Sink your teeth into the most irresistible Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe you’ll ever try—tender, juicy chicken bites marinated to perfection, fried till golden, lathered with zingy homemade Bang Bang sauce, and tucked inside pillowy slider buns with crisp lettuce and tangy toppings. This playful, flavor-packed finger food is perfect for parties, weeknight dinners, or anytime you want to add a pop of excitement to your table. Whether you’re a spice-lover or just looking for something that makes everyone go back for seconds, this recipe guarantees big smiles and clean plates!

Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this dish really sing is the balance of simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients—each one brings something special to the table, whether it’s tenderizing the chicken, adding crunch, or providing that signature creamy-spicy sauce. Gather these up, and you’re already halfway to slider bliss!

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook up tender and juicy, ideal for bite-sized slider pieces.
Buttermilk: The secret to ultra-moist, flavorful chicken; it gently tenderizes the meat while infusing it with rich tang.
Garlic Powder: Adds savory depth to both the marinade and the signature sauce.
Onion Powder: Sweet and aromatic, it boosts the overall flavor profile in the chicken marinade and sauce.
Paprika: A touch of earthiness and subtle color, elevating each crispy bite.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for perking up all those bold and subtle flavors throughout the dish.
All-purpose Flour: Key for a light, crispy chicken coating that fries up beautifully golden.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Japanese-style crumbs provide unbeatable crunch for that addictive texture.
Vegetable Oil: Neutral-flavored for frying, it lets the other ingredients shine.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base for the Bang Bang sauce—rich, smooth, and ready to carry those spicy-sweet notes.
Sweet Chili Sauce: Brings a lovely sweet heat that makes every bite pop.
Sriracha Sauce: Adjustable to taste, for a spicy kick that wakes up your palate.
Honey: Rounds out the sauce with natural sweetness and a glossy finish.
Lime Juice: A squeeze of citrus enlivens and balances the flavors in the sauce.
Mini Slider Buns: Soft, slightly sweet buns are the perfect vessel for these saucy, crunchy chicken pieces.
Shredded Lettuce: Provides contrast with its cool crunch and refreshing bite.
Red Onion: Thinly sliced, it adds color and a sharp edge to each slider.
Pickles (optional): For extra tang and a playful bite if you love a bit of briny flavor.
Fresh Cilantro (optional): A bright finishing touch that adds freshness and a pop of color.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by dicing your chicken into slider-friendly, bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken, ensuring each piece is nestled in the creamy marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour—overnight if you have the time! This gives the chicken a chance to soak up all those flavors, resulting in unbelievably moist, flavorful bites.

Step 2: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce

While your chicken is marinating, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, lime juice, and a dash of garlic powder. Taste and tweak it: a bit more sriracha if you want extra heat, or a touch more honey for added sweetness. This bold, vibrant sauce is the heart of the Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe, and honestly, you’ll want to slather it on everything.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

When you’re ready to cook, mix the flour and panko breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Remove the chicken from the marinade and let the excess drip off. Coat each piece thoroughly in the flour-panko mixture—this is where that signature crunch comes from! Heat about an inch of oil in a deep skillet to 350°F; once shimmering, fry the chicken in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Each piece should get beautifully golden and cooked through, about 3–4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels to keep them extra crisp.

Step 4: Assemble the Sliders

Lightly toast the slider buns for another textural layer. Spread a generous swoosh of Bang Bang sauce on each bottom bun, pile on the fried chicken, and crown it with lettuce, red onion, and pickles if you like. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro ties it all together. Cap it with the top bun and you’re ready for serious slider happiness!

Step 5: Serve

Arrange those gorgeous sliders on a big serving platter—don’t forget a little bowl of extra Bang Bang sauce for dipping. Dig in while they’re piping hot to experience the mix of crunchy chicken, creamy sauce, and soft buns all in one irresistible bite. This is what the Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe is all about!

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe

Garnishes

A shower of freshly chopped cilantro and a few extra slices of red onion or pickles make these sliders pop with color and flavor. For an added flourish, sprinkle a pinch of toasted sesame seeds over the top—it’s a tiny detail that gets noticed!

Side Dishes

Pair these sliders with a side of crispy sweet potato fries, crunchy slaw, or even a bowl of tangy cucumber salad. The cool and crunchy elements balance out the heat and richness of the sliders, turning your meal into the kind of spread people will talk about long after.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe family-style on a wooden board with bowls of extra toppings and sauce, letting everyone build their own. Or, skewer each slider with a fun toothpick for effortless party finger food. Mini baskets or parchment-lined trays add a touch of whimsy and make cleanup a breeze!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself lucky enough to have extras, store the fried chicken pieces and toppings separately from the buns. Seal everything in airtight containers and refrigerate; this keeps the chicken crisp and the garnishes fresh for up to 3 days.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the cooked, unassembled chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag once frozen solid. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. The sauce can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week, but it doesn’t freeze well due to the mayo base.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken in a 375°F oven or air fryer for about 10 minutes, or until hot and crisp—it’ll taste just as fabulous as the day you made it. Avoid microwaving, which can make the coating soggy. After reheating, assemble the sliders fresh for the best texture!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even juicier and more flavorful, so feel free to swap them in for an extra luscious Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe experience. Just cut them into similar bite-sized pieces and follow the same marinade and cooking steps.

Is there a way to make these healthier?

You can bake or air fry the breaded chicken pieces at 400°F until crispy, about 15–18 minutes, for a lighter version. They’ll still pick up a lovely crunch and hold up beautifully to the sauce and toppings!

What can I use instead of buttermilk?

No buttermilk? No problem! Mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar, let it sit for 5 minutes, and you’ve got a quick, effective substitute for marinating your chicken.

How spicy is this dish?

The heat level is totally in your hands. Start with 2 tablespoons of sriracha in the sauce for a mild kick, and add more if you love things fiery. If you’re serving kids or prefer it mild, reduce the sriracha and up the honey just a bit.

Can I make the Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe gluten-free?

Definitely! Use your favorite gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free panko or crushed rice cereal for coating the chicken, and grab some gluten-free slider buns—you’ll still get all the flavor and crunch!

Final Thoughts

Everyone needs a back-pocket recipe for a crowd-pleasing, conversation-stopping dish, and the Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe is truly it. Don’t be surprised if these disappear faster than you can plate them—go on and give them a try, and let the flavor fireworks begin!