Introduction to Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are not just another food trend; they’re a delicious solution that young professionals will love. As busy individuals juggling work, social life, and personal commitments, finding quick meal options can feel overwhelming. That’s where these sliders come into play! They offer a perfect blend of flavor, convenience, and fun, making them an ideal addition to your weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with friends.
Why Homemade Sliders are a Game-Changer for Young Professionals
Affordability Meets Creativity
Making your own bang bang chicken sliders allows you to embrace your culinary creativity without breaking the bank. Store-bought alternatives can be pricey and often lack freshness. By preparing these sliders at home, you not only control the ingredients but also customize them to suit your taste.
Quick and Wholesome
With a prep time of just 30 minutes, these sliders fit seamlessly into your bustling schedule. Imagine enjoying delicious, homemade food without spending hours in the kitchen! This recipe encourages you to utilize fresh ingredients, potentially even from your own garden, promoting a healthier lifestyle. Plus, you can easily scale the recipe up or down depending on your plans, whether it’s a solo dinner or a gathering with friends.
If you’re ready to elevate your meal game with bang bang chicken sliders, let’s dive into the recipe! For more insights about cooking on a budget, check out The Spruce Eats.
Ingredients for Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
When preparing these delicious Bang Bang Chicken Sliders, having the right ingredients on hand makes all the difference. Let’s break them down!
Chicken Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast, butterflied and pounded thin
- 1 large egg
- ¼ 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 vegetable oil for frying
For a helpful resource on chicken cooking tips, check out the USDA's guidelines.
Bang Bang Sauce Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce (like Tabasco®)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Slider Essentials
- 1 (12 count) package Hawaiian rolls or small sourdough rolls
- 24 lettuce leaves, rinsed and patted dry
These simple yet flavorful ingredients will bring your Bang Bang Chicken Sliders to life! Are you ready to mix and match? Always feel free to experiment with the sauce for a personalized kick!
Preparing Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
Making bang bang chicken sliders is a delightful journey through tasty ingredients and satisfying cooking techniques. Let’s break down the process step by step for a fun and delicious experience!
Gather and prepare the ingredients
Start by collecting all your ingredients to keep the cooking process smooth. You’ll need:
- 1 ½ pounds of skinless, boneless chicken breast (butterflied and pounded thin)
- 1 large egg, ¼ cup of water, and all the spices including garlic powder and cayenne pepper to elevate the flavor
- 2 cups of crispy panko bread crumbs
- Ingredients for the bang bang sauce, like mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce
Make sure to line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup later. Having everything ready will help you breeze through the recipe!
Prepare the chicken for breading
Now it’s time to get the chicken ready! Cut the flattened chicken breast into around 12 equal pieces. This will ensure that each slider is perfectly sized.
Set up three shallow bowls:
- In the first, whisk together the egg and water to create your egg wash.
- In the second, combine flour with garlic powder, cayenne, coriander, salt, and black pepper.
- Finally, fill the third bowl with panko bread crumbs.
Dipping the chicken in the egg wash, coating it with the flour mixture, and then finishing with the panko creates a crispy outer layer that’s simply irresistible.
Mix and make the bang bang sauce
Next, prepare the star of the show: the bang bang sauce. In a small mixing bowl, combine:
- ½ cup of mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons of sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon of hot pepper sauce (like Tabasco®)
- and a dash of rice vinegar for tanginess
Whisk these ingredients together until you have a smooth sauce. If you want to impress your friends, consider pouring the sauce into a squirt bottle for easy dispensing!
Fry the chicken to perfection
With your chicken breaded and sauce ready, heat about 1 cup of avocado oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. As it warms, cover a plate with paper towels to absorb excess oil after frying.
Gently place the breaded chicken pieces in the hot oil, cooking each side for about 3 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Aim for a juicy interior with that perfect crispy exterior — using an instant-read thermometer, ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Assemble the sliders and enjoy!
Once the chicken is fried, it’s assembly time! Cut your rolls in half horizontally and give them a light toasting if you prefer a bit of crunch.
Spread or squirt some of that delicious bang bang sauce on the bottom half of each roll, layer on 2 fresh lettuce leaves, and add a piece of the crispy chicken. Top it off with more bang bang sauce before placing the top half of the roll on it.
Dig in and relish the flavor explosion of your homemade bang bang chicken sliders! Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or enjoying a casual night in, these sliders are sure to impress.
Variations on Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
For those who crave a little more heat, try adding extra cayenne pepper or finely chopped jalapeños to your bang bang chicken sliders. You can also incorporate spicy sriracha into the bang bang sauce for an inviting kick. Serve with pickled jalapeños on top for a delightful contrast of flavors that will leave your guests reaching for more!
Bang Bang Chicken Sliders with a Twist
Switch up the traditional Hawaiian rolls by using mini pretzel buns or whole grain sliders. These variations not only change the flavor profile but also add texture. Consider adding avocado slices or crunchy coleslaw to your sliders for a fresh twist that piles on the flavor.
Explore more ideas on variations at Serious Eats, where you'll find innovative twists on classic recipes.
Cooking notes for Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
Tips for achieving the perfect crunch
To get that irresistible crunch on your Bang Bang Chicken Sliders, make sure to use panko bread crumbs. They create a lighter, crispier coating than regular bread crumbs. Don’t skip the chilling step—keeping the coated chicken in the fridge for about 30 minutes before frying helps the coating set. Fry in hot oil, ensuring it's the right temperature (about 350°F) for that perfect golden-brown finish.
Adjusting spice levels for personal taste
Feel free to tweak the spice in the bang bang chicken sliders to match your preference! If you're sensitive to heat, reduce the cayenne pepper or use a milder hot sauce. Conversely, spice lovers can amp up the cayenne or add more hot sauce to the bang bang sauce. Remember, you can always start light and build up the heat according to your taste! For more tips on adjusting flavors, check out this guide on seasoning.
Serving suggestions for Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
Ideal sides to complement your sliders
To make your Bang Bang Chicken Sliders a show-stopping meal, consider these flavorful sides:
- Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: Their natural sweetness pairs perfectly with the spicy bang bang sauce.
- Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy slaw adds a refreshing contrast and balances the richness of the sliders.
- Grilled Vegetables: Lightly charred seasonal veggies lend a smoky flavor that enhances the sliders.
- Corn on the Cob: A summer classic, sweet corn adds a delightful crunch and sweetness.
Creative serving ideas for gatherings
Hosting a backyard barbecue or a casual get-together? Present your bang bang chicken sliders in fun and interactive ways:
- Slider Bar: Set up a DIY slider bar with various toppings like sliced jalapeños, pickles, and additional bang bang sauce. Let guests customize their sliders!
- Mini Skewers: Serve the chicken on skewers for easy eating. Just slide the crispy chicken pieces off the bun and let guests dip into the sauce.
- Creative Platter: Arrange sliders on a vibrant platter with fresh herbs and colorful garnishes to make them pop.
These serving suggestions not only elevate your meal but also make mealtime enjoyable and memorable for everyone! Want more tips? Check out Food Network for additional inspiration!
Time breakdown for Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
Preparation time
Getting started on your bang bang chicken sliders is a breeze. You'll need about 30 minutes to gather your ingredients, prep the chicken, and whip up the delicious bang bang sauce.
Cooking time
Once everything is prepped, it’ll take around 15 minutes to cook the chicken to golden perfection in your skillet.
Total time
From start to finish, you’re looking at a total time of 45 minutes to enjoy these scrumptious sliders. Perfect for a quick summer gathering!
For more tips on perfecting these sliders, check out this guide on frying chicken. Remember, there's nothing like a homemade slider to impress your friends!
Nutritional Facts for Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
When you indulge in these bang bang chicken sliders, understanding their nutritional content can help you enjoy them responsibly. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Calories
Each slider contains approximately 251 calories, making it a delicious yet moderate option for gatherings or a simple dinner.
Protein
With about 10 grams of protein, these sliders provide a tasty way to fuel your body after a workout or during a busy day.
Sodium
These sliders come in at 406 milligrams of sodium, so it's wise to pair them with fresh veggies or a light salad to balance the meal.
Curious to learn more about how to make this dish fit into your healthy eating plan? Check out resources from the American Heart Association for tips on managing sodium intake while enjoying flavorful foods!
FAQs about Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! If you prefer a juicier flavor, chicken thighs are a great alternative. They cook up tender and delicious, making your bang bang chicken sliders even more satisfying. Just ensure they’re cooked to the same internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover bang bang chicken sliders can be easily stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to retain that crispy texture, consider storing chicken separately from the rolls. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
What are some dipping sauce alternatives?
While the homemade bang bang sauce is a star player, feel free to mix it up! Here are some delicious alternatives:
- Spicy ranch dressing
- Garlic aioli
- Sweet and sour sauce
Each dips adds its own twist, keeping your sliders exciting every time you serve them. Check out more dipping sauce ideas at Serious Eats!
Conclusion on Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
These bang bang chicken sliders are a must-try for homemade meals, offering a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor that's perfect for any gathering. With simple ingredients and a quick preparation time, these sliders bring excitement to your table. Don't miss the chance to elevate your summer cookouts with this fun recipe!
Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
Equipment
- Cast Iron Skillet
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- shallow bowls
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1.5 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast, butterflied and pounded thin
- 1 large egg
- ¼ 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
Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce, such as Tabasco®
- 1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar
- 1 count package Hawaiian rolls or small sourdough rolls 12 count
- 24 leaves lettuce, rinsed and patted dry
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all ingredients. Line a baking sheet with parchment and set aside.
- Cut flattened chicken into about 12 pieces.
- Combine egg and water in a shallow bowl. Combine flour, garlic powder, cayenne, coriander, salt, and black pepper in another shallow bowl; mix lightly. Add panko to a third shallow bowl.
- Dip each chicken piece into egg wash, then into flour mixture. Dip again into egg wash, then into panko. Once thoroughly coated, place on the prepared baking sheet. Place the pan in the refrigerator to chill.
- Meanwhile, for bang bang sauce, stir mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, and rice vinegar together in a small bowl. Pour into a squirt bottle if desired. Set aside.
Cooking
- Heat oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Cover a large platter or plate with paper towels and set near the stove.
- Remove chicken from the refrigerator and carefully add to the oil, 1 piece at a time.
- Fry one side until golden brown, about 3 minutes, then turn. Fry an additional 3 minutes until chicken is no longer pink at the center and juices run clear. An instant read thermometer inserted near the center of chicken should read 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Remove to the prepared plate and repeat with remaining chicken.
- For sliders, cut rolls in half horizontally and lightly toast. Squeeze or spread some bang bang sauce on the bottom half, then lay down 2 lettuce leaves. Top with 1 piece of chicken. Layer on some more bang bang sauce and top with other half of roll. Enjoy!
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