Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer, delivering crispy chicken breasts tucked into soft slider buns and drizzled with a sweet chili sauce-infused, spicy bang bang sauce. Perfect for game day or any gathering, this slider recipe combines bold flavor with ease—make the chicken sliders ahead of time, reheat in the oven, and serve hot with shredded lettuce and sauce on the side for extra crunch and customization. Inspired by restaurant-style bang bang chicken, this dish transforms simple fried chicken into an irresistible handheld treat with just the right touch of heat, lime juice brightness, and crave-worthy texture.

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What You Need

• Thin Chicken Breasts
  Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts and pound them to an even thickness—about ½ inch—so they cook quickly and fit perfectly in slider buns. This ensures juicy, evenly cooked chicken sliders every time.
• The Perfect Breading Setup
  For ultra-crispy chicken, set up a classic breading station: a mix of flour and cornstarch for that golden coating, a buttermilk bath spiked with hot sauce for tenderness, and panko breadcrumbs for crunch. This combo delivers restaurant-style fried chicken texture right at home.
• Mozzarella Cheese
  Mild and melty, mozzarella balances the heat of the spicy bang bang sauce and adds creamy richness. It’s especially satisfying when layered over hot, crispy chicken fresh from the skillet.
• Slider Buns
  Soft, slightly sweet slider buns are ideal for handheld bites—just the right size for game day gatherings. Toast them lightly for added structure, especially if serving the sliders ahead of time.
• Bang Bang Sauce Ingredients
  The signature bang bang flavor comes from a creamy mix of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and a splash of lime juice. This sauce ties everything together and can also be served on the side for dipping or drizzling.
• Optional Add-ons
  Top your bang bang chicken sliders with shredded lettuce for a fresh crunch or offer extra sauce on the side to let guests adjust the spice level. Whether you’re prepping this slider recipe for a crowd or a cozy night in, these customizable touches take it to the next level.

Making Them Happen

• Prepping the Chicken
  Start with thin, boneless chicken breasts. Season both sides with kosher salt and pound them to about ½ inch thickness. This helps them cook evenly and ensures they fit snugly in your slider buns—essential for a balanced bite in this flavorful slider recipe. The seasoning creates a solid base for the bang bang chicken layers to shine.
• Setting Up for Success
  Create a simple assembly line with three shallow bowls to keep things smooth and organized. In the first, mix flour and cornstarch—this combo helps lock in moisture and delivers extra crunch. In the second, whisk buttermilk with hot sauce and one egg, creating a tenderizing bath. The third bowl holds panko breadcrumbs, which give the fried chicken its signature crispy texture that’s perfect for any game day snack.
• The Perfect Breading
  Dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture, then dip it in the buttermilk mixture, letting any excess drip off. Press each piece firmly into the panko so the breadcrumbs stick well—this step is key for that crunchy, golden finish. Repeat for all your chicken sliders before heading to the skillet.
• Frying to Golden Perfection
  In a large skillet, heat about ¼ inch of oil over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the breaded chicken in batches—don’t overcrowd the pan or you’ll end up with soggy instead of crispy chicken. Fry 3–4 minutes per side, or until the coating is deep golden and the inside is fully cooked. Drain on paper towels to keep that beautiful texture intact.
• Assembly Time
  While still warm, cut each piece of bang bang chicken to fit slider buns. Lay on the bottom half, top with mozzarella cheese so it starts to melt, then spoon over a generous drizzle of spicy bang bang sauce made with mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice. For freshness and crunch, add shredded lettuce or serve it on the side. If you’re prepping these sliders ahead of time for a party, reheat the fried chicken in the oven and assemble just before serving. Add extra sauce on the side for guests who love a bit more heat.

You Must Know

• Don’t overcrowd the pan – Frying too many chicken breasts at once lowers the oil temperature and results in soggy, greasy fried chicken instead of the crispy chicken this slider recipe is known for. Work in batches for best results.
• Keep the sauce at room temperature – Your spicy bang bang sauce, made with sweet chili sauce, sriracha, mayo, and lime juice, should be at room temp. If it’s cold, it’ll cool down your hot bang bang chicken and dull the flavor impact.
• Press the breadcrumbs firmly – To get that game day-worthy crunch, make sure the panko sticks by pressing it firmly onto the chicken. This prevents the coating from falling off during frying and delivers a satisfying bite.
• Cut chicken to fit buns – Properly sized pieces of chicken make your chicken sliders easier to assemble and enjoy. If the pieces are too large, they’ll overwhelm the slider buns and fall apart when eaten.
• Add shredded lettuce or sauce on the side – For texture and freshness, include a small bowl of shredded lettuce or offer sauce on the side. It lets guests customize their sliders ahead of time and keeps everyone happy at the party.

