Name: Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds thin sliced chicken breasts; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 tablespoon hot sauce; 2 cups panko bread crumbs; 12 slices mozzarella cheese; 12 slider rolls; Kosher salt to taste; Black pepper to taste; Garlic powder to taste; 1/4 cup cornstarch; 1 large egg; Vegetable or canola oil for frying

Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are more than just a miniature meal; they’re an explosion of flavor that has taken the culinary world by storm. If you’ve ever craved that perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and savory in a bite-sized package, then you’ve likely encountered the irresistible allure of these popular sliders. What is it about Bang Bang Chicken Sliders that makes them so universally loved? It’s the symphony of textures and tastes: the tender, crispy fried chicken enveloped in a lusciously smooth, slightly sweet and fiery Bang Bang sauce, all nestled within soft, yielding slider buns. The magic truly lies in that signature sauce, a delightful concoction that’s both comforting and exciting, delivering a satisfying kick without overwhelming the palate. Get ready to discover how to recreate this sensation in your own kitchen, making them the star of your next gathering or a delightful treat just for yourself.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 pounds thin sliced chicken breasts
Kosher salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Garlic powder to taste
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon hot sauce
1 large egg
2 cups panko bread crum extractbs
Vegetable or canola oil for frying
12 slices mozzarella cheese
12 slider rolls

Preparing the Chicken

Seasoning the Chicken

Before we even think about frying, let’s get our chicken prepped. The key to flavorful chicken is proper seasoning, and with thin slices, it soaks up flavor beautifully. I like to lay the chicken slices out on a clean cutting board or a large plate. Then, I generously season both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper; they are the foundation of good flavor. Next, I add a good dusting of garlic powder over all the slices. The garlic powder provides a subtle but essential savory note that complements the chicken perfectly. Make sure to coat all the surfaces as evenly as possible.

The Buttermilk Marinade

Now, for the magic that makes our chicken incredibly tender and helps the coating adhere beautifully. In a medium bowl, I whisk together the buttermilk and the hot sauce. The hot sauce might seem unusual in a marinade, but it adds a faint tang and a very mild background warmth that you won’t necessarily taste as heat, but rather as a complex layer of flavor that balances the richness of the fried chicken. I then add the seasoned chicken slices to this buttermilk mixture, ensuring each piece is fully submerged. I like to let this marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or you can cover it and refrigerate it for up to a few hours for an even deeper flavor infusion. The buttermilk tenderizes the chicken fibers, making them incredibly juicy when cooked.

Coating and Frying the Chicken

Creating the Dredgin extractg Stations

This is where we build our crispy, golden exterior. You’ll need three shallow dishes or bowls for this. In the first bowl, I combine the all-purpose flour and cornstarch. The cornstarch is a secret weapon here; it helps create an extra-crispy coating that stays that way. I whisk these together thoroughly. In the second bowl, I crack the large egg and whisk it until it’s well beaten. This acts as our binder. In the third bowl, I place the pankorum extractead crumbrum extractPanko bread crumbs are crucial for achieving that signature, airy crispiness that makes Bang Bang Chicken Sliders so addictive. If you orum extract have regular bread crumbs, you can use them, but the texture won’t be quite the same.

The Breading Process

Now, let’s get these chicken slices coated. I take one marinated chicken slice at a time, letting any excess buttermilk drip back into the bowl. I first dredge it in the flour and cornstarch mixture, ensuring it’s completely coated on all sides. Gently shake off any excess flour. Next, I dip the floured chicken slice into the beaten egg, making sure it’s fully covered. Finally, I rum extractnsfer it to the panko bread crumbs. Press the panko onto the chicken firmly, ensuring a thick, even coating. You want every nook and crum extractny to be covered in those delicious crumbs. Place the breaded chicken slices on a clean plate or wire rack while you bread the rest.

Frying to Golden Perfection

This is the exciting part! In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven, I pour enough vegetable or canola oil to reach a depth of about 1 to 1.5 inches. We want to ensure the chicken can be submerged adequately for even cooking and crisping. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, yrum extractcan test the oil by dropping a single panko crumb into it; it should sizzle immediately and float to the surface. Carefully, and in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, place the breaded chicken slices into the hot oil. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature, resulting in greasy, soggy chicken. Fry the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until it’s golden brown and cooked through. The thin slices cook quickly, so keep an eye on them.

Assembling the Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Melting the Cheese

Once the chicken is beautifully fried to a golden-crisp, I carefully remove it from the oil using a slotted spoon or spider strainer and place it on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This allows excess oil to drain off. While the chicken is still hot, I top each piece with a slice of mozzarella cheese. The residual heat from the chickengin extractll begin to melt the cheese, creating that wonderfully gooey layer. If the cheese isn’t melting as quickly as you’d like, you can pop the baking sheet into a warm oven (around 200°F / 95°C) for just a minute or two to help it along.

Building the Sliders

To assemble our Bang Bang Chicken Sliders, I take the slider rolls and lightly toast them. You can do this in a toaster, under the broiler, or even in the same skillet you used for frying after draining the oil. A lightly toasted bun adds a nice textural contrast. Place a piece of the cheesy, crispy chicken on the bottom half of each toasted slider roll. You can then add your favorite Bang Bang sauce here, or any other toppings you desire, like shredded lettuce or a drizzle of sriracha mayo, to create your perfect slider. Cap it off with the top half of the slider roll, and you’re ready to enjoy these incredible Bang Bang Chicken Sliders!

Conclusion:

There you have it – a simple yet sensational recipe for Bang Bang Chicken Sliders that’s sure to impress! We’ve walked through the steps to create these craveable bites, from the perfectly seasoned chicken to the creamy, zesty Bang Bang sauce. The beauty of these sliders lies in their versatility and crowd-pleasing flavor profile. They are ideal for game days, casual gatherings, or even as a fun weeknight dinner. For a complete meal, serve your Bang Bang Chicken Sliders alongside a crisp coleslaw, sweet potato fries, or a fresh garden salad. Don’t be afraid to experiment with toppings; pickled jalapeños, extra green onions, or even a sprinkle of sesame seeds can elevate the experience even further. We hope you have as much fun making and enjoying these as we do. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The Bang Bang sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It might thicken slightly, so you can stir in a teaspoon of water or milk to reach your desired consistency before serving.

What are some other protein options for these sliders?

While chicken is fantastic, you can easily adapt this recipe for other proteins. Crispy shrimp, pan-seared tofu, or even pulled beef would be delicious substitutes. Adjust cooking times accordingly for your chosen protein.

Are Bang Bang Chicken Sliders spicy?

The spice level of Bang Bang Chicken Sliders comes primarily from the sriracha in the sauce. You can adjust the amount of sriracha to control the heat. For a milder version, use less sriracha or omit it altogether. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.