Description: Delectable bite-sized chicken sliders featuring crispy, golden-fried chicken coated in a flavorful bang bang sauce, nestled between soft slider buns with fresh toppings. A perfect appetizer or snack for any occasion!
Ingredients:
Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying (approximately 4-6 cups, depending on your pot size)
Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tbsp sriracha sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp lime juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Sliders:
- 12 mini slider buns (Hawaiian rolls work wonderfully!)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce (iceberg or romaine)
- ½ cup thinly sliced red onion
- ½ cup dill pickle chips (optional, but highly recommended!)
- Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken: Begin by preparing the chicken. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, roughly 1-inch cubes. This size ensures even cooking and makes them perfect for fitting into the slider buns. Place the cubed chicken into a large bowl.
Step 2: Marinating the Chicken: In the bowl with the chicken, pour in the buttermilk. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly, ensuring that all the chicken pieces are well coated with the buttermilk and spices. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably longer (up to 4 hours). The longer the chicken marinates, the more tender and flavorful it will become. The buttermilk helps to tenderize the chicken, while the spices infuse it with savory notes.
Step 3: Making the Bang Bang Sauce: While the chicken is marinating, prepare the bang bang sauce. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, honey, lime juice, and garlic powder. Whisk all the ingredients together until the sauce is smooth and well combined. Taste the sauce and adjust the amount of sriracha to your liking, depending on how spicy you want it. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a touch more honey. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the sauce until ready to assemble the sliders. This allows the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Preparing the Breading: In a shallow dish, place the all-purpose flour. In another shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs. The panko breadcrumbs add a delightful crunch to the chicken.
Step 5: Frying the Chicken: Pour vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). While the oil is heating, remove the chicken from the refrigerator. Take each piece of marinated chicken and dredge it in the flour, making sure it’s fully coated. Then, dip it into the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the breaded chicken pieces to the oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until it is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Draining the Chicken: Remove the fried chicken from the oil with a slotted spoon and place it on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. This helps to keep the chicken crispy.
Step 7: Assembling the Sliders: Once the chicken is fried and drained, it’s time to assemble the sliders. Cut the slider buns in half. Spread a generous amount of bang bang sauce on both the top and bottom halves of each bun. On the bottom bun, place a small handful of shredded lettuce. Then, add several pieces of the crispy fried chicken. Top with a few slices of red onion and dill pickle chips (if using). Sprinkle with fresh cilantro (if using). Place the top bun on the sliders.
Step 8: Serving the Sliders: Serve the bang bang chicken sliders immediately. They are best enjoyed warm and fresh.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
These Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are a delightful combination of flavors and textures that make them incredibly addictive. The crispy, golden-fried chicken is perfectly complemented by the creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet bang bang sauce. The fresh lettuce and red onion add a refreshing crunch, while the pickles provide a tangy contrast. The slider format makes them ideal for parties, game days, or a fun weeknight meal. They’re easy to eat, visually appealing, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The recipe is also relatively simple to make, with readily available ingredients, and can be customized to your spice preference.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Bang Bang Chicken Sliders as an appetizer at a party or gathering.
- Pair them with a side of sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
- Offer a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or extra bang bang sauce.
- Arrange the sliders on a platter with colorful garnishes for an appealing presentation.
- Consider adding other toppings to the sliders, such as sliced avocado, tomato, or bacon.
Tips:
- For extra crispy chicken, double dredge the chicken in the flour and panko breadcrumbs.
- Make the bang bang sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To keep the fried chicken warm and crispy, place it in a preheated oven (200°F) while you assemble the sliders.
- If you don’t have slider buns, you can use regular hamburger buns and cut them into smaller portions.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha in the bang bang sauce to suit your spice preference.
- For a healthier option, bake the chicken instead of frying it. Coat the breaded chicken in cooking spray and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes (plus marinating time)
Nutritional Information: (per slider, estimated)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 20g
- Sodium: 500mg
Conclusion:
Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are a fun, flavorful, and versatile dish that is sure to be a hit with everyone. The combination of crispy chicken, creamy sauce, and fresh toppings is simply irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, or just craving something delicious, these sliders are the perfect choice. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and sauces to create your own unique version. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I make the chicken ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can fry the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it in a preheated oven (350°F) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
Q2: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add even more flavor and moisture to the sliders. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as chicken thighs may take slightly longer to cook than chicken breasts.
Q3: Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
A: Yes, you can bake the chicken for a healthier option. Coat the breaded chicken in cooking spray and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown.
Q4: What can I substitute for buttermilk if I don’t have any?
A: You can make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Q5: Can I freeze the bang bang chicken sliders?
A: It is not recommended to freeze the assembled sliders, as the sauce and toppings may become soggy. However, you can freeze the fried chicken separately for up to 2 months. Reheat it in a preheated oven before assembling the sliders.
