Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

After a long week of juggling work and school runs, Friday nights in our house are sacred. They’re all about unwinding, ditching the formalities, and diving headfirst into delicious, no-fuss food. Recently, we stumbled upon a recipe that has completely revolutionized our Friday night feasts: Bang Bang Chicken Sliders. Let me tell you, these aren’t just sliders; they are an explosion of flavor in every bite! The crispy, perfectly seasoned chicken, drenched in that signature creamy, spicy “bang bang” sauce, nestled in soft slider buns – it’s pure culinary magic. Even my picky eaters, who usually eye anything remotely spicy with suspicion, devoured these with gusto, declaring them a new family favorite. The best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a relaxed weekend meal or even a crowd-pleasing appetizer. If you’re looking to add a little zing and excitement to your next meal, you absolutely must try these Bang Bang Chicken Sliders. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

Ingredients: Your Bang Bang Slider Arsenal

To create these flavor-packed Bang Bang Chicken Sliders, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need for both the chicken and the delectable bang bang sauce:

• Chicken Breasts: 1.5 lbs, boneless and skinless. This is the star of the show, providing the protein and satisfying bite. Cut into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes, for even cooking and slider-friendliness.
• Buttermilk: 1 cup. This is crucial for tenderizing the chicken and creating a perfect base for the breading to adhere to. It also adds a subtle tang that complements the flavors.
• All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup. The foundation of our crispy coating, providing structure and a golden-brown crust when fried.
• Cornstarch: ½ cup. This secret ingredient is what makes the chicken extra crispy and light. It helps absorb moisture and create a delicate crunch.
• Paprika: 1 tablespoon. Adds a smoky sweetness and beautiful color to the breading and chicken.
• Garlic Powder: 1 tablespoon. For that savory, aromatic garlic punch that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Onion Powder: 1 tablespoon. Another layer of savory depth, adding a subtle oniony sweetness.
• Salt: 2 teaspoons, or to taste. Essential for seasoning both the chicken and the breading, bringing out all the flavors.
• Black Pepper: 1 teaspoon, or to taste. Adds a touch of spice and complexity to the chicken and breading.
• Vegetable Oil: For frying. You’ll need enough to deep fry the chicken pieces, about 3-4 inches deep in your pan. Canola or peanut oil also work well.

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• Mayonnaise: 1 cup. The creamy base of our signature sauce, providing richness and body. Full-fat mayonnaise is recommended for the best flavor and texture.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: ½ cup. This is the “bang” in Bang Bang! It brings sweetness, a touch of heat, and a complex flavor that’s essential to the sauce. Look for a good quality sweet chili sauce for the best results.
• Sriracha: 2-3 tablespoons, or to taste. For that extra kick and spicy edge. Adjust the amount to your spice preference – start with 2 tablespoons and add more if you like it hotter.
• Rice Vinegar: 1 tablespoon. Adds a touch of acidity and brightness, balancing the sweetness and richness of the sauce.
• Honey: 1 tablespoon. A touch of sweetness to further enhance the flavor profile and balance the spice.

For the Sliders:

• Slider Buns: 12-16. Soft and slightly sweet slider buns are the perfect vessel for our bang bang chicken. Hawaiian rolls or brioche slider buns work wonderfully.
• Optional Garnishes: Sesame seeds, chopped green onions, shredded lettuce, coleslaw, or pickled onions. These are for adding extra flavor, texture, and visual appeal.

