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; 0.25 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); 0.5 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

If you’re a young professional juggling a busy lifestyle, you might find it challenging to whip up delicious meals without spending hours in the kitchen. Enter Bang Bang Chicken Sliders! These delectable little sandwiches are like a breath of fresh summer air — perfect for outdoor gatherings or a cozy night in. They combine the crispy goodness of fried chicken with a tangy sauce that packs a flavorful punch, making them a hit at any occasion.

Why Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are Perfect for Young Professionals

Navigating the post-work dinner rush? Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are your culinary answer! With just about 45 minutes of prep and cook time, you can create a dish that impresses without the stress. Pair them with a simple garden salad or sweet potato fries, and you have a balanced meal that’s both satisfying and delightful.

Moreover, this recipe allows for creativity! You can easily experiment with different toppings or switch out ingredients to suit your preferences, making mealtime a fun adventure rather than a chore. For a quick grocery guide on chicken options, check out this article.

Join in the fun as you elevate your weeknight dinners with these mouthwatering sliders!

Ingredients for Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Essential Ingredients for Chicken

To create the perfect base for your bang bang chicken sliders, you'll need a few key ingredients that come together beautifully. Start with:

1 ½ pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast: Butterflied and pounded to ensure even cooking.
1 large egg and ¼ cup water: This combo makes a great egg wash for that crispy coating.
1 cup all-purpose flour and a medley of spices including 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon ground coriander, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon ground black pepper: These will give the chicken a flavorful kick before it's coated in panko breadcrumbs.
2 cups panko breadcrumbs: Provide that irresistible crunch when fried.
1 cup avocado oil (or any vegetable oil): Essential for frying the chicken to a golden perfection.

Key Ingredients for Bang Bang Sauce

Now, let’s not forget the star of the show: the bang bang sauce. This creamy, spicy topping is what elevates your sliders. You’ll need:

½ cup mayonnaise: The creamy foundation for the sauce.
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce: Adds a hint of sweetness and balances the heat.
1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce: Think Tabasco® to kick it up a notch.
1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar: Offers a slight tang and rounds out the flavors.

Feel free to adjust the spice levels to suit your palate! For extra guidance on the culinary uses of these ingredients, check out Food Network for tips on chicken preparation and sauce crafting.

Preparing Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Making bang bang chicken sliders is an exciting culinary adventure that's both fun and delicious! Follow these steps to prepare colorful, flavorful sliders that will be the highlight of any gathering.

Gather Your Ingredients

Before diving into the cooking process, it's essential to have everything ready. Here’s what you need for those mouthwatering bang bang chicken sliders:

For the Chicken:
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 other vegetable oil)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce (like Tabasco®)
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
1 (12 count) package Hawaiian rolls or small sourdough rolls
24 lettuce leaves, rinsed and patted dry

Having all your ingredients prepped and organized will streamline your cooking process—it's a game changer!

Prep the Chicken for Frying

Start by cutting your flattened chicken into about 12 even pieces. This will ensure each slider is the perfect size for a bite. In three shallow bowls, prepare your coatings:

Beat the egg with water in the first bowl.
Mix flour, garlic powder, cayenne, coriander, salt, and pepper in the second.
Fill the third with panko breadcrumbs.

Dredging the chicken properly will give your sliders a delightful crunch. Dip each piece into the egg wash, then the flour mixture, back to the egg, and finish it off in the panko. Once coated, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and pop them in the fridge to chill while you prepare the sauce.

Make the Bang Bang Sauce

A delicious sauce is crucial for transforming our chicken into scrumptious bang bang chicken sliders. Mix the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot pepper sauce, and rice vinegar in a small bowl until well combined. If you have a squirt bottle handy, transfer the sauce there for easy assembling later.

Fry the Chicken to Perfection

Heat your oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat—this is key for achieving that golden color and crispy texture. As the oil heats, prepare a plate lined with paper towels to catch the excess grease. Carefully add the chicken to the skillet one piece at a time to avoid splattering. Fry each piece for about 3 minutes on one side, flip, and fry for another 3 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (165°F in the center).

Assemble Your Sliders

Now for the best part—assembly! Slice your Hawaiian rolls in half and lightly toast them for added texture. Spread a generous amount of your homemade bang bang sauce on the bottom half of each roll. Lay down two fresh lettuce leaves, topped with a crispy piece of chicken, drizzle more sauce on top, and cap it off with the top half of the roll.

These sliders are not just food; they’re a delightful experience waiting to happen. Share them at your next gathering, and watch them disappear! Enjoy your crunchy, spicy, and flavorful bang bang chicken sliders!

Variations on Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

If you're craving an extra kick, try adding a few more drops of hot sauce or incorporate sliced jalapeños directly into your bang bang chicken sliders. This spicy variation will awaken your taste buds and add layers of flavor that any heat lover would appreciate. Pair this with a tangy slaw to balance the heat and create a delightful contrast.

