Name: Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; Vegetable oil for frying; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce; 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (adjust to taste); 1 tablespoon honey; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 12 mini slider buns; 1 cup shredded lettuce; 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion; 1/2 cup pickles (optional); Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

I am absolutely thrilled to share my favorite Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe with you. This dish combines crispy fried chicken with a creamy, spicy, tangy bang bang sauce, all nestled inside soft mini slider buns. Every time I make these, they disappear in no time! They strike that perfect balance between heat and sweetness with a satisfying crunch, and I love how easy they come together without complicated steps. If you’re looking for a fun, flavorful dish that works for casual gatherings or a weeknight treat, these sliders are a total winner in my book.

Why You'll Love This Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe

What really gets me excited about this Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe is the bold, exciting flavor combination. The crispy fried chicken is coated in a blend of spices that adds depth to every bite, while the homemade bang bang sauce marries creamy mayo with a kick of sriracha and the gentle sweetness of honey and sweet chili sauce. It’s a flavor profile that hits all the right notes: spicy, sweet, tangy, and savory, all in one delightful package.

Besides the incredible taste, I adore how straightforward these sliders are to make. The ingredients are simple, and the process is very approachable — you don’t need to be a pro to get restaurant-quality results. Whether you’re frying the chicken for the first time or an old hand, the step-by-step method helps you achieve a crispy, juicy chicken piece every time. I often find these sliders perfect for casual parties or family dinners because they’re fun to assemble and eat.

What makes these sliders stand out is just how versatile and crowd-pleasing they are. You can tweak the spice levels to suit your taste, and the sliders look incredibly appealing with their colorful garnishes and soft buns. Every time I serve these, I get compliments not just for flavor but for presentation, which makes me proud to share this recipe with friends.

Ingredients You'll Need

A white plate holds six pieces of golden brown breaded fried chicken, arranged in a slight circular pile, showing a crunchy and textured coating. Next to the plate, there are four hamburger buns with sesame seeds on top, appearing soft and golden. Behind the plate, there are several slices of pale yellow cheese stacked neatly. To the left side of the plate, a small clear bowl contains a creamy orange sauce. The background surface is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love that this recipe calls for straightforward ingredients, each chosen to build amazing texture, taste, and color. The combination of buttermilk-brined chicken, flavorful spices, and crunchy panko makes the chicken irresistible. The bang bang sauce blends creamy, spicy, and sweet elements that bring the sliders to life, while fresh garnishes add the perfect finishing touch.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, tender and perfect for slicing into slider-sized pieces.
Buttermilk: Helps tenderize and add moisture to the chicken for juicy bites.
Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika: Adds a deep, savory flavor and subtle smokiness to the chicken coating.
All-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs: The dynamic duo that gives the chicken its crave-worthy crunch.
Vegetable oil: For frying the chicken to golden perfection.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the bang bang sauce for richness and smooth texture.
Sweet chili sauce and sriracha: Gives the sauce its signature sweet heat balance.
Honey and lime juice: Adds brightness and a gentle sweetness to the sauce.
Mini slider buns: Soft, small buns that hold everything perfectly without overpowering.
Shredded lettuce, red onion, pickles, fresh cilantro: Optional toppings that add crunch, tang, and fresh herbal notes.

Directions

Step 1: Start by preparing the chicken. Cut the chicken breasts into slider-size pieces, about 2-3 inches wide. In a bowl, mix the buttermilk with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Submerge the chicken pieces in this marinade and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to tenderize and flavor the chicken deeply.

Step 2: While the chicken marinates, make the bang bang sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, lime juice, and garlic powder until smooth. Adjust the sriracha to your preferred spice level. Set the sauce aside in the fridge so it chills and thickens slightly.

Step 3: Prepare the coating for the chicken. In one shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with a pinch of salt, pepper, and a little garlic powder for extra flavor. In a separate bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.

Step 4: Remove the chicken from the marinade. Dredge each piece first in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess, then dip back briefly into the buttermilk (optional but recommended for extra crunch), and finally coat thoroughly in panko breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken firmly so nothing falls off during frying.

Step 5: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot (around 350°F or when a breadcrumb dropped in sizzles immediately), carefully add the chicken pieces in batches. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Don't overcrowd the pan to maintain oil temperature.

Step 6: Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Keep warm while frying remaining pieces.

Step 7: To assemble the sliders, lightly toast the mini slider buns for extra texture. Spread a generous amount of bang bang sauce on the bottom bun, top with a crispy chicken piece, then add shredded lettuce, thinly sliced red onion, pickles if you like, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness. Finish with the top bun.

