Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Easy Appetizer Recipe – just hearing those words conjures up an image of vibrant flavors, tantalizing textures, and the ultimate party food. I remember the first time I tasted classic Bang Bang Chicken; it was an explosion of creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet notes, a truly unforgettable experience. This iconic Szechuan dish, traditionally featuring poached chicken bathed in a fiery, nutty sauce, has captivated palates for generations. But as much as I adore the classic, I’ve always been keen to transform beloved dishes into accessible, crowd-pleasing formats, and that’s precisely what we’ve achieved with this incredible Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Easy Appetizer Recipe.
What makes this iteration so special is how it takes all the beloved elements of the original – the succulent chicken, the unmistakable creamy-spicy sauce – and reimagines them into a convenient, handheld delight. Gone are the days of labor-intensive plating; instead, we’re embracing the joy of a perfectly portioned slider that’s bursting with flavor in every bite. This isn’t just any appetizer; it’s a statement piece that promises to disappear from your platter faster than you can say “more, please!” It’s the kind of dish that sparks conversation, ignites taste buds, and leaves a lasting impression. When you present this Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Easy Appetizer Recipe, you’re not just serving food; you’re serving an experience – one that’s effortlessly elegant and utterly delicious. It’s truly a testament to how traditional flavors can be brilliantly adapted for modern entertaining, making it a guaranteed hit at any gathering, from casual game nights to sophisticated soirees.
Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Easy Appetizer Recipe
- The irresistible blend of creamy, spicy, sweet, and savory flavors in the Bang Bang sauce creates a truly addictive experience that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
- Perfectly portioned as sliders, these are the ultimate easy-to-eat appetizer, making them ideal for parties, game nights, or any casual get-together where finger food reigns supreme.
- Despite their gourmet taste, this recipe is surprisingly straightforward to prepare, allowing you to whip up a show-stopping dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Enjoy a delightful textural contrast with every bite: crispy, tender chicken nestled in a soft slider bun, all enveloped in that luscious, rich sauce.
- These sliders are incredibly versatile, serving beautifully as a quick snack, a compelling appetizer, or even a light, satisfying lunch.
Hey there, fellow foodies! If you’re looking for an appetizer that packs a punch of flavor, is incredibly easy to make, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, then you’ve come to the right place. Today, we’re diving into my go-to recipe for Bang Bang Chicken Sliders. These little bites of deliciousness feature tender chicken coated in a creamy, sweet, and spicy Bang Bang sauce, all nestled in soft slider buns with fresh toppings. They’re perfect for parties, game days, or just a fun family dinner. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients Notes
Making delicious Bang Bang Chicken Sliders starts with choosing the right ingredients, but don’t worry, there’s plenty of room for flexibility and substitutions to make this recipe your own!
- Chicken: For these sliders, I typically use about 1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They’re lean, cook quickly, and shred beautifully. You could also opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer a richer, juicier texture – just adjust cooking time as needed. If you’re in a real hurry, a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works wonders; just shred it up!
- Slider Buns: Soft Hawaiian sweet rolls are my absolute favorite for Bang Bang Chicken Sliders. Their slight sweetness complements the spicy sauce perfectly. However, any small brioche buns, potato rolls, or even dinner rolls cut in half would be fantastic. Choose what you love!
- Mayonnaise: This is the creamy base for our Bang Bang sauce. I usually go for a good quality full-fat mayonnaise for the best richness and texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, light mayonnaise or even Greek yogurt can be used, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: This ingredient is crucial for the sweet and tangy notes in the Bang Bang sauce. I find it in the international aisle of most grocery stores. Don’t skip it!
- Sriracha: This is where the “bang” comes from! Sriracha adds that iconic spicy kick. You can adjust the amount to your personal spice preference – add more for extra heat, or less for a milder sauce. If you don’t have sriracha, a dash of hot sauce like Frank’s RedHot or even a pinch of cayenne pepper could work in a pinch, but sriracha truly gives it the authentic flavor.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: Just a touch to balance the flavors in the sauce and add extra sweetness. Maple syrup is a great non-alcohol alternative here if you’re avoiding honey for any reason.
- Lime Juice: A squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens up the entire sauce and adds a lovely zesty finish. Rice vinegar can be a good substitute if you don’t have lime on hand.
- Toppings: I love adding a simple coleslaw mix (store-bought is fine!) for crunch, and a sprinkle of chopped green onions or fresh cilantro for freshness. A few sesame seeds sprinkled on top also add a nice touch. Feel free to experiment with thinly sliced cucumber, pickled red onions, or even a leaf of butter lettuce.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get those delicious Bang Bang Chicken Sliders assembled! It’s a straightforward process, I promise.
Step 1: Cook and Shred the Chicken
First things first, we need our chicken. I like to bake my chicken breasts: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Season the chicken breasts with a little salt and pepper, then bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C). Once cooked, let them rest for a few minutes, then shred them using two forks. Alternatively, you can boil the chicken until cooked, or even use an Instant Pot for quick shredding. If you’re using a rotisserie chicken, simply shred it up now.
