Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe

If you’re craving a fun, flavorful twist on classic sliders, look no further than these Bang Bang Chicken Sliders. With crispy, golden chicken coated in a crunchy Panko breadcrumb crust and topped with melty mozzarella cheese, these sliders are a perfect blend of textures and flavors. The real magic happens when you add the creamy, spicy Bang Bang Sauce – a rich combination of mayo, hot sauce, and sweet chili sauce that packs a punch. Whether you’re hosting a party or craving a quick dinner, these sliders are sure to impress. Quick to make and packed with bold flavor, these sliders are a great choice for satisfying your hunger or impressing guests with minimal effort. Ready in just 20 minutes, they offer the perfect bite-sized comfort food for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy

In just 20 minutes, you can prepare a crowd-pleasing meal or appetizer that everyone will love. Perfect for when you’re short on time but craving something flavorful.

2. Crispy, Crunchy Chicken

The combination of buttermilk, cornstarch, and Panko breadcrumbs creates a crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken inside.

3. Delicious Bang Bang Sauce

The creamy, spicy Bang Bang Sauce adds the perfect balance of heat and sweetness to each slider, making them irresistible.

4. Customizable

Add your favorite toppings like lettuce, pickles, or tomatoes, or adjust the heat level of the Bang Bang Sauce to suit your taste.

5. Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re making these for a game day party, a casual dinner, or a fun snack, these sliders are a great option. They’re sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.

Ingredients

• Thin sliced chicken breasts (1 ½ pounds)
• Kosher salt, fresh black pepper, and garlic powder (for seasoning)
• Flour (½ cup)
• Cornstarch (¼ cup)
• Buttermilk (1 cup)
• Hot sauce (1 tablespoon)
• Large egg (1)
• Panko breadcrumbs (2 cups, or more as needed)
• Vegetable or canola oil (for frying)
• Mozzarella cheese (12 slices)
• Slider rolls (12)
• Bang Bang Sauce

Variations

• Add Vegetables: You can add some fresh lettuce, tomato, or pickles to each slider to add freshness and balance out the richness of the fried chicken.
• Different Cheese: While mozzarella is perfect for these sliders, you can switch it up with cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor profile.
• Spicy Heat: If you like your sliders spicier, increase the amount of hot sauce in the Bang Bang Sauce or add sliced jalapeños on top of the chicken.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Season and Prep the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder on both sides.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

In a shallow bowl, combine the flour and cornstarch. In another shallow bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, hot sauce, and egg. In a third bowl, add the Panko breadcrumbs.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Dredge each chicken breast first in the flour and cornstarch mixture, then dip it into the buttermilk mixture, and finally coat it in the Panko breadcrumbs. Make sure the chicken is fully coated in breadcrumbs for maximum crunch.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat vegetable or canola oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken breasts to the pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Assemble the Sliders

Slice each cooked chicken breast into smaller pieces to fit the slider rolls. Place a slice of mozzarella cheese on top of each piece of chicken and let it melt. Then, place the cheesy chicken onto the bottom half of each slider roll.

Step 6: Add the Bang Bang Sauce

Generously drizzle Bang Bang Sauce over the chicken. Top with the other half of the slider roll and serve immediately.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry the chicken in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause the chicken to cook unevenly.
• Ensure the oil is hot enough: Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken to achieve that crispy exterior. You can test by dropping a small breadcrumb into the oil; it should sizzle immediately.
• Let the cheese melt: After frying the chicken, place the mozzarella cheese on top of the hot chicken to allow it to melt perfectly.

How to Serve

These Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are perfect on their own or served with a side of crispy fries, sweet potato fries, or a fresh coleslaw. They also pair wonderfully with a light salad or some pickles for extra crunch and tang.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store the fried chicken, sauce, and buns separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the chicken in a skillet to retain its crispiness.

Freezing

You can freeze the fried chicken before assembling the sliders. Place the cooled fried chicken on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat by baking in the oven until crispy.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken in a hot skillet or oven to maintain its crispy texture. Add the Bang Bang Sauce just before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work just as well and can add a bit more flavor and moisture to the sliders.

2. Can I make these sliders spicy?

Yes, you can adjust the heat level by adding more hot sauce or a dash of cayenne pepper to the Bang Bang Sauce.

3. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While mozzarella is a great choice, you can also use cheddar, Swiss, or even pepper jack for an added kick.

4. Can I make the Bang Bang Sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the Bang Bang Sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

5. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Yes, you can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and crispy.

6. Can I use gluten-free bread crumbs?

Yes, you can use gluten-free Panko breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.

7. How do I know when the chicken is cooked?

The chicken should have an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.

8. Can I serve these sliders with a different sauce?

Absolutely! If you prefer, you can swap the Bang Bang Sauce for a sweet chili sauce or spicy mayo for a different flavor.

9. How do I keep the chicken crispy?

If you’re making the sliders ahead of time, you can place the fried chicken on a wire rack in the oven to keep it crispy as it cools.

10. Can I use regular rolls instead of slider rolls?

Yes, you can use regular sandwich rolls or buns instead of slider rolls if you prefer a larger serving size.

Conclusion

These Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are a crowd-pleasing, flavor-packed treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With crispy chicken, melty mozzarella, and the irresistible Bang Bang Sauce, these sliders offer a perfect balance of heat, crunch, and creaminess. Whether you’re making them for a party, a casual meal, or a fun family dinner, they are sure to be a hit. Quick, easy, and delicious, these sliders are bound to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

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