Craving that famous restaurant flavor but don't want to deal with the wait times or the bill? These Bang Bang Chicken Sliders bring the "fakeaway" experience right to your dining room table in under 30 minutes! By using a few clever shortcuts, like crispy breaded chicken and a simple 3-ingredient sauce, you can recreate that signature creamy, spicy kick at home. It's a fun, family-friendly dinner that feels like a special treat but is easy enough for a busy Wednesday night. Get ready to skip the takeout menu for good!
Whether you're making easy bang bang chicken sliders for a backyard barbecue or looking for a creative weeknight dinner that feels special, this bang bang chicken sliders recipe delivers big on taste while keeping prep simple. The secret is in that sweet and spicy bang bang sauce made with just three ingredients.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love These Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
- Ingredients for Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
- How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
- My Top Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
- Little Moments in the Kitchen
- Substitutions for Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
- Variations on Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
- Equipment for Making Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
- Storage Tips for Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
- Adam's Tip for Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
- FAQ About Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
- Conclusion
- Related
- Pairing
- recipe
Why You'll Love These Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
- Restaurant-quality flavor at home. These fried chicken sliders taste like something you'd order at a trendy restaurant, but they're incredibly easy to make in your own kitchen.
- Perfect party food. Bang bang chicken sliders with Hawaiian rolls are ideal for feeding a crowd because they're portable, shareable, and always a hit.
- Quick and customizable. This easy bang bang chicken sliders recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, and you can adjust the heat level to suit your crowd.
Ingredients for Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
Simple ingredients create sliders with seriously addictive flavor.
What You'll Need
For the Crispy Chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into slider-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 to 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
For Assembly:
- 12 Hawaiian rolls or slider buns
- 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
Why These Ingredients Matter
Panko breadcrumbs create extra crunch. Using panko instead of regular breadcrumbs gives these crispy chicken cutlets a superior crunchy coating that stays crispy even after being sauced.
Hawaiian rolls add sweetness. The slightly sweet flavor of Hawaiian rolls balances the spicy bang bang sauce perfectly and their soft, pillowy texture makes these sliders easy to eat.
Homemade bang bang sauce is a game-changer. This sweet and spicy bang bang sauce takes just minutes to whip up and tastes so much better than store-bought alternatives.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
Step-by-Step Directions
- Prepare the chicken. Cut the chicken breasts into pieces roughly the size of your Hawaiian rolls. Pat them dry with paper towels to help the breading stick.
- Set up your breading station. Place the flour in one shallow dish. Beat the eggs in a second shallow dish. In a third shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bread the chicken. Dredge each piece of pan-fried breaded chicken breast first in flour, shaking off excess. Dip in beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly in the panko mixture, pressing gently to help it adhere.
- Heat the oil. Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet to a depth of about ½ inch. Heat over medium-high heat until the oil reaches 350°F, or until a small piece of bread dropped in sizzles immediately.
- Fry the chicken. Working in batches to avoid crowding, fry the breaded chicken pieces for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Make the bang bang sauce. While the chicken cools slightly, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha in a small bowl. Taste and adjust the sriracha to your preferred spice level.
- Toast the buns. Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half. If desired, lightly toast them in a dry skillet or under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Build the sliders. Place a piece of crispy chicken cutlet on the bottom half of each roll. If using mozzarella cheese topping, add a small handful of shredded cheese while the chicken is still warm. Top with shredded lettuce and cucumber slices.
- Drizzle and serve. Generously drizzle the homemade bang bang sauce over each slider. Place the top buns on and serve immediately while the chicken is still warm and crispy.
Quick Tip: For extra crispy chicken, let the breaded pieces sit on a wire rack for 5 minutes before frying. This helps the coating set and prevents it from falling off during cooking.
My Top Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
- Don't skip the cucumber. The cool, crunchy cucumber provides a refreshing contrast to the crispy, spicy chicken and is essential for balance in these bang bang chicken sliders.
- Maintain oil temperature. Use a thermometer to keep the oil at 350°F. If it's too hot, the coating will burn before the chicken cooks; too cool and the coating will absorb oil and get greasy.
- Make extra sauce. This spicy-sweet sauce is so good that people will want to drizzle extra on their sliders or use it for dipping.
