Festive Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that combines sweet, spicy, and savory in every bite, the Festive Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe is an absolute winner. I first tried making these for a holiday party, and they instantly became the star of the table. They’re handheld, packed with flavor, and dressed in that irresistibly creamy Bang Bang Sauce that adds just the right kick without overpowering.

What I love most about this Festive Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe is how versatile and approachable it is for anyone—even if you don’t consider yourself a pro in the kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a big gathering or craving a fun weeknight dinner, these sliders come together relatively quickly and deliver big on flavor and festive vibes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple ingredients that come together to create that perfect crunchy, juicy chicken slider experience. When shopping, fresh chicken breasts cut thin works best for quick cooking, and don’t skip the Panko for that light, crunchy coating.

• Thin sliced chicken breasts: Opt for thin cuts to ensure even cooking and juicy, tender bites in your sliders.
• Kosher salt, fresh black pepper, garlic powder: The classic seasoning trio that enhances chicken without overwhelming the Bang Bang sauce flavors.
• Flour: Helps create the base layer for a crispy crust when combined with cornstarch.
• Cornstarch: Adds extra crunch to the breading—don’t skip it!
• Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and helps the breading stick perfectly.
• Hot sauce: Just a touch for flavor depth in the batter—balance it to your spice tolerance.
• Large egg: Helps bind the batter and bread crumbs to the chicken.
• Panko bread crumbs: For that signature, flaky crunch I can’t get enough of.
• Vegetable or canola oil: For frying—neutral oils work best for that crisp texture.
• Mozzarella cheese slices: Melts beautifully over the top for creamy, cheesy goodness.
• Slider rolls: Soft, small rolls that hold the chicken and toppings without overpowering the flavor.
• Bang Bang Sauce: The star accompaniment! Creamy, spicy, and perfectly balanced to elevate every slider.

Variations

One of the best parts about this Festive Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe is how customizable it is to suit your tastes or dietary needs. I encourage you to play around with the sauce heat level or try different cheeses to keep things fresh.

• Make it spicier: I once added extra hot sauce to the batter and doubled the Bang Bang Sauce for a fiery twist that my spice-loving friends adored.
• Gluten-free option: Swap the all-purpose flour and Panko for gluten-free flour and crumbs—still crispy and delicious!
• Change the cheese: Swiss or pepper jack add a fun flavor bump if you’re in the mood for something different than mozzarella.
• Baked version: For a lighter option, coat your chicken as instructed and bake it on a wire rack—you’ll lose a bit of crunch but gain easier cleanup and less oil.

How to Make Festive Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe

Step 1: Season and Prepare the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry and seasoning them evenly with kosher salt, fresh ground black pepper, and garlic powder. This simple seasoning layers in flavor before our coating process. Season generously but not overwhelmingly; you want the chicken flavor to shine through.

Step 2: Mix Your Breading Station

Set up three shallow bowls or plates: one with flour and cornstarch combined, another with buttermilk beaten together with an egg and your tablespoon of hot sauce, and the third with lots of Panko breadcrumbs. This three-step breading process is key to achieving that perfect crunch.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Dip each chicken piece first into the flour-cornstarch mix, then the buttermilk mixture, and finally the Panko crumbs, pressing the crumbs gently to make sure they stick well. Try to avoid just dumping the chicken into the crumbs; a gentle press helps get the full coating and better texture after frying.

Step 4: Fry Until Golden and Crispy

Heat your oil in a deep skillet or fryer to medium-high (around 350°F if you have a thermometer). Carefully fry the coated chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through—usually 3 to 4 minutes per side. Don’t overcrowd the pan, as that drops the temperature and results in soggy coating.

Step 5: Assemble Your Sliders

Once the chicken is fried, layer a slice of mozzarella on each piece so it starts to melt slightly while the chicken is warm. Toast your slider rolls lightly to add warmth and structure. Then spoon on a generous amount of Bang Bang Sauce, top with the cheesy chicken, and cap with the roll.

How to Serve Festive Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe

Garnishes

I love adding fresh, crisp garnishes like thinly sliced green onions or chopped cilantro on top of the sauce for a pop of color and brightness. Sometimes a few pickled jalapeños add a festive tang and heat that compliments the creamy sauce beautifully.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this recipe are classic but elevated—think sweet potato fries or a refreshing crunchy slaw to cut through the richness. Simple cucumber salad or even some roasted Brussels sprouts are great for balancing all those bold flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties or game days, I arrange these Festive Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe bites on a large festive platter, adding edible flowers or fresh herbs around the edges. Small bamboo picks work wonders to keep sliders secure and add a little charm too—plus, they’re easy for guests to grab.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers—and you probably will!—store the chicken patties and buns separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps the bread from getting soggy overnight and makes reheating way easier and fresher tasting.

Freezing

I’ve frozen cooked chicken pieces wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil without much loss in texture. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw overnight in the fridge. I don’t recommend freezing the assembled slider with sauces or buns because the texture changes quite a bit.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the chicken in a 350°F oven on a wire rack to keep it crispy for about 10 minutes. Toast the buns separately, then reassemble with fresh Bang Bang Sauce. This method brings back nearly that fresh-out-of-the-fryer crunch every time.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, the Festive Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe has become one of my go-to recipes whenever I want to impress without fuss. They’re just the right combination of crispy, creamy, spicy, and cheesy all wrapped in a fun little package. If you’re craving something that tastes like a celebration on a bun, give this recipe a try—you’ll be so glad you did.

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