Bang Bang Chicken Sliders: Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipe

Natalie Dawson
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When weeknights get busy, having a go-to recipe that’s quick, flavorful, and family-approved can feel like a lifesaver. That’s where Bang Bang Chicken Sliders come in. These sliders are small in size but big on flavor, offering the perfect mix of creamy, spicy, and sweet in every bite. They’re the kind of meal that makes everyone at the table happy without requiring hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re searching for sliders easy recipes, week day meal ideas, or inspiration on what to serve with hamburger sliders, this recipe is a fun twist that checks every box.

Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipe

Why Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Belong on Your Weeknight Menu

Family Nights with Sliders Easy Recipes

The very first time I made sliders at home, I wasn’t sure how they’d turn out. I imagined something too simple to feel special, but what happened was the opposite—the smaller portions made dinner feel more fun, interactive, and customizable. Once I introduced my family to Bang Bang Chicken Sliders, they quickly pushed aside traditional hamburger sliders as the new favorite.

What makes them special compared to other sliders easy recipes is the combination of comfort and creativity. Sliders are already bite-sized and convenient, but with bang bang sauce drizzled on tender chicken, suddenly they transform into a restaurant-style dish made right in your kitchen. It became the recipe I kept in rotation for school nights, game night snacks, and even casual weekends when I wanted something delicious without stress.

There’s something about serving sliders family-style that invites conversation and laughter, especially when everyone gets to grab a bun, drizzle extra sauce, and play with toppings. From that first try, I realized that Bang Bang Chicken Sliders weren’t just another dinner—they became a weeknight tradition.

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Juicy Bang Bang Chicken Sliders served on golden buns for an easy weeknight meal idea.

Bang Bang Chicken Sliders


  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 sliders 1x

Description

Crispy–tender bang bang chicken tucked in soft slider buns with a creamy sweet-chili–sriracha sauce. Fast, family-friendly, and perfect for game day or busy weeknights.


Ingredients

Scale

BANG BANG SAUCE

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup Thai sweet chili sauce

12 tbsp sriracha (to taste)

1 tbsp honey

1 tbsp fresh lime juice

Pinch fine salt

CHICKEN

1 1/4 lb (565g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut in 12 slider-size pieces

1/2 tsp fine salt + 1/4 tsp black pepper

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp paprika (or smoked paprika)

2 tbsp cornstarch

12 tbsp avocado or olive oil

TO BUILD

12 slider buns (brioche or Hawaiian style)

1 1/2 cups shredded lettuce or coleslaw mix

1 small cucumber, thinly sliced (or dill pickle slices)

2 green onions, thinly sliced

Sesame seeds, optional


Instructions

1. Make the sauce: whisk mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.

2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Toss with cornstarch to coat lightly.

3. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken 3–4 min per side until browned and cooked through (165°F/74°C). Transfer to a plate and rest 2 minutes.

4. Toast slider buns cut-side down in the hot skillet 30–60 seconds until golden.

5. Build: add a little sauce to the bottom bun, pile lettuce/coleslaw, nestle a piece of chicken, drizzle more sauce, and top with cucumber/pickles and green onions. Sprinkle sesame seeds if using; cap with top bun.

6. Serve immediately with extra sauce and lime wedges.

Notes

Air fryer option: toss chicken with 1 tsp oil; air fry at 400°F/200°C for 10–12 min, flipping halfway.

Baked option: sheet pan at 425°F/220°C for 12–15 min, broil 1–2 min to crisp.

Spicy level: increase sriracha to taste or add chili flakes.

Make-ahead: sauce keeps 5–7 days au frigo. Cook chicken up to 2 jours d’avance; réchauffer doucement.

Swaps: shrimp or crispy tofu for variety. Gluten-free: use GF buns and GF sweet chili sauce.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Chicken, Sandwiches
  • Method: Stovetop, One-Pan, Air Fryer (option)
  • Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slider
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fat: 13g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 14g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: bang bang chicken sliders, sweet chili sriracha sauce, easy weeknight dinner, party sandwiches

The Perfect Balance of Flavor and Fun

What sets these chicken sliders apart is their balanced taste. The bang bang sauce is tangy and slightly spicy, but it’s mellowed out by a creamy base, creating just enough heat without overwhelming more sensitive palates. Pair that with the juicy chicken tucked inside a soft slider bun, and you get a bite that is bold yet comforting.

Unlike plain chicken sliders, the bang bang version offers layers of flavor that feel exciting every time—you taste sweet notes, savory crunch, and a hint of spice working together. They’re satisfying enough to stand in for traditional hamburger sliders yet refreshing when you want something different for weeknight meals.

Their size also makes them versatile. Whether you serve them as the main dish for dinner, a quick snack before practice, or a centerpiece for casual entertaining, they fit perfectly into everyday meal plans. Suddenly, those routine weeknights feel a little more fun, and dinner becomes something you look forward to instead of just another task.

