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Why This Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe Works

What You’ll Need for Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Serving and Storage Tips for Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Mistakes to Avoid while making Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Suggestions for Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Conclusion

Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are the perfect fusion of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors packed into bite-sized treats. These irresistible sliders feature tender shredded chicken coated in a tantalizing sauce, nestled between soft pretzel buns with melted mozzarella cheese. I’ve perfected this recipe to deliver restaurant-quality results right in your kitchen.

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Why You'll Love This Recipe

Quick preparation with simple ingredients that create an explosion of flavors in every bite
Perfect party food that appeals to both kids and adults with customizable spice levels
Make-ahead friendly recipe that tastes even better when flavors meld together overnight
Budget-friendly meal using chicken thighs that stay incredibly moist and flavorful
Versatile recipe that works for game day, potlucks, or weeknight dinners

Why This Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe Works

The secret to these amazing sliders lies in using chicken thighs instead of breasts. Thighs remain juicy and tender even after extended cooking, absorbing the bold sauce beautifully. The combination of ketchup, sriracha, and honey creates the signature bang bang flavor profile.

Slow-cooking the chicken in the sauce ensures every strand gets infused with flavor. The pretzel buns add a subtle saltiness that complements the sweet-spicy chicken perfectly. Topping with mozzarella creates a creamy buffer that balances the heat while adding irresistible cheese pulls.

What You’ll Need for Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Ingredients

3 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
½ cup ketchup
½ cup Sriracha chili sauce
½ cup plus 2 tablespoons honey (divided)
½ cup water
3 tablespoons lime juice
2 teaspoons grated lime zest
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon pepper
12 mini pretzel buns (split)
12 slices part-skim mozzarella cheese (halved)
¼ to ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Coarse salt (optional)
2 green onions (chopped)

For Sriracha-Lime Dipping Sauce:

1 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Sriracha chili sauce
2 tablespoons lime juice

Tools

Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
13×9-inch baking dish
Two forks for shredding
Pastry brush
Measuring cups and spoons
Sharp knife
Cutting board

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Creating these delicious sliders is easier than you might think. Follow these detailed steps for perfect results every time.

Step 1:	Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in Dutch oven over medium heat. Brown chicken thighs for 5 minutes, turning once for even color.
Step 2:	Combine ketchup, chili sauce, ½ cup honey, water, lime juice, lime zest, garlic, ginger, and pepper in a bowl. Pour mixture over browned chicken.
Step 3:	Bring sauce to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is tender.
Step 4:	Remove chicken from pot. Simmer remaining sauce for 5 minutes until thickened. Shred chicken with two forks and toss with reduced sauce.
Step 5:	Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange bottom buns in greased baking dish. Place half cheese slice on each bun, add chicken mixture, then top with remaining cheese and bun tops.
Step 6:	Mix remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons honey, and red pepper flakes. Brush over bun tops and sprinkle with coarse salt if desired.
Step 7:	Bake for 10-15 minutes until tops are golden and cheese melts. Garnish with chopped green onions.
Step 8:	Prepare dipping sauce by whisking together mayonnaise, Sriracha, and lime juice. Serve alongside warm sliders.

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Chef's Helpful Tips

Use kitchen scissors to quickly trim chicken thighs of excess fat before cooking for cleaner flavor
Toast pretzel buns lightly before assembling to prevent them from getting soggy from the sauce
Make the chicken mixture up to 2 days ahead and reheat gently before assembling sliders
For extra crispy tops, broil assembled sliders for the last 2 minutes of baking time
Double the sauce recipe and freeze half for quick weeknight meals later

Serving and Storage Tips for Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

These sliders are incredibly versatile and can be served in various settings. Understanding proper serving and storage ensures maximum enjoyment.

Serving Tips

Serve Bang Bang Chicken Sliders immediately after baking while the cheese is still melty. Arrange on a platter with the dipping sauce in a bowl alongside. These pair wonderfully with coleslaw, sweet potato fries, or a crisp green salad.

For parties, keep sliders warm in a 200°F oven for up to an hour. Set up a slider bar with additional toppings like sliced jalapeños, pickles, or crispy onions. Consider serving mini versions using dinner rolls for appetizer portions.

Store leftover assembled sliders in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The chicken mixture alone keeps for 5 days refrigerated or 3 months frozen. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.

Mistakes to Avoid while making Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Overcooking the chicken creates dry, stringy meat that won’t absorb the sauce properly. Keep heat at medium-low and check tenderness at 25 minutes. Using chicken breasts instead of thighs results in drier sliders that lack richness.

Don’t skip the sauce reduction step. This concentrates flavors and prevents soggy buns. Adding too much sauce makes sliders messy and difficult to eat. Aim for just enough to coat the chicken without dripping.

Avoid assembling sliders too far in advance. The buns will become soggy from the sauce. If preparing ahead, store components separately and assemble just before baking.

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You Must Know

Chicken thighs are essential for this recipe – they stay moist and flavorful unlike breast meat which dries out
The sauce will seem thin at first but thickens significantly during the reduction process
Pretzel buns hold up better than regular buns but Hawaiian rolls make a sweeter alternative
Adjust sriracha amount based on heat preference – start with less for milder palates

Suggestions for Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Transform these sliders by experimenting with different cheeses. Pepper jack adds extra heat while provolone offers mild creaminess. Try Ultimate Chicken Casserole for another crowd-pleasing chicken dish.

Create a bang bang chicken bowl by serving the mixture over rice with steamed vegetables. For a lighter option, use lettuce wraps instead of buns. Check out Air Fryer Bang-Bang Chicken Recipe for a crispy variation.

Make it a complete meal by serving with Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta as a luxurious side. For dessert, try 5-Ingredient Easy Keto Cloud Cake.

Explore more bang bang variations with Bang Bang Blended Chicken Burger Recipe or try Healthier Bang Bang Chicken in the Air Fryer for a lighter option.

FAQs:

Can I make Bang Bang Chicken Sliders in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the chicken first, then add all sauce ingredients to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours until chicken shreds easily.

How spicy are Bang Bang Chicken Sliders?

The spice level is moderate but customizable. The recipe creates a pleasant heat that most people enjoy. Reduce sriracha to ¼ cup for mild or increase to ¾ cup for extra spicy.

Can I freeze assembled Bang Bang Chicken Sliders?

It’s better to freeze just the chicken mixture. Assembled sliders don’t freeze well as buns become soggy when thawed. Freeze the chicken for up to 3 months and assemble fresh sliders when ready.

What can I substitute for pretzel buns in Bang Bang Chicken Sliders?

Hawaiian rolls, brioche buns, or regular slider buns all work well. For a low-carb option, use lettuce cups or portobello mushroom caps. Each brings a different flavor profile to complement the spicy chicken.

How many Bang Bang Chicken Sliders does this recipe make?

This recipe makes 12 sliders, perfect for serving 4-6 people as a main dish or 8-10 as an appetizer. Each slider is satisfying but not overwhelming, making them ideal for parties.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Chicken Sliders deliver an unbeatable combination of flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for the recipe. The tender, saucy chicken paired with melty cheese and toasted pretzel buns creates pure comfort food magic.

Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for an exciting weeknight dinner, these sliders never disappoint. The make-ahead flexibility and crowd-pleasing flavors make them a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Give them a try and watch them become your new go-to slider recipe!

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