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I still remember the first time I tasted these Bang Bang Chicken Sliders at a friend's backyard BBQ. The combination of crispy chicken with that addictive sweet-spicy sauce had me immediately asking for the recipe. What I love about these sliders is how they transform ordinary chicken into something extraordinary with just a few ingredients. The chicken gets incredibly crunchy from a quick dip in seasoned flour before frying, while the sauce - a magical blend of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey - delivers the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and spicy. They're surprisingly easy to make but always impress guests. I've since made them countless times for everything from casual family dinners to game day parties, and they never fail to disappear within minutes.
Why I love this recipe
I absolutely adore these Bang Bang Chicken Sliders because they bring together everything I love in a perfect handheld bite. The contrast between the crispy chicken exterior and juicy interior is totally satisfying, while the creamy bang bang sauce adds complexity with its sweet heat. What makes this recipe a standout in my collection is its versatility - it works equally well as an appetizer for a fancy gathering or as the main course for a casual dinner. I particularly appreciate how quickly they come together despite tasting like they took hours to prepare. They're also a reliable crowd-pleaser; I've yet to meet someone who doesn't love them. Even picky eaters in my family devour these sliders! Plus, there's something so fun about mini sandwiches - they encourage people to gather around, share food, and enjoy each other's company, which is what cooking is all about for me.
What You Need From Your Kitchen
- Chicken thighs: provides juicy, tender meat that stays moist even after frying
- Buttermilk: tenderizes the chicken and helps the coating adhere
- Sweet chili sauce: adds sweetness and mild heat to the bang bang sauce
- Sriracha: provides the signature spicy kick to the sauce
- Slider buns: soft mini rolls with sesame seeds for the perfect handheld size
- Fresh chives: adds color, freshness and a mild onion flavor
Let's Make These Together
- Prep the chicken
- Cut boneless chicken thighs into 2-inch pieces and soak them in buttermilk. This not only tenderizes the meat but also helps the seasoned flour stick better during the coating process.
- Make the coating
- Combine flour with a flavorful blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt and pepper. This seasoned mixture will create that perfectly spiced, crispy exterior we're looking for.
- Fry to perfection
- Dredge each buttermilk-soaked chicken piece in the seasoned flour, then fry in hot oil until golden brown and crispy. The key is maintaining the oil at 350°F for that perfect crunch without greasiness.
- Create the sauce
- Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey to create the signature bang bang sauce. This creamy, sweet-spicy sauce is what makes these sliders truly special.
- Coat and assemble
- Toss the fried chicken in some of the bang bang sauce, then place on slider buns. Top with more sauce and fresh chopped chives before closing with the top bun.
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Switch Things Up
The first time I made these Bang Bang Chicken Sliders was for a last-minute game day get-together. I was scrambling for something impressive but easy, and these were an absolute hit! I've since experimented with the heat level in the sauce - sometimes adding extra sriracha for spice lovers or toning it down for a more family-friendly version. Once I tried using panko breadcrumbs mixed with the flour for extra crunch, and it was fantastic. For busy weeknights, I've even baked the chicken pieces instead of frying to save time and mess, though nothing beats that deep-fried crispiness for special occasions.
Perfect Pairings
These Bang Bang Chicken Sliders pair wonderfully with fresh, crunchy sides that balance their richness. Try serving them with a tangy Asian slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a rice vinegar dressing. Sweet potato fries make an excellent accompaniment, especially when served with an extra side of bang bang sauce for dipping. For a lighter option, a simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar and sesame oil complements the sliders perfectly. If you're serving these at a party, round out the spread with some edamame, vegetable spring rolls, or a refreshing mango salad to create a complete Asian fusion feast.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
You can prepare the components ahead of time, but for best results, assemble just before serving. The chicken can be fried up to 2 hours ahead and kept warm in a 200°F oven. The sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance. Reheat the chicken in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness before assembling.
- → Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but be aware they may cook faster and can dry out more easily. Cut them into similar-sized pieces and reduce the frying time by about 1 minute per side. For best results, don't skip the buttermilk soak to help keep the breast meat moist.
- → How spicy are these sliders?
As written, these sliders have a medium spice level. The heat comes primarily from the sriracha in the bang bang sauce. You can easily adjust the spice level by changing the amount of sriracha - reduce to 1 tablespoon for milder sliders or increase to 3 tablespoons for extra spicy ones.
- → What can I use instead of buttermilk?
If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes. Alternatively, thinned yogurt or sour cream (3 parts yogurt to 1 part water) will work as well.
- → Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! For a healthier version, preheat your oven to 400°F. After coating the chicken, place pieces on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Spray or brush lightly with oil and bake for 20-25 minutes until crispy and cooked through (165°F internal temperature). The coating won't be quite as crunchy as fried, but still delicious.
Conclusion
These Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are the perfect combination of crispy, spicy, and creamy. The tender chicken gets an irresistible crunch from the seasoned coating, while the signature bang bang sauce adds a sweet heat that makes these sliders absolutely addictive. They're guaranteed to disappear quickly at any gathering, so consider making a double batch if you're feeding a crowd. The beauty is in their simplicity - they're easy to prepare but deliver big flavor in every bite.