These Bang Bang Chicken Sliders deliver the ultimate crunch with juicy fried chicken tossed in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce. I’ve skipped the heavy batter for a lighter, crispier cornstarch coating that stays crunchy even after being drenched in that addictive sauce. Making restaurant-quality sliders at home is actually faster than ordering delivery and tastes infinitely fresher.
Why This Recipe Beats the Rest
The magic of these Bang Bang Chicken Sliders lies in the double-dredge technique which creates a shatteringly crisp exterior that holds up to the sauce. Most recipes result in soggy sliders within minutes, but this method ensures the chicken stays crunchy for the duration of your meal. Using a combination of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha creates a balanced flavor profile that hits every note—creamy, tangy, sweet, and spicy.
Jump to:
- Why This Recipe Beats the Rest
- What You'll Need to Make These Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
- How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
- Top Tip
- Substitutions and Variations
- Storage and Reheating Tips
- What to Serve With This Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
- Why I Created This Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Recipes You'll Love
- Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
- Related
- Pairing
What You'll Need to Make These Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
Fresh ingredients make the biggest difference in creating that signature flavor profile.
Main Ingredients
- Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Thighs offer more moisture and flavor, but breasts work well if you prefer white meat; cut them into slider-sized chunks.
- Buttermilk: Tenderizes the meat and helps the coating adhere properly during the frying process.
- Cornstarch: Creates a lighter, crispier crust than regular flour, perfect for holding the sauce.
- Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the signature Bang Bang sauce; use a high-quality brand for the best texture.
- Sweet Thai Chili Sauce: Adds the necessary sweetness and garlic notes that define the sauce's character.
- Sriracha: Provides the heat; adjust the amount based on your personal spice tolerance.
- Brioche Slider Buns: The slight sweetness and soft texture of brioche pairs perfectly with the crispy, spicy chicken.
Optional Ingredients
- Green Onions: Sliced thinly to add a fresh, sharp bite that cuts through the richness of the sauce.
- Sesame Seeds: Toasted seeds add visual appeal and a subtle nutty flavor to the finished dish.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a depth of flavor to the dredging mixture if you want a smokier profile.
Get Precise Measurements in the Recipe Card Below
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
This straightforward process guarantees crispy, saucy perfection every time.
Marinate the Chicken
Whisk the buttermilk, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl until combined. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully submerged, and let them sit for at least 15 minutes to tenderize. This brief marinade is crucial for juicy Bang Bang Chicken Sliders.
Dredge the Pieces
Combine the cornstarch, garlic powder, and onion powder in a shallow dish. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off, and press it firmly into the cornstarch mixture until fully coated. A dry, craggy coating is the secret to the best crunch.
Fry Until Golden
Heat your oil in a deep pan or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower the chicken pieces into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the chicken is golden brown, crispy, and cooked through.
Prepare the Sauce
Whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey in a large bowl while the chicken fries. The sauce should be smooth and a consistent creamy orange color.
Toss and Assemble
Transfer the hot fried chicken directly into the bowl with the sauce and toss gently until every piece is generously coated. Place a piece of sauced chicken onto each bottom bun.
Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the chicken before adding the top buns. Serve these immediately while the chicken is still hot and crispy.
Top Tip
- Watch the Oil Temperature – Maintain your oil at 350°F; if it drops too low, the chicken will absorb oil and become greasy rather than crispy.
- Don't Sauce Too Early – Toss the chicken in the sauce right before assembling your Bang Bang Chicken Sliders to preserve maximum crunch.
- Toast the Buns – Lightly toasting the cut side of the brioche buns creates a barrier that prevents the sauce from making the bread soggy.
- Double Dip for Extra Crunch – For an even thicker crust, dip the dredged chicken back into the buttermilk and then into the cornstarch again before frying.
Substitutions and Variations
Air Fryer Version
Spray the coated chicken liberally with oil and air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. This creates a lighter version of Bang Bang Chicken Sliders with less oil but plenty of crunch.
Spicy Kick Sliders
Increase the Sriracha or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cornstarch mixture. This variation is perfect for those who want their sliders to have a serious burn.
Shrimp Sliders
Swap the chicken for large shrimp, reducing the frying time to 2-3 minutes. The sweet and spicy sauce pairs just as beautifully with seafood.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Best Served Fresh
These sliders are best enjoyed immediately after assembly. The sauce will eventually soften the crust, so plan to eat them fresh.
Storing Components Separately
Store the fried chicken and the sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in an air fryer or oven to recrisp it before tossing in the sauce.
Freezing Instructions
Freeze the fried chicken (without sauce) in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen in the oven at 375°F until hot and crispy, then toss with fresh sauce.
What to Serve With This Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
Crispy French Fries
Salty, golden fries are the classic pairing for these rich, saucy sliders. They offer a familiar texture that complements the meal perfectly.
Asian-Style Slaw
A tangy cabbage slaw with a vinaigrette dressing cuts through the creamy richness of the Bang Bang Chicken Sliders. Serve it on the side or pile it right onto the bun.
Steamed Edamame
Lightly salted edamame provides a fresh, healthy contrast to the fried chicken. It adds a pop of color and a different texture to the table.
Why I Created This Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
I first fell in love with the combination of creamy, spicy sauce and crispy meat at a local fusion restaurant, but I always found the breading too heavy and the sauce too sweet. I wanted to recreate that addictive flavor profile at home but with a lighter, crispier texture that didn't feel like a heavy brick in my stomach. After making this 15 times, I realized that using cornstarch instead of flour was the breakthrough moment—it creates that shatteringly thin crust that stays crunchy even when coated in sauce.
Developing these Bang Bang Chicken Sliders became a bit of an obsession because finding the right balance of heat and sweet took several trials. My first few batches were either too spicy for the kids or too mayonnaise-heavy, lacking that punchy zest. Once I dialed in the ratio of sweet chili sauce to Sriracha and added the honey for balance, the recipe finally clicked. It’s now my go-to "fun dinner" that feels special but comes together in under 30 minutes.
Similar Dinner Recipes You'll Love
- Crispy Honey Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches
- Spicy Korean Fried Chicken Sliders
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce actually tastes better if you make it a day in advance. This allows the flavors of the garlic and chili to meld together perfectly.
Are Bang Bang Chicken Sliders spicy?
They have a moderate kick, but you can easily control the heat level. Reduce the Sriracha for a mild version or add extra chili flakes if you prefer significant heat.
What kind of oil is best for frying?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as canola, vegetable, or peanut oil. These oils won't impart unwanted flavors to your chicken.
Can I use frozen chicken nuggets?
In a pinch, you can bake high-quality frozen nuggets and toss them in the homemade sauce. While not as authentic as fresh fried chicken, it makes for an incredibly fast weeknight meal.
More Recipes You'll Love
If you love these Bang Bang Chicken Sliders, you need to try my Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites, which offer a seafood twist on this classic flavor. For dessert, cool down your palate with my Greek Yogurt Cookie Dough or indulge in rich Red Velvet Brownies.
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Whisk buttermilk, salt, and pepper in a bowl, then add chicken pieces to soak for 15 minutes.
- Mix cornstarch, garlic powder, and onion powder in a shallow dish.
- Remove chicken from buttermilk and press firmly into the cornstarch mixture to coat.
- Fry chicken in 350°F oil for 4–5 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Whisk mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey in a large bowl.
- Toss the hot fried chicken in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Place chicken on buns, top with green onions and sesame seeds, and serve.
Nutrition
Notes
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Bang Bang Chicken Sliders:
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