Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Flavorful and Easy Recipe

If you're craving a tasty and fun meal, look no further than Bang Bang Chicken Sliders! This easy recipe combines juicy chicken thighs with a creamy, spicy sauce that will leave your taste buds dancing. Perfect for lunch or dinner, these sliders are both flavorful and quick to prepare. Let’s dive into how you can whip up this crowd-pleaser in no time!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients for Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs

- 1 cup buttermilk

- 1 cup all-purpose flour

- 1 teaspoon garlic powder

- 1 teaspoon onion powder

- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 6 mini slider buns

The main ingredients create the base for these sliders. I love using chicken thighs because they stay juicy and tender. Buttermilk helps the chicken stay moist and adds flavor. The spices bring warmth and depth. Slider buns are perfect for holding the juicy chicken.

Bang Bang Sauce Ingredients

- ½ cup mayonnaise

- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce

- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)

The Bang Bang sauce makes this dish special. Mayonnaise gives it creaminess. Sweet chili sauce adds a hint of sweetness. Sriracha provides a nice kick. You can adjust the sriracha for your spice level.

Optional Garnishes

- Leafy lettuce

- Sliced cucumbers

- Chopped cilantro

Garnishes add freshness and crunch. Leafy lettuce brings a nice texture. Sliced cucumbers are cool and refreshing. Chopped cilantro adds a burst of flavor. These toppings enhance the sliders and make them more fun.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinating the Chicken

To start, you need to marinate the chicken. First, grab a bowl. Combine 1 cup of buttermilk with a pinch of salt and pepper. This mix helps the chicken stay juicy. Now, take your 1 pound of chicken thighs and submerge them in the buttermilk. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge. Let it chill for at least 1 hour. For the best flavor, marinate overnight.

Preparing the Coating

Next, we prepare the coating. In another bowl, mix together 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. This mix gives the chicken great flavor and crunch.

Frying the Chicken

Now it’s time to fry the chicken. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Dredge each thigh in the flour mixture, pressing gently. Carefully place the chicken in the hot oil. Fry for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side. You want it golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove and place it on paper towels to drain any extra oil.

Making the Bang Bang Sauce

While the chicken cools, we make the Bang Bang sauce. In a small bowl, combine ½ cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of sweet chili sauce, and 1 tablespoon of sriracha. Mix until it’s well combined. If you like it spicier, add more sriracha to taste.

Assembling the Sliders

Now, let’s assemble the sliders. First, slice the mini slider buns in half. Spread a generous layer of the Bang Bang sauce on each half of the buns. Place a piece of crispy chicken on the bottom half. Top with a leaf of leafy lettuce, then add sliced cucumbers and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. Finish by capping it with the top half of the bun.

Serving Suggestions

For serving, arrange the sliders on a platter. Serve them right away. You can also put extra Bang Bang sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious Bang Bang chicken sliders with friends or family!

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Chicken Thighs

- Aim to marinate the chicken thighs for at least one hour. This makes them juicy and flavorful. For best results, marinate overnight.

- To achieve crispy chicken, make sure the oil is hot before frying. Use a thermometer to check the heat. Dredge the chicken well in the flour mix and fry in small batches. This helps keep the temperature steady.

Adjusting the Sauce

- You can easily modify the spice levels in the sauce. Start with less sriracha and taste as you mix. Add more if you like it spicy!

- If you want a twist, try using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. It adds a tangy flavor. You can also swap sweet chili sauce for honey for a different sweetness.

Slider Assembly Tips

- For the best sliders, layer the ingredients in this order: sauce, chicken, lettuce, cucumbers, and cilantro. This keeps everything in place.

- Always use fresh ingredients for a better taste. Crisp lettuce and fresh cucumbers make a huge difference. They add crunch and flavor that elevate your sliders.

Variations

Alternative Proteins

You can switch up the protein in your Bang Bang Chicken Sliders.

- Using chicken breasts: Chicken breasts work well if you prefer a leaner option. Just follow the same marinating and frying steps. They might cook faster, so check for doneness early.

- Vegetarian options: For a meatless slider, try using crispy tofu or cauliflower. Marinate them in buttermilk and coat as you would chicken. Fry until golden brown for that same crunch and flavor.

Flavor Tweaks

To make your sliders even more exciting, try these flavor tweaks.

- Adding other spices to the coating: You can boost the flavor by adding spices like cumin or chili powder to the flour mix. This will give your chicken a unique taste.

- Different sauce variations: You can change up the Bang Bang sauce too. Try adding honey for sweetness or lime juice for tang. Adjust the sriracha if you want more heat.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your sliders with tasty sides and drinks.

- Pairing with sides like fries or salads: Crispy fries or a fresh salad go well with your sliders. They add balance to the meal. You can even make a slaw to add crunch and freshness.

- Great drinks to serve with sliders: For drinks, try iced tea or lemonade. If you want something stronger, a light beer complements the sliders nicely.

These variations and suggestions will help you create a fun and delicious meal. Enjoy experimenting!

Storage Information

Storing Leftover Sliders

To keep your leftover sliders fresh, store them in an airtight container. This method prevents air from making them soggy. You can also wrap each slider in plastic wrap for extra protection. If you have extra sauce, store it separately in a small container.

Reheating Tips

To reheat the sliders, avoid the microwave. It makes the bread soft. Instead, use an oven or air fryer. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place sliders on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes. This keeps them crispy. For the air fryer, heat them for 5-7 minutes at 350°F (175°C).

Freezing Sliders

You can freeze cooked sliders for later. Wrap each slider in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This keeps them from getting freezer burn. For best results, eat them within three months. To thaw, place them in the fridge overnight. Reheat them as mentioned above for a fresh taste.

FAQs

What is the origin of Bang Bang Chicken?

Bang Bang Chicken comes from China. It is known for its spicy and sweet flavor. The name "Bang Bang" refers to the sound of the meat being pounded. This dish combines bold spices with tender chicken. It gained popularity in Western cuisine and evolved into many fun recipes, like sliders.

Can I make Bang Bang Chicken Sliders in advance?

Yes, you can prep Bang Bang Chicken Sliders ahead of time. Marinate your chicken up to a day before. This makes the meat super tender and flavorful. You can also prepare the Bang Bang sauce ahead. Store it in the fridge until you are ready to assemble. Just fry the chicken right before serving for the best crunch.

Are there gluten-free options for this recipe?

Absolutely! To make these sliders gluten-free, you can use gluten-free flour for the coating. Check for gluten-free buns, too. Many stores offer tasty gluten-free slider buns. Ensure your sauces, like mayonnaise and sweet chili, are gluten-free as well.

How can I make Bang Bang Chicken Sliders spicier?

To kick up the heat, add more sriracha to the Bang Bang sauce. You can also mix in some red pepper flakes for extra spice. If you like heat, try using spicy mayonnaise instead of regular. Another fun idea is to add sliced jalapeños on top.

Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are fun and tasty. We covered the key ingredients, from chicken thighs to spicy sauce. Each step helped you make crispy, flavorful sliders. You learned tips to make them even better and discovered fun variations.

Enjoy these sliders at your next gathering. Share your results and invite friends to try them too. Cooking is all about enjoyment, so have fun!