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If you are craving a perfect combination of crispy, spicy, and creamy flavors all bundled up in a handheld delight, the Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe is your go-to crowd-pleaser. These little bites pack a punch with tender chicken breasts breaded to golden perfection, topped with melty mozzarella cheese, and livened up with a tangy, spicy bang bang sauce that keeps everyone coming back for more. Whether it’s a game day appetizer or an impressive party snack, this recipe is a true showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to make and endlessly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe plays a crucial role in building those layers of flavor and texture. From the simple seasoning that elevates the chicken, to the crispy coating and spicy tang of the sauce, these essentials come together to create something truly special.
- Thin sliced chicken breasts: Tender and quick-cooking, these are the star protein for your sliders.
- Kosher salt, fresh black pepper, and garlic powder: Basic seasoning that boosts the flavor of the chicken beautifully.
- Flour and cornstarch: A combo that ensures a light, crunchy crust without heaviness.
- Buttermilk: Adds moisture and helps the breading stick better, while tenderizing the chicken.
- Hot sauce: A spicy kick folded right into the buttermilk mixture for a subtle heat.
- Large egg: Binds the ingredients together for a perfect breading texture.
- Panko bread crumbs: Extra crispiness that creates that irresistible crunch on each bite.
- Vegetable or canola oil: Chosen for frying—neutral and great for crisping.
- Mozzarella cheese slices: Mild and melty, they balance the spice in the sauce.
- Slider rolls: Small, soft buns that hold everything together without overpowering the flavors.
- Bang bang sauce: A creamy, spicy, tangy drizzle that elevates every slider to something unforgettable.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Season and Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning your thin sliced chicken breasts generously on both sides with kosher salt, fresh black pepper, and garlic powder. This simple seasoning step is vital because it ensures every bite is flavorful before the breading even touches the meat. Set up your breading station with three bowls: the first mixing flour and cornstarch, the second blending buttermilk, hot sauce, and egg, and the third holding the panko bread crumbs.
Step 2: Bread the Chicken
Take each piece of seasoned chicken and dredge it first into the flour and cornstarch mixture, tapping off any excess. Next, dip it into the buttermilk and hot sauce blend, allowing any extra liquid to drip off. Finally, press the chicken firmly into the panko bread crumbs to ensure an even, crispy coating. Place the breaded chicken pieces on a plate, then repeat until all chicken breasts are ready for frying.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken Cutlets
Heat a thin layer of vegetable or canola oil over medium heat in a skillet. When the oil is hot, carefully add the breaded chicken pieces—avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain the oil temperature. Fry each piece for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil as you continue cooking the rest.
Step 4: Whisk the Bang Bang Sauce
While the chicken is frying, whisk together the ingredients for the bang bang sauce in a small bowl (you can customize the balance of spicy, sweet, and tangy to your liking). This sauce is the heart of the recipe, adding that creamy, zesty flourish that makes these sliders truly shine.
Step 5: Assemble the Sliders
Once the chicken cutlets are fried, slice them into smaller, slider-friendly portions. Place each piece on a slider roll, top with a slice of mozzarella cheese while the chicken is still warm so it melts slightly, then generously drizzle with the prepared bang bang sauce. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
To make these sliders even more irresistible, consider garnishing with thinly sliced green onions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, or a handful of fresh cilantro. These add bursts of color and fresh flavor that complement the rich, spicy taste of the bang bang sauce perfectly.
Side Dishes
These sliders pair beautifully with crisp, simple sides like sweet potato fries, a crunchy Asian slaw, or pickled vegetables to cut through the richness. A light cucumber salad with rice vinegar can also offer a refreshing counterbalance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe on mini lettuce wraps instead of slider buns for a low-carb option. Alternatively, arrange a slider platter with toothpicks and small dipping bowls of extra bang bang sauce for a party-style appetizer everyone can dig into.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover sliders keep best when the chicken and sauce are stored separately to maintain that crisp texture. Place the chicken cutlets in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days, while keeping the buns and sauce stored separately in the fridge.
