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Bang Bang Chicken Sliders deliver crispy chicken tucked into soft buns with creamy spicy sauce and crisp lettuce making them ideal for parties or dinner whenever that takeout craving hits. This satisfying dish was a total crowd-pleaser at my last game night the kind of recipe that makes everyone ask for seconds and the secret sauce recipe
I remember testing different chicken coating combos for months before landing on this just right version. It disappeared at a backyard cookout and now my friends beg for these at every gathering
Ingredients
- Chicken breast or thigh meat: Choose boneless skinless pieces in uniform size for even cooking
- Buttermilk: Helps tenderize chicken and adds tang use full fat if possible
- Garlic powder: Gives a layered base of savory warmth always opt for fresh fragrant powder
- Paprika: Brings gentle color and smokiness smoked or sweet both work well
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning do not skimp taste your seasoning blend
- All purpose flour: Makes a crisp exterior sift for extra light breading
- Vegetable oil: Neutral flavor and high smoke point any light oil is good for frying
- Mayonnaise: Creamy base for rich sauce go for full fat for best flavor and mouthfeel
- Sweet chili sauce: Adds sweetness heat and a glossy finish seek out brands with balanced flavor
- Sriracha: Brings bold spice adjust amount to preference for heat
- Honey or white sugar: Adds mellow sweetness to offset spicy notes
- Rice vinegar or lime: Brightens everything up a fresh squeeze makes the sauce pop
- Slider buns or Hawaiian rolls: Go for soft fresh buns that are not too dense
- Shredded lettuce or coleslaw: For crunch and freshness choose crisp leaves or slaw with color
- Pickles: Tangy crunch that cuts the richness optional but highly recommended for zip
- Chopped green onion or cilantro: Lifts up flavor and adds green color perfect for garnish
Step by Step Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Combine chicken pieces with buttermilk garlic powder paprika salt and pepper in a large bowl ensuring all pieces are coated evenly then cover and chill for at least thirty minutes This builds tenderness and flavor throughout the chicken
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl whisk together mayonnaise sweet chili sauce sriracha and your choice of honey and tangy acid mix until silky smooth and taste to adjust heat or sweetness This creates a signature Bang Bang sauce with a balance of creamy spicy and sweet notes
- Dredge and Fry Chicken:
- Once the chicken is marinated dredge each piece in flour coating thoroughly then lay on a wire rack Heat at least half an inch of oil in a heavy skillet and fry chicken pieces for about three or four minutes per side until deep golden and crispy Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to paper towels so any excess oil drips off This ensures an ultra thin crisp crust without greasiness
- Toast the Buns:
- Slice and lightly toast buns in a skillet or toaster oven until golden and warm This gives structure and prevents sogginess from the sauce
- Assemble the Sliders:
- Spread a spoonful of bang bang sauce onto each bottom bun Layer with lettuce or slaw then top with hot chicken Drizzle on more sauce add pickles or herbs and cap with the bun Serve immediately for the ultimate texture contrast
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My favorite part is the sauce I remember letting my little one help stir in sriracha through giggles as we tasted each batch That family teamwork made these sliders something special in our house Now each bite is a reminder of that kitchen fun
Storage Tips
Leftover chicken stays crisp if cooled completely and stored separately from sauce and buns Keep chicken in a container lined with paper towel Refrigerate sauce in a jar Buns and greens can be wrapped and chilled Reheat chicken in a hot oven for ten minutes to revive the crunch
Ingredient Swaps
Chicken breast and thigh both work just fine For a healthier take bake the chicken on a rack drizzled with oil instead of frying Greek yogurt can stand in for mayo if you like a lighter sauce If you want tangier flavor swap rice vinegar for lemon juice
Serving Suggestions
Serve with extra pickles crunchy slaw or even fries on the side For parties set up a slider bar with different toppings like sliced jalapeno or roasted peppers Try these as lettuce wraps for a low-carb version
The Origin Story
Bang Bang Chicken was inspired by Sichuan style street food with spicy sweet sauce Over time it went from a chilled sesame dish in China to a fried American takeout classic These sliders are the playful in-between for modern kitchens
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I keep the chicken crispy?
Fry chicken pieces in hot oil until deeply golden, and drain thoroughly on paper towels before assembling.
- → Can I make the bang bang sauce less spicy?
Reduce the amount of sriracha or use mild chili sauce to tone down the heat without losing flavor.
- → What kind of buns work best?
Soft slider buns or Hawaiian rolls enhance the sweetness and hold the fillings without falling apart.
- → Is it possible to bake instead of fry the chicken?
Yes, arrange coated chicken on a baking rack, spray with oil, and bake at 425°F until crisp and cooked through.
- → Can I prep ingredients in advance?
Marinate the chicken and mix sauce ahead. Fry chicken just before serving for best texture and flavor.