Bang Bang Chicken Sliders: The Ultimate Crispy and Spicy Game Day Recipe
When it comes to crowd-pleasing appetizers that pack a serious flavor punch, few dishes can compete with the irresistible combination of crispy fried chicken and creamy, spicy bang bang sauce nestled between soft slider buns. These bang bang chicken sliders represent the perfect marriage of textures and flavors that will have your guests coming back for seconds, thirds, and beyond.
The beauty of bang bang chicken sliders lies in their versatility and crowd appeal. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, planning a casual dinner with friends, or looking for an impressive yet manageable appetizer for your next gathering, these sliders deliver on all fronts. The crispy, golden-brown chicken provides the perfect canvas for the signature bang bang sauce – a delightful blend of creamy mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha that creates an addictive sweet-heat combination.
What sets these sliders apart from ordinary chicken sandwiches is the attention to detail in every component. The chicken is carefully seasoned and coated to achieve maximum crispiness, while the bang bang sauce is perfectly balanced to complement rather than overpower the star ingredient. The addition of fresh coleslaw adds a crucial textural element and a cooling contrast to the spicy sauce, making each bite a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
The preparation process, while requiring some time and attention, is surprisingly straightforward and accessible to home cooks of all skill levels. The key to success lies in proper preparation and timing – ensuring your oil is at the correct temperature for frying, allowing adequate time for the chicken to marinate in the buttermilk mixture, and preparing all components in advance so assembly becomes a breeze.
These sliders are particularly perfect for entertaining because they can be partially prepared in advance. The bang bang sauce actually improves in flavor when made ahead of time, allowing the ingredients to meld together beautifully. The coleslaw can also be prepared hours in advance, and the chicken can be breaded and ready for frying well before your guests arrive.
From a nutritional standpoint, while these sliders are certainly an indulgent treat, they do offer some redeeming qualities. The chicken provides high-quality protein, while the coleslaw adds vegetables and fiber to the mix. The key, as with any indulgent food, is moderation and balance within your overall diet.
The beauty of this recipe also lies in its adaptability. Don’t have slider buns? Regular hamburger buns work perfectly well when cut in half. Prefer a different level of heat? Adjust the sriracha in the bang bang sauce to suit your taste preferences. Want to add more vegetables? Consider adding sliced tomatoes, pickles, or even avocado to create your own signature version.
For those concerned about the frying process, these sliders can also be adapted for baking or air frying, though the texture will be slightly different. The key is maintaining that crucial crispy exterior that provides such a delightful contrast to the creamy sauce and tender chicken interior.
The social aspect of these sliders cannot be understated. There’s something inherently fun and communal about slider-style foods that encourages sharing and conversation. They’re perfectly sized for mingling at parties, yet substantial enough to serve as a main course when paired with appropriate sides.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into slider-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
For Assembly:
- 12 slider buns, halved
- 2 cups prepared coleslaw mix
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (for coleslaw)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (for coleslaw)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pickle slices (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken marinade: In a large bowl, submerge chicken pieces in buttermilk. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This step ensures maximum tenderness and flavor penetration.
- Make the bang bang sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until completely smooth. Taste and adjust heat level as desired. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Prepare the coleslaw: Combine coleslaw mix with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Toss well and refrigerate until assembly time.
- Set up breading station: In a large bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of spices.
- Heat the oil: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain consistent temperature throughout the cooking process.
- Bread the chicken: Remove chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure coating adheres well.
- Fry the chicken: Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, carefully lower chicken pieces into hot oil. Fry for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Warm the buns: Lightly toast slider buns in a dry skillet or under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until just golden.
- Assemble the sliders: Spread bang bang sauce on both halves of each bun. Place a piece of fried chicken on the bottom bun, top with coleslaw and pickle slices if using, then crown with the top bun.
- Serve immediately: These sliders are best enjoyed fresh and hot, when the chicken is at its crispiest and the contrast between hot and cold elements is most pronounced.
Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Marinate chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
- Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar to make bang bang sauce. Refrigerate.
- Combine coleslaw mix with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Mix flour, cornstarch, and all spices in a large bowl for breading mixture.
- Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) in a large pot or deep fryer.
- Remove chicken from buttermilk and dredge in seasoned flour mixture, pressing to coat well.
- Fry chicken in batches for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Lightly toast slider buns and assemble with bang bang sauce, fried chicken, and coleslaw.
Notes
The final result is a symphony of flavors and textures that exemplifies everything great about comfort food. The initial crunch of the perfectly seasoned coating gives way to juicy, tender chicken, while the bang bang sauce provides that signature sweet-heat combination that keeps you reaching for more. The coleslaw adds freshness and crunch, creating a well-balanced bite that satisfies on multiple levels.
These bang bang chicken sliders have earned their place as a modern classic, combining familiar comfort food elements with contemporary flavors that reflect our increasingly adventurous palates. They represent the evolution of the humble chicken sandwich into something truly special – a dish worthy of any occasion from casual weeknight dinners to celebratory gatherings.
