When it comes to turning up the flavor for your next gathering, there’s nothing quite as irresistible as Bang Bang Chicken Sliders. These mini sandwiches serve up juicy, crispy chicken with a golden crust, melty mozzarella, and that signature creamy, spicy bang bang sauce—all nestled in pillowy slider rolls. They’re crowd-pleasers through and through, offering explosive taste in every bite, and they come together easily right in your own kitchen!

Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

For Bang Bang Chicken Sliders, you’ll love how each component brings something special: from the perfectly seasoned chicken to the crunchy panko coating and that fresh, zippy sauce. These ingredients are straightforward, but together they create bold flavors, dreamy textures, and a truly show-stopping look.

Chicken breasts (1 1/2 pounds, thin sliced): Go for thinner slices so you get juicy, tender meat with good surface area for extra crunch.
Kosher salt, fresh black pepper, and garlic powder: Classic seasonings that wake up the chicken and start your flavor layering.
Flour (1/2 cup): This helps the breading stick and gives the chicken a good base for crispiness.
Cornstarch (1/4 cup): Mixed with flour, cornstarch makes the coating lighter and crispier—don’t skip it!
Buttermilk (1 cup): Adds tang and tenderizes the chicken for extra juicy bites.
Hot sauce (1 tablespoon): Just a bit gives a subtle kick all the way through.
Large egg (1): Helps bind the breading and locks in moisture.
Panko bread crumbs (2 cups or more as needed): Japanese-style panko creates unbeatable crunch and golden color.
Vegetable or canola oil: Choose a neutral oil for frying so the other flavors shine.
Mozzarella cheese (12 slices): Melts beautifully over hot chicken for gooey, stretchy goodness.
Slider rolls (12): Soft and squishy rolls are perfect for holding everything together—try brioche or potato buns for extra pillowiness.
Bang Bang Sauce: Sweet, spicy, creamy—this is the flavor bomb that ties it all together. (See below for how to mix it up!)

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Step 1: Set Up Your Breading Station

Start by generously seasoning both sides of your thin-sliced chicken with kosher salt, fresh cracked black pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic powder. Prep a breading assembly line with three bowls: first, flour and cornstarch whisked together; second, a blend of buttermilk, hot sauce, and the egg; third, a heap of crispy panko breadcrumbs. This setup ensures your chicken comes out with that signature golden, shattering crunch every time.

Step 2: Bread the Chicken

Take each seasoned chicken slice and dredge it in the flour-cornstarch mix (that’s your crunch builder). Gently shake off the extra, then dip it into your tangy buttermilk bath, letting any excess drip away. Finally, coat both sides in the panko, pressing firmly so you get a thick, even crust that’ll fry up perfectly. Arrange the breaded chicken on a plate while you finish the rest.

Step 3: Pan-Fry to Crispy Perfection

Pour a thin layer of oil into a large skillet and heat over medium. Once the oil shimmers, start frying the chicken, being careful not to crowd the pan. With thin pieces, you’ll need just 2 to 3 minutes per side—look for deep golden color and an internal temperature of 165°F for perfectly cooked chicken. Drain the crispy cutlets on paper towels while you repeat with any remaining pieces, adding oil as needed.

Step 4: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk up your bang bang sauce until smooth and creamy. You can stir together mayonnaise, a little sweet chili sauce, a dash of honey, and your favorite hot sauce for the classic blend—tangy, sweet, and just spicy enough to wake up your palate!

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Slice each cooked chicken cutlet into slider-sized pieces. Start building sliders by setting a warm chicken piece onto the bottom of each roll, immediately topping with a slice of mozzarella so the residual heat gets it perfectly melty. Drizzle generously with bang bang sauce, cap it all off with the slider bun tops, and get ready to dig in!

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Garnishes

Brighten up your Bang Bang Chicken Sliders with a handful of fresh garnishes. Chopped green onions, tiny diced fresh jalapeños, or a sprinkle of black sesame seeds can add freshness, color, and just a little zip. For even more flavor, pile on quick homemade pickles or tangy slaw for a cool crunch that pairs beautifully with that spicy sauce.

Side Dishes

Pair these sliders with crispy fries, sweet potato wedges, or a zippy Asian-inspired slaw. Chips and a bright cucumber salad also work, making for a full picnic or game day spread. Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are versatile, so feel free to play around with sides that match your mood!

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Bang Bang Chicken Sliders on a platter lined up like a little slider army, or set out toppings and sauces for a DIY slider bar—guests will love customizing their own. For parties, skewer each slider with a colorful pick and a tangy gherkin for fun (and easy grabbing). If you’re hosting brunch, these even look adorable nestled into individual baskets with mini pickle spears on the side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow manage to have a few Bang Bang Chicken Sliders left over, simply wrap them individually or store the chicken, cheese, and rolls separately in airtight containers. The chicken itself will keep for about three days in the fridge, and it stays surprisingly moist even after reheating.

Freezing

To freeze, let the cooked and cooled chicken cutlets sit on a baking sheet in the freezer until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll stay at their best for about two months. You’ll want to freeze the chicken separately from the buns and cheese so everything reheats evenly without getting soggy.

Reheating

For the crispiest results, reheat chicken cutlets on a baking rack in a hot oven (around 375°F) for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the outside is sizzling and the cheese melts beautifully when you add it in the final minutes. Assemble the sliders fresh so that every bite is as vibrant as the first!

FAQs

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Absolutely! To bake, lay breaded chicken pieces on a baking rack set over a sheet pan, spritz with cooking spray, and bake at 425°F for about 18 to 22 minutes, flipping once. The panko will still get crisp and golden, just with less oil.

How spicy are Bang Bang Chicken Sliders?

The sliders have a gentle kick from the hot sauce and the bang bang sauce, but the spice level is totally customizable. Use a milder hot sauce or reduce the amount if you want it tamer—or turn up the heat if you’re feeling brave!

What is bang bang sauce and can I make substitutions?

Bang bang sauce is a creamy blend of mayo, sweet chili sauce, and hot sauce. If you’re dairy-free or don’t have mayo on hand, try Greek yogurt or even a blended avocado for a fresh twist. You can also experiment with different chili sauces to find your perfect balance of sweet and heat.

Can Bang Bang Chicken Sliders be made gluten-free?

Yes, just swap the flour and panko for your favorite gluten-free alternatives. Many stores now carry gluten-free panko and slider rolls, so everyone can grab a slider and join the party.

What’s the best cheese to use if I don’t have mozzarella?

While mozzarella is the melty classic for these sliders, provolone or Monterey Jack work beautifully too. Both melt easily and pair well with the bold flavors of Bang Bang Chicken Sliders.

Final Thoughts

Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are the kind of recipe you’ll reach for again and again—full of crowd-pleasing flavor, just the right amount of kick, and a joy to both make and eat. Give them a try and watch your friends and family light up with delight; this one’s sure to become a new favorite at your table!