If you love a little spice, a lot of flavor, and a sandwich that’s perfectly bite-sized, Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are your new go-to. Crispy chicken coated in a sweet-and-spicy sauce, nestled inside a soft slider bun — it’s a combination that’s addictive, fun, and surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you’re hosting a casual game night, feeding picky kids, or just want a weeknight meal that feels a little fancy, these sliders deliver. Bonus: they’re fast enough for busy nights, yet impressive enough for friends and family. Let’s break down exactly how to make them crunchy, saucy, and irresistible.
Why Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Are a Crowd-Pleaser
What Makes Bang Bang Chicken Sliders So Fun and Flavorful
The magic of Bang Bang Chicken Sliders lies in the crispy chicken paired with that creamy, spicy-sweet sauce. Each bite gives you crunch, heat, and a touch of sweetness that keeps people coming back for more. The sliders are small, so they’re perfect for snacking, sharing, or piling onto a plate for a party. You get all the flavor of a full-sized sandwich, but in fun, manageable portions — making them both satisfying and approachable.
How These Sliders Fit Into Weeknight Dinners, Game-Day Spreads & Easy Entertaining
These sliders are versatile. For weeknight dinners, serve them with a simple side of coleslaw or fries. For game-day gatherings or casual entertaining, arrange a platter of sliders with dipping sauces, pickles, and fresh veggies — guests can grab a slider, take a bite, and keep mingling. Plus, you can make the chicken ahead of time, then assemble the sliders in minutes. It’s a perfect balance of convenience and wow-factor, making them a go-to for any occasion that calls for flavor, fun, and minimal fuss.
Ingredients & Preparation for Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
These sliders are surprisingly simple to make at home with pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients. From crispy chicken to creamy, spicy-sweet sauce, each component comes together for a perfect bite-sized treat.
Pantry Staples and Fresh Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breasts or thighs | 1 lb | Main protein for the sliders |
| Slider buns | 8-10 | Soft, small buns for serving |
| Flour | ½ cup | For coating chicken for crispiness |
| Cornstarch | 2 tbsp | Adds extra crunch to chicken |
| Salt | 1 tsp | Seasoning for chicken |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp | Mild spice |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp | Flavor enhancer |
| Paprika | 1 tsp | Adds color and subtle flavor |
| Vegetable oil | 1 cup | For frying or sautéing chicken |
| Mayonnaise | ½ cup | Base for Bang Bang sauce |
| Sweet chili sauce | ¼ cup | Adds sweetness and mild heat |
| Sriracha | 1-2 tsp | Spicy kick (adjust to taste) |
| Lettuce | ½ cup, shredded | Fresh crunch in sliders |
| Pickles (optional) | ¼ cup | Adds tangy balance |
Step-by-Step Preparation
- Prep the Chicken: Slice chicken into small, slider-sized pieces. Pat dry to ensure a crisp coating.
- Season and Coat: Mix flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Dredge chicken pieces until evenly coated.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Fry chicken until golden brown and fully cooked (165°F internal temperature). Alternatively, bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes for a lighter version.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Adjust spice to your preference.
- Assemble the Sliders: Spread a little sauce on each bun, place a piece of chicken on top, add shredded lettuce, pickles if using, then top with the bun lid. Serve immediately.
Substitutions and Variations
- Chicken Options: Use rotisserie chicken for a faster version, or chicken tenders if short on time.
- Sauce Variations: Mix in honey or extra chili sauce to adjust sweetness and heat.
- Cooking Methods: Fry for crispiness, bake for healthier sliders, or air-fry for convenience and texture.
- Bun Alternatives: Slider buns, Hawaiian rolls, or small sandwich buns all work.
- Extras: Add shredded carrot, cucumber slices, or coleslaw for added crunch.
Cooking Methods & Technique for Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
The key to perfect Bang Bang Chicken Sliders is crispy chicken, flavorful sauce, and buns that stay soft yet not soggy. Here’s how to achieve slider perfection every time.
Frying vs Baking vs Air-Fryer: Method Options
- Frying:
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet to 350°F.
- Fry chicken pieces until golden brown, about 3–4 minutes per side depending on thickness.
- Pros: Crunchy and flavorful exterior.
- Cons: Extra cleanup and higher calories.
- Baking:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Place coated chicken on a lined baking sheet. Bake 20–25 minutes until crispy and cooked through.
- Pros: Healthier, less oil.
- Cons: Slightly less crunch than frying.
- Air-Fryer:
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
- Cook chicken in batches for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Pros: Crispy with minimal oil, fast cleanup.
Tips for Perfect Crunch, Sauce Coating, and Slider Assembly
- Pat Dry the Chicken: Moisture prevents crispiness.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: This ensures even cooking and a crunchy crust.
- Coat Evenly with Sauce: Toss chicken lightly in Bang Bang sauce just before placing on buns to avoid soggy sliders.