Ingredients & Preparation – Building the Perfect Weeknight Dinner

Key Ingredients for Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Every great dinner starts with fresh, straightforward ingredients, and these sliders are no exception. One of the main reasons I love this dish is that it uses pantry staples and simple grocery finds. That means you can pull it together on even the busiest night without stress. To make planning easier, here’s the ingredient list broken down in table format:

IngredientPurposeEasy Swaps/Variations
Chicken breast or thighsLean protein base for sliders; juicy and tender when cookedSwap for rotisserie chicken or breaded tenders for speed
Slider bunsSoft and slightly sweet base to hold fillingsUse whole wheat buns or Hawaiian rolls for extra flavor
Bang Bang sauce (mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey)Creamy, sweet, and spicy coating that elevates the chickenAdjust spice by reducing sriracha or adding more chili sauce
Lettuce or cabbage slawAdds crunch and freshness to balance creamy sauceSubstitute with spinach, arugula, or pre-mixed slaw kits
Pickles or cucumbersProvide tangy contrastOptional, but highly recommended for balance
Olive oil or butterFor cooking chicken or toasting bunsAny neutral oil works

The beauty of this recipe is flexibility. For faster week day meal ideas, you can shred leftover chicken and mix it directly with the sauce, or use pre-cooked chicken strips from the store. If you want lower-carb options, skip the slider buns and serve the chicken over lettuce wraps—it’s just as satisfying.

Step-by-Step Method That Works Every Time

Cooking Bang Bang Chicken Sliders doesn’t require advanced skills—just a few essential tools (like a skillet, baking sheet, and mixing bowls) and about 30 minutes of your time. Here’s a reliable step-by-step process:

  1. Prep the Chicken: Pat chicken breast or thighs dry, season lightly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cut into slider-sized pieces.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet with olive oil over medium-high. Cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Alternatively, bake at 400°F for 20–22 minutes.
  3. Make the Sauce: Whisk mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth. Adjust spice as desired.
  4. Toss & Assemble: Coat warm chicken in half the sauce. Toast buns lightly. Layer lettuce, chicken, extra sauce, and pickles.
  5. Serve Immediately: Plate sliders with toothpicks and extra sauce so everyone can adjust flavor.

This step-by-step method is easy enough for weekday dinners yet impressive enough for guests. Customizable toppings and adjustable heat mean everyone enjoys their perfect bite. That’s why Bang Bang Chicken Sliders rank high on my list of week day meal ideas—delicious food in under 30 minutes.

Serving & Pairings – Making Dinner Complete

What to Serve with Hamburger Sliders

One of the questions that always comes up when making sliders is: what to serve with hamburger sliders? The beauty of Bang Bang Chicken Sliders is that their bold flavors pair well with a wide variety of easy sides. Since the chicken and sauce already bring a rich, creamy bite, lighter accompaniments help keep the meal balanced.

For a classic pairing, try sweet potato fries or seasoned oven fries—they’re an easy side you can bake while preparing the sliders. A cool, crisp coleslaw also works perfectly, adding crunch and freshness that offset the creamy sauce. If you want something greener, a simple cucumber salad keeps things bright and refreshing.

When serving at a small gathering, consider offering a platter with baked fries for kids, crisp slaw for adults, and roasted veggies for a wholesome touch. On busier nights, frozen waffle fries from the oven do the job just fine. The key when choosing what to serve with hamburger sliders is balance—sides that complement without overwhelming the chicken.

Creative Weekday Meal Ideas with Sliders

Another reason I love making sliders is their next-day versatility, making them perfect week day meal ideas. Leftover sauced chicken can be shredded into a wrap, tossed over salad, or spooned on top of rice for a quick lunch. You can even tuck the filling into lettuce wraps for a light, low-carb version of the dish.

If you enjoy more spice, stir extra sriracha or chili flakes into the sauce for a bolder kick. For family movie nights, arrange multiple sliders on a tray, add extra sauce drizzle, and serve batch-style—everyone can grab one as snacks while watching together.

By experimenting with toppings, spice, and pairings, Bang Bang Chicken Sliders never feel repetitive. They stay flexible, fresh, and weeknight-friendly, keeping dinnertime exciting instead of routine.

FAQs and Conclusion

FAQs About Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

  • Can I make these sliders ahead of time? Yes, prep the chicken and sauce in advance, store separately, and assemble just before serving.
  • Are they kid-friendly? Absolutely. Simply tone down the spice by reducing or skipping sriracha—kids love the creamy-sweet balance.
  • What’s the best bun for sliders? Soft slider buns, Hawaiian rolls, or brioche rolls all work well.
  • How do I keep them from getting soggy? Place lettuce or slaw between chicken and bun, and toast the buns lightly as a moisture barrier.
  • Can I bake instead of pan-frying chicken? Yes, baking at 400°F for 20–22 minutes works just as well with easy cleanup.

Why These Sliders Are Your Next Weeknight Hero

When it comes to week day meal ideas that are delicious, simple, and fun, Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are a winning choice. They transform ordinary chicken into a flavorful, crowd-pleasing dish that’s ready in minutes. With their bold sauce, tender chicken, and crisp toppings, they create balanced bites that everyone loves.

Whether you’re planning what to serve with hamburger sliders, searching for new sliders easy recipes, or just needing a reliable family dinner, these sliders deliver in every category. Flexible, fresh, and fun, they bring something extra to the table on ordinary nights and special ones alike.

Serve them once, and you’ll find yourself adding this dish to your weekly rotation—a proof that great food doesn’t have to be complicated to be unforgettable.

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