If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for festive gatherings, this Festive Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe is an absolute winner. I first brought these to a holiday party, and trust me, they vanished almost instantly. The crispy, spicy chicken paired with cheesy mozzarella and that sweet-spicy Bang Bang sauce just hits all the right spots—it’s comfort food with a fun, festive twist.

These sliders are super versatile too, whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or need a standout appetizer for a holiday spread. What makes this Festive Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe so worthwhile is how you can prepare most of it ahead of time and then quickly fry and assemble when guests arrive—talk about stress-free entertaining!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this recipe lies in the combination of crispy, juicy chicken and the irresistible kick of Bang Bang sauce. When shopping, look for fresh, thin sliced chicken breasts for faster cooking, and don’t skimp on panko for that perfect crunch.

Thin sliced chicken breasts: Using thin slices helps them cook quickly and stay tender. If your store doesn’t have thin cut, you can butterfly thicker breasts.
Kosher salt, fresh black pepper, garlic powder: Simple seasonings that boost the chicken’s flavor without overpowering it.
Flour: Helps the batter stick and creates a nice base for the crispy coating.
Cornstarch: Adds an extra crispy texture to the breading.
Buttermilk: Keeps the chicken moist and tender while tenderizing it.
Hot sauce: Just enough to give a subtle kick to the buttermilk marinade.
Large egg: Binds everything together in the batter.
Panko bread crumbs: For that light, crunchy coating. Regular breadcrumbs are okay but won’t have the same crunch.
Vegetable or canola oil: Ideal for frying due to their neutral flavor and high smoke point.
Mozzarella cheese slices: Melts perfectly on the chicken, adding creamy richness.
Slider rolls: Soft and small, these are the perfect vehicle for your delicious chicken.
Bang Bang Sauce: The star that ties everything together – creamy, sweet, tangy, and spicy. You can use store-bought or make your own.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Festive Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Whether you want to adjust the heat level, swap out the cheese, or cater to dietary needs, you can make it your own.

Spicy Level: I sometimes add extra hot sauce to the marinade or more chili flakes to the Bang Bang sauce if I’m serving friends who love heat.
Cheese Swap: If mozzarella isn’t your favorite, provolone or pepper jack work beautifully to add a different flavor profile.
Gluten-Free: You can use gluten-free flour and panko breadcrumbs to make these sliders friendly for gluten-sensitive guests.
Oven-Baked Option: If frying isn’t your thing, baking at 425°F until crispy (about 20 minutes) works well; just spray the chicken with oil before baking.

How to Make Festive Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe

Step 1: Season and Marinate the Chicken

Start by seasoning your thin sliced chicken breasts generously with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. This foundational seasoning ensures each bite is flavorful. Then, mix the buttermilk, hot sauce, and egg together in a bowl and submerge the chicken slices. Let them soak up that marinade for at least 30 minutes—if you have a little more time, an hour is even better for juicy, tender chicken.

Step 2: Prepare the Crispy Coating

While the chicken marinates, combine flour and cornstarch in a shallow dish. In another plate, spread out your panko breadcrumbs—this triple-layer setup is key to getting that signature crunch. When ready, dredge each piece of chicken first in the flour mixture, then back in the buttermilk egg mix if needed, and finally coat generously with panko. Don’t rush this—you want a thick, even coating for the perfect bite.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Heat about 2 inches of vegetable or canola oil in a deep skillet to 350°F. Fry the chicken slices in batches, being careful not to crowd the pan, for about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. I always use a thermometer to check the oil temperature because if the oil’s too cool, the coating soaks up oil and gets greasy—too hot, and the outside burns before the inside cooks.

Step 4: Assemble with Cheese and Rolls

Drain your fried chicken slices on paper towels, then immediately top each with a slice of mozzarella cheese while still hot so it melts beautifully. Toast your slider rolls lightly—warming the rolls adds a nice texture and prevents them from getting soggy. Finally, spread Bang Bang sauce on each roll bottom, add the cheesy chicken, then top it off. Delicious and festive, ready to be devoured!

How to Serve Festive Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe

A close-up view of a sandwich with 4 layers: the top layer is a shiny, golden brown sesame seed bun with white sesame seeds scattered. Below it, there is a creamy, light orange sauce dripping over a crispy, brown fried patty. Under this, there is a slice of melted white cheese that covers the top of a second fried patty of the same crispy brown texture. The bottom layer is a soft, golden brown bun. The sandwich is placed on a black plate with golden fries blurred in the background. The surface beneath the plate is white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

When I serve these sliders, I love adding a little extra crunch and freshness with garnishes like thinly sliced green onions or freshly chopped cilantro. Sometimes, a few pickled jalapeño slices give just the right tangy snap that balances the creamy sauce. Feel free to sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for a fun touch and extra texture.

Side Dishes

Pair these sliders with crispy sweet potato fries or a simple coleslaw to add cool crunch alongside the spicy chicken. I also like serving them with a refreshing cucumber salad or pickled veggies to cut through the richness. If you want to keep things easy, classic kettle chips and a tangy dill pickle spear work great too.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged these Festive Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe on a wooden board with small bowls of extra Bang Bang sauce for dipping. Adding some colorful festive napkins and little toothpicks topped with olives or mini pickles gives it that party-ready flair. These sliders also shine in little mini cupcake liners for easy grab-and-go fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), wrap each chicken slider separately in foil or plastic wrap to keep the breading crisp and the rolls fresh. Then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. I find it best to keep the sauce separate or just add a little fresh sauce when reheating to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

I have frozen the fried chicken pieces before assembling the sliders to great success. Just freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you want to serve, reheat in the oven until crispy again. The rolls and fresh sauce are better added after thawing to preserve texture and freshness.

Reheating

Reheating is best done in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, which brings back that crispy coating without making the chicken rubbery. I avoid microwaving as it tends to make the breading soggy. Add fresh mozzarella slices and Bang Bang sauce after reheating for the best experience.

FAQs

Can I make this Festive Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives, and make sure your hot sauce and Bang Bang sauce ingredients are gluten-free as well. The results are just as crispy and delicious.
What is Bang Bang Sauce, and can I make it at home?

Bang Bang Sauce is a creamy, spicy sauce typically made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a bit of sriracha or hot sauce. Making it at home is easy and lets you adjust the spice and sweetness to your taste. Just mix mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha until smooth.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes! For a lighter option, bake the breaded chicken at 425°F for 20–25 minutes or until crispy and cooked through. Just spray the pieces lightly with oil before baking to achieve golden crispiness.
How do I keep the sliders from getting soggy?

To avoid soggy sliders, toast the rolls beforehand and add the Bang Bang sauce right before serving. Also, layering the cheese on warm chicken helps lock in moisture without making the bread soggy.
What sides go best with Festive Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe?

Crunchy sides like coleslaw, sweet potato fries, or pickled veggies complement the spicy, creamy flavors of the sliders wonderfully and round out the meal perfectly.

Final Thoughts

This Festive Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes whenever I want to impress without fuss. It’s fun to make, packs a punch of flavor, and the sliders always bring smiles. I can’t wait for you to give this a try—whether for a holiday celebration, game day, or just because you deserve a delicious treat. Trust me, you’ll be making these again and again!