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Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken sliders are the perfect combination of crunchy, tender chicken paired with creamy, spicy sauce on soft slider buns. These handheld delights deliver restaurant-quality flavor right in your kitchen. The secret lies in the perfectly seasoned chicken, double-breaded for extra crunch, then topped with melted mozzarella and drizzled with that irresistible bang bang sauce.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Extra crispy coating that stays crunchy even after adding the sauce – thanks to the panko breadcrumb technique
- Perfect party food that feeds a crowd without breaking the bank – makes 12 sliders from just 1.5 pounds of chicken
- Kid-friendly recipe that adults love too – the mild spice level appeals to everyone at the table
- Quick weeknight dinner ready in under 30 minutes – faster than takeout and tastier too
- Customizable heat level – adjust the hot sauce and bang bang sauce to your family’s preference
Why This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe Works
The magic of this recipe starts with thin-sliced chicken breasts that cook quickly and evenly. The triple-coating process creates layers of flavor and texture that make each bite memorable. First, the flour-cornstarch mixture provides the base layer that helps everything stick. Then, the buttermilk mixture adds tanginess while helping the final panko coating adhere perfectly.
The cornstarch is the secret weapon here. It creates an incredibly crispy exterior that stays crunchy longer than regular flour alone. Combined with panko breadcrumbs, you get that satisfying crunch that makes these sliders irresistible. The shallow frying method uses less oil while still achieving that golden-brown perfection.
What You’ll Need for Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds thin-sliced chicken breasts
- Kosher salt, fresh black pepper, and garlic powder for seasoning
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs (plus extra if needed)
- Vegetable or canola oil for frying
- 12 slices mozzarella cheese
- 12 slider rolls
- Bang bang sauce (prepared separately)
Tools
- Three shallow bowls for breading station
- Large skillet for frying
- Meat thermometer
- Paper towel-lined plate
- Tongs for flipping chicken
- Sharp knife for cutting chicken
How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
Creating these mouthwatering sliders is easier than you think. Follow these steps for crispy perfection every time:
| Step 1: | Season chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Set up three bowls: flour-cornstarch mixture, buttermilk-hot sauce-egg mixture, and panko breadcrumbs. |
| Step 2: | Dredge each chicken piece in flour mixture, then buttermilk mixture, then press firmly into breadcrumbs. Ensure complete coating for maximum crispiness. |
| Step 3: | Heat thin layer of oil in skillet over medium heat. Fry chicken in batches, 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. |
| Step 4: | Transfer cooked chicken to paper towel-lined plate. Prepare bang bang sauce by whisking ingredients in small bowl. |
| Step 5: | Cut chicken into slider-sized pieces. Place on buns, top with mozzarella while warm, drizzle with bang bang sauce, and serve immediately. |
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Pound thicker chicken breasts to ¼-inch thickness for even cooking and better slider proportions
- Let breaded chicken rest for 5 minutes before frying – this helps the coating stick better during cooking
- Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for optimal crispiness – too hot burns the coating, too cool makes it greasy
- Press breadcrumbs firmly onto chicken using your palms for extra-crispy coating that won’t fall off
- Toast slider buns lightly for added texture contrast and to prevent sogginess from the sauce
Serving and Storage Tips for Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
Serving Tips
These sliders shine when served immediately while the chicken is still crispy and the cheese is melty. Arrange them on a platter with extra bang bang sauce on the side for dipping. They pair beautifully with coleslaw, sweet potato fries, or a simple green salad.
For parties, set up a slider bar where guests can customize their own. Offer toppings like shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, pickles, and extra cheese. Consider serving alongside our Ultimate Chicken Casserole for a complete chicken-themed spread.
Keep prepared sliders warm in a 200°F oven for up to 20 minutes if needed. Cover loosely with foil to prevent the buns from drying out while maintaining the chicken’s crispiness.
Mistakes to Avoid while making Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
The most common mistake is overcrowding the pan when frying. This drops the oil temperature and results in soggy, greasy chicken instead of crispy perfection. Fry in batches, giving each piece enough space to cook properly.