- Layer Properly: Bun base → sauce → lettuce → chicken → optional pickles → bun top.
How to Avoid Common Mistakes
| Problem | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Soggy buns | Too much sauce applied too early | Spread sauce on buns, not on chicken; assemble right before serving |
| Under-cooked chicken | Chicken pieces too thick or uneven | Slice evenly and check internal temp (165°F) |
| Sauce too runny | Improper mixing or too much chili sauce | Adjust mayo-to-sauce ratio for creamy, thick consistency |
| Chicken sticks together | Crowding pan | Cook in batches for even browning |
With these methods, your Bang Bang Chicken Sliders will have the perfect balance of crispiness, creaminess, and heat — ideal for parties, family meals, or game-day snacks.
Serving Suggestions, Leftovers & Occasion Ideas for Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are fun, flavorful, and versatile, making them perfect for weeknight dinners, game-day spreads, or casual get-togethers. With simple sides and thoughtful assembly, these sliders shine on any table.
Side Dishes and Beverage Pairings
Pair the sliders with light, complementary sides to balance the richness and add texture:
| Side Dish | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| French fries, sweet potato fries, or tater tots | Classic pairing for handheld sandwiches |
| Coleslaw or shredded cabbage salad | Adds crunch and freshness |
| Cucumber or carrot sticks | Light and crisp for contrast |
| Pickles | Tangy bite that complements sweet-spicy sauce |
Non-Alcoholic Beverage Ideas:
- Iced tea with lemon or mint — refreshing and family-friendly
- Sparkling apple cider — sweet, bubbly, and festive
- Fruit spritzers — light and flavorful to balance the heat
How to Use Leftovers
If you have extra sliders or chicken, you can repurpose them into new meals:
- Mini Chicken Wraps: Slice leftover chicken and wrap in tortillas with sauce and fresh veggies.
- Bang Bang Chicken Bowls: Serve sliced chicken over rice or noodles with extra sauce.
- Freezer-Friendly Sliders: Assemble unbaked sliders and freeze; bake directly from frozen for quick meals.
Occasion Menu Ideas
| Occasion | Menu Idea |
|---|---|
| Weeknight Dinner | Bang Bang Chicken Sliders with fries or coleslaw |
| Game-Day Snacks | Slider platter with veggie sticks, dips, and soda |
| Casual Party or Potluck | Arrange sliders on a tray with pickles, mini buns, and dipping sauces |
These sliders are fun, convenient, and universally loved, making them perfect for casual gatherings or family meals that need minimal fuss but maximum flavor.
FAQ About Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
1. Can I make Bang Bang Chicken Sliders ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the chicken in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Assemble sliders just before serving to keep buns from getting soggy.
2. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Absolutely. Bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes until golden and cooked through. It’s a healthier alternative that still gives great flavor.
3. How spicy is the Bang Bang sauce?
The heat level can be adjusted. Use less sriracha for mild heat or add extra for a spicier kick. Sweet chili sauce balances the spice nicely.
4. Can I use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken?
Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly. Toss it lightly in sauce before placing on buns.
5. Can I add vegetables to the sliders?
Definitely. Shredded lettuce, cabbage, carrots, or cucumber slices add crunch and freshness without overpowering the flavor.
Conclusion
Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are the perfect combination of crispy, saucy chicken and soft, bite-sized buns that everyone will love. They’re simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for parties, game days, or casual gatherings. The creamy, sweet-spicy Bang Bang sauce adds just the right kick, while fresh lettuce and optional pickles give each slider a satisfying crunch and balance. One of the best parts is their versatility—you can fry, bake, or air-fry the chicken, adjust the heat of the sauce, and even swap buns or toppings to suit your taste. These sliders are quick to assemble, fun to eat, and perfect for feeding a crowd without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether serving them for family meals, entertaining friends, or turning leftover chicken into a flavorful snack, Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are guaranteed to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
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Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
- Total Time: 30 – 35 mins
Description
These Bang Bang Chicken Sliders feature crispy chicken, a sweet-spicy creamy sauce, and soft slider buns. Perfect for parties, game-day snacks, or family dinners, they’re fun, flavorful, and easy to make.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, cut into slider-sized pieces
- 8–10 slider buns
- ½ cup flour
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1–2 tsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup shredded lettuce
- ¼ cup pickles (optional)
Instructions
- Slice chicken into slider-sized pieces and pat dry.
- Mix flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Coat chicken evenly.
- Fry in oil until golden and fully cooked (or bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes).
- Mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha to make Bang Bang sauce.
- Assemble sliders: bun base → sauce → lettuce → chicken → pickles (optional) → bun top.
- Serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with fries, coleslaw, or fresh veggie sticks.
Storage Tips: Store leftover chicken in the fridge up to 2 days. Assemble sliders before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 – 20 mins
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8