The BEST Bang Bang Chicken Sliders (Sweet & Spicy) Recipe You’ll Ever Make!
There’s nothing quite like gathering around with loved ones, sharing laughter, and digging into seriously good food. I remember one blustery Saturday afternoon, rain drumming against the window, when I was craving something that felt both comforting and exciting. That’s when these incredible Bang Bang Chicken Sliders (Sweet & Spicy) were born! They quickly became an instant hit, transforming a gloomy day into an unforgettable feast. They’re such an easy dinner solution and truly the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
From the first bite, everyone was hooked. The perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors danced on our tongues, and the crispy chicken tucked into soft slider buns was pure bliss. My family still raves about them, and they’ve since become a tested family favorite for everything from casual weeknights to big game days. Trust me, these aren’t just sliders; they’re a flavor sensation you’ll want to make again and again.
If you’re looking for a recipe that delivers big on taste without requiring hours in the kitchen, you’ve found it. These sliders are simple to prepare but pack an incredible punch, making them perfect for busy cooks who still want to impress. Get ready to add a new staple to your recipe rotation – you won’t regret it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
❤️ Here are all the reasons these Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are about to become your new favorite:
- Unforgettable Flavor Explosion: The signature Bang Bang sauce perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and creamy, creating a truly addictive taste that you won’t find anywhere else.
- Quick & Effortless Preparation: Perfect for those busy weeknights or when you need a delicious meal in a flash. You can have these on the table in under an hour, making dinner stress-free.
- Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a casual family dinner, a lively party, a potluck, or the big game day, these sliders disappear fast! Everyone from kids to adults absolutely adores them.
- Customizable to Your Liking: Easily adjust the spice level to suit everyone’s preference. Add more Sriracha for a kick, or dial it back for a milder, family-friendly version.
- Incredibly Versatile: Serve them as a hearty main dish, a delightful appetizer, or even a satisfying snack. They fit perfectly into any dining occasion, big or small.
- Simple, Accessible Ingredients: You won’t need any fancy or hard-to-find items. Most of the ingredients are likely already in your pantry, making grocery shopping a breeze.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Components like the Bang Bang sauce and even the fried chicken can be prepared ahead of time, saving you precious minutes when it’s time to assemble.
- Satisfying & Comforting: There’s something undeniably comforting about crispy chicken nestled in a soft bun, coated in a luscious sauce. It’s the ultimate comfort food with an exciting twist.
- Visually Appealing: With their vibrant sauce and fresh garnishes, these sliders look as good as they taste, making them perfect for Instagram and impressing your guests.
- Kid-Friendly Options: With a minor adjustment to the spice, even the pickiest eaters will ask for seconds, making them a fantastic addition to your family meal rotation.
What You Need
You only need a few simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients for this recipe! Most items are easy to find at any grocery store, ensuring a delicious and hassle-free cooking experience. Check the full printable recipe card below for detailed measurements and a complete list of everything you’ll need to create these irresistible sliders.
Expert Tips
💡 Elevate your Bang Bang Chicken Sliders to truly professional levels with these insider tips:
- Perfect Chicken Prep: For the most tender and flavorful chicken, cut your boneless, skinless chicken fillets into uniform 1-inch pieces. This ensures even cooking and perfect bite-sized portions for your sliders. Marinating briefly in buttermilk also helps tenderize the chicken.
- Achieve Crispy Chicken: Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying the chicken. Frying in batches allows the oil temperature to remain consistent, resulting in perfectly golden brown and crispy pieces every time. Ensure your oil reaches 350°F (175°C) before frying.
- Sauce Consistency is Key: If your Bang Bang sauce feels too thick, thin it out with a tiny splash of milk or water, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches your desired drizzly consistency. If it’s too thin, a pinch more mayonnaise can help.
- The Best Buns: While any slider bun works, brioche buns or Hawaiian rolls add an extra touch of sweetness and richness that complements the Bang Bang sauce beautifully. Lightly toasting them with butter before assembly adds fantastic texture and prevents sogginess.
- Customize Your Coleslaw: While pre-made coleslaw mix is a time-saver, consider making your own with a simple dressing of mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, a touch of sugar, salt, and pepper. This allows you to control the freshness and flavor profile.
- Master the Spice Level: The amount of Sriracha is completely up to your preference. Start with the lower amount and add more gradually, tasting as you go, until you hit your ideal sweet and spicy balance. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
- Make Ahead Magic: The Bang Bang sauce can be prepared up to 5 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. You can also bread and fry the chicken a day ahead, then gently reheat it in the oven or air fryer before tossing with the sauce.
- Garnish for Impact: Don’t underestimate the power of a good garnish! Freshly chopped cilantro and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds add both visual appeal and a burst of fresh flavor that brightens the entire slider.
- Alternative Cooking Methods: For a lighter option, you can bake the breaded chicken pieces at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or air fry them at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and cooked through.
- Even Sauce Coating: When tossing the chicken with the Bang Bang sauce, use a large bowl and a gentle hand. You want every piece to be beautifully coated but not drowned, ensuring each bite is perfectly saucy.
