Bang Bang Chicken Sliders – A Flavorful Crowd-Pleaser

If you’re looking for a delicious, fun, and quick meal to serve at your next gathering, these Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are the answer. These crispy, juicy chicken sliders are coated in a mouthwatering, spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce that will have everyone coming back for more. With a perfect balance of crunchy breading and gooey mozzarella cheese, these sliders offer an explosion of flavors in each bite.

Perfect for game days, parties, or just as a weeknight treat, these sliders are sure to be a hit. The crispy chicken is tender and juicy on the inside, while the sauce provides just the right amount of heat and sweetness. These sliders come together in just 20 minutes, making them an easy choice when you want something flavorful without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Serve them with a side of fries, a fresh salad, or even some pickles for the ultimate slider experience. They’re easy to eat, full of flavor, and guaranteed to be the star of the table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy

With just 20 minutes of prep time, these sliders are perfect for when you need a fast yet impressive dish.

2. Crispy and Crunchy

The Panko breading makes the chicken crispy and golden on the outside, while the tender chicken inside provides the perfect contrast.

3. Flavor Explosion

The Bang Bang sauce brings a sweet, spicy, and creamy kick that perfectly complements the crispy chicken, adding a unique flavor profile to the sliders.

4. Customizable Heat

You can easily adjust the level of heat by tweaking the hot sauce in the Bang Bang sauce, making it as spicy as you like.

5. Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a party, serving a family dinner, or enjoying a casual meal, these sliders are sure to be a crowd favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds thin-sliced chicken breasts
• Kosher salt, fresh black pepper, and garlic powder for seasoning
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups (or more as needed) Panko bread crumbs
• Vegetable or canola oil for frying
• 12 slices mozzarella cheese
• 12 slider rolls
• Bang Bang Sauce

Variations

• Spicy Options: Adjust the amount of hot sauce in the Bang Bang sauce to increase or decrease the heat. You can also add a few dashes of cayenne pepper for an extra spicy kick.
• Cheese Alternatives: While mozzarella works perfectly for these sliders, you can swap it with other cheeses like cheddar, pepper jack, or Swiss for different flavor profiles.
• Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with crispy fried cauliflower or plant-based chicken nuggets.
• Bun Alternatives: Swap slider rolls for soft brioche buns or whole wheat slider buns for a slightly healthier option.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Cut them into small pieces or strips to fit the slider rolls.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station

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

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Dip each piece of chicken first into the flour mixture, then into the buttermilk mixture, and finally into the Panko bread crumbs. Ensure each piece is well coated for maximum crunch.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Heat vegetable or canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the breaded chicken pieces in batches and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and drain on paper towels.

Step 5: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together the ingredients for the Bang Bang sauce until smooth and well combined.

Step 6: Assemble the Sliders

Place a slice of mozzarella cheese on each piece of hot chicken. Allow the cheese to melt slightly before placing each chicken piece on a slider roll. Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the chicken and top with the other half of the slider roll.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the sliders immediately while they’re warm and crispy, garnished with extra sauce or some fresh greens if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Double Coat for Extra Crunch: For extra crispy chicken, double dip your chicken pieces—first in the flour mixture, then in the buttermilk, and again in the Panko.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When frying the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches to ensure that the chicken gets crispy and golden.
• Let the Chicken Rest: Allow the fried chicken to rest on paper towels for a minute or two to remove excess oil before assembling the sliders.
• Check Oil Temperature: Make sure the oil is at the right temperature before frying. Too hot and the chicken will burn; too cold and the chicken will be greasy.

How to Serve

Serve the Bang Bang Chicken Sliders on a platter with a side of crispy fries, a fresh cucumber salad, or some tangy coleslaw. For extra heat, offer more hot sauce on the side, or pair them with a cool drink like iced tea or lemonade.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover sliders, store the chicken separately from the buns and sauce to maintain the crispiness. Place the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat the chicken in a hot oven or air fryer to restore its crunchiness.

Freezing

You can freeze the breaded chicken pieces before frying. Place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry them directly from frozen when ready to serve.

Reheating

To reheat leftover sliders, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Add the cheese and sauce after reheating to keep the cheese from becoming too melted.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can bake the breaded chicken at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until crispy, flipping halfway through.

2. Can I make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the Bang Bang sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a week.

3. How can I make the sauce spicier?

Add more hot sauce or include a pinch of cayenne pepper to increase the heat.

4. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute mozzarella with other cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack for different flavors.

5. How do I prevent the breading from falling off during frying?

Ensure the chicken is thoroughly coated in each layer of the breading mixture and don’t overcrowd the pan while frying.

6. Can I make this recipe without buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding a tablespoon of vinegar to a cup of milk and letting it sit for a few minutes.

7. How can I make the sliders more filling?

Add a few slices of tomato, lettuce, or pickles to the sliders for extra crunch and flavor.

8. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs can be used in place of breasts. Just adjust the cooking time as they may take a bit longer to cook through.

9. How do I store the leftover sliders?

Store the chicken and buns separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days.

10. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While the chicken is best served fresh, you can bread the chicken and make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time. Simply fry the chicken right before serving.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are the perfect combination of crispy, savory, and spicy goodness. Whether you’re serving them at a party, for a quick dinner, or as a fun snack, these sliders will quickly become a favorite. With their crunch, flavor-packed sauce, and customizable toppings, they’re sure to impress every time!

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