Bang Bang Chicken Sliders: Crispy, Spicy-Sweet, and Irresistibly Cheesy!
Get ready for an explosion of flavor with these incredible Bang Bang Chicken Sliders! Tender, crispy chicken, generously coated in a signature spicy-sweet “Bang Bang” sauce, and topped with gooey, melty cheese, all nestled in soft slider buns. These are the perfect party starters, game-day heroes, or a fun and flavorful option for family nights. They deliver big on taste and are sure to be a massive hit with everyone!
Why These Sliders Are a Must-Make
- Explosive Flavor: The signature Bang Bang sauce provides an addictive balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy.
- Irresistible Texture: Crispy chicken, melty cheese, and soft buns create a perfect textural contrast.
- Party Perfect: Small, manageable portions ideal for entertaining or casual snacking.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will devour these flavorful bites.
- Quick & Easy: Uses thin-sliced chicken for faster cooking and assembly.
What You’ll Need
Gather these delicious ingredients to craft your Bang Bang Chicken Sliders:
Ingredients:
- 1½ lbs thin-sliced chicken breasts (or chicken tenders)
- Kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to taste (for seasoning chicken)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 2 large eggs, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)
- 4-6 cups vegetable oil (for shallow frying, or cooking spray for air frying/baking)
- 12 slider buns, lightly toasted
- 1½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or provolone, or a mix)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 tablespoons Sriracha (adjust to your preferred spice level)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, to balance heat)
Instructions: Fry, Sauce, and Assemble!
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Pat the thin-sliced chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season generously on both sides with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Set up a breading station:
- Dish 1: All-purpose flour
- Dish 2: Beaten eggs
- Dish 3: Panko breadcrumbs Dredge each piece of chicken first in flour (shake off excess), then dip in beaten egg (let excess drip off), and finally coat thoroughly in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere. Place breaded chicken on a clean plate or baking sheet.
2. Fry the Chicken:
Deep Fry Method (Recommended for Crispiness): In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat 4-6 cups vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the breaded chicken pieces to the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown, crispy, and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C). Remove chicken with a slotted spoon or tongs and transfer to a wire rack set over a paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain excess oil.
Air Fryer Method: Lightly spray the breaded chicken pieces with cooking spray or brush with a little oil. Place in a single layer in your air fryer basket (work in batches). Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through.
3. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
While the chicken cooks, in a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha (start with 1 tbsp and add more if you like it spicier), and honey or maple syrup (if using) until smooth and well combined.
4. Assemble the Sliders:
Preheat your oven broiler to high, or preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the lightly toasted slider buns on a baking sheet. Generously brush or spoon the Bang Bang sauce over each piece of cooked crispy chicken. Place one sauced chicken piece on the bottom half of each slider bun. Top each chicken piece with a generous sprinkle of shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
5. Melt the Cheese:
Place the baking sheet with the assembled sliders under the preheated broiler (watch very carefully!) for 1-2 minutes, or in the 375°F oven for 3-5 minutes, until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
6. Finish and Serve:
Carefully remove the sliders from the oven/broiler. Place the top halves of the slider buns onto the cheesy chicken bottoms. Serve immediately and watch them disappear! These are fantastic on their own, or with a side of extra Bang Bang sauce for dipping.
Tips for Bang Bang Slider Success
- Chicken Cut: Thin-sliced chicken breast or chicken tenders work best for quick, even cooking and fitting onto sliders.
- Pat Dry: Always pat chicken dry before seasoning and breading for the crispiest result.
- Panko Power: Panko breadcrumbs are essential for that signature light, airy crisp.
- Broiler Watch: If using the broiler, do not walk away! Cheese can burn very quickly.
- Sauce Adjustment: Customize the sauce to your heat preference by adjusting the Sriracha. You can also add a squeeze of lime juice for brightness.
- Serving Suggestions: A sprinkle of chopped green onions or sesame seeds on top can add a nice finish. A side of coleslaw would be a perfect complement.
These Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are an explosion of flavor and texture – a fun, delicious, and easy way to satisfy your cravings for something crispy, spicy-sweet, and utterly irresistible!