Servings and Timing

This Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe yields about 12 sliders, perfect for serving a group or enjoying leftovers the next day. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, plus 1 hour for marinating the chicken to tender perfection. The cooking time, mostly frying, will take around 20-25 minutes depending on your pan size and batch numbers. Altogether, you’re looking at about 1 hour 40 minutes from start to finish including marinating, with no additional resting time required after cooking.

How to Serve This Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe

The image shows three fried chicken sliders on a round wooden board over a white marbled surface. Each slider has a soft, shiny light brown bun with a crispy golden-brown fried chicken patty inside. Beneath the patties, there is a creamy orange sauce slightly dripping out. Two sliders on the right side include thin, white slivers of cabbage or coleslaw inside the bun along with the chicken. Small green cilantro leaves are sprinkled on top of the fried chicken patties. In the background, there are small white bowls with an orange dipping sauce and a bowl of light green and purple coleslaw. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving these sliders warm, fresh out of the fryer and sauce spread, so every bite is juicy and crispy. For sides, I often go with cool, crisp coleslaw or sweet potato fries to complement the spicy, creamy chicken. A simple cucumber salad with a light vinegar dressing also pairs beautifully, adding a refreshing counterpoint to the richness.

Presentation-wise, arranging the sliders on a rustic wooden board with sprigs of fresh cilantro or parsley adds charm and color. If you want to kick it up a notch, a drizzle of extra bang bang sauce on the plate serves not only as a dip but also decorative flair. These sliders also work wonderfully as finger food for parties or game day, making them easy for guests to grab and enjoy without any fuss.

For beverages, I love pairing these sliders with a chilled lager or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, both of which balance the bold flavors nicely. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, a sparkling limeade or iced green tea with lemon brightens the palate beautifully. These sliders are the perfect warm bite for casual get-togethers or a fun weekend meal with friends and family.

Variations

I enjoy experimenting with different twists on this Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe. For a gluten-free version, you can swap the all-purpose flour and regular panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free flour blends and gluten-free breadcrumbs without compromising crunch or flavor. If you want to tone down the spice, simply reduce the amount of sriracha or omit it entirely for a milder sauce that kids especially love.

If you're looking to make it vegan, try using battered and fried cauliflower or jackfruit instead of chicken and substitute the mayonnaise with vegan mayo. The bang bang sauce still works great with these alternatives and keeps the signature creamy, spicy tang.

For cooking methods, baking the breaded chicken pieces in a hot oven (425°F) for 20-25 minutes is a fantastic healthier option that still yields crunchy results. You can also experiment with adding extra layers of flavor by mixing fresh chili flakes, smoked paprika, or cumin into the flour coating to customize the spice profile.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, I recommend storing the fried chicken pieces separately from the buns and fresh toppings in airtight containers. The chicken will stay crispier for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Keep the bang bang sauce refrigerated in a small jar or container for up to a week to maintain freshness.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken pieces for longer storage by placing them on a baking sheet in a single layer to freeze individually. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. The buns and fresh toppings should be stored fresh and not frozen for the best quality.

Reheating

The best way to reheat leftover chicken is to place it on a wire rack atop a baking sheet and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. This method helps maintain the crispy texture while warming the chicken through evenly. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the coating soggy. Reassemble sliders just before serving to keep buns and veggies fresh.

FAQs

Can I make the bang bang sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The bang bang sauce actually tastes better after resting for a few hours or overnight, as the flavors meld beautifully. Just keep it refrigerated in an airtight container and give it a good stir before serving.

What if I don’t have buttermilk for marinating?

You can easily substitute buttermilk by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle before using. This substitute works just as well for tenderizing the chicken.

Is it possible to bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes, baking is a great alternative if you prefer a lighter method. Bake at 425°F on a wire rack for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through. The chicken won’t be as crispy as frying but will still be delicious.

Can I prepare these sliders for a party or potluck?

Definitely! I usually prepare the chicken and sauce ahead and store separately. Then at the party, toast buns and assemble sliders fresh, which keeps everything tasting vibrant and the buns from getting soggy.

How spicy is this Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe?

The spice level is moderate thanks to the sriracha and sweet chili sauce balanced by honey’s sweetness. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more or less sriracha based on your preference, making it kid-friendly or fiery for spice lovers.

Conclusion

I can’t recommend this Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe enough if you love a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and crunchy in a bite-sized sandwich. It’s one of my go-to recipes for impressing friends or treating my own family to something a little different and incredibly tasty. Give it a try, and I’m sure you’ll find yourself coming back to it just as often as I do!