Get ready to ignite your taste buds with an explosion of flavor and texture! These Fiery Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are not just another appetizer; they are a culinary adventure packed into a miniature bun. Imagine perfectly crispy, golden-brown chicken pieces, generously coated in a vibrant, creamy, and irresistibly spicy Bang Bang sauce, all nestled within soft, lightly toasted slider buns. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of crunch, smooth heat, and fresh toppings, making these Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Sliders an absolute showstopper for any gathering or a fun weeknight meal.
Why You’ll Love These Fiery Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
There’s a reason why Bang Bang Chicken has captured hearts worldwide, and these sliders take that beloved concept to new, exciting heights. Here’s what makes this recipe an instant favorite:
- Unforgettable Flavor Profile: The balance of sweet, spicy, tangy, and savory in the Bang Bang sauce is simply addictive. Combined with the seasoned crispy chicken, it creates a truly dynamic taste experience.
- Textural Delight: From the satisfying crunch of the air-fried or baked chicken to the creamy sauce and the softness of the slider bun, every element contributes to an exciting mouthfeel.
- Versatility Personified: Whether you’re hosting a game night, planning a party spread, or simply looking for an exciting twist on dinner, these sliders fit the bill perfectly. They’re portion-controlled and easy to handle, making them ideal for casual entertaining.
- Quick and Approachable: With a total time of under 40 minutes, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. The clear steps ensure even novice cooks can achieve impressive results.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Crafting these delicious sliders requires a few key components, many of which you likely already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need and some helpful substitution tips:
- Chicken: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces. Thighs offer a juicier result, while breasts are leaner.
- Breading Mixture: 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness), 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to your heat preference), 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Substitution: For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Egg Wash: 1 large egg, whisked, and 2 tbsp milk (dairy or non-dairy).
- Cooking Method: Cooking spray or 1 tbsp neutral oil (like canola or vegetable) for air frying or baking.
- Fiery Bang Bang Sauce: 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce, 2-3 tbsp sriracha (customize for desired spiciness), 1 tbsp fresh lime juice. Optional: 1 tsp honey or agave nectar for added sweetness.
- Substitution: For a lighter sauce, you can use Greek yogurt mixed with a small amount of mayonnaise, though the texture and richness will differ.
- Slider Essentials: 8 mini slider buns, lightly toasted. Butter lettuce leaves, torn. Thinly sliced cucumbers or pickles. Fresh cilantro or chopped green onions for garnish.
- Substitution: Any small bread rolls or even Hawaiian rolls can work as slider buns. Feel free to experiment with other fresh toppings like thinly sliced radishes or a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
How to Make Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
Creating these sensational sliders is a straightforward process. Follow these steps for crispy, saucy perfection:
- Prepare the Chicken: Begin by patting your chicken pieces very dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step for achieving maximum crispiness. In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. In a separate shallow dish, whisk the egg and milk to create your egg wash.
- Bread the Chicken: Dip each chicken piece first into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated but allowing any excess to drip off. Then, dredge the chicken thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even and complete coating. Place the breaded chicken pieces on a plate or wire rack while you finish the rest.
- Air Fry or Bake Chicken:
- Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer without overcrowding the basket (cook in batches if necessary). Spray the tops of the chicken pieces lightly with cooking spray. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown, crispy, and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
- Baking Method: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spray lightly with oil. Bake for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.
- Make the Fiery Bang Bang Sauce: While the chicken is cooking, prepare your signature sauce. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and fresh lime juice. Whisk until the sauce is completely smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust the amount of sriracha for your preferred level of spiciness, or add more lime juice for extra zest. If you like a hint of sweetness, stir in the optional honey or agave nectar.
- Assemble Sliders: Once the chicken is cooked to crispy perfection, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Pour the freshly made Bang Bang sauce over the chicken and gently toss until each piece is thoroughly coated in the vibrant, creamy sauce.
- Serve Immediately: Lightly toast your mini slider buns for added texture and warmth. On the bottom half of each bun, place a crisp butter lettuce leaf. Add a sauced chicken piece, then top with thinly sliced cucumber or pickles for a refreshing crunch. Garnish with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions. Place the top bun and serve your delectable Fiery Bang Bang Chicken Sliders without delay! For another exciting chicken creation, be sure to check out our Food Court Glazed Chicken Recipe.
Tips for Success
Achieving culinary excellence is all about the details. Here are some expert tips to ensure your Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are truly spectacular:
- Dry Chicken is Key: As mentioned, patting the chicken dry before breading is paramount for a crispy crust. Excess moisture can lead to a soggy coating.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Whether you’re air frying or baking, ensure chicken pieces are in a single layer with space between them. Overcrowding lowers the temperature and steams the chicken instead of crisping it. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Customize the Heat: The beauty of homemade Bang Bang sauce is full control. Start with 2 tablespoons of sriracha and add more gradually until you reach your desired level of fiery kick. A pinch of red pepper flakes can also amplify the heat.
