Easy Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

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The Ultimate Guide to Making Flavor-Packed Bang Bang Chicken Sliders at Home

Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are a bold, crave-worthy fusion of crispy chicken, sweet and spicy bang bang sauce, and soft slider buns. Perfect for game day, gatherings, or a weeknight treat, these sliders deliver flavor in every bite. With a crispy coating, tender chicken, and creamy sauce, they strike the perfect balance of texture and taste. This article will guide you through every detail of making these sliders — from scratch — including homemade sauce, expert cooking tips, and serving ideas.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and crowd-pleasing

  • Creamy, spicy, and sweet bang bang sauce

  • Versatile for sliders, wraps, or salads

  • Crispy chicken, fluffy buns, fresh toppings

  • Great for parties, lunch, or appetizers

Ingredients (US Cup Measurements)

For the Chicken:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into slider-size pieces)

  • 1 cup buttermilk

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp onion powder

  • 1 tsp paprika

  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

For the Breading:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • 1 cup cornstarch

  • 1 tsp baking powder

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

  • ½ cup mayonnaise

  • ¼ cup sweet chili sauce

  • 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)

  • 1 tsp honey

  • ½ tsp lime juice

For Assembly:

  • 12 slider buns

  • 1½ cups shredded lettuce (or coleslaw mix)

  • ½ cup thinly sliced cucumbers (optional)

  • ¼ cup sliced green onions (optional)

  • Pickles (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

  1. Slice the chicken into pieces small enough to fit slider buns.

  2. In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.

  3. Add chicken pieces to the bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for maximum flavor).

Step 2: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

  1. In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice.

  2. Taste and adjust heat or sweetness as needed.

  3. Refrigerate until ready to use — this helps the flavors meld.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

  1. In another bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

  2. Remove chicken from marinade, let excess drip off.

  3. Coat chicken thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

  1. Heat about 2 inches of oil in a heavy pan or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).

  2. Fry chicken in batches, turning halfway, for 4–5 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

  3. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.

Step 5: Toast the Buns

  1. Slice buns and lightly toast them in a skillet or oven until golden.

Step 6: Assemble the Sliders

  1. Spread bang bang sauce on both bun halves.

  2. Add shredded lettuce or slaw to the bottom bun.

  3. Top with one piece of crispy chicken.

  4. Drizzle more bang bang sauce.

  5. Add optional toppings: cucumbers, green onions, or pickles.

  6. Top with the other bun half and secure with a toothpick if needed.

Prep Time & Nutrition

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes

  • Cook Time: 20 minutes

  • Total Time: 45 minutes

  • Calories per Slider: ~290 kcal

(Note: calories may vary based on sauce and fry oil retention)

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with crispy fries, sweet potato wedges, or onion rings.

  • Serve with a simple cucumber salad for balance.

  • Great as an appetizer platter or party finger food.

Customization Ideas

Make it Spicier:
Add extra sriracha or a pinch of cayenne to the sauce.

Make it Healthier:
Air-fry or bake the chicken at 400°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.

Low-Carb Option:
Serve the crispy chicken and sauce in lettuce cups instead of buns.

Sauce Swap:
Try it with chipotle mayo, buffalo ranch, or honey mustard for a twist.

Storage & Reheating

  • Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

  • Reheat in an air fryer or oven at 375°F for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness.

  • Avoid microwaving — it makes the coating soggy.

Pro Tips for the Best Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

  • Double dredge: For extra crispy chicken, dip the floured chicken back into the buttermilk and flour again.

  • Hot oil is key: Keep the oil at 350°F for even cooking and no greasy coating.

  • Drain properly: Always drain fried chicken on a wire rack — it stays crisp longer.

  • Don’t skimp on the sauce: That’s where the flavor magic happens.

  • Serve fresh: These sliders are best enjoyed right after assembling to keep the chicken crispy.

Make-Ahead & Party Prep Tips

Hosting a party or prepping ahead? Here’s how:

  1. Marinate Ahead: Marinate chicken the night before.

  2. Pre-make Sauce: The sauce stores well in the fridge for 3–5 days.

  3. Pre-bread Chicken: Coat chicken and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before frying.

  4. Reheat like a pro: Use an air fryer or oven, not the microwave.

  5. Set up an assembly station: Let guests build their own sliders for fun and freshness.

Flavor Variations to Explore

Want to try different takes on this slider?

Asian-Inspired Sliders:

  • Add pickled carrots and cucumbers.

  • Use gochujang in the sauce instead of sriracha.

Southern Style:

  • Use buttermilk coleslaw and spicy honey butter sauce.

Buffalo Bang Sliders:

  • Add a splash of buffalo sauce to the bang bang mix and top with blue cheese.

BBQ Twist:

  • Add smoky BBQ sauce and caramelized onions.

Final Thoughts

Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are the kind of dish that makes people stop and say, “Wow, what’s in this?” They’re crispy, juicy, sweet, spicy, creamy, and absolutely addictive. Whether you’re cooking for a party or treating yourself to a midweek flavor explosion, this recipe delivers every single time.

Want to make a lasting impression with just a few bites? These sliders are the perfect way to do it.

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