Name: Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 1/2 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

When the craving for a perfect bite of comfort food strikes, few dishes can compete with the delightful explosion of flavors found in Bang Bang Chicken Sliders. These little morsels pack a punch with crispy, pan-fried chicken, drizzled with a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce that's both irresistible and satisfying. The contrast of textures—crispy chicken and soft Hawaiian rolls—creates a mouthwatering experience that makes these sliders a show-stopping addition to any summer gathering.

So, what makes bang bang chicken sliders the ultimate comfort food? For starters, the combination of flavors hits all the right notes: savory, spicy, and just a hint of sweetness from the sauce. Plus, they're incredibly customizable! You can easily swap ingredients or add your favorite toppings, like fresh garden lettuce or ripe tomatoes, for that extra touch. The simplicity of the recipe, alongside the profound satisfaction of biting into a juicy slider, ensures you’ll want to share these with friends and family.

Interested in making these delicious sliders? Let's dive into the recipe and discover why they’re the perfect choice for your next picnic or barbecue! For more inspiration, check out How to Host a Slider Party.

Ingredients for Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

When you set out to create mouthwatering Bang Bang Chicken Sliders, gathering the right ingredients is key. Here’s what you 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 another vegetable oil for frying)

Bang Bang Sauce Ingredients

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

Slider Assembly Ingredients

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

These ingredients create a delightful flavor combination that will impress your friends at any summer gathering! If you’re looking for some extra tips on slider assembly, check out this guide to assembling sliders for more insights. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Preparing Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Creating bang bang chicken sliders is not just about throwing ingredients together; it’s a delightful culinary experience! This process will have you and your friends buzzing with excitement as you savor these scrumptious little creations. Let’s dive into how to prepare them!

Gather Your Ingredients

Before stepping into the kitchen, it’s best to ensure you have all the ingredients on hand. For these tasty sliders, you’ll need:

Chicken: 1.5 lbs of skinless, boneless chicken breast
Flour Mixture: Garlic powder, cayenne pepper, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper
Breading Station: Egg, water, flour, and panko breadcrumbs
Frying Oil: 1 cup of avocado oil (or another vegetable oil)
Bang Bang Sauce: Mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot pepper sauce, and rice wine vinegar
Sliders: Hawaiian or sourdough rolls and fresh lettuce

Don’t forget to line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make everything easier!

Prepare the Chicken

Now that you have everything ready, let’s prep the chicken. Start by butterflying and pounding the chicken breasts thin for even cooking. Once flattened, cut the chicken into approximately 12 pieces. This will ensure perfect portion sizes for your sliders!

Create the Bang Bang Sauce

The star of your bang bang chicken sliders is undoubtedly the bang bang sauce. In a small mixing bowl, stir together ½ cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of sweet chili sauce, 1 tablespoon of hot pepper sauce, and 1 teaspoon of rice vinegar. This sauce offers a delightful balance of creaminess and spice, making every bite simply irresistible! If you're feeling adventurous, consider trying variations from popular cooking sites like Serious Eats.

Fry the Chicken to Perfection

Next comes the excitement of frying! Heat the oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. While it’s heating, set up your breading station: dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, then coat with the seasoned flour, and finally, give it a whirl in the panko breadcrumbs. Once the oil is sizzling, fry each piece until golden brown—about 3 minutes on each side should do the trick!

Assemble Your Sliders

Once your chicken is fried to perfection and resting on a paper towel-lined plate, it’s time to assemble your sliders. Cut the rolls in half and lightly toast them. Start by spreading a generous amount of bang bang sauce on the bottom, followed by a couple of crisp lettuce leaves and a piece of that delicious fried chicken. Cap it off with a bit more sauce and the top half of the roll. Voilà! You have yourself a flavor-packed bang bang chicken slider!

There you have it—making bang bang chicken sliders is as enjoyable as eating them. Get ready to impress your friends at your next gathering with these savory bites! Happy cooking!

Variations on Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

If you love a kick, try spicing up your bang bang chicken sliders with some additional heat! Simply increase the amount of hot pepper sauce in your bang bang sauce, or add in some sliced jalapeños or serrano peppers for an extra punch. For a more complex flavor, experiment with chili-infused oil when frying the chicken. This little tweak will keep your slider game exciting and make them a favorite for spice enthusiasts at your next BBQ.

