Description

Craving a spicy, tangy, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for game days, family dinners, or a zesty Valentine’s Day treat? Slow Cooker Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are your answer! Adapted from the original fried recipe, this slow cooker version features tender, boneless chicken breasts marinated in buttermilk and spices, slow-cooked for juiciness, coated in a crispy panko crust, and served on mini slider buns with a creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce, lettuce, red onion, pickles, and optional cilantro. The slow cooker ensures flavorful, hands-off chicken, making it ideal for busy gatherings or cozy nights. Ready to create this irresistible masterpiece? Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (2 lbs, ~4 breasts):
- Why it’s important: Provides a tender, lean base for the sliders.
- Substitutions: Chicken thighs (juicier, same cooking time), tofu, or cauliflower for vegetarian (cook 3–4 hours on low).
Buttermilk (1 cup):
- Why it’s important: Tenderizes the chicken and adds tangy flavor.
- Substitutions: Plain yogurt, milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice, or plant-based milk with vinegar for vegan.
Garlic Powder (1 tsp):
- Why it’s important: Infuses the marinade with savory, aromatic flavor.
- Substitutions: 2 minced garlic cloves or ½ tsp garlic paste.
Onion Powder (1 tsp):
- Why it’s important: Adds subtle, sweet onion flavor to the marinade.
- Substitutions: ¼ cup grated onion or ½ tsp onion flakes.
Paprika (1 tsp):
- Why it’s important: Brings mild, smoky flavor to the chicken.
- Substitutions: Smoked paprika for extra smokiness or chili powder.
Salt (½ tsp):
- Why it’s important: Enhances the flavors of the marinade.
- Substitutions: Sea salt or kosher salt.
Black Pepper (½ tsp):
- Why it’s important: Adds mild heat and depth.
- Substitutions: White pepper or a pinch of cayenne.
All-Purpose Flour (1 cup):
- Why it’s important: Forms part of the crispy coating.
- Substitutions: Gluten-free flour or cornstarch for extra crunch.
Panko Breadcrumbs (1 cup):
- Why it’s important: Creates a light, crispy exterior.
- Substitutions: Regular breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, or gluten-free panko.
Vegetable Oil (2 tbsp, for crisping):
- Why it’s important: Helps achieve a golden, crispy coating in the oven.
- Substitutions: Olive oil, avocado oil, or cooking spray.

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

Mayonnaise (½ cup):
- Why it’s important: Creates a creamy base for the sauce.
- Substitutions: Greek yogurt, sour cream, or vegan mayo.
Sweet Chili Sauce (¼ cup):
- Why it’s important: Adds sweet, tangy flavor to balance the heat.
- Substitutions: 2 tbsp honey with 1 tbsp hot sauce or apricot jam with chili flakes.
Sriracha Sauce (2 tbsp, adjust to taste):
- Why it’s important: Brings spicy heat to the sauce.
- Substitutions: Hot sauce, chili garlic sauce, or cayenne (use less).
Honey (1 tbsp):
- Why it’s important: Adds sweetness to balance the spice.
- Substitutions: Maple syrup or agave nectar.
Lime Juice (1 tbsp, ~½ lime):
- Why it’s important: Provides bright, tangy acidity.
- Substitutions: Lemon juice or white vinegar.
Garlic Powder (1 tsp):
- Why it’s important: Enhances the sauce with savory depth.
- Substitutions: 1 minced garlic clove or ½ tsp garlic paste.

For the Sliders:

Mini Slider Buns (12, ~2–3 inches):
- Why it’s important: Provides a soft, bite-sized base for the sliders.
- Substitutions: Dinner rolls, gluten-free buns, or lettuce wraps for low-carb.
Shredded Lettuce (1 cup):
- Why it’s important: Adds fresh, crunchy texture.
- Substitutions: Arugula, spinach, or coleslaw mix.
Thinly Sliced Red Onion (½ cup):
- Why it’s important: Provides sharp, tangy crunch.
- Substitutions: Pickled onions, white onion, or omit.
Pickles (½ cup, optional):
- Why it’s important: Adds tangy, briny flavor.
- Substitutions: Pickled jalapeños, cucumber slices, or omit.
Fresh Cilantro (¼ cup, chopped, optional, for garnish):
- Why it’s important: Adds fresh, herbaceous flavor and color.
- Substitutions: Parsley, green onions, or omit.

Additional for Slow Cooker:

Chicken or Vegetable Broth (¼ cup):
- Why it’s important: Keeps the chicken moist during slow cooking.
- Substitutions: Water or lime juice for extra zest.

Tip: Use fresh lime juice for the brightest flavor, and adjust sriracha to control the sauce’s heat. Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can save time.

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Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Cut 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes) suitable for sliders.
In a large bowl, combine 1 cup buttermilk, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp paprika, ½ tsp salt, and ½ tsp black pepper. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully submerged.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to overnight) to tenderize and infuse flavor.
Tip: Cut chicken uniformly for even cooking, and stir halfway through marinating to ensure full coverage.

Step 2: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce

In a medium bowl, combine ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup sweet chili sauce, 2 tbsp sriracha sauce, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp lime juice, and 1 tsp garlic powder. Mix until smooth.
Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more sriracha for heat or honey for sweetness. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tip: Make the sauce ahead to let flavors meld, and store in a squeeze bottle for easy drizzling.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, letting excess drip off, and place in the slow cooker.
Add ¼ cup chicken or vegetable broth to maintain moisture without overpowering the marinade flavors.
Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked (165°F/74°C internally).
Shred the chicken in the slow cooker using two forks, or leave in bite-sized pieces, and stir to coat in the cooking juices.
Tip: Check doneness early to avoid overcooking, and drain excess liquid if needed to prevent a watery filling.

Step 4: Coat and Crisp the Chicken

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a shallow dish, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour and 1 cup panko breadcrumbs.
Remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker, letting excess liquid drain. Dredge each piece in the flour-panko mixture, pressing lightly to coat evenly.
Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet, drizzle with 2 tbsp vegetable oil, and bake for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
Tip: For extra crunch, spray with cooking spray before baking, and spread pieces evenly to avoid steaming.

Step 5: Assemble the Sliders

Lightly toast 12 mini slider buns on a griddle or in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 2–3 minutes until golden brown.
Spread a generous amount of Bang Bang sauce (~1–2 tsp) on the bottom half of each bun.
Place 2–3 pieces of crispy chicken on the sauce, followed by a pinch of shredded lettuce (~1–2 tbsp), a few slices of red onion, and 2–3 pickle slices (if using).
Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro (optional) for freshness, and place the top bun on each slider.
Tip: Assemble just before serving to keep buns from getting soggy, and secure with a toothpick for a neat presentation.

Step 6: Serve

Arrange the sliders on a serving platter with extra Bang Bang sauce in a small bowl for dipping.
Serve immediately while the chicken is hot and crispy, paired with fries, coleslaw, or a cucumber salad.
Tip: Serve on a tiered stand for a party vibe, and provide napkins for the saucy sliders.