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Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

BENARDI

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Bang Bang Chicken Sliders bring a flavorful twist to classic sliders, combining tender, crispy fried chicken with a spicy, tangy Bang Bang sauce for a bite-sized delight. Inspired by the popular Asian fusion dish Bang Bang Chicken, these sliders balance heat and sweetness, creating an addictive flavor profile that appeals to a wide range of palates. While Bang Bang Chicken traditionally originated as a cold, spicy dish in Chinese cuisine, its flavors have been adapted worldwide, especially in the form of sauce-infused chicken creations like these sliders.

Perfect as an appetizer or party snack, Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are easy to handle and pack a punch of flavor in every bite. Their smaller size makes them great for sharing, and the combination of crispy chicken, melted mozzarella, and spicy-sweet sauce ensures they stand out on any table, from game-day gatherings to casual get-togethers.

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Ingredients Breakdown

For the Chicken:
Thin-sliced chicken breasts are ideal for these sliders as they cook quickly and deliver a tender, juicy texture that pairs well with the crispy coating. Seasoning each piece with kosher salt, fresh black pepper, and garlic powder is essential to infuse flavor directly into the chicken, ensuring each bite is deliciously seasoned even beneath the breading.

The breading involves a three-part coating: flour, cornstarch, and panko bread crumbs. Flour and cornstarch provide a light, crisp layer that helps the panko adhere, while the panko adds extra crunch. Cornstarch further boosts crispiness, making the chicken’s coating golden and flaky when fried.

For the Bang Bang Sauce:
The sauce combines mayonnaise for creaminess, Thai sweet chili sauce for a gentle sweetness and mild heat, and Sriracha for a spicy kick. A touch of honey is optional but recommended, adding sweetness to balance the heat, making the sauce both flavorful and approachable.

Buns & Cheese:
Soft slider buns are essential, offering the right texture to hold the fried chicken and sauce without overpowering the flavors. Mozzarella cheese, with its mild taste and melt-in-your-mouth quality, complements the spicy Bang Bang sauce, adding a creamy, melty layer that brings all components together in each satisfying bite.

Step-by-Step Preparation of Chicken

Seasoning the Chicken 
Seasoning the chicken thoroughly is key to achieving deep, balanced flavor in each bite of these sliders. Thin-sliced chicken breasts are lightly but evenly coated with kosher salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and garlic powder. This combination enhances the chicken’s natural flavor and ensures that the seasoning penetrates both sides of the meat, even after breading and frying. The garlic powder brings a subtle umami depth, while the salt and pepper provide the foundation of the flavor profile. Taking the time to season each piece well helps prevent any bland bites and sets up the chicken for a satisfying taste from the first bite to the last.

Setting Up the Breading Station
Organizing a breading station is essential for efficient and mess-free breading, especially when handling multiple pieces of chicken. Prepare three shallow bowls or dishes to create a smooth assembly line for coating the chicken.

  1. Bowl 1: Combine the flour and cornstarch. This mixture provides a light initial coating, allowing the buttermilk to stick to the chicken while contributing to a crispy texture. The cornstarch, in particular, adds extra crunch, especially after frying.
  2. Bowl 2: Whisk together the buttermilk, hot sauce, and a large egg. The buttermilk acts as a tenderizing agent, helping to keep the chicken juicy while also providing moisture for the flour mixture to adhere. The egg adds richness and ensures a thicker coating that will bond well with the breadcrumbs. Hot sauce introduces a subtle hint of spice that complements the Bang Bang sauce later.
  3. Bowl 3: Place the panko bread crumbs here. Panko is a Japanese-style breadcrumb known for its coarse, airy texture, which creates a light and crispy crust when fried. It is essential for achieving that signature crunch in these sliders.

By organizing each bowl in a sequence, you can coat the chicken quickly and evenly. This setup not only makes the process smoother but also minimizes mess, keeping the workspace tidy.

Breading the Chicken 
Once the breading station is ready, it’s time to coat each piece of chicken. Start by placing a seasoned chicken slice into the flour-cornstarch mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even, thin coating. Shake off any excess flour; a light layer is sufficient, as it’s primarily a base to help the buttermilk adhere.

Next, dip the chicken into the buttermilk mixture. Allow any excess liquid to drip off before moving to the next step. Too much liquid can cause the breadcrumbs to become soggy and may prevent even frying. Make sure each piece is thoroughly covered in the buttermilk mixture, as this layer binds the panko breadcrumbs to the chicken.

Finally, place the chicken into the bowl with panko breadcrumbs. Press firmly but gently, ensuring that the panko adheres fully to each side. Take time to press the panko onto the chicken, as this will create a thicker, crispier coating. Make sure every surface is covered for consistent texture in each bite. The panko should form a complete layer around the chicken, which will fry into a golden, crunchy crust.

