Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

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These Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are an explosion of flavors, combining spicy, tangy, and creamy elements in every bite. The tender, crispy chicken is perfectly complemented by the sweet and spicy Bang Bang sauce, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and full of flavor. Served on soft mini slider buns, these sliders are topped with fresh lettuce and onion for a crunchy contrast that makes each bite irresistible.

Perfect for parties, game days, or a fun family dinner, these sliders are sure to be a hit. The recipe is versatile too—you can easily adjust the spice level or even swap out the chicken for a vegetarian option like crispy tofu or cauliflower. Pair them with your favorite sides and watch these Bang Bang Chicken Sliders become a new favorite!

Full Recipe:

For the Chicken:

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Vegetable oil for frying

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Sliders:

12 mini slider buns
1 cup shredded lettuce
1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
1/2 cup pickles (optional)
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Directions:

Marinate the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into small, bite-sized pieces suitable for sliders. In a large bowl, mix the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Submerge the chicken pieces in the mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, honey, lime juice, and garlic powder. Mix until smooth and set aside.
Fry the Chicken: In a shallow dish, combine the flour and panko breadcrumbs. Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade and dredge them in the flour mixture. Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken pieces in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
Assemble the Sliders: Lightly toast the slider buns. Spread Bang Bang sauce on the bottom half of each bun, add a few pieces of fried chicken, and top with shredded lettuce, red onion, and pickles. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
Serve: Arrange the sliders on a serving platter with extra Bang Bang sauce on the side.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal per slider | Servings: 12 sliders

Recipe Overview:

Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are a delicious fusion of spicy, crispy chicken and a creamy, tangy Bang Bang sauce, all served in mini slider buns. The combination of flavors and textures makes this dish a crowd-pleaser, perfect for casual gatherings, game days, or a quick family meal.

Flavor Profile:

Spicy and Tangy: The Bang Bang sauce brings a delightful blend of heat from the sriracha and sweetness from the chili sauce and honey.
Creamy and Crispy: The crispy fried chicken, coated in a buttermilk marinade, balances perfectly with the creamy mayonnaise-based sauce.
Fresh and Crunchy: The addition of shredded lettuce, red onions, and optional pickles adds a fresh crunch to each bite.

Tips for Success:

Marinating the Chicken: Letting the chicken marinate in the buttermilk mixture for at least an hour is crucial. This not only infuses the chicken with flavor but also tenderizes it, making it juicy and delicious.
Frying: To ensure a crispy coating, make sure the oil is hot (around 350°F/175°C) before frying. Avoid overcrowding the skillet, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken.
Assembling: Toasting the slider buns gives them a nice texture and prevents them from getting soggy when topped with the sauce.

Variations:

Healthier Version: For a lighter alternative, bake the breaded chicken pieces in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
Grilled Chicken: For a smoky flavor, grill the marinated chicken instead of frying it. This reduces the fat content and adds a unique taste.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with crispy tofu or cauliflower florets for a vegetarian-friendly version. Coat the tofu or cauliflower in the same batter and follow the same cooking steps.
Spice Level: Adjust the spice in the Bang Bang sauce by varying the amount of sriracha. Increase for extra heat, or reduce it if you prefer a milder taste.

Serving Suggestions:

Appetizer: Serve the sliders as an appetizer for parties or gatherings. They pair well with a side of extra Bang Bang sauce for dipping.
Main Course: Make them the star of your meal by serving with sides like sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad.
Customization: Offer a toppings bar with extras like avocado slices, jalapeños, or a variety of cheeses so guests can customize their sliders.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per Slider):

Calories: 350 kcal
Protein: 15g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 6g

Storage and Reheating:

Storage: Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the buns, chicken, and toppings separate to prevent sogginess.
Reheating: Reheat the chicken in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to maintain its crispiness. Warm the buns separately before assembling.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Quick and Easy: Despite their restaurant-quality taste, these sliders are simple to make and come together in just 35 minutes.
Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of flavors is universally appealing, making these sliders a hit with both kids and adults.
Versatile: This recipe is easily adaptable to suit different tastes and dietary preferences, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection.

Pairing Suggestions:

Beverages: Pair these sliders with a refreshing drink like iced tea, a citrusy lemonade, or a light beer to complement the spicy flavors.
Dips: Serve alongside other dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or an extra drizzle of Bang Bang sauce for added flavor.

Background and Origin:

The Bang Bang sauce has its roots in Asian-inspired cuisine, known for its combination of sweet, spicy, and creamy elements. The sauce is often used in dishes like Bang Bang Shrimp or Chicken, providing a punch of flavor that makes any dish stand out. These sliders put a fun, Western twist on the classic flavors, packing them into a bite-sized, handheld snack that’s perfect for any occasion.

History and Inspiration:

Bang Bang Sauce Origins: The Bang Bang sauce, often associated with Asian-inspired dishes, has its roots in Southeast Asian cuisine. Traditionally, it’s known for its unique blend of spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors, typically used to enhance dishes like shrimp, chicken, or vegetables. The name “Bang Bang” might be derived from the impact of the bold, flavorful taste that “bangs” your taste buds with every bite.
Fusion Cuisine: This recipe is an example of fusion cuisine, where Asian-inspired flavors meet Western comfort food. It combines the crispy, fried chicken familiar in American sliders with the rich, multi-layered Bang Bang sauce, creating a dish that’s both exciting and comforting.

