irresistible Bang Bang Chicken Sliders: A Flavour Explosion in Every Bite

We’ve all been on the hunt for that one show-stopping recipe. You know the kind—it’s packed with incredible flavour, looks utterly delicious, and wins praise from everyone, yet it’s surprisingly straightforward to prepare. Well, the search is officially over. We’re delighted to share a recipe that’s become our go-to for parties, game days, and even quick weeknight dinners: the magnificent Bang Bang Chicken Slider.

These miniature sandwiches are a true celebration of texture and taste. Just imagine succulent, juicy chicken encased in a flawlessly crisp, golden coating. Then, envision that delightful chicken being lavishly coated in a creamy, spicy, and subtly sweet sauce that tantalises the taste buds. Nestled inside a soft slider bun with crisp lettuce, each bite is a little parcel of joy. We’re here to guide you through each stage, ensuring you achieve perfect results every time.

What Exactly Are Bang Bang Chicken Sliders?

This recipe draws its inspiration from the much-loved Bang Bang Shrimp appetiser, a staple in restaurants worldwide. We’ve taken all the elements that make that dish so special and transformed them into a handy, bite-sized sandwich. The name “Bang Bang” is a fitting tribute to the sensational burst of flavour you experience with every mouthful. It’s a wonderful marriage of savoury fried chicken and a truly dynamic sauce.

The secret to their success lies in two key areas. Firstly, the chicken needs a robustly crispy coating to hold its own against the sauce. Secondly, the sauce is a triumph of flavour balancing. It masterfully blends the creaminess of mayonnaise with the sweet tang of sweet chilli sauce and a fiery note from sriracha. The outcome is an irresistible, moreish taste that will have your guests reaching for more.

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Recipe

We are certain this will become a treasured part of your cooking repertoire. Here is why we are so sure you will fall for these amazing little burgers:

• Explosive Flavour: The blend of the rich sauce with the savoury chicken is genuinely sensational. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for all your family and friends.
• Perfectly Balanced: It’s more than just spicy or sweet. Our sauce recipe achieves that perfect harmony between creamy, tangy, sweet, and spicy notes.
• Ideal for Any Occasion: Whether you’re after a show-stopping appetiser, a fun game-day snack, or a speedy weeknight meal, these sliders are a perfect choice. They are fantastic easy party food.
• Completely Customisable: You are in complete command of the heat. Feel free to adjust the spice level in the sauce to your liking, from a gentle warmth to a proper fiery kick.
• Surprisingly Simple: Despite looking and tasting like a gourmet treat, these sliders are remarkably easy to make. We’ve broken the entire process down into simple, clear steps.

Gather Your Ingredients: The Keys to Flavour

Great meals always begin with excellent ingredients. For our Bang Bang Chicken Sliders, we’ve organised the list into three straightforward sections: the chicken, the crucial sauce, and the final assembly. Let’s gather everything we need.

For the Crispy Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: We recommend 2 large, boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks. This ensures they cook quickly and stay juicy.
• Buttermilk: About 240ml (1 cup). This is our secret to tenderising the chicken. If you don’t have any, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to regular milk.
• Plain Flour: 125g (1 cup). This forms the base of our crispy coating.
• Cornflour: 60g (1/2 cup). This is the key to getting that extra-light and crispy texture.
• Seasoning: We use 1 tsp each of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and 1/2 tsp of black pepper to infuse flavour right into the coating.
• Vegetable Oil: For frying. You’ll need enough for about 1-2 inches of depth in your pan.

For the Homemade Bang Bang Sauce

• Mayonnaise: 200g (1 cup). Use a good-quality, full-fat mayonnaise for the best creamy base.
• Sweet Chilli Sauce: 4 tbsp. This provides the signature sweet and tangy flavour.
• Sriracha (or other hot sauce): 1-2 tbsp, or to taste. This is where you control the heat!
• Honey or Maple Syrup: 1 tsp. A little touch of sweetness to balance the spice.
• Rice Vinegar: 1 tsp. This adds a bright, acidic note that cuts through the richness.

For Assembling the Sliders

• Slider Buns: 12 mini buns. We find that brioche buns work wonderfully as their slight sweetness complements the sauce.
• Lettuce: Shredded iceberg or little gem lettuce adds a lovely, fresh crunch.
• Garnishes (Optional): Thinly sliced spring onions, toasted sesame seeds, or finely chopped fresh chives for that finishing touch.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Creating Your Masterpiece

Ready to start cooking? Just follow our straightforward, numbered guide, and you’ll have flawless sliders before you know it. We promise it’s simpler than it looks!

