If you’re craving a fun, flavorful, and downright irresistible mini sandwich, this Easy Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe is going to blow you away. Imagine juicy, crispy chicken coated in a perfectly spiced batter, then smothered in a creamy, tangy, and spicy bang bang sauce that packs a punch. These sliders combine textures and vibrant flavors that make for an unbeatable bite, perfect for sharing with friends or turning any casual gathering into a special occasion. Trust me, once you try this recipe, these sliders will become your go-to finger food for any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients come together beautifully in this recipe, each playing a crucial role. From the tender chicken soaked in buttermilk to the crunchy coating, and the sweet yet spicy sauce, every component adds layers of flavor and texture that make these sliders stand out.
- Boneless chicken thighs or breasts (1 lb): Tender chunks provide the perfect balance of juiciness and texture for frying.
- Buttermilk (1 cup): Ensures the chicken stays moist and adds a subtle tang to enhance the meat’s flavor.
- Cornstarch (1/2 cup): Creates a super crispy coating that holds up wonderfully to frying.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Works with cornstarch to build the golden, crunchy crust.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp): Adds a warm, savory depth to the coating.
- Paprika (1 tsp): Brings a mild smoky flavor and gives the crust a beautiful color.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): The perfect neutral oil to achieve the crispy exterior without overpowering the chicken.
- Slider buns (6-8): Soft and pillowy, ideal for holding these flavorful, saucy delights.
- Lettuce leaves (for serving): Adds a fresh, crisp layer that highlights the chicken.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): The creamy base of the bang bang sauce that smooths out the heat.
- Sweet chili sauce (1/4 cup): Provides sweetness and a subtle kick, making the sauce irresistible.
- Sriracha (1 tbsp, adjust to taste): Gives the bang bang sauce its signature spicy zing.
How to Make Easy Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by placing your bite-sized chicken chunks into a bowl filled with buttermilk. Marinating for at least 30 minutes not only tenderizes the chicken but infuses a slight tanginess that works perfectly with the crispy coating you’ll add later. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in juiciness and flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
While your chicken is soaking, mix together the cornstarch, flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl. This combination creates a crunchy, flavorful crust that crisps up beautifully when fried. The cornstarch ensures lightness, while the spices bring extra character to your coating.
Step 3: Dredge and Fry the Chicken
Heat your vegetable oil to 350°F (about 175°C)—a perfect frying temperature for golden crispiness without greasiness. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off, then dredge each piece in the flour mixture. Fry in small batches for 4 to 5 minutes until the chicken turns a gorgeous golden brown and the outside is irresistible and crunchy. Drain on paper towels to remove extra oil.
Step 4: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. This simple trio creates a luscious, creamy sauce with a balanced sweet-spicy flavor that perfectly complements the crispy chicken. Feel free to adjust the sriracha amount if you want things more mild or fiery.
Step 5: Assemble the Sliders
Toast your slider buns lightly to add just a touch of warmth and texture. Start by layering a crisp lettuce leaf on the bottom bun, then pile on the crispy chicken pieces. Drizzle generously with the bang bang sauce, and cap it with the top bun. The mingling of soft bread, crunchy lettuce, crispy chicken, and creamy sauce in every bite is simply addictive.
How to Serve Easy Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate your sliders even further. Consider adding thin slices of cucumber or pickled jalapeños for a refreshing crunch or an extra tangy kick. A sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or green onions brings a vibrant, herbal brightness that brightens up the rich flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair your Easy Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe with classic sides like crispy sweet potato fries, a crunchy coleslaw, or even a simple cucumber salad. These sides complement the sliders perfectly by adding texture contrasts and refreshing notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by serving your sliders on a rustic wooden board lined with parchment paper, perfect for casual entertaining. You can also add small skewers or toothpicks to hold everything together and make them easier to grab at parties or family gatherings. For a fun twist, serve alongside a variety of dipping sauces to let everyone tailor their flavor adventure.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the chicken and buns separately in airtight containers. Keep the crispy chicken in the fridge for up to 3 days. This helps preserve the juiciness and crunch without the bread getting soggy from the sauce.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken pieces before assembling the sliders. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet first to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep nicely for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing the buns to maintain freshness and texture.
Reheating
To reheat and keep the chicken crispy, pop it in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that satisfying crunch. Toast fresh buns right before serving and add freshly prepared bang bang sauce for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this Easy Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work just fine and are leaner, but chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful after frying.
How spicy is the bang bang sauce?
The sauce balances sweetness and spice nicely, but you can adjust the sriracha quantity to make it milder or hotter depending on your preference.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes, you can bake the chicken for a lighter version. Coat the chicken as usual and bake at 425°F for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crisp.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can easily make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk, then letting it sit for 5-10 minutes.
Is there a vegetarian version of the Easy Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe?
For a vegetarian twist, try using crispy fried cauliflower bites or tofu instead of chicken, and toss them in the bang bang sauce – just as tasty!
Final Thoughts
This Easy Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe is a total crowd-pleaser that brings deliciousness and fun to any meal. Whether you’re hosting friends or looking for a special treat during the week, these sliders hit every note — crunchy, creamy, spicy, and oh so satisfying. I can’t wait for you to make these and enjoy that perfect bite with every slider you stack on your plate!
Print
Easy Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings (6-8 sliders)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Easy Bang Bang Chicken Sliders feature crispy, juicy fried chicken chunks coated in a flavorful spicy-sweet bang bang sauce, served on soft slider buns with fresh lettuce. Perfect for a quick appetizer or casual meal, they combine a crunchy exterior with a creamy, tangy sauce for irresistible taste in every bite.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 cup buttermilk
Coating
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Frying
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Assembly
- Slider buns (about 6-8)
- Lettuce leaves, for serving
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: Place the bite-sized chicken chunks into a bowl and pour in the buttermilk. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor into the chicken.
- Prepare Coating: In a shallow bowl, combine the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create an even coating mixture for the chicken.
- Dredge and Fry: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pan to 350°F (175°C). Remove chicken pieces from the buttermilk marinade, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge them thoroughly in the flour mixture, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Carefully fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking each batch for 4–5 minutes or until the exterior is golden brown and crispy. Remove the fried chicken onto paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Make Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Stir until smooth and well blended. Adjust sriracha amount to your preferred spice level.
- Assemble Sliders: Lightly toast the slider buns until slightly golden. Place a leaf of fresh lettuce on the bottom half of each bun, add a few pieces of the crispy fried chicken on top, then drizzle generously with the bang bang sauce. Cover with the top bun and serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken in buttermilk helps tenderize and adds moisture for juicier chicken.
- Maintain oil temperature at 350°F to ensure the chicken fries evenly and stays crispy without absorbing excess oil.
- Use chicken thighs for more flavorful and moist meat, or breasts for leaner sliders.
- Adjust sriracha quantity in the sauce to make the sliders milder or spicier according to taste.
- Serve sliders immediately after assembling to keep the bun from becoming soggy.
- Leftover cooked chicken can be refrigerated for up to 2 days but will lose crispiness.