Perfect Serving Ideas

These bang bang chicken sliders are crave-worthy on their own, but they truly shine when paired with crispy sweet potato fries, onion rings, or even kettle chips for added crunch. For a refreshing contrast to the spicy bang bang sauce, serve a chilled coleslaw or a side salad topped with shredded lettuce and lime juice. If you’re planning a game day spread, these chicken sliders fit right in with cold beer, sweet tea, or even sparkling lemonade to help balance the sweet chili sauce heat. Don’t forget to offer extra sauce on the side for those who like a saucier bite.

Making Them Different

This slider recipe is incredibly versatile. Adjust the level of heat in your spicy bang bang sauce by using more or less sriracha, or add a touch of honey for a sweeter twist. Try swapping mozzarella for pepper jack or cheddar for a bolder cheese option. Layer in shredded lettuce or pickles to bring a refreshing crunch that contrasts beautifully with the crispy chicken. Beyond sliders, the bang bang chicken is also perfect over rice bowls—just spoon the sauce on top and finish with a squeeze of lime juice for a simple, flavorful main dish.

Make-Ahead Strategy

Preparing these sliders ahead of time makes entertaining easy and stress-free. You can bread the chicken breasts several hours in advance and keep them chilled until you’re ready to fry. Once cooked, the fried chicken can stay warm in a 325°F oven for up to an hour without losing its crispiness. If making chicken sliders for a crowd, reheat already-fried cutlets in the oven and assemble with slider buns, shredded lettuce, and your bang bang sauce at the last minute. Always bring the sauce to room temperature before serving so it spreads easily and doesn’t cool down the freshly cooked chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! If you’re skipping fried chicken, bake the breaded chicken breasts at 425°F on a wire rack over a baking sheet for 15–20 minutes. While not as crispy as pan-fried, it’s still perfect for your chicken sliders.

What is Bang Bang sauce made of?
Bang Bang sauce typically combines mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Some variations also add lime juice or honey. This spicy, creamy sauce is what gives bang bang chicken its signature flavor.

Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prep the chicken breasts and bread them earlier in the day. Keep the fried chicken warm in a 325°F oven. When you’re ready, assemble with slider buns, shredded lettuce, and sauce on the side to serve fresh and hot.

What can I substitute for buttermilk?
Stir 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar into 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes to create a buttermilk substitute that tenderizes the chicken perfectly for this slider recipe.

Can I use a different cheese?
Yes! While mozzarella is mild and melty, you can use cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack for extra flavor. Pick a cheese that melts well and balances the spicy bang bang sauce.

What sides work best on game day?
Pair these bang bang chicken sliders with crispy onion rings, sweet potato fries, or a fresh slaw. Don’t forget extras like lime wedges, shredded lettuce, and extra sauce on the side to let guests customize their sliders.

More Bibodo Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re planning a full game day menu or simply want more easy, flavorful options to pair with your chicken sliders or bang bang chicken, here are a few delicious ideas from Bibodo:

• Lemon Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies
  These bright, citrusy no-bake cookies are a great make-ahead treat to enjoy after your spicy fried chicken sliders. Light, zesty, and refreshing—like adding a touch of lime juice to dessert. A perfect sweet finish after indulging in that bold spicy bang bang sauce.
• Pink Salt Lemon Water for Weight Loss
  This detox-friendly drink pairs beautifully with rich meals like crispy chicken sliders. The blend of lemon, pink salt, and water helps refresh the palate after hearty bites layered with sweet chili sauce and slider buns. It’s especially handy when serving sliders ahead of time—give your guests something light and hydrating.
• Joy’s Banana Bread
  A moist, comforting banana bread that works great as a brunch item or as part of your slider recipe spread. Serve it warm with butter after your guests polish off the chicken breasts tucked inside those buns. It’s a simple way to round out a fun day of sliders, sauce on the side, and casual hosting.

Each of these recipes brings a balance to the bold flavors of your bang bang chicken menu—whether it’s sweet, citrusy, or comforting. Don’t forget to top your sliders with shredded lettuce for crunch and serve with a little extra sauce on the side for dipping!