Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

These Bang Bang Chicken Sliders quickly became my family’s go to party dish thanks to their crispy fried chicken, melty cheese, and that addictive creamy spicy sauce layered onto pillowy soft buns. Whether you serve them at game night or as a Friday treat, these sliders guarantee requests for seconds.

The first time I made these sliders for a backyard barbecue, the platter emptied in ten minutes and one guest asked for the recipe on the spot.

Ingredients

• Thin sliced chicken breasts: provide the juiciest texture and cook quickly in hot oil for that signature crunch
• Kosher salt: brings out the flavor in the chicken and helps tenderize the meat
• Fresh black pepper: offers that mild bite essential with fried chicken
• Garlic powder: infuses a layer of savory flavor without any chopping
• All-purpose flour: gives a crisp golden crust and is best when sifted for even coverage
• Cornstarch: lightens the breading so your coating does not get heavy or soggy
• Buttermilk: makes the chicken extra tender and helps the crispy coating adhere
• Hot sauce: goes into the marinade for that subtle background heat; use your favorite brand
• Large egg: binds the coating and keeps everything in place
• Panko breadcrumbs: make the breading ultra crispy; look for fresh Japanese style panko if possible
• Vegetable or canola oil: is best for frying because of the high smoke point; choose a neutral oil for clean flavor
• Mozzarella cheese: melts beautifully and brings a gooey creamy layer that balances all the spice
• Slider rolls: are the perfect size for parties and their soft tops hold everything together without falling apart
• Bang Bang sauce: is a must for the sliders and easy to whip up at home with mayo, sriracha, and a touch of honey or sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions

Season the Chicken:

Generously sprinkle chicken breasts on both sides with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Let sit briefly while you prepare the dredging station as this makes the chicken more flavorful

Set Up Your Breading Station:

Grab three shallow bowls. In the first, mix together flour and cornstarch ensuring no lumps. In the second, whisk buttermilk, hot sauce, and egg until smooth and creamy. Place panko breadcrumbs in the third bowl, fluffing them with your fingertips so they are light and airy

Dredge and Coat:

Working with one piece of chicken at a time, dip into the flour mixture to coat all sides, brushing off any excess. Next, submerge into the buttermilk mixture letting extra liquid drip off. Finally, coat each piece evenly in panko pressing crumbs on with your hands for a thick crunchy layer. Transfer each piece to a plate and repeat with all chicken

Fry the Chicken:

Pour a thin layer of oil into a large heavy skillet and heat over medium heat. Once oil shimmers and a breadcrumb dropped in bubbles immediately, carefully lay chicken in the hot oil without overcrowding. Fry on each side until the crust is golden brown and the inside is fully cooked, about three minutes per side. Place fried chicken on a plate lined with paper towels to drain while you finish the batches

Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce:

Mix up the Bang Bang sauce while the chicken is frying. My favorite balance is creamy mayo, a healthy squeeze of fresh lime, sriracha for kick and a little honey. Adjust heat to your taste and set aside

Assemble the Sliders:

Cut fried chicken into pieces to fit the size of your slider rolls. Lay a piece onto the bottom half of each bun, top with a slice of mozzarella then drizzle generously with Bang Bang sauce. Peek under the broiler for one minute if you want the cheese extra melty before topping with the remaining bun half

Serve Hot:

Arrange your finished sliders on a platter and serve while chicken is crispy and cheese is perfectly gooey. Encourage everyone to dig in right away for best texture and flavor

Pin it

The hot sauce buttermilk marinade made all the difference when I tried switching from plain milk. It tenderized the chicken and added flavor right through to the middle. My niece declared these the best sliders she ever had after eating two in a row.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What is Bang Bang sauce made of?

Bang Bang sauce typically includes mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and a touch of garlic for a creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor.

→ Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

While the chicken and sauce can be prepared in advance, it's best to assemble and serve the sliders fresh to preserve texture and flavor.

→ What can I serve alongside these sliders?

These sliders pair well with sides like coleslaw, sweet potato fries, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.

→ Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Yes, you can bake the breaded chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes or until cooked through and golden brown. Flip halfway for even crispiness.

→ How can I make the sliders spicier?

To increase the heat, add extra hot sauce to the buttermilk mixture or mix in more sriracha to the Bang Bang sauce.

→ Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, while mozzarella melts beautifully, you can substitute it with cheddar, pepper jack, or provolone for a different flavor profile.