- Fresh Lime Brightens: Don’t skip the fresh lime juice in the sauce. It cuts through the richness of the mayonnaise and adds a zesty brightness that elevates the entire flavor profile.
- Toast Your Buns: A quick toast of the slider buns adds another layer of texture and prevents them from getting soggy from the sauced chicken.
Serving Suggestions
These Fiery Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways:
- Party Appetizer: They are perfect for game day gatherings, birthday parties, or any festive occasion where finger foods are a must.
- Light Meal: Pair them with a simple side salad, some crispy sweet potato fries, or a light coleslaw for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
- Themed Dinner: Build an Asian-inspired fusion meal by serving these alongside spring rolls, edamame, or a light noodle salad. For another fantastic take on bite-sized chicken, consider these Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites from Fork Haven.
Storage & Reheating
While these sliders are undeniably best served fresh, you can still enjoy them later with a few tips:
- Leftover Chicken: Store any leftover sauced chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To regain some crispiness, reheat the leftover chicken in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, until heated through and crisp.
- Sauce Ahead: The Bang Bang sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Assemble Fresh: For the best experience, assemble the sliders just before serving to keep the buns from getting soggy and the lettuce fresh.
FAQ
Can I make these sliders gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure all other ingredients, like sweet chili sauce, are also certified gluten-free.
How can I make the Bang Bang sauce less spicy?
To reduce the heat, start with just 1 tablespoon of sriracha and taste before adding more. You can also increase the amount of sweet chili sauce or add a bit more honey/agave nectar to balance the heat.
Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
Absolutely! This recipe works wonderfully with other proteins. Try using shrimp, firm tofu (pressed and cut into pieces), or even thinly sliced turkey breast for a delicious variation.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No problem at all! The recipe includes detailed instructions for baking the chicken in a conventional oven, which yields deliciously crispy results as well.
These Fiery Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are more than just a meal; they’re an experience waiting to happen. With their irresistible combination of crispy chicken, creamy heat, and fresh toppings, they promise to be a surefire hit with anyone who tries them. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and prepare to delight your palate with these vibrant, flavorful mini sandwiches!
Fiery Bang Bang Chicken Sliders: Crispy, Creamy, Zesty
Dive into a flavor explosion with these irresistible Fiery Bang Bang Chicken Sliders! Perfectly crispy bite-sized chicken pieces are coated in a vibrant, creamy, and spicy Bang Bang sauce, then nestled into soft mini slider buns. Each sandwich is a symphony of textures and tastes – a slight crunch from the golden chicken, the smooth heat of the sauce, and the fluffy bread, all balanced with fresh toppings. Ideal for game nights, parties, or a fun weeknight treat, these mini sandwiches are quick to prepare and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Prepare for compliments – these aren’t just sliders, they’re a culinary experience!
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 8 mini sliders (4 servings) 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for desired heat)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 large egg, whisked
- 2 tbsp milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- Cooking spray or 1 tbsp neutral oil (like canola or vegetable)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2-3 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste for spiciness)
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- Optional: 1 tsp honey or agave nectar for sweetness
- 8 mini slider buns, lightly toasted
- Butter lettuce leaves, torn
- Thinly sliced cucumbers or pickles
- Fresh cilantro or chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels. In a shallow dish, whisk together flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. In another shallow dish, whisk the egg and milk.
- Bread the Chicken: Dip each chicken piece first into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge thoroughly in the flour mixture, ensuring it's fully coated. Place coated chicken on a plate or wire rack.
- Air Fry/Bake Chicken: Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer without overcrowding. Spray the tops of the chicken pieces with cooking spray. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown, crispy, and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C). If baking, preheat oven to 400°F (200°C), place chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Make the Fiery Bang Bang Sauce: While chicken cooks, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust sriracha or lime juice as needed. Add honey or agave if desired for a touch of sweetness.
- Assemble Sliders: Once chicken is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the Bang Bang sauce over the chicken and toss gently to coat each piece thoroughly.
- Serve: Lightly toast the mini slider buns. Place a lettuce leaf on the bottom bun, add a sauced chicken piece, top with sliced cucumber or pickles, and garnish with cilantro or green onions. Place the top bun and serve immediately.
Notes
For extra crispiness, ensure chicken pieces are patted very dry before breading. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket or baking sheet; cook in batches if necessary for optimal crispiness. Customize the heat level of the Bang Bang sauce by adjusting the amount of sriracha. A pinch of red pepper flakes can also be added for more kick. Make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. These sliders are best served fresh, but leftover chicken can be reheated in an air fryer or oven to regain some crispiness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 sliders
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg