Bang Bang Chicken

Introduction

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!

Overview

Slow Cooker Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are a bold, Asian-American-inspired dish combining buttermilk-marinated chicken slow-cooked until tender, lightly crisped in the oven, and paired with a sweet-spicy Bang Bang sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime. Served on toasted slider buns with fresh toppings, these sliders are perfect as an appetizer or main course for parties, casual meals, or meal prep with a fiery twist.

• Time Requirement: 20 minutes prep, 4–5 hours on low or 2–3 hours on high, plus 15–20 minutes for crisping and assembly.
• Difficulty Level: Moderate. Requires marinating and coating, but the slow cooker simplifies the cooking process.
• Why It’s Special: This recipe is budget-friendly, customizable, and delivers restaurant-quality flavors with a balance of spicy, sweet, and creamy. The slow cooker ensures juicy chicken, while the Bang Bang sauce adds a signature kick. It’s perfect for game days, family gatherings, or a playful Valentine’s Day meal with a bold twist.

Whether you’re hosting a party or craving a fun meal, these Slow Cooker Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are sure to impress. Let’s dive in!

Essential Ingredients

The magic of Slow Cooker Bang Bang Chicken Sliders lies in its vibrant, high-quality ingredients. Each one adds spice, creaminess, or crunch to create a harmonious dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

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.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Slow Cooker Bang Bang Chicken Sliders requires marinating and coating the chicken, but the slow cooker simplifies the cooking process for tender, flavorful results. Follow these steps for a delicious outcome.

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.

Assembly

Assembling Slow Cooker Bang Bang Chicken Sliders is all about creating a vibrant, party-ready dish. Here’s how to bring it together:

1. Serve the Buns: Place toasted slider buns on a platter, open-faced to showcase the toppings.
2. Add Sauce: Spread Bang Bang sauce on the bottom bun for a creamy, spicy base.
3. Layer Chicken and Toppings: Add crispy chicken pieces, followed by shredded lettuce, red onion slices, pickles, and a sprinkle of cilantro for color.
4. Top and Garnish: Place the top bun and optionally secure with a decorative toothpick or garnish the platter with extra cilantro.
5. Presentation Tips:
   • Use a colorful platter or wooden board to highlight the sliders’ vibrant toppings.
   • Arrange sliders in rows for a polished look, or stack casually for a fun, party vibe.
   • Pair with sweet potato fries, celery sticks, or a fruit skewer for a complete spread, perfect for Valentine’s Day.

Tip: For a romantic touch, shape buns into hearts or serve with a heart-shaped sauce drizzle for Valentine’s Day.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Keep your Slow Cooker Bang Bang Chicken Sliders fresh and ready to enjoy with these tips:

• Storing Leftovers:
  • Store cooked chicken, sauce, and toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Store buns at room temperature.
  • Reheating: Reheat chicken in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness. Reheat sauce gently to avoid separation.
• Make-Ahead Tips:
  • Chicken: Marinate and cook chicken a day ahead, refrigerate, and crisp in the oven before serving.
  • Sauce: Prepare Bang Bang sauce up to 3 days ahead, refrigerate, and stir before serving.
  • Assembly: Toast buns and assemble sliders just before serving to prevent sogginess.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked, uncoated chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, coat, and crisp as directed. Avoid freezing assembled sliders or sauce, as they may lose texture.

Tip: Use leftover chicken in wraps, salads, or as a nacho topping, and repurpose sauce as a dip for veggies or fries.

Recipe Variations

Slow Cooker Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are versatile and easy to customize. Try these creative twists:

• Extra Spicy: Increase sriracha to 3 tbsp or add ½ tsp cayenne to the marinade for more heat.
• Veggie Boost: Add shredded carrots or coleslaw mix to the sliders for extra crunch.
• Cheese Addition: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or pepper jack over the chicken before adding the top bun.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken for tofu, cauliflower, or mushrooms, using vegetable broth, and cook for 3–4 hours on low.
• Teriyaki Twist: Replace Bang Bang sauce with teriyaki sauce and add pineapple slices for a sweet-savory vibe.

Tip: Keep the Bang Bang sauce for the signature flavor, but adjust proteins or toppings to suit your taste.

Conclusion

You’re now ready to make Slow Cooker Bang Bang Chicken Sliders—a dish that’s as bold as it is delicious! With its tender, spicy chicken, crispy panko coating, creamy Bang Bang sauce, and fresh toppings, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavors to your table with minimal effort. It’s perfect for Valentine’s Day parties, game day spreads, or meal prep with a zesty twist. Customize with heat, veggies, or sauces to make it your own, and enjoy the process as much as the meal. Grab your slow cooker, whip up this crowd-pleasing masterpiece, and savor every spicy, creamy bite. Happy cooking!

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FAQs

Q: Can I grill the chicken instead?
A: Yes! After slow cooking, skip the panko coating and grill the chicken pieces for 2–3 minutes per side for a smoky flavor.

Q: Is this recipe healthy?
A: It’s protein-rich but high in fat due to mayo and frying. Use baked chicken, Greek yogurt in the sauce, or add veggies for a lighter option.

Q: Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
A: The slow cooker is better for tender chicken, but use the “Slow Cooker” function with the same times. Pressure cooking may overcook the chicken.

Q: Why is my chicken not crispy?
A: Excess moisture or under-baking can soften the coating. Drain chicken well after slow cooking, and bake at a high temperature for crispiness.

Q: Can I make this vegetarian or vegan?
A: Yes! Swap chicken for tofu or cauliflower, use vegetable broth, vegan mayo, and omit honey or use agave. Cook for 3–4 hours on low.

Q: What sides go well with this dish?
A: Pair with waffle fries, a cucumber salad, or celery sticks. A cold soda or mango iced tea complements the spicy flavors, perfect for a Valentine’s Day meal!