If you love bold flavors wrapped up in a cozy, handheld bite, this Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe is exactly what your taste buds have been waiting for. Crispy, tender chicken cutlets coated in a perfectly seasoned breading, topped with melty mozzarella, and drizzled with that addictive sweet-heat bang bang sauce make these sliders absolute showstoppers. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself to a fun and flavorful meal, these sliders deliver crunch, creaminess, and a little kick of spice all in one delightful package.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of these ingredients fool you—each element plays a crucial role in building layers of texture and flavor that make this Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe unforgettable. From the crunchy panko to the tangy buttermilk marinade, every component works together in delicious harmony.
- Thin sliced chicken breasts: The perfect size for tender, crispy cutlets that fit slider buns perfectly.
- Kosher salt, fresh black pepper, and garlic powder: Basic seasonings that bring out the natural flavor of the chicken with a tasty punch.
- Flour and cornstarch: A combined coating that creates an ultra-crispy crust when fried.
- Buttermilk: Adds moisture and a slight tang to keep the chicken juicy and tender.
- Hot sauce: Mixed with buttermilk to introduce a subtle spicy undertone right in the marinade.
- Large egg: Helps the breading stick perfectly to the chicken.
- Panko bread crumbs: For that irresistible, light crunch everyone loves.
- Vegetable or canola oil: Essential for frying to golden perfection without overpowering the flavors.
- Mozzarella cheese slices: Melts wonderfully over the hot chicken, adding creamy goodness.
- Slider rolls: Soft and sturdy enough to hold all that delicious chicken and sauce without falling apart.
- Bang Bang Sauce: The star of the show, combining sweet, spicy, and tangy notes to tie the whole dish together.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Season and Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning your thinly sliced chicken breasts well with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and garlic powder on both sides. This simple step brings out the best in your chicken and lays a flavorful foundation for the breading to cling to. Next, set up your breading station with three bowls: one with the flour and cornstarch mixed together, another with the buttermilk, hot sauce, and egg whisked into a smooth mixture, and a third filled with those crunchy panko breadcrumbs.
Step 2: Bread the Chicken Cutlets
Take each chicken piece and dredge it first into the flour and cornstarch mixture, shaking off any excess to avoid clumps. Then dip it into the buttermilk and hot sauce mixture—letting the extra drip back into the bowl—and finally press it firmly into the panko breadcrumbs. This triple-layer breading ensures every bite is satisfyingly crunchy. Place your breaded chicken on a plate as you finish coating all pieces.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Heat a thin layer of vegetable or canola oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering hot. Carefully add the breaded chicken in batches, making sure not to crowd the pan so each piece fries evenly. Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes, depending on thickness, until golden brown and the internal temperature hits 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Once cooked, transfer the cutlets onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil, keeping them warm while you finish frying.
Step 4: Whisk Together the Bang Bang Sauce
While the chicken is resting, mix up your bang bang sauce in a small bowl. The sauce is the magic touch that adds that perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy to your sliders. Setting it aside now means it will be ready to drizzle just as you assemble your delicious creations.
Step 5: Assemble Your Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
Cut the fried chicken cutlets into smaller slider-sized pieces that fit your rolls. Place a piece of chicken on each slider bun, top it immediately with a slice of mozzarella cheese so it melts on the warm chicken, and finish with a generous drizzle of bang bang sauce. That’s it! These sliders are now ready to wow your family or friends.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
To make your sliders even more irresistible, add a few fresh garnishes like crisp lettuce, thinly sliced red onion, or cool cucumber ribbons. These brighten the flavor profile and add a refreshing crunch that balances the rich, spicy chicken perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair these sliders with classic fries, a light coleslaw, or even a simple green salad for a complete meal. Each side offers contrasting textures and flavors that complement the bang bang chicken’s fiery tang without competing with it.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress at your next gathering? Serve the sliders on a wooden board with mini skewers to keep them together. Add small dipping bowls with extra bang bang sauce for guests who like to double down on that signature flavor. You can even stack sliders with avocado slices or pickled jalapeños for an extra twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers of this Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe, you can store the fried chicken cutlets and buns separately in airtight containers inside the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping the components separate prevents sogginess and helps maintain texture.
