If you’re a fan of bold flavors and finger-foods that pack a punch, you’ve probably heard of Bang Bang Chicken Sliders. These mini sandwiches offer a crispy, juicy chicken fillet topped with a creamy, tangy sauce that’s spicy yet slightly sweet. They’re a fun, bite-sized twist on traditional chicken sandwiches and perfect for any gathering—whether it’s game day, a backyard barbecue, or just a casual dinner with friends. In this post, I’ll show you how to make Bang Bang Chicken Sliders from scratch and share some great variations to suit every taste.
What Are Bang Bang Chicken Sliders?
Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are a delicious fusion of crispy fried chicken and a creamy, spicy sauce, all tucked into a mini bun for an easy-to-eat appetizer. Inspired by the flavors of Bang Bang Chicken, a popular Chinese dish, this recipe simplifies it into a slider form. The chicken is breaded, fried to golden perfection, and slathered in a bang bang sauce—a creamy mix of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha for heat. The result? A bold, satisfying bite that combines crunch, spice, and a touch of sweetness.
These sliders are an excellent choice for parties or casual meals. The bite-sized format makes them easy to serve and share, plus, they bring a fun, flavorful element to any spread.
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Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
Description
Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are a delicious fusion of crispy fried chicken and a creamy, spicy sauce, all tucked into a mini bun for an easy-to-eat appetizer. Inspired by the flavors of Bang Bang Chicken, this recipe simplifies it into slider form, making it perfect for game days, parties, or a casual meal with friends. The crispy chicken is topped with a tangy and slightly sweet bang bang sauce that combines mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha for a mouthwatering kick.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts (or tenders)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 12 slider buns
- Lettuce leaves (optional)
- Pickles (optional)
Instructions
- Start by slicing your chicken breasts into smaller pieces—aim for about 12 pieces, one for each slider. Season the chicken with a pinch of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- In three shallow bowls, set up your breading station. In the first bowl, place the flour. In the second, whisk the egg. And in the third, add the panko breadcrumbs. Coat each piece of chicken in flour, dip it into the egg, and finally coat it thoroughly with breadcrumbs.
- Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil reaches about 350°F, carefully add the chicken pieces. Fry them in batches for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. If you’re using an air fryer, place the chicken in a single layer and cook for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and rice vinegar. Stir until well combined. Taste and adjust the spice level by adding more sriracha if you like things hotter, or more sweet chili sauce if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Once your chicken is done cooking, it’s time to assemble your sliders. Toast the buns lightly to add some crunch. Place a piece of chicken on each bun, top with a generous amount of bang bang sauce, and add a leaf of lettuce or a few pickle slices if desired. Place the top bun on, and your sliders are ready to serve!
Notes
- If you prefer a milder version, you can reduce the amount of sriracha or omit it entirely, making the sauce more sweet and tangy rather than spicy.
- For a healthier option, bake the chicken instead of frying it. Simply bread the chicken as directed, place it on a baking sheet, and bake at 400°F for about 15–20 minutes, or until crispy.
- Store leftovers separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in the oven to maintain its crispiness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
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- Calories: {{calories}}
- Sugar: {{sugar}}
- Sodium: {{sodium}}
- Fat: {{fat}}
- Saturated Fat: {{saturated_fat}}
- Unsaturated Fat: {{unsaturated_fat}}
- Trans Fat: {{trans_fat}}
- Carbohydrates: {{carbohydrates}}
- Fiber: {{fiber}}
- Protein: {{protein}}
- Cholesterol: {{cholesterol}}
Ingredients & Kitchen Essentials
For these Bang Bang Chicken Sliders, you’ll need just a few key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
For the Chicken:
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1 lb chicken breasts (or tenders)
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)
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1 egg, beaten
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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1/2 tsp paprika
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
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1 tbsp sriracha (adjust based on your spice preference)
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1 tbsp rice vinegar
For Assembly:
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12 slider buns (brioche or Hawaiian work best)
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Lettuce leaves (optional)
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Pickles (optional, for an extra crunch)
You’ll also need a deep skillet or air fryer to cook the chicken, and a mixing bowl to prepare the sauce. For perfect results, use a thermometer to ensure your oil is heated to 350°F for frying, or if you’re air frying, cook the chicken at 400°F for around 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Step‑by‑Step Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by slicing your chicken breasts into smaller pieces—aim for about 12 pieces, one for each slider. Season the chicken with a pinch of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
Step 2: Bread the Chicken
In three shallow bowls, set up your breading station. In the first bowl, place the flour. In the second, whisk the egg. And in the third, add the panko breadcrumbs. Coat each piece of chicken in flour, dip it into the egg, and finally coat it thoroughly with breadcrumbs. This triple coating gives the chicken that crispy crunch we all love.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Now it’s time to fry! Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil reaches about 350°F, carefully add the chicken pieces. Fry them in batches for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. If you’re using an air fryer, place the chicken in a single layer and cook for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Step 4: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and rice vinegar. Stir until well combined. Taste and adjust the spice level by adding more sriracha if you like things hotter, or more sweet chili sauce if you prefer a milder flavor.
