These Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are mini sandwiches packed with juicy chicken and a spicy sauce that’ll make your taste buds dance! They’re perfect for parties and easy to make.
I love serving these little sliders at gatherings. They’re so fun to eat, and who can resist a bit of spice? Plus, they disappear fast—so be ready to make a double batch! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Slider Buns: Use soft buns like Hawaiian or brioche for a touch of sweetness. If you prefer a healthier option, whole grain or gluten-free buns can work too. I love the fluffiness of brioche for these sliders!
Cooked Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver here, but you can also use leftover grilled chicken or even shredded turkey if you have it. For a vegetarian option, try chickpeas or jackfruit cooked in a similar sauce!
Mayonnaise: Regular mayo is great, but if you want a lighter version, opt for Greek yogurt or vegan mayo. It adds creaminess without all the calories. I enjoy a touch of yogurt for a tangy twist!
Sweet Chili Sauce: This ingredient adds a nice sweetness with a hint of spice. If you can’t find it, mix ketchup with a bit of sugar and hot sauce. It won’t be the same, but it’ll mimic the flavor profile!
Coleslaw Mix: A pre-packaged coleslaw mix saves time, but feel free to use shredded carrots and cabbage separately. You could also toss in some diced apples or chopped nuts for extra crunch and flavor.
How Do I Get the Perfect Toasted Buns?
Toasting the buns not only adds flavor but also keeps them from getting soggy. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with a skillet or a baking sheet in the oven.
- Spread softened butter evenly on the cut sides of each bun.
- In a skillet, toast over medium heat until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on them!
- Oven method: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place the buns cut-side up, and bake for 5-7 minutes, until toasty.
Making sure they’re just the right amount of crispy enhances your slider experience!
Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sliders:
- 12 slider buns, soft and shiny (like Hawaiian or brioche buns)
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast (rotisserie chicken works well)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice
For Assembly:
- 2 cups coleslaw mix (shredded green cabbage, purple cabbage, and carrots)
- 1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional, for garnish and extra heat)
- Butter, for toasting buns
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus a little extra for toasting the buns. It’s quick and easy to whip up—you’ll be serving these delicious sliders in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar (or lime juice) until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This sauce will add a kick of flavor to your sliders!
2. Mix the Chicken:
Take the cooked shredded chicken and toss it in about 2/3 of the Bang Bang sauce. Make sure the chicken is well-coated. Reserve the rest of the sauce to spread on the buns or drizzle over the finished sliders.
3. Assemble the Sliders:
First, lightly butter the slider buns. Then, toast them in a skillet over medium heat or pop them in the oven until golden brown. This step will keep your buns from getting soggy and will add lovely flavor.
Next, take the bottom half of each toasted bun and spread a thin layer of the reserved Bang Bang sauce over it. Add a generous portion of the spicy shredded chicken on top, followed by a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese.
Add a handful of coleslaw mix on top of the cheese to give your sliders that nice crunch and freshness. Finally, place the top bun over the filling. If you love heat, top each slider with a fresh slice of jalapeño!
4. Serve:
Arrange your sliders on a platter, and serve them immediately while the buns are warm, and the chicken is flavorful. For those who like it spicy, provide extra Bang Bang sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling. Enjoy these delightful sliders at your next gathering—they’re bound to impress!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand works perfectly. Just shred it and mix it with the sauce as directed.
What If I Don’t Have Sweet Chili Sauce?
If you can’t find sweet chili sauce, you can substitute it with a mix of ketchup, a little sugar, and hot sauce to taste. It won’t be the exact same, but it will give a similar sweet and spicy flavor!
Can I Make These Sliders Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the Bang Bang sauce and mix it with the chicken a few hours in advance. Just store it in the fridge separately until you’re ready to assemble and toast the buns. This keeps the buns fresh!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I recommend wrapping them in foil and placing them in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through to keep the buns soft.