- Serve immediately. These party or game day sliders are best served right away while the chicken is hot and the coating is at peak crispiness.
Little Moments in the Kitchen
When I was testing this easy bang bang chicken sliders recipe, Adam wandered into the kitchen and said, "Mom, what's that amazing smell?" I explained that we were making special sliders with a sweet and spicy sauce. He watched me fry the first batch of crispy chicken cutlets and asked, "Can I help make the sauce?" I handed him the measuring spoons and let him add the ingredients to the bowl. When he tried a finished slider, his eyes got wide. "This is the best chicken sandwich ever! Can we make these for my birthday party?"
Grandma Viola came over to see what all the fuss was about. She took a bite and smiled. "You know, when I was growing up, we didn't have fancy sauces like this, but the secret to any good fried chicken is keeping that oil nice and hot. And always let the chicken rest on paper towels - nobody likes greasy food. These little sandwiches are perfect for a party because everyone can hold them in one hand and a drink in the other."
For more finger-food favorites, try our Grilled Cheese Burrito. Another crowd-pleaser!
Substitutions for Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
- Chicken breasts: Use chicken tenderloins or boneless chicken thighs for a juicier, more forgiving option.
- Hawaiian rolls: Swap with pretzel buns, brioche slider buns, or even regular hamburger buns cut in half.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Use regular breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for a different texture.
- Sweet chili sauce: Make your own by mixing 2 tablespoons honey with 1 tablespoon rice vinegar and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Variations on Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
- Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe (Classic Fried): Follow the recipe above for the traditional pan-fried version with crispy breaded chicken strips, homemade bang bang sauce, and fresh toppings.
- Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Air Fryer (Lighter Version): Spray breaded chicken with cooking oil and air fry at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway, for bang bang chicken sliders air fryer style with less oil.
- Bang Bang Chicken Sliders with Slaw (Extra Crunch): Replace the lettuce and cucumber with a tangy coleslaw dressed with a little extra bang bang sauce for bang bang chicken sliders with slaw.
- Garlic Butter Bang Bang Chicken Sliders (Indulgent): Brush the inside of your slider buns with melted garlic butter before toasting for extra-rich garlic butter bang bang chicken sliders.
- Chicken Sliders Recipes (Shredded Version): Simmer shredded chicken thighs in a pan with the spicy-sweet sauce, then pile the saucy chicken onto slider buns for an easier, fork-free chicken sliders recipe.
If you're feeding a hungry crowd, don't miss our Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole. Budget-friendly and delicious!
Equipment for Making Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
- Large skillet or frying pan: Essential for frying the pan-fried breaded chicken breast pieces to golden, crispy perfection.
- Three shallow dishes: For setting up an efficient breading station with flour, eggs, and panko.
- Kitchen thermometer: Helps you maintain the ideal 350°F oil temperature for perfectly crispy chicken cutlets.
- Wire cooling rack: Lets excess oil drain from the fried chicken while keeping the bottom from getting soggy.
- Small mixing bowl: For whisking together the sweet and spicy bang bang sauce.
Storage Tips for Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
- Refrigerator: Store leftover fried chicken and bang bang sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days. Keep the Hawaiian rolls separate to prevent sogginess.
- Freezer: Freeze the cooked, unsauced chicken cutlets for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 375°F oven for 10 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Make-ahead tip: Bread the chicken up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate on a wire rack. Fry just before serving. The bang bang sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance.
- Reheating tip: Reheat leftover fried chicken sliders in a 350°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes to maintain the crispy coating. Don't microwave or the breading will get soggy.
Looking for more party food ideas? Check out our Hobo Casserole. Vintage comfort food!
Adam's Tip for Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
"The sauce is what makes these so good! Don't be scared of the sriracha - just start with a little bit and taste it. You can always add more if you want it spicier. And make sure you put lots of lettuce on yours because it keeps everything from being too messy!"
FAQ About Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
What is Bangbang sauce made of?
Bang bang sauce is made from just three simple ingredients: mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. The mayo provides creaminess, sweet chili sauce adds sweetness with mild heat, and sriracha brings the spicy kick. The typical ratio is 2 parts mayo to 1 part sweet chili sauce, with sriracha adjusted to taste. This homemade bang bang sauce is incredibly versatile - you can make it as mild or spicy as you like by changing the amount of sriracha. Start with 1 tablespoon for these easy bang bang chicken sliders and add more if you want extra heat.