Cooking Techniques:

Double Dredging for Extra Crispiness: For an even crispier chicken, try double dredging. After the first coat in the flour mixture, dip the chicken back into the buttermilk and coat it again in the flour-panko mixture. This creates a thicker crust, giving the chicken an extra crunch.
Proper Oil Temperature: Maintaining the correct oil temperature (350°F/175°C) is crucial. If the oil is too hot, the outside will burn before the chicken cooks through. If it’s too cool, the chicken will absorb more oil and become greasy. Use a kitchen thermometer for accuracy, or test with a small piece of chicken—it should sizzle and float immediately.

Ingredient Highlights:

Buttermilk Marination: The use of buttermilk in this recipe serves a dual purpose. It tenderizes the chicken, making it juicy and flavorful, and helps the coating adhere better to the chicken pieces, resulting in a crispier finish.
Sweet Chili Sauce: This ingredient is key to the sauce’s balance, adding sweetness and a hint of heat without being overwhelming. It’s a versatile condiment that brings a touch of Asian flair to the dish.
Sriracha: A popular hot sauce in Asian cuisine, sriracha gives the Bang Bang sauce its signature heat. Its garlicky, tangy undertones complement the creamy mayonnaise base, creating a sauce that’s spicy but not overpowering.

Perfect Pairings:

Sides:
- Asian Slaw: Serve these sliders with a crunchy Asian slaw made of shredded cabbage, carrots, and a light sesame-ginger dressing. The freshness of the slaw complements the rich flavors of the sliders.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries provide a sweet contrast to the spicy sliders and are a healthier alternative to regular fries.
- Pickled Vegetables: A side of pickled cucumbers, carrots, or radishes can add a zesty crunch that pairs wonderfully with the spicy, creamy chicken.

Serving Ideas:

Slider Bar: If you’re hosting a gathering, set up a “slider bar” where guests can assemble their own Bang Bang Chicken Sliders. Provide an array of toppings like sliced avocado, pickled jalapeños, different cheeses, and various sauces for a customizable experience.
Mini Skewers: For a more elegant presentation at parties, use mini skewers or cocktail sticks to hold each slider together. It makes them easier to serve and eat, especially as finger food.

Fun Facts:

Why “Sliders”? The term “slider” originated in the U.S. Navy to describe small, greasy burgers that would slide easily across a griddle. Today, it refers to any small sandwich served on a bun, typically enjoyed as a snack or appetizer.
Versatility of Bang Bang Sauce: This versatile sauce isn’t just for sliders. It can be used as a dip for fries, drizzled over salads, or even used as a marinade for grilling other proteins like shrimp, tofu, or pork.

Dietary Modifications:

Gluten-Free Option: To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives. Ensure the slider buns are also gluten-free.
Dairy-Free Option: Replace the buttermilk with a dairy-free milk alternative (like almond milk) mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic the tanginess of buttermilk.
Lower-Calorie Version: For a lighter version, bake the chicken instead of frying. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in the Bang Bang sauce to reduce calories and add a bit of protein.

Culinary Tips for Enhancement:

Customizing the Sauce:
- Extra Zest: Add a teaspoon of lime zest to the Bang Bang sauce for an extra burst of citrusy flavor.
- Garlic Lovers: Freshly minced garlic can be added to the sauce for a more pungent, robust garlic flavor.
Spicy Kick: For those who love heat, mix in a bit of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the Bang Bang sauce for an extra spicy version.
Cheese Upgrade: Swap out the mozzarella for a slice of pepper jack or cheddar for a gooey, cheesy layer that adds more flavor and a slight kick to each bite.

Nutritional Insight:

High Protein: The chicken in this recipe provides a substantial amount of protein, making these sliders a satisfying option that helps keep you full.
Moderate Fat: While the dish does contain fat from frying and the sauce, these can be adjusted (e.g., using low-fat mayonnaise or baking instead of frying) for a more balanced meal.
Balanced Carbs: The slider buns and breading provide carbohydrates, which can be moderated by using whole-grain buns or reducing the amount of breading if desired.

Why These Sliders are Perfect for Entertaining:

Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are a great choice for entertaining because they are easy to make in large batches and can be customized to suit different preferences. They offer a balance of flavors and textures that are sure to impress guests. Plus, they can be served as both a main dish or an appetizer, making them versatile for various occasions.

Make-Ahead Tips:

Chicken Prep: You can marinate and bread the chicken pieces a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to fry or bake.
Sauce: The Bang Bang sauce can be prepared up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before serving.
Reheating: If making ahead, reheat the chicken in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispiness.

Custom Garnishes:

Fresh Herbs: In addition to cilantro, try garnishing with fresh basil or mint for a different herbal twist.
Citrus Wedges: Serve with lime or lemon wedges for guests to squeeze over their sliders for a fresh citrus burst.

Conclusion:

Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are a delightful fusion of spicy, crispy chicken and creamy, tangy sauce, making them perfect for parties, game days, or family dinners. Their versatility allows for easy customization, whether you want to adjust the spice level, make them healthier, or create a vegetarian version. Quick to prepare yet packed with flavor, these sliders are sure to impress guests and become a new favorite. Whether served as an appetizer or a main dish, they bring a burst of flavor and fun to any meal.