Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe (Easy & Irresistible!)

Get ready to experience flavor heaven with this Bang Bang Chicken Sliders recipe that delivers the perfect combination of crispy, saucy, and slightly spicy goodness in every bite. We’ve spent countless hours perfecting the crispy chicken coating technique and developing an authentic homemade Bang Bang Sauce recipe that rivals any restaurant version. This comprehensive guide includes step-by-step photos, multiple cooking methods, variations for every taste preference, and professional tips that guarantee success every single time.

Why You’ll Love THIS Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe

• Perfectly Crispy Chicken: Our three-step coating method creates an incredibly crunchy exterior that stays crispy even after saucing

• Authentic & Creamy Bang Bang Sauce: Easy-to-make sauce with the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors

• Quick & Easy to Assemble: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients you likely have on hand

• Crowd-Pleasing Party Favorite: Perfect for game day, parties, or casual weeknight dinners

• Completely Customizable: Adjust spice levels, choose your cooking method, and personalize toppings

What is Bang Bang Sauce?

Bang Bang sauce is a beloved creamy condiment that gained popularity through restaurants like Bonefish Grill, though its roots trace back to Asian-inspired sweet and spicy sauces. This versatile sauce combines mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha to create a flavor profile that’s simultaneously creamy, sweet, spicy, and tangy. The beauty of this sauce lies in its adaptability – you can easily adjust the heat level and sweetness to match your preferences.

Ingredients List

For the Crispy Chicken:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (recommended for juiciness, but chicken breast or tenderloins work too)
• 1 cup buttermilk (for tender, juicy chicken)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch (creates extra crispiness)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil for frying (or cooking spray for air frying/baking)

For the Homemade Bang Bang Sauce:

• ¾ cup mayonnaise (full-fat works best)
• ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
• 2-3 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)

For Assembling the Sliders:

• 12 slider buns (brioche or Hawaiian rolls recommended)
• 2 cups shredded lettuce or coleslaw mix
• Sliced pickles
• Green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet, air fryer or baking sheet
• Three shallow bowls for breading station
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Tongs
• Paper towels
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

A. Preparing the Chicken

1. Cut the chicken into slider-sized pieces (about 2-3 inches each)
2. Marinate in buttermilk for at least 15 minutes (up to 4 hours for maximum tenderness)
3. Set up your breading station with three shallow bowls:
   • Bowl 1: Seasoned flour mixture
   • Bowl 2: Additional buttermilk
   • Bowl 3: Panko breadcrumb mixture

B. Cooking the Chicken (Choose Your Method)

Method 1: Pan-Frying (Classic)

1. Heat oil to 350°F in a large skillet (about 1 inch deep)
2. Dredge chicken through flour, buttermilk, then panko
3. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F
4. Drain on paper towels

Method 2: Air Frying (Healthier Option)

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F
2. Coat breaded chicken with cooking spray
3. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through
4. Check for golden brown color and 165°F internal temperature

Method 3: Baking (Easier Cleanup)

1. Preheat oven to 425°F
2. Place on wire rack over baking sheet for crispiest results
3. Bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping once
4. Broil for 2-3 minutes if extra crispiness desired

C. Making the Bang Bang Sauce

1. Whisk together all sauce ingredients in a medium bowl
2. Taste and adjust seasoning—add more sriracha for heat, honey for sweetness
3. Let flavors meld for at least 10 minutes before serving

D. Tossing the Chicken & Assembling the Sliders

1. Gently toss cooked chicken pieces with half the bang bang sauce
2. Toast slider buns lightly (optional but recommended)
3. Layer ingredients: bottom bun, lettuce, sauced chicken, extra sauce drizzle, pickles, top bun
4. Garnish with chopped green onions

Pro Tips for Success

Expert Tip: Don’t overcrowd your cooking surface – this drops the temperature and creates soggy chicken instead of crispy perfection.

• Double coat for extra crispiness: Dip chicken in buttermilk again after first flour coating
• Make sauce ahead: Prepare bang bang sauce up to 3 days in advance for flavors to develop
• Keep chicken warm: Place cooked pieces on a wire rack in a 200°F oven if making large batches
• Prevent soggy sliders: Serve immediately and keep sauce on the side for extra portions

Variations & Customizations

Variation	Modification
Spicier Version	Add extra sriracha, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to taste
Milder Version	Reduce sriracha, increase sweet chili sauce ratio
Shredded Chicken	Use rotisserie chicken, shred, and toss with sauce
Vegetarian Option	Substitute crispy tofu or cauliflower florets
Asian-Style	Add sesame oil, rice vinegar, and sesame seeds

Creative Topping Ideas:

• Asian Slaw: Cabbage, carrots, cilantro with rice vinegar dressing
• Pickled Red Onions: Quick-pickled for tangy crunch
• Jalapeño Slices: For extra heat lovers
• Avocado: Creamy balance to the spicy sauce

Serving Suggestions & What to Pair With

These Easy Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are best served immediately while the chicken maintains its crispy texture. Perfect pairings include:

Sides: Sweet potato fries, onion rings, Asian cucumber salad, or simple coleslaw

Drinks: Light beer, iced green tea, sparkling water with lime, or classic lemonade

Occasions: Game day parties, casual dinner parties, weeknight family meals, or potluck gatherings

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storage:

• Cooked chicken: Refrigerate up to 3 days in airtight container
• Bang bang sauce: Refrigerate up to 1 week
• Assembled sliders: Best consumed immediately

Reheating:

• Air fryer: 350°F for 3-4 minutes (maintains crispiness best)
• Oven: 375°F for 5-7 minutes on wire rack
• Avoid microwaving: This makes the coating soggy

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How spicy is Bang Bang Chicken? A: Our Bang Bang Chicken has a mild to medium spice level that’s easily adjustable. Start with less sriracha and add more to taste – most people find it pleasantly spicy without being overwhelming.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A: The sauce can be made 3 days ahead, and chicken can be breaded and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before cooking. For best results, cook and assemble just before serving.

Q: What’s the best chicken cut to use? A: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs provide the juiciest results, but chicken breast or tenderloins work perfectly too. Thighs are more forgiving and stay moist even if slightly overcooked.

Q: Can I bake instead of fry these sliders? A: Absolutely! Follow our baking method at 425°F for a healthier option that still delivers great crispy results.

Recipe Card Summary

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6 (12 sliders)
Difficulty: Easy

This Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe delivers restaurant-quality results at home with simple techniques and readily available ingredients. The combination of perfectly seasoned crispy chicken and creamy, spicy bang bang sauce creates an irresistible flavor experience that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

---

Did you make this recipe? Leave a rating and comment below to let us know how it turned out! Share your creations on social media and tag us—we love seeing your delicious results. Have questions about modifications or cooking techniques? Drop them in the comments, and we’ll help you create the perfect sliders for your taste preferences.