Vegetarian Bang Bang Sliders

Not everyone may enjoy chicken, and that’s okay! Swap out the chicken for crispy tempura vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or even cauliflower for a delightful vegetarian alternative. Pair them with the same bang bang sauce, and you'll have a satisfying slider that’s full of flavor and texture. You can even use chickpea patties to give it a protein boost while maintaining a deliciously crunchy bite. Your green-thumb friends will love these variations, especially when garnished with fresh garden lettuce!

For more ideas on how to make your sliders unique, check out this site that’s bursting with creative recipes.

Cooking tips and notes for Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Achieving the perfect crunch

To get that irresistible crunch on your bang bang chicken sliders, make sure to triple-coat your chicken pieces: dip in egg, then flour, again in egg, and finally coat in panko. Refrigerating the coated chicken before frying helps the crust adhere better, creating that perfect crispy exterior. Be sure to use oil that's hot enough — around 350°F (175°C) — to ensure a golden brown finish without absorbing too much oil.

Alternatives for chicken and sauces

While this recipe is fantastic with chicken breast, you can switch it up! Try using chicken thighs for a juicier bite or even turkey bacon or chicken ham for a smoky twist. If you're in the mood for vegetarian options, crispy tofu or portobello mushrooms can work wonders. For the bang bang sauce, feel free to experiment — adding a splash of lime juice or sesame oil can elevate the flavor even more. Want to learn more about experimenting with sauces? Check out Serious Eats for more great ideas!

Serving suggestions for Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Perfect sides to pair with your sliders

When serving your bang bang chicken sliders, think about light, fresh sides that complement their crispy, spicy flavor. Opt for:

Sweet Potato Fries: Baked or air-fried for a healthier touch.
Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy slaw can cut through the richness of the sliders.
Cucumber Salad: Refreshing and hydrating, this salad is perfect for a summer gathering.

Pairing these sides adds variety to your meal and keeps it interesting!

Creative serving ideas for gatherings

Elevate your gatherings with fun serving techniques! Consider a slider bar where guests can customize their sliders with toppings like sliced avocado, pickled jalapeños, or extra bang bang sauce.

You could even set up a buffet-style presentation, using colorful platters and garnishes. This invites conversation and interaction, creating an engaging dining experience that’s as delicious as it is fun!

For more ideas on engaging meals, check out this guide to hosting unforgettable dinner parties.

Time breakdown for Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Preparation time

Get your kitchen ready! The prep time for these bang bang chicken sliders is about 30 minutes. This includes gathering ingredients, prepping the chicken, and whipping up that delicious bang bang sauce.

Cooking time

Once prepped, the cooking time takes around 15 minutes. Frying the chicken to golden perfection is what makes these sliders truly stand out.

Total time

In total, you’ll be enjoying your bang bang chicken sliders in just 45 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends!

Nutritional Facts for Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

When indulging in bang bang chicken sliders, it's essential to be mindful of their nutritional content. Here's a quick breakdown to help you make informed choices.

Calories

Each slider comes in at approximately 251 calories, a satisfying yet manageable option for your summer gatherings.

Protein

With about 10 grams of protein per slider, these delicious bites provide a good balance to keep you fueled and satisfied throughout the day.

Sodium

However, do keep in mind that the sodium content is around 406 mg per serving. If you're watching your salt intake, consider serving these sliders with a side of fresh veggies to balance out your meal.

For more insights on nutritional needs and meal planning, check out the USDA nutrition page.

FAQs about Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Can I make Bang Bang Chicken Sliders ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the bang bang chicken sliders ahead of time. Bread and fry the chicken, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge once cooled. On the day you plan to serve them, simply reheat the chicken in the oven or air fryer for that crispy texture. Don’t forget to whip up the sauce and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble your sliders!

What kind of rolls work best for sliders?

When it comes to rolls, look for soft, slightly sweet options for your sliders. Hawaiian rolls are a popular choice due to their flavor and texture, but small sourdough rolls also work great! Either option will hold the delicious filling well without becoming too soggy.

How can I make the sauce less spicy?

If you prefer a milder sauce for your bang bang chicken sliders, simply reduce the hot pepper sauce in the bang bang sauce recipe. Alternatively, you can substitute with an extra tablespoon of sweet chili sauce or even add a bit of honey for a touch of sweetness! Adjust it to your spice tolerance—cooking should always suit your palate.

Conclusion on Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Why you should try making these sliders at home!

Bang bang chicken sliders are not just a delicious choice; they are an easy, fun recipe perfect for summer gatherings. The crispy chicken paired with that zesty bang bang sauce will have your friends asking for seconds. Plus, making them at home means you can adjust the flavors to your liking. Dive into this recipe – your taste buds will thank you!