These Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are a perfect combination of crispy, tender chicken, spicy and creamy Bang Bang sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese—all served on soft slider buns. Ideal for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a fun dinner, these sliders pack bold flavors in every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These sliders are a total crowd-pleaser, with crispy fried chicken paired with a creamy, spicy sauce that’s hard to resist. The Bang Bang sauce is the star of the show, offering just the right balance of heat and sweetness that perfectly complements the crunchy chicken. The addition of mozzarella cheese adds a melty, creamy touch, while the soft slider buns complete the perfect bite. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a casual family dinner, these sliders will be the first to disappear off the plate! Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

1 ½ pounds thin-sliced chicken breasts
Kosher salt, to taste
Fresh black pepper, to taste
Garlic powder, to taste
½ cup flour
¼ cup cornstarch
1 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon hot sauce
1 large egg
2 cups Panko bread crumbs (or more as needed)
Vegetable or canola oil for frying
12 slices mozzarella cheese
12 slider rolls

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

½ cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust based on spice preference)
1 teaspoon honey (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with the flour and cornstarch mixed together, one with the buttermilk, hot sauce, and egg, and one with the Panko bread crumbs.
Bread the Chicken: Dredge each piece of chicken first in the flour mixture, tapping off any excess. Then dip it into the buttermilk mixture, letting any excess liquid drip off, and finally coat it in the Panko bread crumbs. Press the breadcrumbs into the chicken to ensure an even coating. Place the breaded chicken on a plate and repeat with the remaining pieces.
Fry the Chicken: Heat a thin layer of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the breaded chicken cutlets in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy. Place the fried chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey (if using). Adjust the spice level by adding more sriracha if desired.
Assemble the Sliders: Cut the fried chicken cutlets into smaller pieces and place them onto the slider buns. Top each piece with a slice of mozzarella cheese while the chicken is still warm so it melts slightly. Drizzle with the Bang Bang sauce.
Serve: Serve immediately, or if making ahead, keep the chicken cutlets warm in a 325°F oven for up to an hour before serving. Let the sauce come to room temperature before drizzling over the sliders for the best flavor.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 sliders
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

Spicy Sliders: Add more sriracha to the Bang Bang sauce for an extra kick, or drizzle hot sauce directly on the chicken before serving.
Cheese Variety: Swap mozzarella for pepper jack cheese for an added layer of heat and flavor.
Lettuce and Tomato: Add fresh lettuce and tomato slices to the sliders for extra freshness and crunch.
Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for crispy tofu or cauliflower to make a vegetarian version of these sliders.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover chicken cutlets and sliders separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat the chicken in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes to keep it crispy. You can also microwave individual sliders for about 30 seconds, but the texture may not be as crispy.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken tenders instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken tenders work perfectly for sliders. You can skip the slicing step and use the tenders as they are.

2. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Yes, to make this dish a bit healthier, you can bake the breaded chicken. Preheat your oven to 400°F, place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet, and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden and crispy.

3. How can I make the Bang Bang sauce spicier?

To make the Bang Bang sauce spicier, simply add more sriracha or include red pepper flakes for extra heat.

4. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the Bang Bang sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

5. Can I use a different type of breading for the chicken?

Yes, you can use regular breadcrumbs instead of Panko breadcrumbs, but Panko gives a lighter, crispier texture.

6. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F. You can use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked through.

7. Can I make the sliders larger or smaller?

Yes, you can adjust the size of the sliders to your preference. If you make them larger, just be sure to adjust the cooking time for the chicken.

8. Can I prepare the chicken in advance?

Yes, you can bread and fry the chicken in advance, then store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat in the oven or a skillet before assembling the sliders.

9. Can I use a different hot sauce in the Bang Bang sauce?

Yes, you can substitute the sriracha with another hot sauce of your choice, such as Frank’s RedHot, for a different flavor profile.

10. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make the sliders gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and make sure the flour and cornstarch are gluten-free.

Conclusion

These Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are packed with flavor, crispy texture, and a perfect balance of spice and sweetness from the Bang Bang sauce. Whether you’re serving them for a fun dinner or as an appetizer at your next party, these sliders are sure to be a hit. With their irresistible combination of crunchy chicken, melty mozzarella, and creamy sauce, they are the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish!

Bang Bang Chicken Sliders