Name: Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast, butterflied and pounded thin; 1 large egg; 1/4 cup water; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; 2 cups panko bread crumbs; 1 cup avocado oil or other vegetable oil (or more as needed for frying); 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce; 1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce, such as Tabasco; 1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar; 1 package Hawaiian rolls or small sourdough rolls (12 count); 24 leaves lettuce, rinsed and patted dry

Introduction to Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

If you're looking to spice up your meal rotation, let me introduce you to the delightful world of bang bang chicken sliders. These sliders pack a punch of flavor and are super easy to make, making them the perfect choice for any casual get-together or summer barbecue. You can expect a crispy, golden-brown chicken patty paired with a bold and creamy bang bang sauce, which adds just the right amount of heat and zest.

Why You Should Try Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Here are a few reasons these sliders will steal the show:

Easy to Prepare: The intuitive recipe breaks down the process into simple steps, perfect for cooks of any skill level. You’ll impress your friends and family with minimal effort!
Versatile Flavor: The balance of spices in the batter and the tangy kick of the bang bang sauce ensures a flavor explosion in every bite. Customize it by adding toppings like pickles or avocado to cater to your unique palette.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it's game day, a backyard picnic, or a weeknight dinner, these sliders fit effortlessly into your lifestyle.

So why wait? Dive into this recipe and discover a dish that embodies fun, flavor, and just the right amount of comfort! For more delicious recipes, you can check out Allrecipes.

Ingredients for Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

When you're ready to dive into making your mouthwatering bang bang chicken sliders, it all starts with gathering the right ingredients. Let’s break it down!

Key Ingredients for the Chicken

To create the crispy and tender chicken that’s the heart of these sliders, you’ll need:

1 ½ pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast, butterflied and pounded thin for even cooking.
1 large egg combined with ¼ cup water for that perfect coating.
1 cup all-purpose flour to give your chicken a delicious crunch.
Flavorful spices: 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, cayenne pepper, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper.
Lastly, 2 cups of panko bread crumbs for an extra crispy finish and 1 cup of avocado oil for frying.

Essential Ingredients for the Bang Bang Sauce

The sauce is where the magic happens! For that irresistible bang bang sauce, grab:

½ cup mayonnaise as the creamy base.
2 tablespoons of sweet chili sauce for a touch of sweetness.
1 tablespoon of hot pepper sauce like Tabasco® for a spicy kick.
1 teaspoon of rice vinegar to balance the flavors and add some zing.

And don’t forget the Hawaiian or sourdough rolls to put it all together. This combination not only elevates your sliders but also brings a fun, summer vibe to any gathering! For tips on selecting the best chicken breast, check out these expert recommendations. Happy cooking!

Step-by-Step Preparation for Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Making bang bang chicken sliders is not only a delicious choice for your next gathering but also a fun cooking adventure that you can take on after a long day. Let’s break it down into simple steps that will have you serving up these tasty sliders in no time!

Gather your ingredients

Before you get started, take a moment to gather all your ingredients. Having everything on hand will save you time and stress while cooking. Here’s what you need:

1 ½ pounds of skinless, boneless chicken breast
1 large egg
¼ cup of water
All-purpose flour, spices, and panko bread crumbs
Avocado oil for frying
Tahini for some added flavor
And don’t forget the key ingredient for the bang bang sauce: mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and hot pepper sauce!

Prepare the chicken

Now it’s time to prep the chicken. Start by butterflying the chicken breasts and pounding them thin. This will ensure they cook evenly and are juicy on the inside. Once prepared, slice the chicken into about 12 bite-sized pieces. This is where the sliders start to take shape!

Bread the chicken pieces

Set up your breading station with three shallow bowls. In one, combine the egg and water for the egg wash. In the second, mix flour with garlic powder, cayenne pepper, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper. Finally, fill the third bowl with panko.

Tip: The panko provides that awesome crunch we all love!

Start by dipping each chicken piece into the egg wash, then into the flour mixture, followed by another dip in the egg wash, and finally coat it with panko. Place the breaded pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let them sit in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes—it helps the coating stick better.

Make the bang bang sauce

While the breaded chicken chills, whip up that irresistible bang bang sauce. Simply combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot pepper sauce, and rice wine vinegar in a small bowl and stir until smooth. If you want a restaurant-style presentation, put the sauce into a squirt bottle—it makes assembly so much easier!

Fry the chicken to perfection

In a large cast iron skillet, heat the avocado oil over medium heat. Once it’s hot enough, carefully place the breaded chicken into the oil one piece at a time. Fry them until they’re golden brown and cooked through—this should take about 6 minutes total. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they’re safe to devour!

Assemble your sliders

Finally, it’s time to put the sliders together. Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half and lightly toast them. Spread some of that delicious bang bang sauce on the bottom, layer on two lettuce leaves, place a piece of crispy chicken, and drizzle more sauce on top. Cap it off with the top half of the roll, and there you have it—your homemade bang bang chicken sliders ready to enjoy!

