Description

Craving a bold, crowd-pleasing dish that brings the heat and flavor to any gathering? Look no further than Slow Cooker Bang Bang Chicken Sliders! These irresistible sliders feature tender, slow-cooked chicken drenched in a spicy, creamy Bang Bang sauce, layered with crisp lettuce, red onions, and optional pickles, all nestled in toasted mini buns.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (2 lbs): Provides a tender, shreddable base.
- Substitution: Chicken thighs (for richer flavor), rotisserie chicken (skip slow cooking), or tofu for vegetarian.
Buttermilk (1 cup): Tenderizes and flavors the chicken.
- Substitution: Milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice or plain yogurt thinned with water.
Garlic Powder (1 tsp): Infuses savory warmth.
- Substitution: 2 fresh garlic cloves, minced, or ½ tsp garlic salt (reduce added salt).
Onion Powder (1 tsp): Adds subtle, sweet depth.
- Substitution: ¼ cup finely diced onion or ½ tsp dried minced onion.
Paprika (1 tsp): Brings mild, smoky flavor.
- Substitution: Smoked paprika or chili powder for more heat.
Salt (½ tsp): Enhances chicken flavor.
- Substitution: Sea salt or low-sodium options.
Black Pepper (½ tsp): Adds mild heat.
- Substitution: White pepper or a pinch of cayenne.

For the Bang Bang Sauce

Mayonnaise (½ cup): Creates a creamy, rich base.
- Substitution: Greek yogurt, sour cream, or vegan mayo.
Sweet Chili Sauce (¼ cup): Adds sweet, tangy heat.
- Substitution: 2 tbsp honey + 1 tbsp hot sauce + 1 tsp rice vinegar.
Sriracha Sauce (2 tbsp, adjust to taste): Brings spicy kick.
- Substitution: Hot sauce, chili garlic sauce, or reduce for milder flavor.
Honey (1 tbsp): Balances heat with sweetness.
- Substitution: Maple syrup or agave nectar.
Lime Juice (1 tbsp): Adds bright, tangy zest.
- Substitution: Lemon juice or ½ tbsp white vinegar.
Garlic Powder (1 tsp): Enhances savory depth.
- Substitution: 1 fresh garlic clove, minced.

For the Sliders

Mini Slider Buns (12): Soft, toasted base for the sliders.
- Substitution: Dinner rolls, brioche buns, or gluten-free buns.
Shredded Lettuce (1 cup): Adds crisp, fresh texture.
- Substitution: Arugula, spinach, or coleslaw mix.
Thinly Sliced Red Onion (½ cup): Provides sharp, crunchy bite.
- Substitution: Pickled onions, green onions, or omit.
Pickles (½ cup, optional): Adds tangy crunch.
- Substitution: Sliced cucumbers or pickled jalapeños.
Fresh Cilantro (chopped, optional): Brings vibrant, herbaceous flavor.
- Substitution: Parsley or green onions.

Why They’re Important: The chicken provides a tender, protein-packed base, while the buttermilk marinade ensures juiciness. The Bang Bang sauce delivers a spicy, sweet, and creamy kick, and the slider buns, lettuce, and onions add crunch and balance. Pickles and cilantro elevate the sliders with tangy, fresh notes, making each bite irresistible.

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Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

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. Stir until well mixed.
Cut 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch chunks) suitable for sliders. Add the chicken to the buttermilk mixture, ensuring it’s fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight) to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Tip: Cut chicken evenly for consistent cooking. If short on time, marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature. Use a resealable bag for easy marinating.

Step 2: Slow Cook the Chicken

Transfer the chicken and marinade to the slow cooker. Add ¼ cup chicken broth or water to ensure moisture.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Remove the chicken to a bowl and shred with two forks or leave in chunks, depending on preference. Discard excess marinade liquid or reserve for another use (e.g., soup). Set chicken aside to cool slightly.
- Tip: Check doneness early to avoid overcooking. Shred finely for a saucy texture or keep chunkier for bite. A meat thermometer ensures perfect tenderness.

Step 3: 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, honey for sweetness, or lime juice for tang. Set aside at room temperature or refrigerate if preparing early.
- Tip: Start with 1 tbsp sriracha for milder flavor and adjust upward. Stir well to ensure a creamy consistency. Double the recipe for extra dipping sauce.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

In a large bowl, toss the shredded or chunked chicken with ½ cup of the Bang Bang sauce until evenly coated. Reserve the remaining sauce for spreading and dipping.
- Tip: Add sauce gradually to avoid oversaucing. Warm the chicken slightly if it’s cold to help the sauce adhere better.

Step 5: Toast the Buns

Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium heat. Lightly toast 12 mini slider buns, cut-side down, for 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Alternatively, toast in a toaster oven.
- Tip: Brush buns with a thin layer of butter before toasting for extra flavor. Watch closely to avoid burning. Keep warm under a clean towel.

Step 6: Assemble the Sliders

Spread a thin layer of reserved Bang Bang sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun.
Place a portion of sauced chicken (about 2-3 tbsp) on each bun. Top with 1-2 tbsp shredded lettuce, a few slices of red onion, and 2-3 pickle slices (if using).
Sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro (if using) for a burst of freshness. Place the top half of the bun on each slider.
- Tip: Layer toppings neatly for a balanced bite. Press buns gently to secure ingredients. Adjust chicken amount based on bun size.

Step 7: Serve

Arrange the sliders on a serving platter, garnishing the platter with extra cilantro or a drizzle of Bang Bang sauce for a vibrant look.
Serve with remaining Bang Bang sauce in a small bowl for dipping, alongside celery sticks or fries for a complete spread.
Enjoy immediately while the chicken is warm and the buns are toasty for the best texture.
- Tip: Use slider skewers or toothpicks to keep them intact for parties. Warm plates or a platter for a cozy presentation.