How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Sliders: Quick Restaurant-Style Recipe
Ready in just 20 minutes, bang bang chicken sliders are the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you crave restaurant-quality food without the wait. These delicious mini sandwiches pack a serious flavor punch while requiring minimal effort from your kitchen.
Whether you’re new to making bang bang chicken recipes or you’re a seasoned pro looking for the perfect chicken slider sauce, we’ve got you covered. Our bang bang chicken recipe transforms ordinary chicken into something extraordinary – with each slider containing approximately 251 calories and 10g of protein per serving. Some versions can be more indulgent, offering up to 31g of protein per slider.
We’ll walk you through creating these irresistible bang bang chicken sandwiches step by step. From mixing the signature spicy-sweet sauce to assembling the perfect bite-sized sliders, this guide ensures you’ll impress family and friends with minimal effort. Let’s start making these crowd-pleasing chicken slider recipes together!
Make the Bang Bang Sauce
The heart of these bang bang chicken sliders lies in the signature sauce. Creating this creamy, spicy-sweet condiment takes just minutes but delivers explosive flavor.
First, gather your ingredients. In a small bowl, combine ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons sweet Thai chili sauce, 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce, and 1 teaspoon rice vinegar. Stir everything together until the mixture becomes smooth and uniform. For convenience, you can transfer the finished sauce to a squirt bottle for easier application.
Furthermore, don’t hesitate to customize your bang bang sauce according to your preferences. If you enjoy more heat, add extra Sriracha. Conversely, if you prefer a milder version, reduce the hot sauce slightly. Some variations include adding honey for additional sweetness or a splash of lime juice to brighten the flavors.
Additionally, this versatile sauce works perfectly for other recipes beyond chicken slider sauce. Use it for dipping vegetables, drizzling over seafood, or spreading on burgers.
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Generally, it stays fresh for up to one week, though some recipes suggest it can last up to four weeks. Before using refrigerated sauce, give it a quick stir in case any separation occurs.
Prepare and Cook the Chicken
For perfect bang bang chicken sliders, selecting the right chicken is essential. Although boneless skinless chicken thighs offer more juiciness, chicken breasts work equally well. Regardless of your choice, the meat should reach an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
To prepare the chicken, begin by cutting it into slider-sized pieces. Set up a dredging station with three components: seasoned flour mixture in one bowl, beaten egg (sometimes mixed with buttermilk) in another, and breadcrumbs in the third.
Season your flour mixture with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. For extra crispiness, many recipes incorporate cornstarch with the flour. Dip each chicken piece first in flour, then egg mixture, and finally coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
You have several cooking options:
- Traditional frying: Heat oil to 350°F and cook for 4-5 minutes per side
- Air frying: Cook at 360-400°F for 6-8 minutes per side
- Baking: Place on a wire rack at 400°F for 15-20 minutes
Moreover, for the crispiest results, allow the breaded chicken to rest on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes before cooking. Upon finishing, let the cooked chicken rest briefly on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Assemble and Serve the Sliders
With your sauce prepared and chicken cooked to perfection, it’s time to build these mouthwatering bang bang chicken sliders. First, place a small piece of lettuce and a slice of pickle on the bottom half of each slider bun. Next, add a crispy piece of chicken on top of the lettuce.
Subsequently, drizzle the bang bang sauce generously over the chicken. Some recipes suggest adding sliced cheese—mozzarella or gouda work exceptionally well. Others recommend incorporating a slaw made from red cabbage, carrots, and cilantro for extra crunch and flavor.
To maintain the crispy texture, serve your bang bang chicken sliders immediately after assembly. Pair these delicious mini sandwiches with crispy fries, sweet potato fries, or fresh coleslaw for a complete meal. Offering extra bang bang sauce on the side allows guests to add more according to their preference.
For larger gatherings, consider keeping the sliders warm by wrapping them loosely in foil and placing in a 325°F oven for about 30 minutes. Alternatively, assemble components ahead of time and put together just before serving to preserve the optimal texture.
Remember that hot food should be kept at 140°F or higher for food safety. These irresistible chicken slider recipes are perfect for game days, parties, or simply a fun family dinner.
Conclusion
Bang bang chicken sliders truly offer the perfect combination of convenience and restaurant-quality flavor for any occasion. Throughout this guide, we’ve walked through each crucial step—from creating that signature spicy-sweet sauce to properly preparing the chicken and assembling these delicious mini sandwiches.
These sliders certainly stand out as a versatile dish that works equally well for casual family dinners or impressive party appetizers. The customizable heat level allows everyone to enjoy them according to personal preference. Additionally, the quick 20-minute preparation time makes them an ideal solution when craving something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
Remember that freshness matters most when serving these sliders. Assembling them right before eating ensures the chicken maintains its satisfying crispiness against the creamy sauce. Likewise, offering extra sauce on the side gives your guests the freedom to add more if desired.
Beyond their amazing taste, these sliders provide a substantial nutritional boost with approximately 10-31g of protein per serving, depending on your preparation method. This makes them not just delicious but also somewhat nutritious compared to many other quick meal options.
We hope this straightforward guide inspires you to try making bang bang chicken sliders at home. Once you master this recipe, you’ll undoubtedly find yourself adding it to your regular rotation of crowd-pleasing favorites. Happy cooking!
FAQs
Q1. What is the key ingredient in bang bang sauce? The key ingredients in bang bang sauce are mayonnaise, sweet Thai chili sauce, Sriracha sauce, and rice vinegar. This combination creates a creamy, spicy-sweet flavor that’s perfect for chicken sliders.
Q2. How long does it take to make bang bang chicken sliders? Bang bang chicken sliders can be prepared in about 20 minutes, making them an ideal quick meal option for busy weeknights or when you want a restaurant-quality dish without the wait.
Q3. Can I make bang bang chicken sliders healthier? Yes, you can make healthier bang bang chicken sliders by using chicken breast instead of thighs, air frying or baking the chicken instead of deep frying, and adjusting the sauce ingredients to reduce calories.
Q4. What are some good side dishes to serve with bang bang chicken sliders? Bang bang chicken sliders pair well with crispy fries, sweet potato fries, or fresh coleslaw. You can also serve extra bang bang sauce on the side for dipping.
Q5. How can I keep bang bang chicken sliders warm for a party? To keep bang bang chicken sliders warm for a party, you can wrap them loosely in foil and place them in a 325°F oven for about 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble the sliders just before serving to maintain the optimal texture.