Jimmy’s Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Total Time

Prep: 45 min. Bake: 10 min.

Makes

1 dozen

Updated: Nov. 17, 2023
I simmer chicken thighs in a spicy-sweet sauce, shred them and then pile 'em high on pretzel buns to create an incredibly addictive party food. —James Schend, Dairy Freed
Jimmy's Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 cup Sriracha chili sauce
  • 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons honey, divided
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 3 tablespoons lime juice
  • 2 teaspoons grated lime zest
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 12 mini pretzel buns, split
  • 12 slices part-skim mozzarella cheese, halved
  • 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • Coarse salt, optional
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • SRIRACHA-LIME DIPPING SAUCE:
  • 1 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons Sriracha chili sauce
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 2 teaspoons grated lime zest

Directions

  1. In a Dutch oven over medium heat, brown chicken in 1 Tbsp. olive oil for 5 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, stir together ketchup, chili sauce, 1/2 cup honey, water, lime juice and zest, garlic, ginger and pepper. Pour over browned chicken and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until chicken is tender, 25-30 minutes. Remove chicken and bring sauce back to a simmer; cook until thick, about 5 minutes. Shred chicken with 2 forks; toss with reduced sauce.
  3. Preheat oven to 375°. Place bottom buns in a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Place half a slice of cheese on each of the buns; spoon chicken mixture on top of cheese. Top with remaining cheese; replace bun tops. Stir together the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, remaining 2 tablespoons honey and the red pepper flakes. Brush over bun tops. Sprinkle with the coarse salt if desired.
  4. Bake until tops are golden and cheese has melted, 10-15 minutes. Garnish with green onions.
  5. For sauce, stir together all ingredients. Serve alongside sliders.

Nutrition Facts

1 slider: 516 calories, 26g fat (7g saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 892mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 1g fiber), 31g protein.