Instructions: Crafting Your Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Follow these step-by-step instructions to create perfectly crispy and flavorful Bang Bang Chicken Sliders:

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, place the cubed chicken pieces and pour the buttermilk over them. Ensure all the chicken is submerged. Buttermilk not only tenderizes the chicken, making it incredibly juicy, but also helps the breading adhere beautifully. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for even more tender chicken. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful and tender it becomes.
2. Prepare the Breading: While the chicken is marinating, prepare the breading station. In a shallow dish, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. The cornstarch is key to achieving that signature crispy texture, while the spices infuse the chicken with a wonderful savory flavor. Ensure all the dry ingredients are well combined for even distribution of flavor.
3. Bread the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting any excess buttermilk drip off. Do not pat the chicken dry, as a little moisture helps the breading stick. Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated on all sides. Press gently to help the breading adhere. Shake off any excess flour. This ensures a light and even coating, preventing clumping and promoting even cooking.
4. Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. You’ll want enough oil to fully submerge the chicken pieces, about 3-4 inches deep. Heat the oil until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can check the temperature with a thermometer or by dropping a small piece of breading into the oil – it should sizzle immediately and turn golden brown in about a minute. Carefully add the breaded chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken. Fry for 4-5 minutes per batch, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
5. Drain the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oil using a slotted spoon and place it on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. A wire rack allows air to circulate around the chicken, keeping it crispy. Paper towels will absorb any excess oil, ensuring your sliders aren’t greasy.
6. Make the Bang Bang Sauce: While the chicken is draining, prepare the bang bang sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and honey until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the sriracha to your preferred level of spice. This sauce is the heart of the dish, so make sure it’s perfectly balanced to your liking.
7. Coat the Chicken: Add the fried chicken pieces to the bowl with the bang bang sauce. Toss gently to coat each piece evenly with the sauce. Ensure every piece is generously covered in the luscious sauce, maximizing the flavor in every bite.
8. Assemble the Sliders: Lightly toast the slider buns if desired. This adds a nice texture and warmth. Place a generous portion of bang bang chicken on the bottom bun. Add any desired garnishes, such as sesame seeds, chopped green onions, shredded lettuce, coleslaw, or pickled onions. Top with the other half of the slider bun.
9. Serve and Enjoy: Serve your Bang Bang Chicken Sliders immediately while they are warm and crispy. They are best enjoyed fresh, when the chicken is at its crispiest and the sauce is still vibrant.

Nutrition Facts: A Bite-Sized Indulgence

(Per Slider, approximate values, may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes)

• Serving Size: 1 Slider
• Calories: Approximately 350-400 kcal
• Protein: 15-20g

Please note: These are estimated values and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes. For more accurate nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use.

Preparation Time: Quick and Flavorful

The total preparation time for Bang Bang Chicken Sliders is approximately 45-60 minutes, including marinating time.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (chopping chicken, making breading and sauce)
• Marinating Time: 30 minutes (can be done while prepping other components)
• Cook Time: 15 minutes (frying chicken in batches)

This recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal or a weekend gathering, offering a delicious and relatively quick culinary experience. The marinating time is mostly hands-off, allowing you to prepare other parts of your meal or simply relax while the flavors develop.

How to Serve: Slider Presentation Perfection

Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways. Here are some ideas to elevate your slider experience:

• Classic Slider Style:
  • Serve them warm, piled high on a platter for easy grabbing.
  • Arrange them on a tiered serving stand for a visually appealing presentation, especially for parties.
  • Use slider baskets or mini plates for individual servings at casual gatherings.
• Accompaniments and Sides:
  • Fries or Onion Rings: Classic slider partners! Crispy fries or onion rings complement the saucy sliders perfectly.
  • Coleslaw: A refreshing and crunchy coleslaw adds a cool contrast to the spicy chicken.
  • Sweet Potato Fries: For a slightly healthier and sweeter side, sweet potato fries are a delicious option.
  • Side Salad: A light and fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing balances the richness of the sliders.
  • Pickles: Dill pickles or pickled onions offer a tangy and acidic counterpoint to the creamy sauce.
• Garnish Options for Extra Flair:
  • Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for a nutty flavor and visual appeal.
  • Chopped Green Onions: Adds a fresh, mild oniony flavor and a pop of color.
  • Shredded Lettuce: Provides a cool and crisp texture inside the slider.
  • Pickled Red Onions: Adds a tangy and slightly sweet crunch.
  • Cilantro: Fresh cilantro offers a bright, citrusy note that complements the sauce.
• Occasions to Serve:
  • Game Day Appetizer: Perfect for watching sports with friends and family.
  • Party Food: Crowd-pleasing and easy to eat at parties and gatherings.
  • Weeknight Dinner: Quick, fun, and satisfying for a casual weeknight meal.
  • BBQ Side Dish: A unique and flavorful addition to your BBQ spread.
  • Potluck Contribution: Portable and always a hit at potlucks.