1. Marinate the Chicken: Put the chicken pieces into a bowl and pour over the buttermilk. Give it a stir to ensure everything is coated, then cover and place in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (you can leave it for up to 4 hours). This is a vital step for achieving tender, juicy results.
2. Prepare the Coating: In a separate, shallow bowl, whisk together the plain flour, cornflour, and all the seasonings (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper) until they are thoroughly mixed.
3. Heat the Oil: Pour the vegetable oil into a large, sturdy-bottomed saucepan or a Dutch oven to a depth of about 1–2 inches. Heat it over a medium-high setting until it reaches approximately 175°C (350°F). If you lack a food thermometer, test the oil by dropping in a small pinch of the flour mixture; it’s ready if it sizzles energetically. For advice on frying safely, you can consult an authoritative guide like this one on how to deep-fry safely from BBC Good Food.
4. Dredge and Fry the Chicken: Working in small batches, take the chicken pieces out of the buttermilk, letting any excess drip away. Dredge them in the flour mix until they have an even, full coating. Gently lower the coated chicken into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 4–6 minutes, turning them now and then, until they are golden-brown and cooked right through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a wire rack to drain.
5. Whip Up the Bang Bang Sauce: As the chicken is frying, it’s the perfect time to make the sauce. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chilli sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth, creamy sauce. Taste it and add a little more sriracha if you fancy some extra heat.
6. Coat the Chicken: Once all the chicken has been fried, place the crispy pieces into the bowl containing the Bang Bang sauce. Gently fold everything together until every piece of chicken is beautifully smothered in the sauce.
7. Assemble Your Sliders: For added texture, lightly toast the inside of your slider buns. On each bottom bun, arrange a small amount of shredded lettuce, followed by a few pieces of the saucy chicken. Top with your preferred garnish, such as spring onions, then place the top half of the bun on and serve straight away!

Top Tips for the Perfect Crispy Chicken Sliders

We want your sliders to be absolutely spectacular. Here are a few expert pointers we’ve picked up along the way:

• Don’t Skip the Buttermilk: Soaking the chicken in buttermilk is a game-changer for tenderness. It’s a simple step that makes a huge difference.
• Maintain Your Oil Temperature: If the oil is too cool, the chicken will be greasy. If it’s too hot, the outside will burn before the inside is cooked. Frying in batches helps keep the temperature stable.
• Toast Your Buns: A lightly toasted bun provides a great textural contrast to the soft chicken and prevents the sauce from making it soggy too quickly.
• Sauce Just Before Serving: To maintain maximum crispiness, toss the chicken in the sauce right before you assemble the sliders. This ensures you get that perfect crunch in every bite. This technique is also great for other recipes, such as The Ultimate Crispy Baked Shrimp Recipe So Easy.

Variations and Customisations

One of the brilliant aspects of this spicy chicken recipe is its versatility. Here are some suggestions for putting your own personal spin on it:

• Adjust the Spice: This is the simplest modification! For a fiery kick, add more sriracha. For a gentler, more family-friendly slider, simply reduce the amount.
• Add Some Slaw: In place of shredded lettuce, try topping your sliders with a simple, zesty coleslaw for added crunch and a tangy contrast.
• Try an Air Fryer: For a lighter take on the recipe, you can cook the coated chicken pieces in an air fryer. Just spray them with a bit of oil and cook at 200°C (400°F) for around 10–15 minutes, flipping them over halfway through, until they’re golden and crisp.
• Love the Flavour? If you adore this combination of sauce and chicken, we’re sure you’ll also enjoy our Tasty Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Delicious Easy, which offer a superb grilled alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make Bang Bang Chicken Sliders ahead of time?

For the very best texture, we suggest assembling the sliders right before you plan to eat them. This keeps the chicken nice and crispy and prevents the buns from going soft. That said, you can certainly prepare all the elements ahead of time! The chicken can be cooked and the sauce mixed up to a day in advance. Just store them in separate airtight containers in the fridge. When it’s time to serve, reheat the chicken in an oven or air fryer to restore its crispiness, then toss it in the sauce and assemble.

How do I store leftovers?

In the unlikely event you have any leftovers, you can store the sauced chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. While the coating will lose its crispness, the flavour will still be wonderful. Reheat gently in a microwave or even enjoy it cold.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Absolutely! To bake the chicken, arrange the coated pieces on a wire rack that’s been placed over a baking tray. Give them a generous spray with cooking oil. Bake at 200°C (400°F) for about 15–20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and fully cooked. While they won’t be quite as crunchy as the fried version, it’s an excellent, lighter option.

What’s the best type of bun for sliders?

We have a particular fondness for soft brioche buns, as their buttery, slightly sweet character complements the spicy sauce beautifully. However, soft potato rolls, Hawaiian sweet rolls, or any high-quality miniature burger bun would also be a fantastic choice.

Is Bang Bang sauce the same as sweet chilli mayonnaise?

They share a lot of similarities, and sweet chilli mayonnaise forms the foundation of a great Bang Bang sauce. A classic Bang Bang sauce, however, elevates this by adding a second layer of heat, usually from sriracha, along with a touch of acid like rice vinegar for balance. You can think of it as a more complex and flavourful sweet chilli mayo 2.0!

Conclusion: Your New Go-To Party Favourite

And there we have it—a complete guide to making the most sensational, flavour-packed Bang Bang Chicken Sliders from the comfort of your own home. This recipe is proof that you don’t need professional skills to create food that is genuinely impressive and utterly delicious. Featuring crisp, succulent chicken and a sauce that strikes the perfect note between creamy, sweet, and spicy, these sliders are guaranteed to be the highlight of any get-together.

So, why wait any longer? Gather your ingredients, follow our straightforward guide, and prepare to delight your friends and family. We’re eager to hear how much you enjoy them!

Remember to leave us a comment below to share how your Bang Bang Chicken Sliders came out, or if you discovered any exciting variations of your own. Happy cooking!