Introduction

Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are the ultimate mash-up of crispy chicken, creamy-spicy sauce, and soft slider buns. Inspired by the famous Bang Bang Shrimp, this finger-licking recipe swaps shrimp for tender chicken to deliver a heartier, more crowd-pleasing bite. Whether you’re hosting a game-day party, backyard BBQ, or weeknight dinner, these sliders are guaranteed to steal the spotlight.

What makes these sliders unforgettable is the Bang Bang sauce—a luscious blend of mayo, sweet chili, and a little heat from sriracha. The sauce not only coats the crispy chicken bites but also drips beautifully over fresh lettuce in fluffy slider buns. Each bite delivers crunch, creaminess, spice, and satisfaction.

Simple to prep and full of bold flavor, these sliders strike the perfect balance between comfort food and gourmet street eats. It’s an easy recipe with big results. Plus, you can customize it in endless ways to match your cravings. Let’s dive into everything you need to know!

 

 

What You Need

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying

 

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
• 1–2 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp honey (optional for sweetness)

 

To Assemble:

• 12 slider buns
• Butter lettuce or shredded lettuce
• Pickled jalapeños (optional)
• Chopped green onions (optional for garnish)

 

 

How to Make

1. Marinate the Chicken : In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with buttermilk, cover, and chill for 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Coating: In another bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat the Oil: Heat 2 inches of oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until hot (350°F).
4. Coat the Chicken: Dredge marinated chicken in the flour mixture, pressing to coat well.
5. Fry to Golden: Fry chicken in batches for 3–4 minutes per side or until crispy and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
6. Make the Sauce: Whisk together mayonnaise, chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth.
7. Toss in Sauce: Gently toss hot fried chicken in the Bang Bang sauce or drizzle it over when assembling.
8. Assemble Sliders: Layer lettuce, Bang Bang chicken, and toppings inside toasted slider buns. Serve warm.

 

 

Why You’ll Love This

Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are everything you want in a bite-sized sandwich—crispy, spicy, creamy, tangy, and utterly satisfying. The homemade Bang Bang sauce delivers restaurant-quality flavor, and the small size makes them perfect for sharing, parties, or portion control. They’re easy to prep, cook fast, and impress everyone from picky kids to foodie adults.

 

 

Tips

For ultra-crispy chicken, double-coat by dipping dredged pieces back into the buttermilk and then into the flour mixture again. Always fry in small batches to avoid crowding the pan. To save time, you can make the sauce ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Toast your slider buns for a buttery, crisp finish that won’t turn soggy.

 

Substitutions and Variations

Use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken

Swap slider buns for Hawaiian rolls or mini brioche

Add sliced cucumbers or slaw for extra crunch

Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter sauce

Try gochujang instead of sriracha for deeper heat

 

 

Make a Healthier Version

To make this healthier, bake or air-fry the chicken instead of deep frying. Coat the chicken in panko for a crispier oven finish. Replace mayo with Greek yogurt in the sauce, and serve the sliders open-faced or with whole wheat buns for fewer calories and carbs. Add fresh veggie toppings like shredded carrots or cucumbers for bonus nutrition.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken tenders instead of breast?

Yes! Chicken tenders are great for uniform pieces and cook quickly.

How spicy is the Bang Bang sauce?

Mild to medium—it’s customizable by adjusting sriracha.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Fry chicken and keep separate; reheat in oven, toss with sauce before serving.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

Mix 1 cup milk with 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute.

Can I bake the chicken?

Yes. Bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes or air-fry at 375°F for 12–15 minutes.

What’s the best bun to use?

Soft slider buns, Hawaiian rolls, or mini brioche work best.

Is the sauce gluten-free?

Only if you use GF mayo and chili sauce—double-check labels.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Fried chicken can be frozen, but it’s best served fresh for crispiness.

What side dishes pair well?

Fries, slaw, mac & cheese, or a fresh cucumber salad.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! It scales well—just fry in batches.

 

 

Health Benefits

While these sliders are indulgent, they offer protein from the chicken and can be made healthier with smart swaps. Air frying cuts fat, and using lettuce and whole grain buns adds fiber. The sauce can be made low-fat with Greek yogurt, and you can load the sliders with veggies for extra nutrients.

 

Conclusion

Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are bold, flavorful, and fun to make. With crispy chicken, spicy-sweet sauce, and buttery buns, they’re everything you crave in a mini sandwich. Perfect for entertaining or a flavorful weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Give it a try—and don’t forget the napkins!

 

 

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