If you’re looking for an easy and delicious way to spice up your next get-together, bang bang chicken sliders are a fantastic option! These little sandwiches pack a punch with crispy chicken, gooey mozzarella, and a zesty sauce you’ll want to drizzle on everything.
This recipe tackles challenges of achieving a crispy chicken coating, maintaining juicy meat, creating a flavorful sauce, and quick preparation suitable for busy days.
I’ll admit, I’ve had my share of cooking hiccups, like when I forgot to marinate the chicken one time. But this recipe has fixed a lot of my kitchen mishaps, ensuring juicy chicken and a bold flavor that shines through. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or surprise visitors, this recipe brings everyone together for a fun, tasty meal.
This easy recipe is ready in just 20 minutes, making it a winning choice when time’s tight. The crispy texture and rich flavors come together beautifully, so you won’t regret adding it to your dinner lineup.
If you’re craving something else quick and satisfying, check out my recipe for chicken tenders, perfect for all occasions!
Table of contents
Dietary Considerations
- This recipe is not gluten-free due to the use of panko breadcrumbs in the chicken coating process.
- The recipe contains egg and chicken, so it is unsuitable for vegan diets.
- This recipe does not meet vegetarian diets because of the inclusion of chicken breasts as a main ingredient.
- Not suitable for keto or low-carb diets because of panko breadcrumbs and slider buns containing carbohydrates.
- The recipe is nut-free and dairy-free since it does not include any nuts or dairy-based ingredients.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Mouthwatering Texture The crispy coating on the chicken sliders gives each bite an amazing crunch that pairs beautifully with the creamy mozzarella. It’s a satisfying contrast that you’ll crave again and again.
- Flavorful Sauce The Bang Bang sauce adds an exciting kick without being overwhelmingly spicy. Its sweet and zesty profile transforms the simple ingredients into something that feels special.
- Easy Preparation With just 20 minutes from start to finish, these sliders fit right into busy days or spontaneous gatherings. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive for friends.
- Make-Ahead Friendly You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, making it easy to throw together burgers when you’re ready to eat. It’ll save you time without sacrificing flavor.
How To Make Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cool Time: N/A
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Category: appetizer
- Method: frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: halal
Description
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Sliders with a spicy-sweet sauce, perfect for parties and quick meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 pounds (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (30 g) cornstarch
- 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) hot sauce
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups (100 g or more as needed) plain panko bread crumbs
- Vegetable oil or canola oil, for frying (amount sufficient to coat skillet)
- 12 slices mozzarella cheese
- 12 slider rolls
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Fresh black pepper, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Generously sprinkle kosher salt, fresh black pepper, and garlic powder on both sides of the chicken breasts. This step enhances flavor and is essential before breading.
- Step 2: Arrange three bowls for the breading process:
- Step 3: Mix the flour and cornstarch together in the first bowl.
- Step 4: In the second bowl, whisk together buttermilk, hot sauce, and the large egg.
- Step 5: Place panko bread crumbs in the third bowl.
- Step 6: Take each seasoned chicken breast and first dredge it into the flour and cornstarch mixture, tapping off any excess. Then dip into the buttermilk, hot sauce, and egg mixture. Finally, coat thoroughly with panko bread crumbs, pressing lightly so crumbs adhere well. Shake off any excess crumbs before frying to prevent sogginess.
- Step 7: Add a thin layer of vegetable or canola oil to a skillet and heat over medium heat. The oil should shimmer but not smoke. To test readiness, drop a small piece of bread into the oil—it should sizzle immediately. Proper oil temperature helps prevent greasy chicken and ensures crispiness.
- Step 8: Carefully place breaded chicken pieces in the hot oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Flip only once to keep the breading intact. The golden surface indicates caramelization which locks in flavor. Total cooking time should be about 6 minutes. If oil splatters excessively, reduce heat to medium-low.
- Step 9: Whisk together all sauce ingredients in a small bowl, adjusting heat level as desired. Allow the sauce to rest so the flavors meld and develop a balanced, vibrant, and zesty taste. (For a thicker version, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise with 2-3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce, tasting and adjusting spiciness.)
- Step 10: Cut cooked chicken breasts into portions sized to fit slider rolls. On each slider roll bottom half, place a slice of mozzarella cheese, then a piece of chicken. Drizzle with Bang Bang sauce, and top with coleslaw or green onions (optional for texture and freshness). Finally, cover with the top half of the slider roll. The balanced layering helps presentation and eating ease.
Notes
- Room Temperature: Store sliders in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This helps retain crispiness and flavor.
- Refrigeration: Allow sliders to cool completely, place in an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap sliders individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- If chicken is not crispy, verify oil temperature. Ideal frying temperature is 350°F (175°C). Oil that is too cool leads to soggy coating.
