Make These Bang Bang Chicken Sliders – You Won’t Regret It!

Oh, prepare your taste buds, my friends! If there’s one thing guaranteed to be a surefire hit at any gathering, or simply a fantastic weeknight treat, it’s these incredible Bang Bang Chicken Sliders. Imagine perfectly crispy, golden-fried chicken, nestled in a soft, sweet brioche bun, all drenched in a creamy, spicy, and perfectly sweet Bang Bang sauce. Seriously, the texture contrast is out of this world – that satisfying crunch followed by succulent chicken, all enveloped in a sauce that makes your palate sing. It’s an explosion of flavor and texture that you simply have to experience!

Why I Love Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

As a fellow food enthusiast and a lover of all things delicious, I can confidently say that Bang Bang Chicken Sliders hold a special place in my heart (and stomach!). They’re fun, approachable, and deliver an incredible flavor punch without too much fuss. They strike that perfect balance between comfort food and something a little bit special. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile – great for a casual dinner, game day, or elevating your lunch break. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll be finding excuses to whip them up again and again. You can even find more easy recipes to inspire your next culinary adventure right here: See more easy recipes.

Why This Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe Hits All The Marks

Perfectly Crispy Chicken, Every Time: Our secret dredging technique, combined with the right frying method, ensures chicken that’s shatteringly crisp on the outside and wonderfully juicy on the inside. No more soggy chicken here!
That Irresistible Sweet and Spicy Sauce: The Bang Bang sauce is the star, a creamy symphony of sweet chili, sriracha, and honey that’s perfectly balanced. It’s got just enough kick to keep things exciting without overwhelming the palate.
The Ideal Texture Balance: From the crunch of the chicken to the pillowy brioche bun and the smooth, creamy sauce, every bite offers a delightful textural experience that keeps you coming back for more.
Easy to Scale for Any Crowd: Whether you’re making a small batch for dinner or enough to feed a party, this recipe is easily adjustable, making it perfect for any occasion.

Essential Ingredients for Your Bang Bang Chicken Sliders (And Smart Substitutions)

Here is what you need and why:

The Chicken: Why Boneless, Skinless Thighs (or Breast) Work Best

For the most tender and flavorful experience, I highly recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They stay incredibly juicy even when fried, offering a richer flavor profile. However, if you prefer, boneless, skinless chicken breast will also work wonderfully; just be mindful not to overcook it to prevent dryness. Cut your chicken into slider-sized pieces, about 1-1.5 inches.

The Breading: Flour, Cornstarch, and Seasonings – For Ultimate Crisp

Our breading is a simple yet powerful blend. All-purpose flour creates the base, while a secret weapon, cornstarch, is added to ensure that extra layer of irresistible crispiness and delicate texture. Seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper infuse the chicken with flavor from the inside out. For a gluten-free option, use a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend with a touch of cornstarch.

The Bang Bang Sauce: Mayo, Sweet Chili, Sriracha, and Honey – Balanced Flavor is Key

This is where the magic happens! A base of creamy mayonnaise (full-fat for the best texture) is blended with sweet and tangy sweet chili sauce. Sriracha provides that signature spicy kick, which you can adjust to your preference. Finally, a touch of honey or maple syrup balances the flavors beautifully, adding a lovely sweetness and gloss. Don’t skip the seasoning here – a pinch of salt and a dash of rice vinegar can really elevate the sauce.

The Sliders: Why Brioche Buns are Your Best Bet

Forget plain white buns! Brioche slider buns are the ultimate choice for Bang Bang Chicken Sliders. Their subtly sweet and buttery richness, coupled with their soft, pillowy texture, perfectly complements the crispy chicken and creamy sauce. If you can’t find brioche, any soft, slightly sweet dinner roll will do.

Garnish: Green Onions, Sesame Seeds – The Finishing Touch

These aren’t just for show! Finely sliced green onions add a fresh, pungent bite and a pop of color, while toasted sesame seeds provide a lovely nutty crunch and aroma. Don’t omit these!

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Follow these step-by-step photos:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Dredging for Maximum Crunch

Start by patting your chicken pieces completely dry. This is crucial for crispiness! In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, whisk an egg with a splash of milk or water. Dip each chicken piece first into the egg wash, allowing excess to drip off, then thoroughly dredge in the flour mixture, pressing to ensure it’s fully coated. Set aside on a wire rack while you prepare the oil.

2. Fry the Chicken: Achieving Golden Brown Perfection

Pour about 2-3 inches of neutral oil (like canola, vegetable, or peanut oil) into a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Heat the oil to 350-375°F (175-190°C). Fry the chicken in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan, which will lower the oil temperature and lead to greasy chicken. Fry for 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown, cooked through, and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove with tongs and place on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. Season lightly with salt immediately after frying.

