Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

These Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are always a hit at parties and casual get-togethers. Crispy chicken tucked into soft rolls with creamy mozzarella and a punchy sauce makes each bite crave-worthy. I reach for this recipe when time is tight but I want to impress a crowd with bold flavors and irresistible texture.

The first time I served these on game day they disappeared before kickoff and my friends begged for the recipe

Ingredients

• Thin sliced chicken breasts: makes for quick and even cooking look for well-trimmed pieces without excess fat
• Kosher salt: enhances the flavor of both chicken and breading use a flaky high quality version
• Black pepper: brings just the right background heat choose freshly ground for maximum flavor
• Garlic powder: gives that savory backbone opt for a fresh bottle for best results
• All purpose flour: creates a light but sturdy breading sift it for a more even coating
• Cornstarch: mixes with flour for extra crispiness a little goes a long way
• Buttermilk: keeps the chicken juicy and tender choose full fat for richness
• Hot sauce: infuses the marinade with gentle heat use your favorite brand
• Large egg: binds the coating and helps it cling well fresher eggs beat up fluffier
• Panko bread crumbs: deliver unbeatable crunch seek out Japanese style panko for the crispest result
• Vegetable or canola oil: fries chicken golden both work well and have neutral flavor
• Mozzarella cheese: adds creaminess and balances the spice go for low moisture so it melts without watering down the slider
• Slider rolls: pillowy soft and perfectly sized look for a slightly sweet roll to match the spice

Step by Step Instructions

Season the chicken:

Sprinkle both sides of each chicken breast evenly with kosher salt black pepper and garlic powder Set the chicken aside while you prepare your dredging stations so the seasoning can start to penetrate

Set up your dredging stations:

Prepare three shallow dishes In the first combine flour and cornstarch together until fully mixed In the second whisk together buttermilk hot sauce and egg beating until smooth and uniform In the third pour out panko bread crumbs ready for coating

Bread the chicken:

Take each piece of seasoned chicken and first press it into the flour mixture on all sides so it is lightly dusted Next submerge it into the buttermilk mixture ensuring every surface is wet Finally coat the chicken thoroughly in panko bread crumbs pressing gently so the coating sticks tightly and covers every nook Repeat for all the chicken

Fry to golden perfection:

Pour about an inch of oil into a sturdy skillet and heat over medium heat Once the oil shimmers and a few panko crumbs sizzle instantly add chicken in batches Fry each piece until the bottom is richly golden then flip and repeat on the other side Adjust heat as needed to avoid burning Transfer cooked pieces to a wire rack or paper towels to drain while you fry the rest

Assemble the sliders:

Slice the fried chicken to fit your slider rolls Layer each bottom bun with a piece of chicken top with a slice of mozzarella and spoon over a generous amount of bang bang sauce Cap with the top roll Serve right away while crispy and gooey

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I always look forward to the mozzarella layer because it melds perfectly with spicy bang bang sauce and brings back memories of late night kitchen gatherings with my sisters each of us sneaking melty cheese slices before building the sandwiches

Storage Tips

To keep leftovers crisp cool fried chicken completely then store in an airtight container lined with paper towels Refrigerate up to two days Reheat in a hot oven or air fryer to restore crunch

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap in boneless skinless thighs for extra juiciness Gluten free bread crumbs or a rice flour mix can be used if needed Pepper jack instead of mozzarella brings extra spice No panko Try crushing crispy rice cereal for a similar effect

Serving Suggestions

Pair these sliders with a fresh slaw or crunchy pickles They are also great with potato wedges or straight up with extra sauce on the side For parties keep sliders warm in a low oven and set up a build your own slider bar

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Cultural and Family Context

Bang Bang Chicken is inspired by Southeast Asian street food where crispy fried chicken pairs with spicy creamy sauces Bringing these flavors together in slider form creates perfect little sandwiches that deliver big taste in every bite My family loves adding a pickle slice or extra drizzle of sauce for a little twist

Common Recipe Questions

→ How do I keep the chicken as crispy as possible?

Fry in batches without overcrowding the pan, and drain on a wire rack instead of a plate to keep the coating crisp.

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless thighs can be used for a juicier texture—just slice thinly for even cooking.

→ Is it possible to bake instead of fry?

For a lighter version, bake breaded chicken on a wire rack at 425°F until golden and cooked through.

→ Do the sliders stay moist when made ahead?

Reheat in a moderate oven to maintain moisture and a crisp coating; add fresh sauce just before serving.

→ What is bang bang sauce made of?

Bang bang sauce typically combines mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a touch of hot sauce for kick.

→ Can I substitute panko bread crumbs?

Regular bread crumbs work, but panko offers a lighter, crunchier texture for the chicken coating.