Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Crispy golden chicken cutlets nestled between soft slider buns, topped with melty mozzarella cheese and drizzled with a sweet-spicy sauce that will have everyone reaching for seconds. These Bang Bang Chicken Sliders deliver bold flavor in every bite while being surprisingly simple to prepare. Perfect for gatherings or quick family dinners, these sliders strike the perfect balance between comfort food and exciting flavors that will leave your guests asking for your secret recipe.

I first made these sliders for my nephew's graduation party last summer, and they were the first dish to disappear completely. Even my mother-in-law, who typically avoids spicy foods, couldn't resist having seconds. There's something about the combination of crispy chicken and that addictive bang bang sauce that makes these impossible to resist.

Flavor Foundation Components

• Thinly sliced chicken breasts: provide the perfect thickness for quick cooking while staying juicy and tender inside
• Slider buns: offer the ideal bread-to-filling ratio while being easy to handle for party settings
• Mozzarella cheese: adds a mild creaminess that complements the bold sauce without competing with the flavors
• Mayonnaise: creates a rich, creamy base for the signature sauce that coats each bite perfectly
• Sweet chili sauce: brings a perfect balance of sweetness and mild heat that appeals to most palates
• Sriracha: adds customizable heat that can be adjusted to suit your preference for spiciness
• Honey: rounds out the sauce with natural sweetness that balances the acidity and heat

Slider Assembly Strategy

Cutlet Preparation:

Begin by pounding chicken breasts to an even quarter-inch thickness between sheets of plastic wrap, ensuring quick and even cooking while tenderizing the meat.

Breading Station:

Create a three-step breading station with seasoned flour, beaten eggs, and seasoned breadcrumbs, arranging them in that order for efficient workflow and minimal mess.

Perfect Frying:

Heat oil to 350°F in a heavy skillet until shimmering but not smoking, then carefully add breaded cutlets without overcrowding to maintain proper temperature.

Golden Transformation:

Cook each cutlet for approximately 3 minutes per side until deeply golden brown with an internal temperature of 165°F, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.

Sauce Creation:

Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey in a bowl until completely smooth, adjusting heat and sweetness to your personal preference.

Assembly Architecture:

Split slider buns and arrange the bottom halves on a serving platter, then top each with a piece of chicken sized appropriately for the bun.

Cheese Layering:

Place a slice of mozzarella on each warm chicken cutlet, allowing the residual heat to slightly melt the cheese for the perfect consistency.

Sauce Application:

Generously drizzle or spoon the bang bang sauce over each slider, allowing some to artfully drip down the sides for visual appeal and flavor in every bite.

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I discovered that letting the breaded chicken rest for about 5 minutes before frying helps the coating adhere better during cooking. My daughter actually prefers these with pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella for an extra kick. We've started making a double batch of the sauce because my family loves using the leftover sauce on everything from salads to baked potatoes throughout the week.

Sensational Serving Ideas

Complete your slider spread with crispy sweet potato fries tossed in a light sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for a sweet contrast to the spicy sliders. Add a refreshing cucumber and carrot slaw dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil to balance the richness of the chicken and sauce. For beverage pairings, offer cold craft beer or a fruity sangria that complements the sweet-spicy profile of the bang bang sauce.

Tempting Variations

Transform these sliders into a fusion delight by adding Asian slaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a rice vinegar dressing between the chicken and bun. Create a breakfast version using waffles instead of slider buns and adding a drizzle of maple syrup to the bang bang sauce. For a lighter option, grill or bake the chicken instead of frying and serve on lettuce cups instead of buns for a lower-carb alternative that still delivers on flavor.

Practical Preservation Tips

Store any leftover chicken cutlets separately from the sauce and buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to serve again, reheat the cutlets in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through and crispy. The bang bang sauce will keep refrigerated for up to a week and actually improves in flavor after the first day as the ingredients meld together. Assemble the sliders just before serving to maintain the optimal texture and prevent soggy buns.

Chef Insider Knowledge

Chill your chicken breasts for about 15 minutes before slicing or pounding them for easier handling and more precise cutting. Add a tablespoon of cornstarch to your breadcrumb mixture for extra crispiness that stays crunchy even after being sauced. Brush your slider buns with butter and toast them briefly before assembly for enhanced flavor and structural integrity.

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My family has become so obsessed with these sliders that they've become our tradition for every major sporting event watch party. What I love most about this recipe is how it transforms simple ingredients into something that feels special enough for celebrations yet easy enough for weeknight dinners. The combination of textures—crispy chicken, soft bun, melty cheese, and creamy sauce—creates a perfect bite that satisfies every craving. Even better is watching guests' faces light up with that first taste when the flavors all come together.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What is bang bang sauce made of?

Bang bang sauce typically combines mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha or hot sauce, and a bit of honey for sweetness. It's creamy with a perfect balance of heat and sweetness.

→ Can I make these chicken sliders ahead of time?

Yes! You can fry the chicken cutlets ahead of time and keep them warm in a 325°F oven for up to an hour. You can also refrigerate them and reheat in the oven before assembling.

→ What can I serve with Bang Bang Chicken Sliders?

These sliders pair well with french fries, sweet potato fries, coleslaw, potato salad, or a simple green salad. For a party spread, add some vegetable sticks and dip.

→ Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake the breaded chicken at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes until it reaches 165°F internally. Spray with cooking oil before baking for extra crispiness.

→ How spicy are Bang Bang Chicken Sliders?

These sliders have a mild to medium heat level that comes from the bang bang sauce. You can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less hot sauce to your preference.