Repeat this process for each piece, placing breaded chicken on a plate or tray lined with parchment paper. If needed, add extra panko breadcrumbs to the bowl to maintain even coverage.

For efficient handling, work with one hand for the dry ingredients (flour and panko) and the other for the wet ingredients (buttermilk), or use tongs to avoid getting too much breading on your fingers. This small detail helps reduce clumping and keeps the breading process clean.

Once all pieces are breaded, you’re ready to fry them to a golden crisp, transforming these simple ingredients into the delicious foundation of the Bang Bang Chicken Sliders.

Frying the Chicken

Setting Up the Frying Pan and Oil:
To achieve perfectly fried chicken for these sliders, start by heating a thin layer of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Vegetable or canola oil are ideal choices for frying, as they have high smoke points and neutral flavors, allowing the chicken’s seasoning and coating to stand out. Aim for an oil temperature around 350°F, hot enough to fry the chicken evenly and create a golden crust without burning. A kitchen thermometer is helpful here, but if you don’t have one, you can test the oil by dropping in a few panko crumbs; they should sizzle immediately but not burn.

Frying can be hazardous if not done carefully, so use caution. Avoid adding too much oil to prevent splattering, and ensure the skillet is stable on the burner. Never leave frying chicken unattended, and keep a splatter guard or lid nearby to contain any oil splashes.

Frying Process:
Once the oil is hot, place each piece of breaded chicken into the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature and leads to soggy, uneven cooking. Fry each piece for about 3-4 minutes per side, adjusting the time based on thickness. The chicken should be golden brown, crispy, and fully cooked through. Undercooked chicken can be dangerous, so use a meat thermometer if necessary to confirm an internal temperature of 165°F.

Common mistakes include overcrowding, which prevents crispiness, and turning the chicken too often, which can break the coating. Allow each side to cook fully before flipping to maintain an even, intact crust.

Post-Frying Care:
After frying, transfer the chicken pieces to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil, which keeps the breading crisp. Between batches, check the oil for burned crumbs; if it appears dark or smoky, replace it to maintain fresh flavor and texture. Changing the oil ensures each batch fries to perfection, leaving you with crunchy, golden chicken ready for slider assembly.

Making the Bang Bang Sauce 

To make the signature Bang Bang sauce, start by combining 1/4 cup of mayonnaise in a small mixing bowl with 2 tablespoons of Thai sweet chili sauce, which brings a mild sweetness and slight tang. Add 1-2 teaspoons of Sriracha, adjusting based on your desired spice level; start with 1 teaspoon for mild heat and add more if you prefer extra kick. Finally, add 1 tablespoon of honey (optional), which rounds out the sauce with a hint of sweetness to balance the chili and Sriracha’s heat.

Whisk the ingredients together until smooth, creating a creamy, flavorful sauce that complements the crispy chicken. The mayonnaise serves as the sauce’s base, providing a rich creaminess that tempers the spice. Thai sweet chili sauce adds a layered sweetness, while Sriracha brings just enough heat for a lively, spicy note. For a more intense flavor, add an extra dash of Sriracha, or for a milder sauce, reduce it and add a touch more mayonnaise or sweet chili sauce.

This Bang Bang sauce provides the perfect balance of sweetness, tanginess, and heat, enhancing the chicken’s flavor and adding a vibrant finish. Drizzling it over each slider brings all the elements together in a spicy-sweet harmony that’s both addictive and satisfying.

Assembling the Sliders 

Preparation of Chicken and Buns:
To begin assembling, cut each fried chicken cutlet into smaller portions, roughly the size of the slider buns. This ensures a perfect fit, with every bite offering a balanced taste of chicken, cheese, and sauce. Once the chicken is portioned, place a slice of mozzarella cheese on top of each warm piece. The residual heat from the chicken will slightly melt the cheese, giving a creamy, gooey layer that pairs beautifully with the crispy texture of the breading. If the cheese isn’t melting as desired, you can place the chicken pieces briefly in a warm oven (around 200°F) to gently melt the cheese without drying out the chicken.

Final Assembly:
To assemble each slider, start by laying out the bottom halves of the slider buns on a serving tray. Place a warm, cheese-topped chicken piece on each bun. Generously drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the chicken, allowing some sauce to flow onto the bun for added flavor. Be careful not to add too much sauce to avoid overpowering the other flavors. Place the top bun on each slider, pressing down slightly to hold everything together.

For an extra touch, you can add lettuce, a pickle slice, or a thin layer of coleslaw beneath the chicken for added texture and freshness. These additions add a bit of crunch and freshness that can balance the richness of the fried chicken and sauce.

