Looking for a fun twist on dinner? Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are your answer! These savory bites blend juicy chicken with a spicy, creamy sauce that will make your taste buds dance. In this blog, I’ll guide you through the simple steps to create these irresistible sliders, from marinating the chicken to crafting the perfect sauce. Let’s dive in and turn your next meal into a flavorful fiesta!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients Needed
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 6 slider buns
You need key items for Bang Bang Chicken Sliders. First, chicken thighs are juicy and tender. They work best for frying. Buttermilk keeps the chicken moist and adds flavor. Next, you need coating ingredients. Flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper give crunch and spice. Finally, the sauce components are essential. Mayonnaise, sriracha, and honey create a smooth and spicy sauce.
Additional Garnishes
– Fresh lettuce leaves
– Sliced cucumbers
Garnishes add freshness and crunch. Fresh lettuce leaves provide a crisp bite. Sliced cucumbers cool the heat from the sauce. Together, they balance the sliders perfectly.
Equipment Needed
– Deep skillet or fryer
– Mixing bowls and measuring cups
You need the right tools to make these sliders. A deep skillet or fryer heats the oil to fry the chicken. Mixing bowls help combine the ingredients easily. Measuring cups ensure you use the right amounts for the best taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Marinating the Chicken
Marinating the chicken is key for flavor and tenderness. It helps the chicken soak up the buttermilk. The longer you marinate, the juicier the chicken will be. I recommend marinating for at least one hour. For the best results, go for overnight. This step makes the chicken taste great and keeps it moist when cooked.
Preparing the Coating
Next, let’s prepare the coating. In a shallow dish, mix the dry ingredients: flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. These spices give the chicken a wonderful taste. Make sure the mixture is well combined. An even coating helps create a crispy texture when frying.
Frying the Chicken
Now it’s time to fry the chicken. Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. The right temperature is important. If the oil is too hot, the outside will burn. If it’s too cool, the chicken will soak up oil. Fry each piece for about 5-7 minutes per side. Look for a golden brown color. Once done, drain the chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Making the Bang Bang Sauce
For the Bang Bang sauce, mix mayonnaise, sriracha, and honey in a bowl. This sauce adds creaminess and a kick of heat. Adjust the sriracha depending on how spicy you want it. If you like it mild, use less. For more heat, add more sriracha. This sauce will take your sliders to the next level.
Assembling the Sliders
Now we assemble the sliders. Start with toasted slider buns. Spread a generous amount of Bang Bang sauce on the bottom half. Place a piece of fried chicken on top. Add fresh lettuce and sliced cucumbers for crunch. Finally, cap it with the top bun. This layering creates a great blend of flavors and textures.
Serving Suggestions
When serving, arrange the sliders on a wooden board lined with parchment paper. It looks rustic and inviting. You can also garnish with fresh herbs or extra cucumber slices for color. Serve with extra Bang Bang sauce on the side for dipping. This makes the meal fun and interactive.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Frying Technique
To fry chicken perfectly, keep an eye on the oil temperature. Heat your oil to 350°F for the best results. If the oil is too hot, the outside cooks too fast. If it’s too cold, the chicken will absorb oil and become greasy. Use a thermometer to check. Fry the chicken in batches to avoid crowding. This helps keep the oil temperature steady.
Marination Time
Marination is key for flavor and moisture. I suggest marinating the chicken for at least 1 hour. For the best taste, let it sit overnight. The buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and adds rich flavor. The longer you marinate, the better the chicken will taste.
Customizing the Bang Bang Sauce
You can change up the Bang Bang sauce to suit your taste. Try adding lime juice for a zesty kick. For less heat, reduce the sriracha. You can also mix in garlic or ginger for extra depth. If you want a creamier sauce, add more mayonnaise. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite blend!
Variations
Bang Bang Chicken Alternatives
You can use chicken breasts instead of thighs. Chicken breasts are leaner and cook faster. If you want a plant-based option, try tofu. Slice the tofu into thick pieces. Marinate it in buttermilk like the chicken. This gives it flavor and helps the coating stick.
Different Breads
You can choose slider buns or go with lettuce wraps. Slider buns are soft and tasty, perfect for holding all the flavors. Lettuce wraps are a fresh and low-carb option. They add a nice crunch and keep things light.
Additional Toppings
Add extra toppings to boost flavor and crunch. Try pickled onions for a tangy bite. Jalapeños bring heat and zest. You can also add avocado slices for creaminess. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil add a burst of freshness. These toppings make your sliders even more fun to eat!
Storage Info
Storing Leftover Sliders
To keep your leftover Bang Bang Chicken Sliders fresh, follow these steps:
– Place the sliders in an airtight container.
– Separate the chicken from the buns to prevent sogginess.
– Store in the fridge for up to three days.
– If you leave the sauce on, it can make the buns mushy.
Reheating Guidelines
When you are ready to enjoy your sliders again, here’s how to reheat them:
– Use an oven set to 350°F (175°C) to retain the crispness.
– Place the chicken on a baking sheet and cover with foil.
– Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
– Avoid the microwave, as it can make the chicken rubbery.
Freezing Options
If you want to save the sliders for later, freezing is a great choice:
– Freeze the chicken and buns separately for the best texture.
– Wrap each piece of chicken in plastic wrap, then foil.
– Store buns in a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible.
– Use within three months for best quality.
FAQs
What is Bang Bang Chicken?
Bang Bang Chicken is a spicy, crispy dish made from chicken. Its origins trace back to Asian cuisine, particularly in Chinese and Thai cooking. The chicken is marinated in buttermilk to keep it moist. After marination, the chicken gets coated in seasoned flour and fried until golden. The dish gets its name from the creamy Bang Bang sauce, which adds a sweet and spicy kick.
Can I make Bang Bang Chicken Sliders in advance?
Yes, you can make Bang Bang Chicken Sliders in advance. Here are some best practices:
– Marinate the Chicken: You can marinate the chicken the night before. This gives it more flavor.
– Prepare the Sauce: Make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time. Store it in the fridge until you need it.
– Cook and Assemble Later: You can fry the chicken in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken in the oven for crispiness and assemble the sliders.
What can I serve with Bang Bang Chicken Sliders?
Bang Bang Chicken Sliders pair well with many sides. Here are some tasty options:
– Fries: Crispy fries or sweet potato fries add crunch.
– Coleslaw: A fresh coleslaw adds a cool contrast to the spice.
– Pickles: Tangy pickles can enhance the flavors of the sliders.
– Vegetables: Fresh veggie sticks or a light salad offer a refreshing side.
These sides will make your meal even more enjoyable!
In this blog post, we covered how to make tasty Bang Bang Chicken Sliders. You learned about key ingredients like chicken thighs, buttermilk, and spices. We discussed the steps for marinating, frying, and making the sauce. Plus, I shared helpful tips on frying and storage options, so nothing goes to waste.
Now, as you create your own sliders, remember to have fun and be creative. Enjoy your cooking journey!