What is the sauce in Bang Bang chicken?
The sauce in bang bang chicken is a creamy, sweet, and spicy condiment that transforms simple pan-fried breaded chicken breast into something crave-worthy. It combines rich mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce (Thai sweet chili sauce), and sriracha for heat and depth. The sauce has a peachy-pink color and smooth, pourable consistency perfect for drizzling over crispy chicken cutlets. When you bite into these bang bang chicken sliders with Hawaiian rolls, the sauce mingles with the crunchy coating, soft bread, and fresh vegetables to create an explosion of flavor. Many people make a double batch because it disappears so quickly!
What cut of chicken is best for bang bang chicken?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the best choice for bang bang chicken sliders because they're easy to cut into uniform, slider-sized portions and cook quickly. Cut the breasts horizontally into thin cutlets about ½ inch thick, then portion them to fit your Hawaiian rolls. If you prefer juicier meat, chicken tenderloins work great and are already the perfect size. For a budget-friendly option, boneless chicken thighs are excellent because they have more fat and stay tender. When making shredded chicken thighs for a different version, simply simmer them in the spicy-sweet sauce until tender, shred, and pile high on pretzel buns or slider buns.
What exactly is bang bang chicken?
Bang bang chicken is a popular dish featuring crispy fried or breaded chicken coated in a signature sweet and spicy bang bang sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. The name comes from the Sichuan dish "bang bang ji," where "bang bang" refers to the sound of the stick used to tenderize chicken. The American version was popularized by chain restaurants for its addictive combination of crispy texture and bold flavors. These bang bang chicken sliders recipe features pan-fried breaded chicken breast breaded in eggs and panko, creating an extra-crunchy coating. The fried chicken sliders are topped with fresh vegetables like lettuce and cucumber which provide cooling contrast to the heat. Hawaiian rolls add subtle sweetness that ties everything together into a bang bang chicken sandwich that's sweet, spicy, creamy, crunchy, and incredibly satisfying.
For more slider inspiration, check out this Pull-Apart Chicken Sliders recipe from Allrecipes.
Conclusion
Who needs a restaurant reservation when you can whip up homemade Bang Bang Sliders this easily? This recipe is proof that you can enjoy bold, gourmet flavors without spending a fortune or hours in the kitchen. It's a versatile meal that's just as good for lunch the next day, if you're lucky enough to have leftovers! If you loved this "fakeaway" favorite, be sure to sign up for my newsletter for more restaurant-inspired recipes. What's your favorite side to serve with sliders, fries or slaw?
Whether you're making the classic fried version or trying the air fryer option, these sliders deliver big flavor in a fun, handheld package. If this recipe becomes your new go-to party food, please leave a 5-star rating below! For another easy dinner, try our Cajun Sausage Pasta. Happy cooking!
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Bang Bang Chicken Sliders:
recipe
Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan Use a heavy-bottom skillet for even frying
- Shallow bowls For setting up a breading station
- Kitchen thermometer Helps keep oil at the right temperature
- Wire rack or paper towel-lined plate For draining fried chicken
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into slider-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- vegetable oil for frying
- 0.5 cup mayonnaise
- 0.25 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha adjust to taste
- 12 Hawaiian rolls or slider buns
- 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1 cucumber thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese optional
Instructions
- Cut the chicken breasts into slider-sized pieces and pat them dry.
- Set up a breading station with flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in the third.
- Dredge each piece of chicken in flour, dip into eggs, then coat with the seasoned panko breadcrumbs.
- Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) in a large skillet. Fry the chicken in batches until golden and crispy, about 3–4 minutes per side. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha to make the Bang Bang sauce.
- Assemble the sliders by placing a crispy chicken piece on each roll. Add mozzarella cheese if using, then top with lettuce, cucumber, and a generous drizzle of sauce. Add the top bun and serve.
Notes
- For a lighter version, cook the breaded chicken in the air fryer at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Boneless chicken thighs can be used for a juicier slider.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven to keep it crispy.
- These sliders are perfect for birthday parties, game days, or anytime you want a fun dinner that makes memories in the kitchen.
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