3. Whip Up the Bang Bang Sauce: Simple & Quick

While the chicken fries, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha (start with less and add more to taste), and honey in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings – you might want a pinch of salt or a tiny splash of rice vinegar to brighten the flavors. If it’s too thick, add a teaspoon of milk or water to thin it slightly.

4. Assemble the Sliders: Layering for Best Flavor

Slice your brioche slider buns in half. For an extra touch (see tips below!), lightly toast the cut sides. Place a piece of crispy fried chicken on the bottom half of each bun. Generously spoon or drizzle the homemade Bang Bang sauce over the chicken. Top with the other half of the bun, and garnish with a sprinkle of chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately and watch them disappear!

Expert Tips for Bang Bang Slider Success

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan (Crucial for Crispiness): Frying in small batches is non-negotiable. Overcrowding drops the oil temperature, leading to steamed, not crispy, chicken. Give each piece space!
The Right Oil Temperature (Avoid Soggy or Burned Chicken): Invest in a good thermometer. Maintaining oil between 350-375°F (175-190°C) is key. Too low and chicken will be greasy; too high and it’ll burn before cooking through.
Taste and Adjust Your Sauce (Personalize the Heat and Sweetness): The Bang Bang sauce is highly customizable. Start with less Sriracha if you’re sensitive to heat, and add more honey if you prefer it sweeter.
Toast Your Buns (Added Texture and Flavor): A quick toast of the brioche buns, especially on the cut sides, adds another layer of texture, prevents them from getting soggy, and enhances their buttery flavor. Do this in a dry pan or under the broiler for a minute. For more baking wisdom, check out the experts at King Arthur Baking.
Pat the Chicken Dry: This seemingly small step makes a huge difference in how crispy your breading turns out. Moisture creates steam, which is the enemy of crisp!

What to Serve With Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Simple Sides that Complement the Flavor

Thesesliders are a party in themselves, but some simple sides can really make the meal shine. Think light and fresh to balance the richness of the chicken and sauce. A crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette is always a winner. Coleslaw, especially a vinegar-based one, provides a nice contrast. For something a little more substantial, sweet potato fries or even some quick Asian-inspired cucumber salad would be fantastic. Don’t forget a side of extra Bang Bang sauce for dipping!

Drink Pairings

When it comes to drinks, think refreshing! A cold lager or a crisp pale ale would cut through the richness beautifully. For non-alcoholic options, iced tea (sweetened or unsweetened), sparkling lemonade, or even a ginger beer would be delightful. The effervescence and bright flavors really complement the sweet and spicy notes of the sliders.

Storing and Reheating Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

While Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are best enjoyed fresh, you can definitely store components separately for later. Store leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The Bang Bang sauce can be kept in a separate airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. I don’t recommend assembling the sliders for storage, as the buns will become soggy.

Best Way to Reheat (Maintain Crunch)

To reheat the chicken and maintain its crispiness, avoid the microwave! Preheat your oven or air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken pieces on a wire rack over a baking sheet and heat for 8-12 minutes in the oven, or 5-8 minutes in the air fryer, or until heated through and crisp again. Then, assemble with fresh, toasted buns and cold Bang Bang sauce.

Bang Bang Chicken Sliders FAQs

Can I bake or air fry the chicken?

Yes, you absolutely can! For baking, lightly spray the breaded chicken with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through. For air frying, spray the breaded chicken with oil and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12-18 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and cooked through. While delicious, the texture won’t be quite as shatteringly crispy as deep-frying, but it’s a healthier and still tasty alternative for your Bang Bang Chicken Sliders.

How spicy is the sauce?

The spice level of the Bang Bang sauce is entirely customizable! The recipe provides a good balance of sweet and spicy. If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of Sriracha. If you love a fiery kick, feel free to add more Sriracha to your liking. Always taste and adjust!

Can I make the chicken ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken ahead of time by breading it and storing it on a wire rack in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours before frying. For longer storage, it’s best to fry it fresh. You can also make the Bang Bang sauce up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This makes assembly a breeze!

What else can I use the Bang Bang sauce for?

Oh, the possibilities are endless! This versatile Bang Bang sauce isn’t just for chicken sliders. It’s fantastic as a dipping sauce for shrimp, spring rolls, or even roasted vegetables. Drizzle it over grilled fish, use it as a dressing for a coleslaw, or a spread for sandwiches. It’s so good, you’ll want to put it on everything!