IRRESISTIBLE BANG BANG CHICKEN SLIDERS

Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, pillowy slider bun, the crunch of perfectly fried chicken giving way to an explosion of sweet and spicy Bang Bang sauce – it’s the flavor adventure you didn’t know you needed. These Bang Bang Chicken Sliders aren’t just a meal; they’re an experience, and I promise you, this recipe will have everyone begging for more!

Ingredients

For the Buttermilk Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into slider-sized pieces (about 2-inch pieces)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons sriracha (or more, to taste)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar

For the Sliders:

• 12 slider buns, split
• Shredded lettuce, for topping
• Optional toppings: thinly sliced green onions, sesame seeds

Let’s Talk Chicken Prep: Buttermilk is Your Friend

Okay, let’s dive into the magic behind these amazing Chicken Sliders. The secret to incredibly juicy and flavorful chicken starts with a buttermilk marinade. Don’t skip this step! The buttermilk tenderizes the chicken, making it unbelievably moist on the inside while helping the breading adhere perfectly. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

Crafting the Perfect Bang Bang Sauce

The Bang Bang sauce is what truly elevates these sliders. It’s a delightful combination of creamy, sweet, and spicy that complements the crispy chicken so well. Feel free to adjust the amount of sriracha to suit your spice preference. If you’re not a fan of heat, start with a smaller amount and add more to taste. This sauce is also fantastic with other dishes – try it with Bang Bang Chicken Bowls or even as a dipping sauce for fries! Plus, if you want a dish that’s still flavorful but with a different profile, you could check out Sweet Chili Chicken.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Get Started with the Chicken:

1. In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces, buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will be!

Prepare the Frying Station:

1. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well.
2. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer, heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the correct temperature.

Fry the Chicken:

1. Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk marinade, letting any excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, making sure to coat it completely.
2. Carefully place the breaded chicken pieces into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Overcrowding can lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy chicken.
3. Fry for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
4. Remove the fried chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Make the Bang Bang Sauce:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.

Assemble the Sliders:

1. Spread a generous amount of Bang Bang sauce on both halves of each slider bun.
2. Place 2-3 pieces of fried chicken on the bottom bun.
3. Top with shredded lettuce and any other desired toppings.
4. Place the top bun on the sliders and serve immediately.

Tips for Crispy Perfection

Want to ensure your chicken is extra crispy? Here are a few tips: First, make sure your oil is at the correct temperature. Using a thermometer is key! Second, don’t overcrowd the pot. Fry the chicken in batches to maintain the oil temperature. Third, a double dredge can do wonders. After the first dredge in the flour mixture, dip the chicken back into the buttermilk, then back into the flour before frying. This creates a thicker, crispier coating. Also, for another flavorful chicken option, think about Garlic Parmesan Chicken, it is always a great hit at parties!

Variations to Spice Things Up

These Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are delicious as is, but don’t be afraid to get creative! Try adding some coleslaw for extra crunch and flavor. Pickled onions or jalapeños can add a tangy kick. You could even use different types of buns, like brioche or pretzel rolls. For a lighter option, consider using grilled chicken instead of fried. And remember, the beauty of Thai Peanut Chicken Wraps and these Honey Garlic Chicken recipes lies in their adaptability!

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These sliders are perfect for parties, game days, or a fun weeknight dinner. Serve them with a side of fries, sweet potato fries, or coleslaw. They also pair well with a refreshing salad or some crispy onion rings. Consider setting up a slider bar with different toppings and sauces so everyone can customize their own sliders.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftover Bang Bang Chicken Sliders, store the chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The sliders are best enjoyed fresh, as the buns can get soggy. To reheat the chicken, you can bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in an air fryer for a few minutes to maintain its crispiness. Add fresh sauce when assembling the sliders before serving. When considering other Slider Recipes, remember that freshness is often key for the best taste!

The Slider Recipes Chicken World: Why These Stand Out

There are tons of Slider Recipes Chicken out there, but these Bang Bang Chicken Sliders really stand out because of the incredible flavor combination of the crispy buttermilk chicken and the sweet and spicy Bang Bang sauce. It’s a unique twist on a classic comfort food that’s sure to impress. The key to really making these amazing is balancing the spice with a bit of sweet and using a high-quality mayonnaise as the base for the sauce. The combination is irresistible, I promise you!

So, there you have it – my recipe for the most irresistible Bang Bang Chicken Sliders you’ll ever make! I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. Happy cooking!