Additional Tips for Bang Bang Slider Success

Here are eight essential tips to ensure your Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are absolutely perfect every time:

1. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When frying the chicken, work in batches and avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature, resulting in soggy, undercooked chicken. Fry in smaller batches for crispy, evenly cooked chicken.
2. Maintain Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature and keep it consistently around 350°F (175°C). If the oil gets too hot, the chicken will brown too quickly on the outside and may be raw inside. If it’s too cool, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
3. Toast the Buns: Lightly toasting the slider buns adds a wonderful textural contrast and prevents them from getting soggy from the sauce. You can toast them in a toaster oven, on a grill pan, or even in a dry skillet.
4. Adjust Spice Level: Bang Bang sauce is meant to have a kick, but you can easily adjust the spice level to your preference. Start with less sriracha and taste as you go, adding more until you reach your desired level of heat. You can also use a milder chili sauce if you prefer less spice.
5. Make Sauce Ahead: The bang bang sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This is a great time-saver if you’re preparing for a party. Just give it a good whisk before using.
6. Crispy Chicken Secret: Cornstarch is your best friend for extra crispy chicken. Don’t skip it in the breading mixture. It helps create a light and incredibly crunchy coating that stays crisp even after being tossed in the sauce.
7. Don’t Sauce Too Early: For optimal crispiness, toss the fried chicken in the bang bang sauce just before assembling the sliders and serving. If you sauce it too far in advance, the chicken may lose some of its crispness.
8. Garnish for Flavor and Visual Appeal: Don’t underestimate the power of garnishes. Sesame seeds, green onions, and other toppings not only add visual appeal but also contribute layers of flavor and texture that elevate the sliders to the next level. Experiment with different garnishes to find your favorites!

FAQ: Your Bang Bang Slider Questions Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Bang Bang Chicken Sliders, to help you troubleshoot and perfect your recipe:

Q1: Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
A: While frying yields the crispiest results, you can bake the chicken for a healthier option. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place breaded chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through and golden brown. The texture will be less crispy than fried chicken, but still delicious.

Q2: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used as a substitute. They are generally more flavorful and stay moist during cooking. Cut them into bite-sized pieces and follow the recipe instructions as written.

Q3: Can I make Bang Bang Chicken Sliders ahead of time?
A: For the best results, it’s recommended to fry the chicken and make the sauce fresh. You can prepare the sauce ahead of time (up to 3 days) and marinate the chicken up to 2 hours in advance. Fry the chicken just before serving and assemble the sliders right before you plan to eat them to maintain maximum crispiness.

Q4: What if I don’t have buttermilk?
A: You can make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Stir and let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken slightly before using.

Q5: Can I make the sauce spicier or milder?
A: Absolutely! Adjust the amount of sriracha to control the spice level. For a milder sauce, use less sriracha or omit it entirely and rely on the spice from the sweet chili sauce. For a spicier sauce, add more sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Q6: What are good substitutions for sweet chili sauce?
A: While sweet chili sauce is key to the bang bang flavor, you can try using a combination of chili garlic sauce and a touch of honey or brown sugar for a similar sweet and spicy profile.

Q7: Can I use an air fryer to cook the chicken?
A: Yes, air frying is a great way to get crispy chicken with less oil. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place breaded chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket (you may need to cook in batches). Air fry for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.

Q8: What other toppings can I add to my sliders?
A: Get creative! Consider adding avocado slices, crumbled blue cheese, bacon bits, pickled jalapeños for extra heat, or even a drizzle of ranch dressing for added creaminess. The possibilities are endless!

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