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These bang bang chicken sliders became my secret weapon for parties after realizing that regular sliders just weren't exciting enough anymore. The combination of crispy, seasoned chicken with that creamy, spicy bang bang sauce creates these addictive little sandwiches that disappear faster than I can make them. I came up with this recipe after my family got obsessed with bang bang shrimp at restaurants, and I thought why not put those same incredible flavors on chicken sliders that everyone can enjoy.
My sister-in-law brought regular sliders to our last family cookout, and they sat there barely touched while these bang bang sliders vanished in about ten minutes. Even my picky nephew, who usually only eats plain chicken, was asking for more of "those spicy little sandwiches." Now they're specifically requested at every gathering.
What You Need
- Thin chicken breasts: Pound them if they're thick so they cook evenly and fit on slider buns
- Perfect breading setup: Flour and cornstarch for crispiness, buttermilk for tenderness, panko for crunch
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and provides a cooling contrast to the spicy sauce
- Slider buns: The perfect size for these handheld treats
- Bang bang sauce ingredients: Usually mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha for that signature flavor
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Making Them Happen
- Prepping the chicken
- Season your chicken cutlets with kosher salt on both sides, then pound them to about half an inch so they cook evenly and fit nicely on the slider buns. The seasoning is important because it's your flavor foundation under all that crispy coating.
- Setting up for success
- Create your breading station with three bowls - flour mixed with cornstarch in the first, buttermilk with hot sauce and egg whisked together in the second, and panko breadcrumbs in the third. This assembly line makes the whole process much smoother and less messy.
- The perfect breading
- Dredge each piece of seasoned chicken first in the flour mixture, tapping off excess, then into the buttermilk mixture, letting the extra drip off, and finally into the panko breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs firmly into the chicken to get really good coverage, this is what creates that amazing crunch.
- Frying to golden perfection
- Heat a thin layer of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the breaded chicken without overcrowding, you'll probably need to work in 2-3 batches. Cook until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side depending on thickness. Transfer to paper towels to drain while you finish the rest.
- Assembly time
- While the chicken is still warm, cut each cutlet into smaller pieces that fit nicely on your slider buns. Place the chicken on the bottom buns, top with a slice of mozzarella cheese while it's hot so it starts melting, then drizzle generously with bang bang sauce and top with the other half of the bun.
I learned that trying to rush the frying process by cramming too much chicken in the pan just results in disappointing, greasy sliders. Now I take my time with smaller batches and get consistently crispy results that make all the difference.
Perfect Serving Ideas
These sliders are great on their own, but they're fantastic with some crispy sweet potato fries or onion rings on the side. A simple coleslaw provides a cool, crunchy contrast to the spicy chicken. For drinks, cold beer or sweet tea work perfectly to balance the heat from the bang bang sauce.
Making Them Different
You can customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of sriracha in your bang bang sauce, or try different cheeses like pepper jack for extra kick. Sometimes I add shredded lettuce or pickles to the sliders for extra crunch and freshness. The chicken also works great as a main dish served over rice with the sauce drizzled on top.
Make-Ahead Strategy
These are perfect for entertaining because you can bread the chicken ahead of time and keep it refrigerated until you're ready to fry. The fried chicken stays warm in a 325°F oven for about an hour, or you can reheat refrigerated chicken the same way. Just make sure to bring your bang bang sauce to room temperature before serving.
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These bang bang chicken sliders have become my go-to party recipe because they deliver restaurant-quality flavors in a fun, shareable format. The combination of crispy chicken, melty cheese, and that addictive bang bang sauce creates something that feels special but isn't actually that complicated to make. They're one of those recipes that makes people think you're a much better cook than you actually are, which is always a nice confidence boost when you're entertaining.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I bake these instead of frying?
- Yes! Bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes on a wire rack over a baking sheet. They won't be quite as crispy but still delicious.
- → What is Bang Bang sauce made of?
- Bang Bang sauce typically combines mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and sometimes honey for a creamy, sweet, and spicy flavor.
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
- You can fry the chicken and keep it warm in a 325°F oven for up to an hour. Assemble the sliders just before serving for best results.
- → What can I substitute for buttermilk?
- Mix 1 cup regular milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes and it works just as well.
- → Can I use different cheese?
- Absolutely! Cheddar, pepper jack, or Swiss all work great. Just use a cheese that melts well for the best texture.