These Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are a fun twist on a classic dish! They feature crispy chicken patties topped with a creamy, spicy sauce that gives them a tasty kick.
Everyone loves sliders, right? They’re the perfect size for munching while watching a game or just hanging out with friends! I can’t help but make extra so I can have leftovers. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless breasts are great because they’re easy to work with. You can also use thighs for a juicier bite, or even go for plant-based chicken if you’re looking for a vegetarian option.
Buttermilk: This is crucial for tenderizing the chicken. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by mixing 1 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These add an amazing crunch! However, if you can’t find panko, regular breadcrumbs will work—just keep in mind they might be less crunchy. You can even crush some crackers as a substitute!
Slider Buns: Sweet brioche buns are my favorite for these sliders, but you could also use whole wheat or regular dinner rolls. If you’re looking for a lower-carb option, consider lettuce wraps!
What’s the Best Way to Ensure Crispy Fried Chicken?
The secret to crispy chicken is all in the breading and frying technique. Here are some tips to get it just right:
- Make sure to marinate the chicken long enough. The buttermilk not only adds flavor but also helps to tenderize.
- Double dredging adds extra crunch. After the first breadcrumb coating, a quick dip in buttermilk and then back into the flour mix works wonders.
- Fry in batches! Avoid overcrowding the pan to keep the oil hot, which ensures even, crispy frying.
By following these steps, you’ll have perfectly crispy sliders every time. Enjoy cooking!
Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into slider-sized pieces or strips
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Sliders:
- 8 slider buns (soft and slightly sweet brioche or dinner rolls)
- 1 cup shredded coleslaw mix (cabbage and carrots)
- Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (adjust for spiciness)
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes of prep time and around 20 minutes for cooking. You might want to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes beforehand. Overall, plan for about an hour to make these delicious sliders from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, soak the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (or even up to 2 hours) to help tenderize the meat and flavor it nicely.
2. Prepare the Breading:
In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, panko breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. This blend will give our chicken a deliciously crispy coating.
3. Bread the Chicken:
Take the chicken pieces out of the buttermilk, letting any excess liquid dribble off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure it coats well. For extra crunch, you can dip each piece back in the buttermilk and then re-coat with the flour mixture—this double dredging makes all the difference!
4. Fry the Chicken:
In a skillet or deep pan, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken pieces in batches for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Once done, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off excess oil.
5. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth. Adjust the heat by adding more or less sriracha to fit your taste!
6. Assemble the Sliders:
Slice the slider buns in half. Spread a generous amount of bang bang sauce on the bottom half, add a layer of shredded coleslaw, place a crispy chicken piece on top, drizzle with a bit more bang bang sauce, and sprinkle with fresh cilantro leaves. Finally, put the bun lid on top to complete your slider.
7. Serve Immediately:
Enjoy your Bang Bang Chicken Sliders while they’re fresh and warm! They taste fantastic with any leftover bang bang sauce on the side for dipping.
Enjoy your crispy, creamy, and spicy Bang Bang Chicken Sliders!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to thaw it completely before marinating. The best way to thaw chicken is overnight in the refrigerator, or you can place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for a quicker option.
Can I Make the Bang Bang Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! The bang bang sauce can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This allows the flavors to meld together nicely, and it makes assembly time quicker!
How Do I Store Leftover Sliders?
To store leftovers, keep the chicken and buns separate. Place any remaining chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the buns can be stored in a zip-top bag. When ready to eat, reheat the chicken in the oven or air fryer to maintain crunchiness!
Can I Use Different Buns?
Yes! While brioche buns are delicious, you can also use any soft rolls you prefer, such as whole wheat, potato rolls, or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. Just make sure they are sturdy enough to hold the filling.
