Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
Ingredients
- —Chicken: 2 lbs chicken breasts — the star of the dish (ensuring juiciness and flavor.)
- —Buttermilk: 1 cup — for marinating the chicken (helping to tenderize it and add moisture.)
- —Garlic powder: 1 tsp — enhances the flavor profile.
- —Onion powder: 1 tsp — adds a savory depth.
- —Paprika: 1 tsp — provides a hint of sweetness and a beautiful color.
- —Salt: 1 tsp — essential for flavor enhancement.
- —Black pepper: 1/2 tsp — for a touch of heat and depth.
- —Flour: 1/2 cup — for dredging the chicken.
- —Panko breadcrumbs: 1 cup — for a light (crispy coating.)
- —Oil for frying: enough to cover the bottom of the frying pan (around 1 cup — for frying until golden brown.)
- —Mayo: 1/2 cup — acts as a creamy base for the sauce.
- —Sweet chili sauce: 1/4 cup — adds a sweet and slightly tangy flavor.
- —Sriracha: 1-2 tbsp (to taste — provides heat and spice.)
- —Honey: 1 tbsp — for extra sweetness to balance the spice.
- —Lime juice: 1 tbsp — adds brightness and acidity.
- —Garlic powder: 1/2 tsp — enhances the flavor of the sauce.
- —Slider buns: 12 small buns — choose soft (fluffy buns for the best texture.)
- —Lettuce: 1 cup (shredded — adds crunch and freshness.)
- —Red onion: 1/2 cup (thinly sliced — introduces a mild sharpness.)
- —Pickles: 1/2 cup — for a tangy bite.
- —Cilantro: 1/4 cup (chopped — adds vibrant freshness and flavor.)
Instructions
- 1
Marinate the Chicken: Begin by marinating 2 lbs of chicken breasts in 1 cup of buttermilk mixed with 1 tsp each of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, 1 tsp of salt, and 1/2 tsp of black pepper. Let this mixture sit in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.
- 2
Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of mayo, 1/4 cup of sweet chili sauce, 1 to 2 tbsp of sriracha (depending on your heat preference), 1 tbsp of honey, 1 tbsp of lime juice, and 1/2 tsp of garlic powder. Stir until smooth and set aside.
- 3
Dredge the Chicken: After marination, remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting any excess liquid drip off. In one bowl, place 1/2 cup of flour, and in another bowl, 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs. Dredge the chicken first in the flour, then in the panko, ensuring an even coating.
- 4
Fry the Chicken: Heat enough oil in a frying pan (about 1 cup) over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry the breaded chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Remove from the pan and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- 5
Toast the Buns: While the chicken is frying, slice your slider buns in half and lightly toast them in the oven or on a pan until slightly golden.
- 6
Assemble the Sliders: Spread a generous amount of the Bang Bang sauce on the bottom half of each slider bun. Place the fried chicken on top, followed by a handful of shredded lettuce, a few slices of red onion, pickles, and garnish with chopped cilantro.
- 7
Serve: Place the top half of the bun on each slider and serve with extra Bang Bang sauce on the side for dipping!