There’s something irresistibly fun about mini sandwiches bursting with flavor and crunch. This Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe perfectly combines crispy, spicy chicken with a creamy, tangy sauce that’ll have you reaching for seconds without hesitation.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I love sharing this recipe because it’s an easy crowd-pleaser that’s loaded with layers of texture and flavor. Once you have the crispy chicken and the bang bang sauce mastered, you’ll be hosting slider parties every weekend!
- Crispy but tender chicken: The double-dip breading technique keeps the chicken juicy inside but perfectly crunchy on the outside.
- Quick homemade sauce: The bang bang sauce is ready in minutes with pantry staples and adds a delicious kick without being overwhelming.
- Perfectly portioned sliders: Using Hawaiian rolls makes the sandwiches just the right size for snacking, appetizers, or a fun dinner.
- Customizable to taste: You can easily adjust heat levels or swap toppings to suit your family’s preferences.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This recipe uses straightforward ingredients that you probably already have on hand. The magic comes from combining them thoughtfully: spice in the flour mix, crunch from panko, creamy and tangy sauce, and fresh lettuce for contrast.
- Chicken breast: Butterflied and pounded thin for quick, even cooking and a tender bite.
- Egg and water: For creating a sticky layer that helps the flour and panko adhere beautifully.
- All-purpose flour with spices: Garlic powder, cayenne, coriander, salt, and pepper add dimension right in the crust.
- Panko bread crumbs: They deliver that signature extra-crispy texture that’s key to great sliders.
- Avocado or vegetable oil: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point for frying — avocado oil is my favorite for flavor and health.
- Mayonnaise: The base of the bang bang sauce, giving it creaminess that balances spice and sweetness.
- Sweet chili sauce: Adds a gentle sweetness and a hint of spice, integral to the bang bang flavor.
- Hot sauce: Just enough heat to wake up your taste buds without overpowering.
- Rice wine vinegar: A splash brings brightness and cuts through the richness.
- Hawaiian rolls: Soft yet sturdy mini buns that hold all the goodies — plus their slight sweetness complements the spicy chicken perfectly.
- Lettuce leaves: Crisp and fresh to add crunch and keep the sliders from getting soggy.
Make It Your Way
I like to switch up the heat levels depending on my mood. Sometimes I add a little honey to the bang bang sauce if I want it sweeter, or swap in a milder hot sauce for a gentler bite. Feel free to add pickles or sliced avocado for extra layers.
- Variation: When I’m making these for kids, I tone down the cayenne and hot sauce, making it family-friendly but still flavorful.
- Gluten-Free: Try using gluten-free panko and flour substitutes for a friendly version that’s just as tasty.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of extra cayenne or serve with jalapeños for those who like it hot!
- Grilled version: Instead of frying, grill the chicken pieces for a smoky twist that’s lighter but still delicious.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Chicken for Maximum Crisp
Start by butterflying the chicken breasts and pounding them thin — this means the chicken cooks evenly and remains tender. Cut each breast into about 12 slider-sized pieces so they fit neatly on your Hawaiian rolls. Trust me, this prep makes all the difference between a juicy inside and crispy outside.
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station
I like to organize three shallow bowls: one with the egg and water mixture, another with the seasoned flour blend, and the last with the panko crumbs. Then each chicken piece gets dipped in the egg wash, flour, egg wash again, and finally into the panko for that double coating that delivers crazy crunch once fried.
Step 3: Chill Before Frying
Place your coated chicken pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet and pop them in the fridge for at least 15 minutes. This step helps the breading set so it sticks better during frying — I never skip this because it means fewer flakes falling off later.
Step 4: Whip Up the Bang Bang Sauce
While the chicken chills, mix the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, and rice wine vinegar in a small bowl. I’ll often transfer it to a squeeze bottle to make assembly faster and less messy. This sauce is where the “bang” happens — creamy, sweet, tangy, and spicy all at once!
Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat your avocado oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Carefully add chicken pieces one by one — don’t overcrowd the pan to keep the temperature steady. Fry about 3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Drain on paper towels to keep crispy.
Step 6: Assemble Your Sliders
Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half and toast lightly. Spread or squeeze some bang bang sauce on the bottom, add crisp lettuce, top with a piece of chicken, then drizzle more sauce before adding the top bun. They’re irresistible served warm and fresh from the skillet.
Top Tip
From making these sliders multiple times, I've learned a few tricks that really enhance the experience and ease of preparation. These little pointers will help you nail the recipe with confidence and get rave reviews.
- Don’t skip chilling the chicken: It’s a game-changer for breading that stays put and fries up beautifully.
- Oil temperature matters: If it’s too hot, the breading burns; too low, it gets soggy. Aim for medium heat and adjust as you go.