- Assembly Strategy: Assemble the sliders just before serving to prevent the buns from becoming soggy. Start with the coleslaw, then the chicken, and a final drizzle of sauce if desired.
Variations & Substitutions
One of the best things about these Bang Bang Chicken Sliders is how adaptable they are! Feel free to get creative and tailor them to your dietary needs or flavor preferences:
- Keto/Low-Carb Option: Skip the buns entirely and serve the Bang Bang chicken and coleslaw in crisp lettuce cups or large romaine leaves for a delicious low-carb meal. Look for sugar-free sweet chili sauce if available.
- Vegetarian Twist: Replace the chicken with crispy fried tofu cubes, battered and fried cauliflower florets, or even store-bought plant-based nuggets for a meat-free version.
- Gluten-Free Alternative: Simply use your favorite gluten-free slider buns or opt for lettuce wraps. Always double-check your mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce labels to ensure they are certified gluten-free.
- Spice Level Adjustments: For those who love extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or a few slices of fresh jalapeño on top of the chicken. For less spice, reduce the Sriracha or omit it entirely.
- Different Proteins: Experiment with other proteins like pan-seared shrimp, thinly sliced pork tenderloin, or even ground chicken patties for a unique spin on the classic.
- Bun Variety: While brioche is fantastic, feel free to use potato rolls, classic white dinner rolls, or even small ciabatta rolls for a different texture.
- Add Some Cheese: A thin slice of pepper jack or provolone melted over the chicken before assembling can add an extra layer of flavor and creaminess.
- Extra Crunch: Add some thinly sliced pickles, crispy fried onions, or even some extra shredded carrots to your coleslaw for an added textural element.
Storage & Freezing
Prepping ahead or having leftovers is easy with these sliders, but a little planning goes a long way to maintain their deliciousness!
- Refrigeration: For best results, store the cooked Bang Bang chicken and the coleslaw in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The sauce can also be stored separately. Assemble the sliders fresh when ready to eat to prevent the buns from getting soggy.
- Freezing: The fried chicken pieces (without the sauce) can be frozen. Once cooled completely, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. The Bang Bang sauce can also be frozen, but its texture might change slightly upon thawing; whisk well to restore.
- Reheating: Reheat cooked chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, until warmed through and crispy again. Then, toss with fresh Bang Bang sauce and assemble on fresh buns.
FAQ
Q: Can I make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The Bang Bang sauce is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare it up to 5 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a good whisk before using.
Q: What kind of chicken is best for these sliders?
A: Boneless, skinless chicken fillets or thighs work wonderfully. Cut them into uniform 1-inch pieces for even cooking and easy eating in your sliders.
Q: How do I make these less spicy for kids?
A: To reduce the heat, simply decrease the amount of Sriracha, or omit it entirely. You can also add a little extra honey or sweet chili sauce to balance the mild spiciness.
Q: What are good side dishes to serve with Bang Bang Chicken Sliders?
A: These sliders pair beautifully with crispy french fries, a fresh green salad, classic coleslaw, or even some sweet potato tots. For a refreshing balance, a simple fruit salad is also a great choice.
Q: Can I bake or air fry the chicken instead of frying?
A: Yes, you certainly can! For a healthier option, bake the breaded chicken pieces at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Conclusion
These Bang Bang Chicken Sliders (Sweet & Spicy) are more than just a recipe; they’re an experience waiting to happen. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply treating yourself to something truly delicious, this dish is sure to impress. Don’t wait – dive into this incredible flavor journey today! If you love this recipe, be sure to pin it for later and share your creations with us. Happy cooking!
Bang Bang Chicken Sliders: Sweet & Spicy Recipe!
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken fillets, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
- 12 slider buns, preferably brioche
- For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 tbsp Sriracha (to taste)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp lime juice
- For Assembly:
- 2 cups pre-made coleslaw mix
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1 1. Marinate Chicken: Place chicken pieces in a bowl with buttermilk. Let sit for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes in the fridge.
- Step 2 2. Prepare Dredging Station: In a shallow dish, combine all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Step 3 3. Coat Chicken: Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting any excess liquid drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure a good, even coating.
- Step 4 4. Fry Chicken: Heat about 1 inch of oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches for 3-5 minutes per side, until golden brown, crispy, and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Remove to a wire rack set over paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Step 5 5. Make Bang Bang Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and lime juice until the sauce is smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust the spice and sweetness as desired.
- Step 6 6. Toss Chicken in Sauce: In a large bowl, gently toss the warm, fried chicken pieces with about half of the prepared Bang Bang sauce until they are evenly coated. Reserve the remaining sauce for serving.
- Step 7 7. Toast Buns (Optional): For extra flavor and texture, lightly butter and toast the slider buns in a dry pan or in the oven until they are lightly golden.
- Step 8 8. Assemble Sliders: Place a generous spoonful of coleslaw mix on the bottom half of each slider bun. Top the coleslaw with 2-3 pieces of the sauced Bang Bang chicken. Drizzle with a little more of the reserved Bang Bang sauce, if desired. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Place the top bun on each slider and serve immediately. Enjoy!