Tips on Keeping Sliders Fresh:
If serving in batches or for a crowd, consider assembling the sliders just before serving to keep the buns from becoming soggy. If necessary, keep the fried chicken and cheese warm in a low oven and assemble sliders as guests arrive. For buffet-style serving, keep the sauce on the side to let guests drizzle it themselves, preserving the sliders’ freshness and keeping each bite flavorful. This approach ensures every slider stays fresh, warm, and delicious.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions 

Bang Bang Chicken Sliders pair beautifully with light, refreshing sides like coleslaw, which adds a cool crunch, or a simple mixed greens salad to balance the richness of the fried chicken. For a heartier option, sweet potato fries or roasted vegetables work well, adding a touch of sweetness alongside the spicy sliders. Consider garnishing the sliders with shredded lettuce for a crisp texture or pickled onions for a tangy contrast.

For drinks, light, citrusy beverages like a lime spritzer, iced tea, or a pilsner beer make ideal pairings, complementing the Bang Bang sauce’s spicy-sweet flavors without overwhelming the palate.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

To achieve extra-crispy breading, make sure each piece of chicken is coated thoroughly in panko and press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the surface. Double-dipping in the buttermilk and panko can also add a thicker, crunchier coating. Frying at the right temperature (around 350°F) ensures the coating crisps without absorbing too much oil, keeping the chicken juicy inside.

For a customizable Bang Bang sauce, try adding a hint of lime juice for tang, extra honey for sweetness, or a pinch of cayenne for more heat. Adding chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can also enhance the sauce with a fresh, vibrant twist.

If you prefer a healthier option, bake the breaded chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway. Spritz the chicken with cooking spray before baking to help it achieve a golden, crispy texture without frying.

FAQs 

What is Bang Bang sauce made of?
Bang Bang sauce is a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce typically made with mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha. A bit of honey is optional for added sweetness, balancing the heat and creating a unique flavor perfect for chicken.

Can I make these sliders in advance?
Yes, the chicken can be breaded and refrigerated for a few hours before frying. Fry the chicken closer to serving time to keep it crispy, then assemble with fresh buns and sauce right before serving to prevent sogginess.

How spicy are Bang Bang Chicken Sliders?
The sliders have a mild to medium spice level, primarily from the Sriracha in the sauce. For those sensitive to heat, reduce the Sriracha. Conversely, add more Sriracha or a pinch of cayenne for extra kick.

Can I bake instead of fry the chicken?
Yes! For a healthier version, bake the breaded chicken at 400°F on a wire rack over a baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. Lightly spray with cooking oil before baking for a crispy finish.

What type of buns work best for sliders?
Soft, slightly sweet slider buns or brioche buns are ideal as they’re light, allowing the chicken and sauce to shine without overpowering the flavors.

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Bang Bang Chicken Sliders


  • Author: BENARDI

Description

These Bang Bang Chicken Sliders bring together crispy, juicy chicken cutlets with a spicy, creamy bang bang sauce, all topped with melty mozzarella on soft slider buns. With a crunchy panko breading and bold flavors from the hot sauce and seasonings, these sliders are perfect for game days, gatherings, or any time you crave a crowd-pleasing snack. The bang bang sauce adds a sweet, spicy kick that perfectly complements the crispy chicken.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 1 1/2 lbs thin-sliced chicken breasts
  • Kosher salt, fresh black pepper, and garlic powder (for seasoning)
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tbsp hot sauce
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cups (or more as needed) panko bread crumbs
  • Vegetable or canola oil, for frying
  • 12 slices mozzarella cheese
  • 12 slider rolls

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp Thai sweet chili sauce
  • 12 tsp Sriracha (adjust to taste for heat)
  • 1 tbsp honey (optional, for sweetness)

Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Chicken:

  • Season the chicken on both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

2️⃣ Set Up Breading Station:

  • In three separate bowls:
    • Bowl 1: Mix flour and cornstarch.
    • Bowl 2: Whisk together buttermilk, hot sauce, and egg.
    • Bowl 3: Place panko bread crumbs.

3️⃣ Bread the Chicken:

  • Dredge each piece of chicken first in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then dip into the buttermilk mixture, letting any excess drip off, and finally coat in panko bread crumbs, pressing firmly for an even coating. Place breaded chicken on a plate and repeat for all pieces.

4️⃣ Fry the Chicken:

  • Heat a thin layer of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, fry the chicken in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
  • Transfer fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate. Add more oil as needed for remaining batches.

5️⃣ Make the Bang Bang Sauce:

  • In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey (if using). Set aside.

6️⃣ Assemble the Sliders:

  • Cut each fried chicken cutlet into smaller pieces, if necessary, to fit the slider buns.
  • Place a slice of mozzarella cheese over each warm chicken piece, then place on the slider buns.
  • Drizzle generously with bang bang sauce. Serve immediately.

Notes

These sliders pair well with extra bang bang sauce for dipping or a side of crispy fries. For extra flavor, add fresh lettuce or sliced pickles. Enjoy!

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