Freezing
The breaded and fried chicken cutlets freeze beautifully for up to one month. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag to avoid clumping. Slider rolls freeze well too but thaw at room temperature before assembly.
Reheating
To reheat leftover chicken cutlets, use an oven or toaster oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid the microwave if you want to retain that crunch. Assemble your sliders fresh right after reheating and add sauce just before serving to keep everything perfect.
FAQs
Can I make the bang bang sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare your bang bang sauce up to three days in advance and store it in the fridge. The flavors actually deepen with time, so it can taste even better the next day.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can mix regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. This homemade version will give your chicken the same tenderizing effect.
Is it possible to bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake the breaded chicken cutlets at 425 degrees Fahrenheit on a wire rack for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. While baking won’t yield quite as crispy a crust as frying, it’s a tasty and healthier alternative.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Definitely! While mozzarella melts beautifully and has a mild flavor, feel free to experiment with pepper jack for a little extra spice or cheddar for a sharper taste.
How spicy is the bang bang sauce?
The heat level of the sauce is mild to medium, balanced by sweetness and creaminess. You can adjust it easily by adding more or less hot sauce depending on your spice preference.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe, it will become a go-to for your next casual dinner, party, or weekend treat. The combination of crispy chicken, melty cheese, and that addictive bang bang sauce is downright irresistible. So go ahead, gather these simple ingredients and get ready to wow your taste buds and your friends with every delicious bite.
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Bang Bang Chicken Sliders feature crispy, breaded chicken cutlets fried to golden perfection, topped with melted mozzarella and a spicy, creamy bang bang sauce, served on soft slider rolls. Perfect for a quick, flavorful appetizer or game day snack, they combine crunchy textures with bold, tangy flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Chicken and Breading
- 1 1/2 pounds thin sliced chicken breasts
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Fresh black pepper, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups Panko bread crumbs (or more as needed)
- Vegetable or canola oil, for frying
- 12 slices mozzarella cheese
- 12 slider rolls
Bang Bang Sauce
- Whisked together (ingredients unspecified; typically mayonnaise, sriracha, sweet chili sauce, and lime juice are used)
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Season both sides of the thin sliced chicken breasts generously with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and garlic powder to infuse flavor before breading.
- Prepare the breading station: In one bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour and cornstarch. In a second bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, hot sauce, and large egg. In a third bowl, place the Panko bread crumbs ready for coating.
- Bread the chicken: Dredge each seasoned chicken breast first in the flour and cornstarch mixture, tapping off any excess. Then dip it into the buttermilk mixture, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Finally, press the chicken into the Panko bread crumbs ensuring a firm, even coating. Place the breaded chicken on a plate and repeat for all pieces.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a thin layer of vegetable or canola oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the breaded chicken cutlets to the skillet without overcrowding (cook in batches as necessary). Fry each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Transfer cooked cutlets to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Prepare the bang bang sauce: Whisk together the bang bang sauce ingredients in a small bowl until smooth and set aside. (Note: typical ingredients include mayonnaise, sriracha, sweet chili sauce, and lime juice.)
- Assemble the sliders: Cut the fried chicken cutlets into smaller slider-sized pieces. Place each piece on a slider roll, top immediately with a slice of mozzarella cheese to allow slight melting from the warm chicken, then drizzle generously with bang bang sauce. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use thinly sliced chicken breasts for quicker cooking and easier breading.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Maintain medium heat while frying to ensure cutlets cook through without burning the coating.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce in the buttermilk mixture and bang bang sauce according to your spice preference.
- Serve sliders immediately for best texture and flavor as the breading may soften if left too long.
- Leftover bang bang sauce can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