- Use a thermometer: Cooking chicken until just done (165°F) avoids drying it out while keeping it safe to eat.
- Toast the buns: A quick toast adds flavor and prevents sogginess once the sauce hits the bread.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
I like to keep it simple with crisp lettuce, but sometimes I add thinly sliced cucumber or shredded carrots for extra crunch and freshness. A sprinkle of chopped scallions or cilantro on top adds a bright, herbal note that pairs wonderfully with the spicy sauce.
Side Dishes
These sliders go great with sweet potato fries, a light Asian slaw, or even crispy onion rings. For a healthier touch, a side of cucumber salad or steamed edamame balances the richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I love arranging these sliders on a large platter with little paper frills or toothpicks. Adding colorful garnishes like pickled red onions nearby makes the spread festive and inviting. You can even serve bang bang sauce in cute ramekins for dipping on the side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover fried chicken separate from the buns and lettuce in airtight containers in the fridge. This way, the breading stays crispier, and you can reassemble fresh sliders when ready to eat again.
Freezing
I’ve frozen cooked chicken pieces individually wrapped in parchment and placed in freezer bags. When you’re ready, thaw overnight and reheat in a hot oven or air fryer to restore crispiness. The sauce and buns freeze less well, so save those fresh.
Reheating
The best way to reheat leftover chicken is in a hot oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes or in an air fryer for a few minutes to crisp it back up. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crunch. Toast fresh buns and add sauce and lettuce at serving time.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! For a healthier twist, bake the breaded chicken pieces in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. While you won’t get exactly the same crispiness as frying, baking still yields delicious results with less oil.
This recipe has a moderate level of heat. The cayenne in the flour and the hot sauce in the bang bang sauce add a kick, but it’s balanced by the sweetness of the chili sauce and the creamy mayo. You can always adjust by reducing the cayenne or hot sauce to suit your taste.
Yes! The bang bang sauce actually tastes even better after sitting for a few hours as the flavors meld. You can prepare it a day ahead and keep it refrigerated in an airtight container. Just give it a quick stir before serving.
No worries! You can use any soft, sweet roll or slider bun available to you. Brioche buns are a great alternative, or even small dinner rolls. Just make sure they’re sturdy enough to hold the chicken and sauce without falling apart.
Final Thoughts
This Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes for casual gatherings and weeknight dinners alike. It feels special but is surprisingly simple, with a satisfying combination of crunchy chicken, flavorful sauce, and soft rolls. I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) these as much as I do — they’ll quickly become a favorite in your home too.
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Bang Bang Chicken Sliders feature crispy pan-fried breaded chicken breasts paired with a creamy, spicy homemade bang bang sauce and crisp lettuce, all served on soft Hawaiian rolls. Perfect for summer gatherings, these sliders offer a flavorful and satisfying bite with a balance of heat and sweetness.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1.5 pounds chicken breast, butterflied and pounded thin
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup water
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cups panko bread crumbs
- 1 to 2 cups avocado oil or other vegetable oil
Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoon sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce, such as Tabasco
- 1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar
Slider Assembly
- 1 (12 count) package Hawaiian rolls
- 12 lettuce leaves, rinsed and patted dry
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather all ingredients. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Cut Chicken: Cut the butterflied and pounded chicken breasts into about 12 equal pieces for the sliders.
- Mix Coatings: Combine the egg and water in a shallow bowl. In a second shallow bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, cayenne, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper. Place the panko bread crumbs in a third shallow bowl.
- Bread Chicken: Dip each chicken piece first into the egg wash, then into the flour mixture. Dip again into the egg wash, and finally coat with panko bread crumbs. Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator.
- Make Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, and rice wine vinegar until well combined. Transfer to a squirt bottle if desired and set aside.
- Fry Chicken: Heat avocado oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Prepare a plate or platter lined with paper towels nearby to drain the chicken. Remove chicken from the refrigerator and fry pieces one at a time, cooking each side about 3 minutes until golden brown and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
- Toast Rolls: Slice Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally and lightly toast them to enhance texture and flavor.
- Assemble Sliders: Spread or squeeze bang bang sauce on the bottom half of each roll, place two lettuce leaves on top, add one fried chicken piece, drizzle more bang bang sauce over the chicken, and finish with the top half of the roll.
- Serve: Serve the sliders immediately while warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra crispiness, double-dip the chicken in the egg wash and breading as directed.
- If preferred, substitute the avocado oil with other neutral vegetable oils like canola or peanut oil for frying.
- You can adjust the heat level of the bang bang sauce by varying the amount or type of hot sauce used.
- Make sure to not overcrowd the skillet when frying to maintain oil temperature and crispiness.
- These sliders are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated briefly in a skillet or oven to retain crisp texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 251 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 406 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 33 mg
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