pickles, try some crunchy coleslaw (a little sweet and tangy is perfect!), some thinly sliced jalapeños for extra heat, quick-pickled red onions for a bright bite, or even a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. Whatever you love on a mini chicken sandwich, it probably works here!
Nutritional Information for Your Sweet and Spicy Sliders
Just a little heads-up about the numbers here for our sweet and spicy sliders! Since we’re all cooking in our own kitchens with slightly different ingredients and methods – maybe you fried, maybe you air-fried – these are just estimates. But generally, you’re looking at around 250-300 calories per slider. You’ll get a good mix of carbs from the bun and coating, some protein from the chicken, and healthy fats from the sauce. It’s a delicious balance!
Share Your Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Experience
I just love seeing what you all create in your kitchens! If you whip up these Bang Bang Chicken Sliders, please come back and leave a comment below to let me know how they turned out. Did you try a fun topping? How did you like the spice level? I’d be thrilled if you’d also rate the recipe and share a picture on social media – tag me so I can see your deliciousness!
PrintBang Bang Chicken Sliders: 30 Min Flavor Burst
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Bang Bang Chicken Sliders offer a spicy-sweet kick in a mini sandwich format. Crispy chicken is coated in a creamy, flavorful bang bang sauce and nestled in soft slider buns. They are perfect for game days, parties, or a fun weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying (or cooking spray for baking/air frying)
- 12 slider buns
- Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, coleslaw, pickles
- For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1–2 tablespoons sriracha, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon lime juice or rice vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (or sugar), and lime juice (or vinegar) until smooth. Set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: In a shallow dish, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Dip chicken pieces in the beaten egg, then dredge them in the flour mixture, ensuring they are well coated.
- For Crispy Chicken: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-5 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
- For Baked Chicken: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss coated chicken with a drizzle of oil and spread on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
- For Air Fryer Chicken: Preheat air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Lightly spray chicken with oil. Cook in a single layer for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
- Toss the cooked chicken pieces in the prepared Bang Bang Sauce until evenly coated.
- Assemble the sliders: Place coated chicken pieces onto the bottom halves of the slider buns. Add any desired toppings like lettuce, coleslaw, or pickles.
- Top with the other half of the slider buns. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce to control the spice level.
- For a milder sauce, use less sriracha or add a touch more honey.
- You can use chicken breast or thighs; thighs tend to stay more moist.
- Experiment with different toppings like thinly sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying, Baking, or Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: Approximately 250-300 kcal (will vary based on exact ingredients and cooking method)
- Sugar: Approximately 5-10g
- Sodium: Approximately 300-500mg
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 3-5g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 10-15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-25g
- Fiber: Approximately 1-2g
- Protein: Approximately 10-15g
- Cholesterol: Approximately 50-70mg