Now that you have this step-by-step guide, get in the kitchen and impress everyone with these crowd-pleasing sliders! Happy cooking!

Variations on Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Spicy variations: add extra heat

Looking to crank up the heat on your bang bang chicken sliders? Consider incorporating sliced jalapeños or a dash of sriracha directly into your bang bang sauce. For an extra kick, swap out the sweet chili sauce for a spicier variant or add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the chicken breading. These tweaks not only enhance the flavor but also give each slider a delightful bite that fiery food lovers will relish.

Health-conscious swaps: lighter ingredients

Eating lighter doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor! You can make healthier bang bang chicken sliders by using grilled chicken instead of fried. For the sauce, opt for Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise for a creamy texture without the extra calories. You might also try whole grain or lettuce wraps instead of rolls for a lighter base. These swaps retain the delicious essence of your sliders while making them a guilt-free treat.

Feel free to experiment with these variations to create your perfect bang bang chicken sliders!

Cooking Tips and Notes for Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Tips for perfectly crispy chicken

To achieve that perfectly crispy texture for your bang bang chicken sliders, make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the chicken—ideally around 350°F (175°C). This ensures a golden-brown exterior without being greasy. It’s also important to keep the chicken pieces evenly sized for consistent cooking. After frying, let them drain on paper towels to remove excess oil and retain that delightful crunch.

Advice for making the bang bang sauce

For a truly scrumptious bang bang sauce, don’t shy away from customizing the heat level! If you like it spicy, adjust the amount of hot pepper sauce to your taste. Mixing the ingredients in a squirt bottle allows for easy application, and consider chilling the sauce for a bit before using; this helps the flavors meld beautifully. For more tips on sauces, check out other delicious variations on sites like Serious Eats. Enjoy crafting these mouth-watering sliders!

Serving Suggestions for Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Best sides to accompany your sliders

To elevate your bang bang chicken sliders, consider pairing them with some delicious sides. Fresh, crispy sweet potato fries or a vibrant coleslaw can add a delightful crunch. If you're feeling adventurous, whip up a batch of spicy garlic edamame to complement the sliders' flavor. For a refreshing drink, how about a zesty lemonade or a mocktail? These options will not only tantalize your taste buds but also keep your guests coming back for seconds.

Creative presentation ideas

When it comes to presenting these sliders, let your creativity shine! Arrange the bang bang chicken sliders on a wooden cutting board surrounded by colorful veggies for an inviting look. Use mini flags or decorative toothpicks to add a festive touch. Alternatively, consider stacking them in a tiered platter for a beautiful display. Not only will this enhance the visual appeal, but it will also set the stage for a fun meal that guests won't forget. For more serving tips, check out these ideas to spice up your gatherings!

Time Breakdown for Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Preparation time

You'll need about 30 minutes to prep everything for these mouthwatering bang bang chicken sliders. This includes gathering your ingredients, pounding the chicken, and whipping up that delicious bang bang sauce.

Cooking time

Get ready to sizzle! The cooking process takes approximately 15 minutes. This involves frying the chicken until it’s golden brown and fully cooked.

Total time

In just 45 minutes, you'll have a scrumptious batch of bang bang chicken sliders, perfect for entertaining or a weeknight treat. So, gather your friends and dig in!

For more cooking tips and recipe variations, check out Allrecipes or explore how to make your sliders even spicier with additional toppings. Enjoy your culinary adventure!

Nutritional Facts for Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

When diving into a plate of bang bang chicken sliders, it's great to know how they stack up nutritionally. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Calories

Each slider contains about 251 calories, making them a satisfying yet manageable choice for lunch or dinner.

Protein

You’ll get 10 grams of protein per slider, thanks to the chicken, which supports muscle health and keeps you feeling full longer.

Sodium

However, keep in mind that they have 406 mg of sodium. While flavorful, it's wise to enjoy in moderation if you're watching your sodium intake.

If you want more insights on dietary needs, check out the Mayo Clinic. Enjoy your sliders without the guilt!

FAQs about Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and bang bang sauce in advance. Simply bread the chicken and refrigerate it until you’re ready to fry. The sauce can be made up to a week ahead and stored in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just fry the chicken and assemble your sliders for a fresh, delicious meal.

What are some good substitutes for the sauce ingredients?

If you’re looking to switch things up, here are some easy alternatives:

Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a tangy twist.
Swap sweet chili sauce with a mix of honey and soy sauce for a different flavor profile.
For a less spicy option, skip the hot pepper sauce or replace it with a milder sriracha.

How can I store leftover sliders?

To keep your leftover bang bang chicken sliders fresh, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. For tips on proper food storage, check out resources from the USDA.

With these FAQs, you'll be well-equipped to make and enjoy your bang bang chicken sliders!

Conclusion on Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Bang bang chicken sliders are a delightful treat that combines crispy chicken and a zesty homemade sauce, perfect for any gathering. These sliders are easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests. Don’t hesitate to mix things up and experiment with your favorite toppings! Enjoy!