Name: Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast, butterflied and pounded thin; 1 large egg; 1/4 cup water; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; 2 cups panko bread crumbs; 1 cup avocado oil or other vegetable oil (more as needed for frying); 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce; 1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce, such as Tabasco; 1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar; 1 package Hawaiian rolls or small sourdough rolls (12 count); 24 leaves lettuce (rinsed and patted dry)

Introduction to Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Why Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Are a Must-Try

If you're looking for the perfect summer bite, bang bang chicken sliders are where your search ends! Imagine crispy, breaded chicken breast nestled in a soft roll and topped with a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce. This delightful combination is not just a treat for your taste buds; it’s a real crowd-pleaser for gatherings, barbecues, or a cozy night in.

What sets these sliders apart? It’s all in the sauce! The homemade bang bang sauce adds a zesty kick that perfectly complements the juicy chicken. Plus, they're surprisingly easy to whip up—ideal for busy young professionals seeking quick yet impressive meal ideas. You can even level up your slider game by adding fresh lettuce straight from your garden, making them not only delicious but also healthy.

So, why not spice up your next meal with these bang bang chicken sliders? Your friends, family, and even your taste buds will thank you! If you’re ready for a flavor-packed adventure, continue reading for the full recipe and step-by-step guide!

Ingredients for Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Creating delicious Bang Bang Chicken Sliders at home is a breeze when you have the right ingredients on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

Chicken Ingredients

1 ½ pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast, butterflied and pounded thin
1 large egg
¼ cup water
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups panko bread crumbs
1 cup avocado oil (or any vegetable oil for frying)

Bang Bang Sauce Ingredients

½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce (like Tabasco®)
1 teaspoon rice vinegar

Slider Assembly Ingredients

1 (12 count) package Hawaiian rolls or small sourdough rolls
24 lettuce leaves, rinsed and patted dry

These ingredients combine to create a satisfying meal perfect for summer gatherings or a casual dinner night. For an extra touch, consider exploring various types of rolls, like sliders with a bit of crunch! Looking for more inspiration? Check out AllRecipes for endless ideas on sauces and sides to complement your sliders.

Preparing Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Creating delicious bang bang chicken sliders is a rewarding culinary adventure that will impress your friends and family without requiring years of cooking experience. By following these straightforward steps, you’ll have mouthwatering sliders that are crispy on the outside and bursting with flavor on the inside.

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients. This helps streamline the cooking process and ensures you don’t miss anything vital. For the chicken, you’ll need butterflied and pounded thin chicken breasts. Set up a designated space for each ingredient—one for the chicken, one for the bang bang sauce, and another for the rolls and lettuce. Lining a baking sheet with parchment serves as a great catch-all for your breaded chicken, keeping things tidy and organized.

Step 2: Bread the Chicken

Now it’s time to give your chicken a crunchy coating. Cut your prepared chicken into 12 equally sized pieces. In three shallow bowls, set up your breading station:

Mix an egg and water in the first bowl for the egg wash.
Combine flour, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper in the second bowl.
Pour panko breadcrumbs into the third.

For an even coating, dip each piece of chicken first into the egg wash, then the flour mix, back into the egg wash, and finally into the panko. Lay the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet and let them chill in the refrigerator. Chilling helps the coating adhere better during frying.

Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

Don’t skip out on the sauce; it’s what brings everything together! In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot pepper sauce, and rice vinegar until it’s fully blended. This sauce is creamy, spicy, and adds that punch you crave. For convenience, you might want to pour it into a squirt bottle for easy application later on.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Heat up some oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. A good test is to drop a few breadcrumbs into the oil—if they sizzle, you’re ready. Carefully add your breaded chicken pieces one at a time, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each piece for about three minutes on each side until they're golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Then, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

Step 5: Assemble the Sliders

Now comes the fun part—assembly! Cut your Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally and lightly toast them for added crunch. Start by adding a generous squeeze of bang bang sauce to the bottom half, then layer on two crisp lettuce leaves. Place your perfectly fried chicken on top, add another drizzle of bang bang sauce, and crown it with the other half of the roll.

There you have it! With a few simple steps, you’ve crafted irresistible bang bang chicken sliders that not only look great but taste fantastic. Perfect for gatherings, backyard BBQs, or even a cozy dinner at home.

For further inspiration, check out some additional chicken slider recipes at AllRecipes. Enjoy!

Variations on Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Bang Bang Cauliflower Sliders for Vegans

Looking for a delicious alternative to traditional bang bang chicken sliders? Try these Bang Bang Cauliflower Sliders! Simply coat cauliflower florets with a similar breading as the chicken, then fry until golden. Toss them in the same bang bang sauce, and serve on toasted buns with fresh lettuce. It’s a fantastic way to keep the vibrant flavors but make it plant-based and friendlier for those following a vegan diet. Full of flavor and texture, these sliders are sure to satisfy everyone at the table!

