These Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are little bites of joy! Tender chicken coated in a spicy and creamy sauce, all tucked into soft, fluffy buns.
Perfect for game days or casual get-togethers, they’re easy to make and so tasty. I often whip these up for family nights, and they disappear faster than I can say “bang bang!” 😂
What I love most is how simple they are to prepare! Just cook the chicken, mix the sauce, and assemble. Super fun and delicious for everyone!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Chicken tenders are fantastic for these sliders since they fry up quickly and stay juicy. If you prefer, boneless chicken breast strips are a great swap. For a lighter option, you can also bake the chicken instead of frying.
Buttermilk: This is key for tenderizing the chicken. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 10 minutes. It’ll work just fine!
Flour: All-purpose flour gives a nice crunch. For gluten-free sliders, use a gluten-free flour blend. I’ve also tried using cornstarch for extra crispiness, and it works wonderfully.
Bang Bang Sauce: If you’re looking to cut back on calories, Greek yogurt can replace mayonnaise for a lighter sauce. You can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less sriracha according to your taste buds!
Slaw: Don’t hesitate to mix up the veggies! Add sliced bell peppers or radishes for extra crunch and color. If you want a healthier slaw, you can use plain yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Perfectly Fried?
Frying chicken can seem tricky, but here’s how to nail it! To get that golden, crispy texture, follow these simple steps:
- Soaking the chicken in buttermilk helps break down proteins and keeps it juicy.
- Heat the oil properly to around 350°F (175°C). If it’s too hot, the outside will burn while the inside stays raw. If it’s too cool, the chicken will absorb more oil and be greasy.
- Fry the chicken in batches to avoid crowding the pan. This helps maintain the oil temperature and ensures even cooking.
- Always drain fried chicken on paper towels to absorb excess oil. This keeps the chicken crispy!
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly fried chicken sliders that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside!
Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fried Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken tenders or boneless chicken breast strips
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp honey or sugar
- 1 tsp rice vinegar or lime juice
For the Slaw:
- 1 cup shredded green cabbage
- 1/2 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup sliced cucumbers (thinly sliced)
- 1-2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Slider Assembly:
- 12 slider buns or small soft rolls
- Optional: melted cheddar or American cheese slices (cut to size)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 30 minutes of prep time and approximately 15-20 minutes of cooking time. Plan for a total of about 1 hour to complete everything, mix the sauce, prepare the slaw, and bring it all together with the sliders. Perfect for a fun meal with friends or family!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
In a bowl, soak the chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, marinating it for up to 2 hours will make it even more tender and flavorful!
2. Make the Breading:
In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This will be the crispy coating for your chicken!
3. Coat and Fry the Chicken:
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Take the chicken pieces out of the buttermilk, shaking off excess liquid, and dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure they’re well coated. Fry the chicken in batches for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Let them drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
4. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth. Taste it and feel free to adjust the heat and sweetness according to your preference!
5. Make the Slaw:
In another bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, purple cabbage, carrots, and sliced cucumbers. Add a couple of tablespoons of mayonnaise and the apple cider vinegar, and mix everything well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Assemble the Sliders:
Lightly toast the slider buns to add some crunch. If you’re using cheese, place a slice on the bottom bun, then put a piece of fried chicken on top. Drizzle a generous amount of bang bang sauce over the chicken, and add a scoop of slaw on top. Finally, cover with the top bun!
7. Serve & Enjoy!
Serve your Bang Bang Chicken Sliders immediately on a wooden board or serving platter. You can offer extra bang bang sauce on the side along with some sliced pickles or additional slaw. Enjoy these spicy, creamy, crunchy bites with your loved ones!
This recipe is perfect for gatherings, tailgates, or simply a fun, satisfying dinner. Dig in and enjoy the deliciousness!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it completely before marinating. Thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight or using the cold water method for quicker results. Make sure to pat it dry before soaking in buttermilk for a better coating.
How Do I Store Leftover Sliders?
Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the bread from getting soggy, you can store the chicken and slaw separately and assemble fresh sliders when you’re ready to eat.
Can I Make the Bang Bang Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the bang bang sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together, making it even tastier! Just give it a good stir before using.
What Other Toppings Can I Use for the Sliders?
Feel free to get creative! Additional toppings like slices of avocado, jalapeños for an extra kick, or even a drizzle of lime juice can elevate your sliders. For a more colorful slaw, add sliced bell peppers or radishes!