How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Sliders: A Foolproof 30-Minute Recipe
Ready to make delicious bang bang chicken sliders in just 20-45 minutes? These flavor-packed mini sandwiches are surprisingly quick to prepare, taking only 10 minutes of prep time and 10-30 minutes of cooking time.
Not only are these crispy chicken sliders perfect for feeding a crowd, but they also yield an impressive 8-12 servings per batch[-3]. The star of any bang bang chicken sandwich is undoubtedly the chicken slider sauce – a creamy, sweet-spicy combination that transforms ordinary sliders into an extraordinary meal. Additionally, the sauce for chicken sliders can be prepared ahead of time, making this bang bang chicken sliders recipe even more convenient for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.
In this article, we’ll walk you through our foolproof method for creating these mouthwatering treats, breaking down each step to ensure perfect results every time. Let’s get cooking!
Make the Bang Bang Sauce
The heart of our bang bang chicken sliders lies in the sauce – a perfect blend of creamy, sweet, and spicy flavors. First, gather your key ingredients: mayonnaise, sweet Thai chili sauce, and sriracha (or your preferred hot sauce). For the creamiest base, use full-fat mayonnaise, though low-fat options work effectively as well.
In a medium bowl, combine ½ cup mayonnaise, 2-4 tablespoons sweet Thai chili sauce, and 1-2 tablespoons sriracha. The exact measurements depend on your heat preference – more sriracha means more kick! Furthermore, you can enhance the flavor profile with optional additions: a teaspoon of rice vinegar for tanginess, a tablespoon of honey for extra sweetness, or fresh lime juice for brightness.
Simply whisk all ingredients until smooth and well-combined. The consistency should be drizzle-worthy – neither too thick nor watery. If needed, thin with a small amount of water, one tablespoon at a time.
This versatile sauce can be prepared ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. In fact, many chefs claim the flavors develop more fully after chilling for about 30 minutes. Consequently, your bang bang chicken sliders will benefit from sauce that’s made in advance.
Cook the Crispy Chicken
Preparing the chicken is where your bang bang chicken sliders truly take shape. To begin, set up a simple breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour and cornstarch, another with beaten eggs (or buttermilk and egg mixture), and a third with panko breadcrumbs. This triple-dip method ensures the perfect crispy coating.
Season both the chicken and each breading component with salt, pepper, and garlic powder for layers of flavor. Dredge each piece first in flour, then egg mixture, and finally press firmly into breadcrumbs. For extra crunch, let the breaded chicken rest for about 10 minutes before cooking.
For traditional pan-frying, heat about ¼-inch of oil to approximately 350°F. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Alternatively, bake on a wire rack at 400°F for about 20 minutes, or air fry at 400°F for 15 minutes, flipping halfway.
The key to crispy results? Maintain proper oil temperature, avoid overcrowding the pan, and place cooked pieces on a wire rack instead of paper towels. Your chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Once perfectly crispy, you’re ready to assemble your bang bang chicken sliders.
Assemble the Sliders
Now comes the fun part—bringing all our components together to create perfect bang bang chicken sliders. For the base, select either soft Hawaiian rolls for sweetness, mini pretzel buns for chewiness, or potato rolls for a neutral flavor.
To assemble your bang bang chicken sliders:
- Slice rolls horizontally without separating them
- Place bottom halves in a greased baking dish
- Layer with half a slice of mozzarella or your preferred cheese
- Add the crispy chicken pieces, gently pressing down
- Drizzle generously with bang bang sauce
- Top with another layer of cheese[154]
- Place the top halves of the rolls to complete the sliders
To prevent soggy sliders, assemble just before serving or toast the buns beforehand. Moreover, you can make components ahead of time—prepare the chicken and sauce separately, then assemble right before serving.
For parties, keep sliders warm in a 325°F oven or wrapped in foil. Generally, sliders remain at safe serving temperature for about two hours. Once assembled, cut into individual sliders using a serrated knife and serve immediately for the optimal balance of crispy chicken and creamy sauce.
Conclusion
These bang bang chicken sliders truly deliver an impressive punch of flavor with minimal effort. After following this straightforward recipe, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dish ready to serve in just half an hour. The combination of crispy chicken, melty cheese, and that signature sweet-spicy sauce creates mini sandwiches that disappear quickly at any gathering.
What makes these sliders especially appealing is their versatility. You can adjust the spice level of your bang bang sauce, choose different cooking methods based on your preferences, and select from various types of rolls to customize the final result. Additionally, many components can be prepared ahead of time, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights or planned gatherings.
We particularly love how these sliders work equally well as a main dish for family dinner or as finger food for parties. The crispy chicken stays juicy inside while the sauce adds just the right amount of creamy heat. Though simple to make, these sliders taste like something from your favorite restaurant.
Remember to serve these delicious treats immediately after assembly for the best texture and flavor experience. Once you try these bang bang chicken sliders, they’ll undoubtedly become a regular feature in your cooking rotation – requested by family and friends time and again!
FAQs
Q1. How long does it take to make Bang Bang Chicken Sliders? These delicious sliders can be prepared in about 30 minutes, with 10 minutes of prep time and 10-30 minutes of cooking time, depending on your chosen cooking method.
Q2. What are the key ingredients for the Bang Bang sauce? The main ingredients for the Bang Bang sauce are mayonnaise, sweet Thai chili sauce, and sriracha. You can adjust the quantities to suit your taste preferences.
Q3. Can I prepare the Bang Bang sauce in advance? Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time. It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, and many chefs believe the flavors develop more fully after chilling for about 30 minutes.
Q4. What’s the best way to keep the chicken crispy? To ensure crispy chicken, maintain proper oil temperature when frying, avoid overcrowding the pan, and place cooked pieces on a wire rack instead of paper towels. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Q5. How can I keep the sliders warm for a party? To keep sliders warm for a party, you can place them in a 325°F oven or wrap them in foil. They generally remain at a safe serving temperature for about two hours.