Step 5: Assemble the Sliders
Once your chicken is done cooking, it’s time to assemble your sliders. Toast the buns lightly to add some crunch. Place a piece of chicken on each bun, top with a generous amount of bang bang sauce, and add a leaf of lettuce or a few pickle slices if desired. Place the top bun on, and your sliders are ready to serve!
Dietary Variations & Substitutions
Not everyone enjoys the same flavor profile or follows the same diet, but that’s no problem with these sliders! Here are some simple substitutions to suit different dietary needs:
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Gluten-Free: Swap out the flour and panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free versions. You can also skip the breading and bake the chicken for a lower-carb alternative.
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Vegan/Vegetarian: Replace the chicken with crispy tofu or a plant-based chicken substitute. Use vegan mayo in the sauce and ensure your buns are dairy-free.
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Low-Calorie/Low-Fat: Use a non-stick spray to cook the chicken instead of frying, or opt for baking. You can also lighten the sauce by using Greek yogurt in place of mayo.
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Halal: Make sure to use halal-certified chicken and check your sauces for halal compliance.
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Low-Carb/Keto: Serve the chicken on lettuce wraps instead of slider buns, and skip the breading for a lighter, carb-free option.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are perfect for any casual meal or party. They pair well with a variety of sides, including:
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Sweet potato fries for a slightly healthier twist
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Crispy onion rings for added crunch
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A refreshing side of coleslaw to balance out the heat
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Spicy roasted veggies for a hearty side
To wash it all down, serve these sliders with a cold craft beer, iced tea, or a tangy lemonade. These sliders also go great with a light salad for a more balanced meal.
Storage, Make-Ahead & Reheating Tips
If you’re planning ahead, you can make parts of this recipe in advance:
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Make the sauce up to two days ahead of time and store it in the fridge.
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Prep the chicken by breading it the night before, then keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to fry.
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Reheat the sliders by placing the chicken in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to crisp it back up.
To store leftovers, keep the components separate (chicken, sauce, buns) and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a hot oven to regain its crispiness, and assemble the sliders just before serving.
These Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are guaranteed to be a hit wherever you serve them. Whether you’re feeding a crowd at a party or enjoying a casual dinner, these sliders bring bold flavors and a satisfying crunch in every bite.
FAQ
How spicy are Bang Bang Chicken Sliders?
The spice level of Bang Bang Chicken Sliders can be adjusted to suit your preferences. The bang bang sauce typically includes sriracha, which adds a mild to moderate heat. If you prefer a milder version, you can reduce the amount of sriracha or omit it entirely, making the sauce more sweet and tangy rather than spicy.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes, you can definitely bake the chicken for a healthier version of Bang Bang Chicken Sliders. Simply bread the chicken as directed, place it on a baking sheet, and bake at 400°F for about 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken is crispy and fully cooked. Air frying is another great option that offers a similar crispy texture without deep frying.
How do I store leftover Bang Bang Chicken Sliders?
To store leftovers, keep the components (chicken, sauce, and buns) separate in airtight containers. The chicken will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. To reheat, place the chicken back in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to crisp it up again, then assemble the sliders before serving.
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep most of the ingredients ahead of time. Bread the chicken and prepare the sauce the night before, and store them separately in the fridge. Just fry the chicken and assemble the sliders when you’re ready to serve. This makes them an excellent choice for parties or game-day gatherings!
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