Spicy Bang Bang Shrimp Sliders

If you’re a seafood lover, you can’t go wrong with Spicy Bang Bang Shrimp Sliders! Swap out the chicken for shrimp, and prepare them just like you would the chicken pieces. The shrimp cooks quickly, yielding an enticing crunch with each bite. Drizzle with the classic bang bang sauce, and serve on your favorite small rolls for an elevated twist on the traditional sliders. These sliders not only add a punch of flavor but are also perfect for a summer cookout or casual get-together!

With these variations, your bang bang chicken sliders can become so much more—this versatility ensures there’s something for everyone, making your gatherings a hit! Check out this article for more creative ideas for sliders!

Cooking Tips and Notes for Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Tips for the Perfect Crunch

To achieve a delightful crunch on your bang bang chicken sliders, ensure your chicken is pounded thin and well-coated. Start with a solid egg wash before dredging in the seasoned flour, and finish off with a generous amount of panko breadcrumbs. The panko delivers that signature crunch! For an extra crispy bite, chill your breaded chicken pieces in the fridge for about 20 minutes before frying. This helps the coating adhere better during cooking.

Choosing the Right Sauce

While the classic bang bang sauce combines creamy mayonnaise and zesty chili flavors, don’t hesitate to experiment! A spicy Sriracha or a lighter yogurt-based dressing can add unique twists based on your preference. Don’t forget to taste your sauce before adding to the sliders. Finding that perfect balance between heat and sweetness is essential for elevating your sliders to the next level. Need inspiration? Check out these popular sauce recipes here.

Serving Suggestions for Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Pairing with Fresh Garden Salads

To elevate your bang bang chicken sliders, consider serving them alongside a vibrant fresh garden salad. A combination of leafy greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette complements the sliders perfectly, balancing the heat of the bang bang sauce. Plus, adding seasonal veggies not only boosts flavor but also enhances the nutritional profile of your meal.

Ideal Sides to Serve

For a delightful texture contrast, try pairing your sliders with crispy sweet potato fries or crunchy coleslaw. Both options add a delightful crunch and a unique flavor twist that will impress your guests. Another great choice is corn on the cob drizzled with lime juice and sprinkled with feta for an extra zing. Enjoy these sliders as part of a casual get-together or a fun summer cookout!

Time Breakdown for Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Preparation Time

To get started on these delicious bang bang chicken sliders, you’ll need about 30 minutes to prepare. This includes gathering your ingredients, coating the chicken, and mixing the homemade bang bang sauce.

Cooking Time

Once prep is done, the cooking is quick and efficient! Expect to spend approximately 15 minutes frying the chicken to a perfect golden brown.

Total Time

In total, you’ll invest 45 minutes in creating these mouthwatering sliders, making them perfect for a busy weeknight or a fun weekend gathering. It’s all about that tasty chicken and mouthwatering sauce!

Nutritional Facts for Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Calories

Each serving of these delightful bang bang chicken sliders contains approximately 251 calories. This makes them a satisfying choice without tipping the scales too far, perfect for those casual hangouts or summer get-togethers.

Protein

You’ll get about 10 grams of protein per slider. It's a great way to fuel your body with lean protein, especially if you're aiming for a quick post-workout snack or just looking to stay energized throughout the day.

Sodium

Be mindful, as each slider has around 406 milligrams of sodium. While it adds flavor, it's a good idea to keep an eye on your sodium intake if you’re watching your health. Consider pairing these sliders with fresh veggies to balance out your meal!

For further nutrition insights, check out the USDA's FoodData Central here. Remember, moderation is key, and enjoy your sliders guilt-free!

FAQs About Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken ahead by breading it and refrigerating it until you’re ready to fry. For the bang bang sauce, it can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before serving! To assemble, simply fry the chicken and toast the rolls when you’re ready to enjoy.

What can I use instead of panko breadcrumbs?

If you can’t find panko breadcrumbs, you can use regular breadcrumbs or even crushed cornflakes for that delightful crunch. Crushed saltine crackers or oats can also be fun alternatives, adding a unique flavor and texture to your bang bang chicken sliders.

How can I adjust the heat level in the bang bang sauce?

Adjusting the heat is easy! For a milder sauce, reduce the amount of hot pepper sauce. You can also swap in sriracha or another mild sauce. If you love heat, try adding extra hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne. Experiment to find what makes your taste buds happy!

Conclusion on Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

In summary, bang bang chicken sliders are not just a delightful summer dish; they are also versatile and easy to prepare. Perfect for gatherings, these sliders combine crispy chicken with a creamy, spicy sauce, leaving your guests craving more. Try them today for an unforgettable taste experience!