Another frequent error is using chicken that’s too thick. Thick pieces cook unevenly, leaving you with burnt coating and raw centers. Always pound chicken to uniform thickness or buy pre-sliced thin cutlets.
Don’t skip the resting time after breading. Many cooks rush this step, but letting the coating set prevents it from falling off during frying. Similarly, avoid flipping the chicken too early – wait until the bottom is golden before turning.
You Must Know
- The bang bang sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator – flavors actually improve with time
- For a healthier version, try air frying at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through
- Leftover fried chicken can be reheated in the oven at 375°F for 10 minutes to restore crispiness
- Double the recipe and freeze breaded raw chicken for quick weeknight dinners – fry directly from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes cooking time
Suggestions for Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
Transform these sliders into a complete meal by serving with crispy onion rings or loaded potato wedges. For a lighter option, try them with a tangy Asian slaw or cucumber salad to balance the richness.
Experiment with different cheeses – pepper jack adds spice, while Swiss provides a milder flavor. You can also try this recipe with our Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta for surf and turf sliders.
Make mini versions using dinner rolls for appetizers, or go big with regular hamburger buns for heartier portions. The bang bang sauce also works wonderfully with grilled vegetables or as a dip for fries.
FAQs:
You can bread the chicken up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to fry. However, for best results, fry just before serving to maintain maximum crispiness.
Vegetable or canola oil works best due to their high smoke points and neutral flavors. Avoid olive oil as it burns at frying temperatures.
The spice level is mild to medium. You can adjust by reducing hot sauce in the buttermilk mixture or using less bang bang sauce.
Yes! Bake on a wire rack at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping once. Spray with cooking oil for better browning.
Mix 1 cup regular milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar. Let sit 5 minutes before using as buttermilk substitute.
Conclusion
These Crispy Bang Bang Chicken sliders prove that restaurant-quality food is achievable at home. With their perfect balance of crunch, flavor, and creamy sauce, they’re destined to become your new favorite recipe. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating your family to something special, these sliders deliver every time.
Try pairing them with our Keto Cloud Cake for dessert. For more delicious recipes, check out this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe or explore Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken for additional cooking methods.
More Easy Lunch Recipes:
- Smoked Meatloaf: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Comfort Food
- Creamy Dill Potato Salad with Eggs
- Keto Naan Delight: Tasty Low-Carb & Gluten-Free Recipe!
- Juneteenth Okra Tomatoes Recipe – Easy Traditional Southern
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📖 Recipe Card
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
Description
Extra crispy chicken sliders with creamy spicy bang bang sauce and melted mozzarella on soft buns. Restaurant-quality flavor ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds thin-sliced chicken breasts
- Kosher salt, fresh black pepper, and garlic powder for seasoning
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs (plus extra if needed)
- Vegetable or canola oil for frying
- 12 slices mozzarella cheese
- 12 slider rolls
- Bang bang sauce (prepared separately)
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Set up three bowls: flour-cornstarch mixture, buttermilk-hot sauce-egg mixture, and panko breadcrumbs.
- Dredge each chicken piece in flour mixture, then buttermilk mixture, then press firmly into breadcrumbs. Ensure complete coating for maximum crispiness.
- Heat thin layer of oil in skillet over medium heat. Fry chicken in batches, 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Transfer cooked chicken to paper towel-lined plate. Prepare bang bang sauce by whisking ingredients in small bowl.
- Cut chicken into slider-sized pieces. Place on buns, top with mozzarella while warm, drizzle with bang bang sauce, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Pound thicker chicken breasts to ¼-inch thickness for even cooking
- Let breaded chicken rest for 5 minutes before frying for better coating adhesion
- Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for optimal crispiness
- Toast slider buns lightly to prevent sogginess
- Bang bang sauce can be made 3 days ahead
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: bang bang chicken recipe, crispy chicken sliders, spicy chicken sandwiches, panko crusted chicken, buttermilk fried chicken, party slider recipes, easy chicken appetizers