- Ensure chicken is dry before breading; excess moisture prevents breadcrumb adhesion.
- For browning, flip chicken only once to avoid disturbing the coating and losing crispness.
- If sliders fall apart, ensure chicken pieces are cut to the size of the slider rolls for stability.
- When oil splatters during frying, reduce heat to medium-low to avoid burning while ensuring even cooking.
- Reheat sliders in a skillet over medium heat or in an oven at 350°F (175°C) to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving which softens the coating.
- Serve sliders with crispy sweet potato fries or a fresh cucumber salad for contrast.
- A side of coleslaw complements the sliders’ textures and flavors well.
- Use leftover chicken in sandwich wraps, quesadillas, or rice bowls.
- Additional toppings: drizzle with more Bang Bang sauce, sriracha aioli, or add pickled jalapeños for extra heat.
- For a thicker Bang Bang sauce, mix 1/2 cup mayonnaise with 2-3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce; adjust heat accordingly.
- Gluten-free option: substitute all-purpose flour and panko with gluten-free alternatives maintaining same measurements.
- Low-carb modification: substitute panko breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour.
- Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for uniform cooking and ease of breading.
- Use plain panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crispier coating than regular breadcrumbs.
- Vegetable or canola oil is preferred for frying due to high smoke point, ensuring proper crispiness without burning.
- Opt for soft slider rolls that hold ingredients without overpowering the chicken flavor; Hawaiian rolls are a popular choice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Ingredient Notes
- Chicken breasts: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy handling and even cooking. They soak up the bang bang sauce beautifully for a juicy slider.
- Bang bang sauce: Look for a high-quality sauce with a balance of heat and sweetness. This makes all the difference in flavor; homemade works too!
- Slider buns: Opt for soft, light slider buns to hold up the chicken without overpowering it. Sweet Hawaiian rolls are a crowd favorite but any soft variety will work.
- Green onions: Use fresh green onions for a bright, crunchy topping. They add a nice freshness that balances the richness of the chicken and sauce.
- Coleslaw mix: A pre-packaged slaw mix saves time and adds texture. Go for a mix with cabbage and carrots for extra crunch without the hassle.
- Vegetable oil: A good-quality vegetable oil is great for frying. It has a high smoke point, making sure the chicken gets crispy without burning.
- Egg: One large egg helps bind the coating to the chicken. A room-temperature egg works best to ensure a smooth batter.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Choose plain panko for a crispy texture. They provide a lighter crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs, elevating your sliders.
Recipe Tips
- If chicken isn’t crispy, adjust oil temperature to 350°F for frying; too low leads to sogginess.
- For a thicker Bang Bang sauce, mix 1/2 cup mayonnaise with 2-3 tablespoons of sweet chili sauce; taste and adjust heat if needed.
- When breading, ensure chicken is dry before dredging; excess moisture prevents the coating from adhering well.
- If sliders are falling apart, slice the chicken cutlets to match the size of the slider rolls for stability during assembly.
- When oil splatters, reduce heat to medium-low; this prevents burning while ensuring chicken cooks evenly in about 6 minutes total.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with crispy sweet potato fries or a fresh cucumber salad. A side of coleslaw also works well to complement the sliders.
Use to make chicken sandwich wraps or layered in a quesadilla. Add to a rice bowl for a satisfying meal option.
Top with additional Bang Bang sauce or a drizzle of sriracha aioli. Add pickled jalapeños for an extra kick.
Recipe variations
- You can use ground chicken as an alternative main ingredient for bang bang chicken sliders. Season with 1 teaspoon garlic powder and ½ teaspoon black pepper for balanced flavor.
- Add smoked paprika and 1 tablespoon honey to the bang bang sauce for a sweet-smoky twist. Either homemade or store-bought sauce works well depending on your preference.
- You can use gluten-free panko or crushed cornflakes instead of regular panko breadcrumbs to keep the coating crispy. Either option needs about 2 cups for breading.
- Either double or halve this recipe if serving more or fewer guests. If using less chicken, adjust sauce amounts accordingly for 6 or 24 sliders. For breading, use ham and cheese sliders as a similar portion guide.
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How to Store?
To keep your bang bang chicken sliders fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
Room Temperature: Store bang bang chicken sliders in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 days to retain crispiness and flavor.
Refrigeration: Place sliders in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days, ensuring they are cooled before sealing.
Freezing: Wrap sliders individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
- Honey Garlic Chicken Breast
- Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
- Teriyaki Fried Chicken Leg Quarters
- Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs
If you enjoyed this Bang Bang Chicken Sliders or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I appreciate taking time to read about this recipe, thank you!