Freezing
You can freeze the breaded, cooked chicken cutlets by wrapping them tightly in foil and placing in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For crispiness, reheat the chicken cutlets in the oven at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes rather than the microwave. This will bring back the crunch while keeping the inside juicy. Warm the buns separately and add fresh bang bang sauce just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer extra juiciness and rich flavor. Just make sure they are pounded thin to cook evenly, similar to chicken breasts used in this Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe.
How spicy is the bang bang sauce?
The sauce offers a balanced heat that can be adjusted by the amount of hot sauce you add. If you prefer mild heat, reduce the hot sauce, or ramp it up if you love a spicy kick.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes! Baking is a healthier alternative. Bake the breaded chicken cutlets at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway until crispy and cooked through, though frying gives the crispiest texture for this recipe.
What’s the best way to keep breading from falling off?
Make sure to press the panko bread crumbs firmly onto the wet chicken and avoid shaking off too much flour. Also, frying over medium heat ensures the crust sets quickly and stays intact.
Can I prepare the bang bang sauce in advance?
Definitely! The sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Give it a quick stir before drizzling on your sliders for the freshest taste.
Final Thoughts
If you want a delicious, satisfying slider that’s bursting with flavor and texture, you can’t go wrong with the Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe. It’s simple enough for a weeknight meal yet impressive enough for guests, making it my absolute favorite to share around the table. So grab your ingredients and dive into this crispy, saucy, cheesy delight—you’ll be so glad you did!
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Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe
These Bang Chicken Sliders are crispy, flavorful mini sandwiches featuring thinly sliced chicken breasts coated in a crunchy panko crust, topped with melted mozzarella cheese, and drizzled with spicy and creamy bang bang sauce. Perfect for gatherings or a fun meal, they come together quickly with a delicious combination of textures and bold flavors.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
Ingredients
Chicken and Breading
- 1 1/2 pounds thin sliced chicken breasts
- Kosher salt, fresh black pepper, and garlic powder for seasoning
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups (or more as needed) Panko bread crumbs
- Vegetable or canola oil for frying
- 12 slices mozzarella cheese
- 12 slider rolls
Bang Bang Sauce
- Ingredients for Bang Bang Sauce: (not specified in recipe but typically includes mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Start by seasoning the thinly sliced chicken breasts on both sides with kosher salt, fresh black pepper, and garlic powder to ensure each piece is well flavored.
- Prepare Breading Station: Set up three separate bowls: one with the flour and cornstarch mixed together, another with the buttermilk, hot sauce, and egg whisked together, and a third with the panko bread crumbs ready for coating.
- Bread the Chicken: Dredge each seasoned chicken breast first in the flour mixture, tapping off any excess. Then dip it into the buttermilk and hot sauce mixture, letting excess drip off. Finally, press the chicken into the panko bread crumbs until fully coated. Place breaded chicken on a plate and repeat for all pieces.
- Fry the Chicken: Add a thin layer of vegetable or canola oil to a skillet and heat over medium heat. Once hot, add the breaded chicken cutlets in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Make Bang Bang Sauce: Whisk together the bang bang sauce ingredients in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. (Though the exact sauce ingredients are not specified, typical bang bang sauce includes mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice.)
- Assemble Sliders: Cut the fried chicken cutlets into smaller pieces and place them onto the slider rolls. Top each piece with a slice of mozzarella cheese while the chicken is still warm so it slightly melts. Drizzle generously with bang bang sauce.
- Serve: Serve the sliders immediately while hot and enjoy the combination of crunchy, creamy, and spicy flavors.
Notes
- Make sure the oil is hot before frying to get a crispy crust without absorbing too much oil.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet when frying the chicken to maintain consistent cooking and crispiness.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- For a spicier kick, add extra hot sauce to the buttermilk mixture or bang bang sauce.
- Slider rolls can be lightly toasted for added texture if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
