Why Make This Recipe
Bang Bang Chicken Sliders offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures that are sure to please everyone at your table. These mini sandwiches are perfect for gatherings, parties, or just a fun family dinner. The crispy fried chicken, paired with a spicy and tangy Bang Bang sauce, creates a mouthwatering experience that is hard to resist.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can customize the sliders to suit your taste. Whether you prefer them mild or extra spicy, you have the freedom to make them just how you like. Plus, they are simple to prepare, making them an excellent choice for beginners in the kitchen.
These sliders are not only tasty but also visually appealing. The mixed colors from the lettuce, red onions, and pickles make the platter look inviting. Serving these sliders at your next event will surely impress your guests. With a combination of crispy chicken and fresh toppings, Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are a dish you will want to make again and again.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
Making Bang Bang Chicken Sliders is a straightforward process, and with a little preparation, you can whip them up in no time. This recipe breaks down every step, from marinating the chicken to serving the sliders. Follow along for a delicious meal that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
To make Bang Bang Chicken Sliders, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 12 mini slider buns
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/2 cup pickles (optional)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Directions
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s dive into the recipe directions.
Marinate the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl, making sure they are well coated. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This step is important because it helps to tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.Make the Bang Bang Sauce
While the chicken is marinating, you can prepare the Bang Bang sauce. In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, lime juice, and garlic powder. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and well blended. Set this sauce aside as you will use it later.Dredge and Fry the Chicken
Once the chicken has marinated, it’s time to fry it. In a shallow dish, mix together the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs. Take the marinated chicken pieces out of the refrigerator and dredge them in the flour and panko mixture, ensuring each piece is coated evenly.Next, heat vegetable oil in a large skillet until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil. Fry the chicken for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
Assemble the Sliders
It’s time to put the sliders together! First, toast the mini slider buns until they are golden brown. On the bottom half of each bun, spread a generous layer of Bang Bang sauce. Next, place a few pieces of the fried chicken on top, followed by some shredded lettuce, thinly sliced red onion, and pickles if you are using them. Finally, top with the other half of the bun.Serve
Place the assembled Bang Bang Chicken Sliders on a platter and serve them warm. You can even include some extra Bang Bang sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious sliders with family and friends!
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
Serving Bang Bang Chicken Sliders can be done in many ways to make your meal even more enjoyable. Here are some ideas:
Family Style: Place all the sliders on a large platter and let everyone serve themselves. This creates a casual and fun dining experience.
Plate Them Individually: For a more formal setting, you can plate each slider on its own with a small bowl of extra Bang Bang sauce for dipping.
Side Dishes: Consider serving your sliders with sides like fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad. This will enhance your meal and give your guests options.
Garnish: Don’t forget to sprinkle some fresh cilantro on top of the sliders for a burst of color and flavor.
How to Store Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
If you have leftovers from your sliders, it’s essential to store them properly to maintain their freshness and flavor. Here are some tips:
Refrigerate: Place any uneaten sliders in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They should last for about 2-3 days.
Freezing: If you want to store the sliders for a longer period, consider freezing them. Wrap each slider tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for about 1-2 months. When you are ready to eat them, you can defrost them in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating: To enjoy your sliders again, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. This helps keep the buns from becoming too soggy.
Tips to Make Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
Cut Uniform Pieces: For even cooking, make sure to cut the chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces.
Double the Sauce: If you love the Bang Bang sauce, consider making a double batch so you have extra for dipping.
Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount of sriracha or omit it entirely.
Rest Chicken After Frying: Let the fried chicken rest on paper towels for a minute before assembling the sliders. This will help remove excess oil.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lettuce, onions, and other toppings will enhance the flavors of the sliders.
Variations
Feel free to put your twist on these Bang Bang Chicken Sliders. Here are some variations you might consider:
Buffalo Bang Bang Sliders: Replace the Bang Bang sauce with buffalo sauce for a spicier kick.
Veggie Option: Substitute chicken with crispy fried cauliflower for a vegetarian version.
Different Buns: Use different types of buns, like brioche or whole grain, to switch things up.
Add Cheese: Melt some cheese on the chicken before assembling for an extra cheesy treat.
FAQs
1. Can I make the Bang Bang Sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
2. What do I serve with Bang Bang Chicken Sliders?
These sliders go well with sides like fries, potato wedges, or a fresh salad.
3. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest way to check is to use a meat thermometer. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Now, you are all set to create your very own Bang Bang Chicken Sliders! Enjoy the cooking process and the delicious results that follow. Happy cooking!
Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add chicken pieces and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour.
- In a medium bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, lime juice, and garlic powder until smooth.
- Mix together flour and panko breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Dredge marinated chicken pieces in the mixture.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Toast mini slider buns until golden brown. Spread Bang Bang sauce on the bottom half, add fried chicken, shredded lettuce, red onion, and pickles. Top with the other half of the bun.
- Place assembled sliders on a platter and serve warm, with extra Bang Bang sauce on the side for dipping.