Looking to spice up your next dinner or game day spread? This Bang Bang Chicken Sliders recipe delivers big flavor in a fun, bite-sized package. Crispy fried chicken, a creamy-sweet-spicy bang bang sauce, and soft buns come together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something bold and satisfying, these mini sandwiches are surprisingly easy to make and totally addictive. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, variations, tips, and more to help you create sliders that everyone will be raving about!
Ingredients for Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe
These sliders are a delicious combo of crispy chicken, zesty sauce, and pillowy-soft buns. The best part? You don’t need fancy ingredients—just a few pantry staples and a handful of fresh items to whip up this flavorful Bang Bang Chicken Sliders recipe in no time.
🍗 For the Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra juiciness)
- 1 cup buttermilk (for tenderizing and flavor)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for that crispy, golden crust)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
🔥 For the Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to your spice level)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or fresh lemon juice
- Optional: honey for a hint of sweetness
This creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce is what makes Bang Bang sliders stand out.
🥬 For Assembling the Sliders
- 12 slider buns (brioche, Hawaiian, or potato rolls)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce (or coleslaw mix for crunch)
- Pickled onions or thin cucumber slices (optional, for brightness)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Butter, for toasting buns
✅ Optional Add-Ons & Substitutions
- Swap Greek yogurt for mayo in the sauce
- Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs if needed
- Try air frying the chicken for a lighter option
- Add avocado slices, cheddar cheese, or even a jalapeño kick
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Step by Step
Making this Bang Bang Chicken Sliders recipe is easier than you might think—and the payoff is totally worth it. From juicy, crispy chicken to that crave-worthy sauce, here’s exactly how to pull it all together like a pro.
🔪 Step 1: Prep and Marinate the Chicken
- Slice the chicken breasts into slider-sized pieces or small cutlets.
- In a bowl, combine buttermilk, a pinch of salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken to the mixture, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 8 hours). This keeps the chicken tender, juicy, and full of flavor.
🍳 Step 2: Bread the Chicken
- In one bowl: mix flour, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl: place the panko breadcrumbs.
- Remove chicken from marinade.
- First, coat each piece in the seasoned flour.
- Then, dip it back into the buttermilk.
- Finally, press it into the panko until fully coated.
Double-dipping = extra crispy!
🔥 Step 3: Fry the Chicken
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully add breaded chicken pieces, a few at a time—don’t overcrowd.
- Fry for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and internal temp hits 165°F.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
🥄 Step 4: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together:
- ½ cup mayo
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- Taste and adjust spice level as needed.
- Set aside or pour into a squeeze bottle for easy serving.
🍞 Step 5: Toast the Slider Buns
- Slice your slider buns in half.
- Spread a thin layer of butter on each cut side.
- Toast in a skillet or under the broiler for 1–2 minutes until golden and slightly crispy.
🍔 Step 6: Assemble the Sliders
- On the bottom bun, layer a bit of shredded lettuce.
- Add a piece of crispy chicken.
- Drizzle generously with bang bang sauce.
- Top with pickled onions or cucumber slices (optional).
- Add the top bun and secure with a toothpick if serving for guests.
Tools You’ll Need for Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe
You don’t need a fancy kitchen setup to nail this Bang Bang Chicken Sliders recipe. Just a few everyday tools will help you prep, fry, and serve these crispy, saucy sliders without breaking a sweat.
🔪 Basic Prep Tools
- Sharp chef’s knife
For slicing chicken into even pieces and chopping toppings like lettuce or onions. - Cutting board
One for meat and another for veggies is ideal to avoid cross-contamination. - Mixing bowls (medium and large)
You’ll need a few for marinating the chicken, breading stations, and mixing the bang bang sauce. - Measuring cups and spoons
Accuracy makes a difference in both the breading and the sauce.
🍳 Cooking Equipment
- Deep skillet or cast-iron pan
Essential for shallow frying the chicken to golden, crispy perfection. - Tongs
Helps you flip chicken safely without splashing hot oil. - Thermometer
Use an instant-read thermometer to check that your chicken hits the safe internal temp of 165°F. You can learn more about that from this safe internal temperature guide. - Wire rack or paper towel-lined plate
Lets fried chicken rest and stay crispy instead of getting soggy.
🔥 Optional but Helpful Tools
- Air fryer
A great alternative to frying if you want a lighter version of this dish. - Squeeze bottle
Makes drizzling the bang bang sauce cleaner and prettier—especially if you’re serving a crowd. - Toothpicks or mini skewers
Perfect for holding sliders together if you’re serving them at parties.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
Still have a few questions before you dig into this Bang Bang Chicken Sliders recipe? No worries—here are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about making, customizing, and storing these crispy, spicy mini sandwiches.
What is Bang Bang sauce made of?
Bang Bang sauce is a creamy, sweet-and-spicy combo typically made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and a splash of rice vinegar or lemon juice. It’s rich, tangy, and adds a perfect kick to fried chicken sliders.
Can I make Bang Bang Chicken Sliders in the air fryer?
Absolutely! If you’re skipping the oil, coat the chicken as usual, then place it in a preheated air fryer at 375°F. Cook for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy. It’s a lighter version that still delivers on crunch.
Are Bang Bang Chicken Sliders spicy?
They do have a bit of a kick, thanks to the sriracha in the sauce and cayenne pepper in the breading. But you can easily adjust the heat by using less sriracha or omitting the cayenne altogether.
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