Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Delightful and Easy Recipe

Are you ready to elevate your next meal? Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are here to impress! This easy recipe packs bold flavors and crunchy textures into every bite. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a family night, these sliders will be a hit. Stick around as I break down the ingredients, steps, and tips you need for perfect sliders. Let's dive in and unleash your culinary skills!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

To make Bang Bang Chicken Sliders, you need:

- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs

- 1 cup buttermilk

- 1 cup all-purpose flour

- 8 slider buns

These ingredients are the heart of this dish. The chicken thighs stay juicy and tender, thanks to the buttermilk. Slider buns hold everything together, providing a soft bite.

Spices and Seasoning

For flavor, gather these spices:

- 1 teaspoon paprika

- 1 teaspoon garlic powder

- 1 teaspoon onion powder

- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

- Salt and pepper to taste

These spices add warmth and depth. Paprika gives color, while garlic and onion powders add rich taste. Adjust cayenne to meet your spice level.

Garnishes

To finish your sliders, use:

- Lettuce leaves

- Sliced cucumbers

- Chopped green onions

These garnishes add crunch and freshness. Lettuce provides a crisp layer, while cucumbers cool the heat. Green onions bring a pop of color and flavor on top.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken

First, take 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Place them in a bowl. Pour 1 cup of buttermilk over the chicken. This will help keep the chicken juicy. Cover the bowl and refrigerate. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour. For best results, marinate overnight. The longer, the better!

Breading Process

Now, let’s prepare the breading. In a large bowl, mix 1 cup of all-purpose flour with spices. Add 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Then, add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir this mixture well. When the chicken is ready, take it out of the buttermilk. Let the excess buttermilk drip off. Dip each chicken thigh into the breading mixture. Make sure it’s fully coated. Set the breaded chicken aside on a plate.

Cooking the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the breaded chicken thighs. Cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown color. This shows they are done. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan. Place it on paper towels to drain excess oil. Now, your chicken is ready for the sliders!

Bang Bang Sauce Preparation

Sauce Ingredients

To make the Bang Bang sauce, you need just a few simple items. Here’s what you’ll need:

- 1 cup mayonnaise

- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce

- 1 tablespoon sriracha

These ingredients blend to create a creamy and spicy sauce that makes the sliders shine.

Mixing and Tasting the Sauce

Start by grabbing a small bowl. Add the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha to it. Use a whisk or a spoon to mix them together. Make sure the sauce is smooth and well combined.

After mixing, take a little taste. You want a balance of creaminess and spice. If you want more heat, add a bit more sriracha. If it’s too spicy, a touch more mayonnaise can help.

Using the Sauce for Sliders

Once your sauce is ready, it’s time to put it on the sliders. Cut your slider buns in half. Spread a nice layer of the Bang Bang sauce on the bottom half of each bun. This adds flavor and keeps the chicken moist.

After the chicken is cooked, place a piece on top of the sauce. Drizzle a bit more sauce over the chicken for extra flavor. This sauce makes each bite burst with taste! Enjoy your sliders with this delightful sauce.

Assembling the Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Preparing the Slider Buns

Start by cutting the slider buns in half. You want them ready to hold all the tasty filling. I like to use soft, fresh buns for the best texture. This makes it easy to bite into your slider without it falling apart. Set them aside while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

Layering the Ingredients

Now let’s build your sliders. Take the bottom half of each bun and spread a thick layer of Bang Bang sauce. This sauce is creamy and has a nice kick. Next, add a crisp lettuce leaf for crunch. Place a piece of the golden chicken on top. Then, add a few sliced cucumbers for freshness. Finally, drizzle a bit more Bang Bang sauce on top. Sprinkle some chopped green onions for color and flavor. Top it off with the other half of the bun.

Serving Suggestions

Arrange the sliders on a platter for a fun look. Serve them with extra Bang Bang sauce on the side for dipping. You can also pair these sliders with crunchy veggies or sweet potato fries for a great meal. Enjoy these sliders at your next party or family dinner!

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Sliders

Marinating Tips for Extra Flavor

To boost flavor, marinate the chicken. Use buttermilk for tender meat. Let it soak for at least one hour. For even better taste, try marinating overnight. The longer it sits, the more flavor it soaks up. You can add spices to the buttermilk too. A pinch of salt or pepper enhances the taste.

Cooking Tips for Crispy Chicken

For crispy chicken, heat your oil well before frying. The oil should shimmer, not smoke. Cook the chicken in batches. This avoids overcrowding and helps them cook evenly. Fry each side for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. After frying, drain the chicken on paper towels. This keeps them crispy and removes excess oil.

Alternatives for Healthier Versions

To make a healthier slider, try baking instead of frying. Coat the chicken with breading and place it on a baking sheet. Bake at 400°F until crisp. You can use whole wheat slider buns for added fiber. For lighter sauce, mix Greek yogurt with the other sauce ingredients. This keeps the flavor but cuts calories.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breast. It will work fine. However, chicken thighs stay moister. They also bring a richer flavor. If you prefer chicken breast, just slice it thin. This way, it cooks quickly and stays juicy.

How spicy is the Bang Bang sauce?

The Bang Bang sauce has a nice kick. You can adjust the spice level by changing the sriracha amount. If you want it milder, use less sriracha. For more heat, add more. The sweet chili sauce balances the heat well, so it’s not too spicy.

What sides pair well with Bang Bang Chicken Sliders?

Many sides go well with these sliders. Here are some tasty options:

- Crispy sweet potato fries

- Fresh coleslaw

- Asian-style cucumber salad

- Potato chips

- A light green salad

These sides add crunch and flavor. They also help balance the rich sliders.

Can I make the sliders ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sliders ahead. Cook the chicken and make the sauce a day before. Keep them in the fridge. Assemble the sliders just before serving. This keeps the buns fresh and crispy. You can also serve the sauce on the side for extra flavor.

In this post, we covered all you need to make Bang Bang Chicken Sliders. We looked at the key ingredients, spices, and garnishes to enhance flavor. You learned how to prepare and cook the chicken, as well as make a tasty Bang Bang sauce. Plus, I shared tips for perfect sliders and answered common questions.

Now you can craft the perfect sliders for your next meal. Enjoy this fun and delicious dish with friends and family!