Step 2: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
While the chicken is cooking or cooling, let’s whip up that irresistible Bang Bang sauce. In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce, 1-2 tablespoons sriracha (depending on your preferred spice level), 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup), and 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust the sweetness or spice as needed. This is the heart of our Bang Bang Chicken Sliders, so make sure it’s perfect for you!
Step 3: Toss the Chicken with Sauce
Once your chicken is shredded, add it to the bowl with the Bang Bang sauce. Gently toss the chicken until every piece is evenly coated in the creamy, spicy goodness. This ensures every bite of your Bang Bang Chicken Sliders will be packed with flavor. Don’t be shy about getting in there with a spatula to mix it all thoroughly.
Step 4: Assemble the Sliders
Now for the fun part – assembling your Bang Bang Chicken Sliders! Slice your slider buns in half horizontally. You can lightly toast the buns if you like for a little extra texture, but it’s not strictly necessary. Spoon a generous amount of the saucy chicken onto the bottom half of each slider bun. Top with a small handful of coleslaw mix (or other desired fresh toppings like green onions or cilantro). Place the top half of the bun on top, and voilà! Your Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are ready.
Tips & Serving Suggestions
I’ve made these Bang Bang Chicken Sliders countless times, and I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way:
- Prep Ahead: You can cook and shred the chicken, and even mix the Bang Bang sauce, a day in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. When it’s time to serve, just combine the chicken and sauce, then assemble. This makes last-minute entertaining a breeze!
- Adjust the Heat: The beauty of homemade Bang Bang sauce is that you can control the spice. If you love heat, add an extra dash of sriracha. For a milder version, start with less and add slowly until it’s just right.
- Toasted Buns for Extra Crunch: For a little extra texture and warmth, lightly toast your slider buns under the broiler or in a dry pan before assembling. This adds a subtle crunch that elevates the entire experience of your Bang Bang Chicken Sliders.
- Garnish is Key: Don’t forget those fresh toppings! A sprinkle of chopped green onions, cilantro, or sesame seeds not only adds visual appeal but also a burst of fresh flavor and texture that really makes these Bang Bang Chicken Sliders sing.
These Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are fantastic on their own as a party appetizer. For a more complete meal, you could serve them alongside a simple green salad, some sweet potato fries, or even a light soup. They’re always a hit for game day, backyard BBQs, or whenever you need a delicious and easy snack.
Storage & Reheating
If you happen to have any leftover Bang Bang Chicken Sliders (which is a rare occurrence in my house!), you can store the assembled sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. The buns might get a little soft from the sauce, but they’ll still be tasty.
For best results, I recommend storing the sauced chicken and the slider buns separately. Keep the sauced chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy, gently warm the chicken in the microwave or a small pan on the stovetop until heated through, then assemble fresh Bang Bang Chicken Sliders with new buns and toppings. This will give you the freshest taste and best texture.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it! I hope you’re as excited as I am about this incredible dish. The Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Easy Appetizer Recipe truly delivers on all fronts: effortless to prepare, bursting with that signature spicy-sweet ‘bang’ flavor, and absolutely perfect for any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a game night, a casual get-together with friends, or simply craving a fun and flavorful bite, these sliders are guaranteed to be a hit.
I genuinely believe this recipe is a must-try because it takes simple ingredients and transforms them into something spectacular, making you look like a culinary superstar without all the fuss. Go ahead, whip up a batch, and watch them disappear! Enjoy the delightful journey of making and sharing these wonderful appetizers.
Bang Bang Chicken Sliders: Quick & Easy Appetizer
Transforming the classic Szechuan dish into an unforgettable, easy-to-eat appetizer, these Bang Bang Chicken Sliders feature succulent fried chicken coated in a creamy, spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce, nestled in soft buns with fresh toppings. Perfect for parties, game nights, or a delicious snack.
Ingredients
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1½ pounds thin sliced chicken breasts
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Kosher salt to taste
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Fresh black pepper to taste
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Garlic powder to taste
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½ cup all-purpose flour
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¼ cup cornstarch
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1 cup buttermilk
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1 tablespoon hot sauce
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1 large egg
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2 cups panko breadcrumbs (or more as needed)
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Vegetable or canola oil for frying
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12 slices mozzarella cheese
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12 slider rolls
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Bang Bang sauce (prepared separately)
Instructions
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Step 1
Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In a bowl, whisk flour and cornstarch. In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, hot sauce, and egg. Place panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl. Dredge chicken in flour, then dip in buttermilk mixture, and coat with panko. -
Step 2
Heat 1-2 inches of vegetable or canola oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches for 4-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F/74°C). Drain on a wire rack. Once slightly cooled, chop or shred the fried chicken into bite-sized pieces. -
Step 3
In a medium bowl, combine the prepared Bang Bang sauce with the chopped fried chicken. Toss gently until all chicken is evenly coated. (To make Bang Bang sauce: whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce, 1-2 tbsp sriracha, 1 tbsp honey/maple syrup, and 1 tsp lime juice). -
Step 4
Slice slider buns horizontally. Place mozzarella cheese on the bottom half of each bun. Spoon a generous amount of saucy Bang Bang chicken over the cheese. Top with desired fresh garnishes (like coleslaw or green onions) and the top half of the bun. Serve immediately.
Important Information
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 20g | Fat: 20g | Carbs: 25g
Allergy Information
Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
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