Vegetable Bang Bang Sliders for a Twist

Looking for a meatless option? Swap out the chicken with crispy battered eggplant or cauliflower for delicious vegetable bang bang sliders. Coat your veggies in a similar panko crust and serve them with the same mouthwatering bang bang sauce. This variation is not only satisfying but also packed with flavor, making it a hit even among meat-lovers!

For more inspiration, check out EatingWell for additional recipes and tips on creating flavorful sliders.

Cooking Notes and Tips for Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Choosing the Right Oil for Frying

For your bang bang chicken sliders, opt for oils with a high smoke point like avocado oil or canola oil. These options not only handle high temperatures well but also won’t overpower the flavor of your chicken. Remember to heat the oil to around 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying. This ensures your chicken cooks evenly while achieving that perfect crispy texture.

Tips for Crispy Breaded Chicken

Get ready for a delicious crunch!

Chill the Chicken: After breading, let the chicken rest in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This helps the coating adhere better during frying.
Double-Dip: For extra crispiness, dip your chicken in the egg wash and flour mixture a second time before the panko breadcrumbs.
Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking.

With these tips, your sliders will be a hit at your next gathering! For more frying techniques, check out this cooking guide.

Serving Suggestions for Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Pairing with Fresh Garden Salads

Looking to elevate your Bang Bang Chicken Sliders experience? Consider serving them alongside a vibrant garden salad. A mix of crisp greens, juicy tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette complements the rich flavors of the sliders. This combination not only adds freshness but also balances the meal, making it feel lighter and more satisfying. Want a twist? Try adding some sliced almonds or feta cheese for extra flavor!

Ideal Sides for Sliders

When it comes to sides, think fun and easy. Crispy sweet potato fries or a zesty quinoa salad are perfect companions to your sliders. For a heartier option, consider coleslaw with a dash of lime; it pairs surprisingly well with the sweet and spicy bang bang sauce. If you're in the mood for something classic, potato chips or a fresh fruit platter can be a hit as well. These sides add variety and enhance the overall dining experience—perfect for your next gathering!

Time Breakdown for Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Preparation Time

Getting everything ready for your bang bang chicken sliders takes about 30 minutes. This includes the time to gather your ingredients and prep the chicken for frying.

Cooking Time

The cooking aspect is pretty swift, taking around 15 minutes to fry the breaded chicken to a perfect golden brown.

Total Time

All in all, you're looking at a total of 45 minutes from start to delicious slider finish! This makes it a perfect quick meal for any summer gathering. Enjoy cooking and savoring every bite!

For more tips on improving your cooking skills, check out Serious Eats for culinary inspiration!

Nutritional Facts for Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Calories per Slider

Each delectable bang bang chicken slider contains around 251 calories. That’s a satisfying amount that makes these sliders great for a fun gathering without weighing you down.

Key Nutrients

These sliders don’t just taste amazing; they also pack a nutritional punch! Here's a quick look at what you get in each slider:

Total Fat: 12g (Saturated Fat: 2g)
Cholesterol: 33mg
Sodium: 406mg
Total Carbohydrate: 27g (Dietary Fiber: 2g, Total Sugars: 3g)
Protein: 10g

In addition to being tasty, the bang bang chicken sliders provide essential nutrients such as Vitamin C and Calcium, supporting overall health. Whether you're hosting a cozy dinner party or just craving a comfort food classic, these sliders are a fantastic choice! For more detailed nutritional insights, check out Healthline and WebMD for nutritional guides.

FAQs about Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Using chicken thighs can add a richer flavor and juiciness to your bang bang chicken sliders. Just keep in mind that thighs take slightly longer to cook than breasts, so ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.

How can I make the sauce healthier?

You can easily lighten up the bang bang sauce by swapping regular mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or a low-fat mayonnaise alternative. This not only reduces calories but also adds a nice creaminess. Additionally, using a sugar-free sweet chili sauce is an excellent way to cut back on sugar without sacrificing flavor.

What are the best rolls to use for sliders?

For the perfect bang bang chicken sliders, consider using Hawaiian rolls for their sweetness or small sourdough rolls for added tanginess. Both options are soft and provide a delightful bite-sized base that pairs wonderfully with the crispy chicken and zesty sauce.

If you're looking for other slider options, check out this guide on Rolls & Buns for Sliders for more inspiration!

Conclusion on Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Why You Should Give This Recipe a Try

The bang bang chicken sliders are a delightful twist on classic sliders, perfect for summer gatherings or cozy family dinners. With their crispy chicken, combined with a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce, they're sure to impress your guests. Plus, they’re straightforward to whip up, making mealtime a breeze. Don’t miss the chance to elevate your snack game!