Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into small pieces for sliders)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
• 2 tbsp sriracha sauce
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp garlic powder

For the Sliders:

• 12 mini slider buns
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
• 1/2 cup pickles (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. Prepare the chicken: Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into small pieces that fit comfortably on the slider buns.
2. Marinate: In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces to the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the chicken to marinate. This step adds flavor and helps keep the chicken juicy.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

1. Prepare the dredging stations: Set up two shallow dishes. In the first dish, add the all-purpose flour. In the second dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs with a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Coat the chicken: Remove each piece of marinated chicken from the buttermilk, allowing any excess liquid to drip off, and then dredge it in the flour. Afterward, dip the chicken into the panko breadcrumb mixture, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated. The panko will create a crispy, crunchy coating when fried.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

1. Heat the oil: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom of the pan over medium-high heat. You’ll need about 1/2 inch of oil for shallow frying.
2. Fry the chicken: Working in batches, carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil. Fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 4: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

1. Combine ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, honey, lime juice, and garlic powder. Adjust the amount of sriracha sauce to your preferred level of spiciness.
2. Taste and adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the flavors as necessary. Add more honey for sweetness, more sriracha for spice, or a little extra lime juice for tanginess.

Step 5: Assemble the Sliders

1. Prepare the buns: Lightly toast the mini slider buns in a pan or oven until they are warm and slightly crispy on the edges.
2. Assemble: Spread a generous amount of the Bang Bang sauce on the bottom half of each slider bun. Place a piece of crispy chicken on top of the sauce, followed by a small handful of shredded lettuce, a few slices of red onion, and a couple of pickle slices (if using). Top with the other half of the bun.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve immediately: Arrange the sliders on a platter, serve with extra sauce on the side for dipping, and enjoy these crispy, flavorful treats!

Nutrition Facts (Per Slider)

These values are estimates and may vary depending on portion sizes and specific ingredients used.

• Calories: 220
• Total Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Cholesterol: 45mg
• Sodium: 460mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 22g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 6g
• Protein: 15g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

A: Yes! Chicken thighs will add a bit more flavor and juiciness due to their higher fat content. Just make sure to cook them thoroughly.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Marinate the chicken in the buttermilk mixture the night before, and store the cooked, crispy chicken in an airtight container. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken in the oven for a few minutes to restore its crispiness and assemble the sliders just before serving.

Q: Is the sauce too spicy?

A: The sauce has a nice balance of sweet and spicy. However, if you prefer a milder version, you can reduce the amount of sriracha or leave it out altogether, and the sauce will still be delicious.

Q: Can I use whole wheat slider buns?

A: Yes! Whole wheat buns are a great option if you want a healthier alternative to traditional slider buns. They will add a slightly nutty flavor and extra fiber to your sliders.

Q: Can I make these sliders in the oven?

A: You can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until crispy. However, frying gives the chicken a crunchier texture that is hard to replicate in the oven.

Tips for Making the Best Crispy Chicken Bang Bang Sliders

1. Double Coat the Chicken: For extra crispiness, dip the chicken back into the buttermilk and coat it a second time in the breadcrumbs before frying.
2. Use Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are essential for achieving a light, crispy texture. They crisp up better than regular breadcrumbs.
3. Oil Temperature: Keep the frying oil at the right temperature (350-375°F or 175-190°C) for the crispiest chicken. If the oil is too hot, the chicken may burn before cooking through; if it’s too cold, the chicken may become greasy.
4. Customize the Sauce: Adjust the bang bang sauce to your liking—add more chili sauce for sweetness, more sriracha for heat, or a bit more lime juice for tang.
5. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Fresh cilantro or parsley adds a burst of color and freshness when serving the sliders.

Storage Tips

1. Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the crispiness of the chicken.
2. Freezing: For best results, freeze the cooked chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in the oven for the best results.
3. Sauce Storage: The bang bang sauce can be stored in a separate airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Conclusion

These Crispy Chicken Bang Bang Sliders are the ultimate combination of flavor, crunch, and spice. With juicy, crispy chicken, a creamy and spicy sauce, and fresh toppings, these sliders are sure to become a hit at your next gathering or family dinner. The recipe is easy to follow, and you can even make some elements ahead of time for a quicker assembly when it’s time to serve. Whether you’re making these sliders for game day, a party, or just a fun meal at home, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy every crispy, flavorful bite!