Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances crispy texture with a creamy, spicy kick, look no further than Bang Bang Chicken. This dish combines tender chicken coated in a crunchy golden crust with a luscious, zesty sauce that brings just the right amount of heat and sweetness. It’s an absolute crowd-pleaser and an easy go-to recipe that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re whipping it up for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a gathering, Bang Bang Chicken delivers big flavors every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating the perfect bite—combining flavor, texture, and that irresistible golden color everyone loves. Keeping things simple but purposeful, these essentials allow you to achieve a crunchy crust and a creamy sauce bursting with flavor.
- Chicken tenderloins (1.5 lbs): The tender, lean base that cooks quickly and stays juicy under a crisp coating.
- Buttermilk (1 cup): Adds tang and helps tenderize the chicken for extra moisture and flavor.
- All-purpose flour (¾ cup): Creates a sturdy base for the breading and helps the coating stick.
- Cornstarch (½ cup): Key for extra crunch, giving the coating a light, crispy finish.
- Egg (1 large): Binds the flour mixture and helps breadcrumbs adhere evenly.
- Sriracha (1 tbsp plus 1 tsp for sauce): Adds a vibrant kick of spicy heat both in the marinade and the sauce.
- Spices (garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper – optional): Layering these elevates the chicken’s overall flavor profile.
- Panko breadcrumbs (2 cups): The secret to that satisfyingly crunchy texture everyone will love.
- Canola oil: Perfect for frying, it provides a neutral flavor and high smoke point for crispiness.
- Mayonnaise (1 cup): The creamy base of the sauce, offering richness and balance.
- Thai sweet chili sauce (½ cup): Brings sweetness and a subtle tang that pairs beautifully with the spicy notes.
- Honey (2 tbsp): Softens the heat for a harmonious, silky sauce finish.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken
Step 1: Make the Sauce
Start by whisking together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey in a small bowl. This creates your luscious Bang Bang Sauce, setting the stage with its creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet personality. You can prepare this ahead of time and keep it refrigerated for up to five days, making your cooking process quicker and smoother.
Step 2: Prep the Chicken
In a mixing bowl, combine buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, and your spices—garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne for that extra heat. Toss the chicken tenderloins into this mixture until every piece is evenly coated. This step not only infuses flavor but also ensures your chicken remains juicy under that crispy crust.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
Now comes the crunch factor. Dredge each coated chicken strip in the plain panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly but firmly so the crumbs stick well. The light texture of panko is what gives Bang Bang Chicken its iconic crispness, so don’t be shy about coating them thoroughly.
Step 4: Fry to Perfection
Heat about one inch of canola oil in a skillet to 365°F and fry the chicken in batches—taking care not to overcrowd the pan—for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. You want a stunning golden brown color and an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it’s cooked through and safe. This method seals in the juicy chicken while delivering that ultra-crispy exterior everyone loves. After frying, transfer the chicken strips to a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess oil.
Step 5: Drizzle and Garnish
Finally, toss the crispy chicken in your tangy Bang Bang Sauce or drizzle it generously right before serving. Top with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve hot to enjoy the perfect harmony of crunchy, creamy, and spicy in every bite.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped scallions not only adds a burst of color but also a gentle herbal note that complements the sauce’s richness flawlessly. For an extra zing, a few sesame seeds or thin slices of fresh chili can offer beautiful contrast and heat balance.
Side Dishes
Bang Bang Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Try it with fluffy jasmine rice or simple steamed veggies to keep things light. For something heartier, creamy mashed potatoes or spicy maple roast carrots add a lovely textural and flavor contrast. If you want to keep the Asian-inspired vibe going, a crisp cucumber salad or garlic green beans will round out your meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your Bang Bang Chicken by wrapping it up in warm tortillas or slider buns for a fun handheld meal. Alternatively, placing it over a bed of crisp salad greens or roasted vegetables turns it into a fresh and satisfying bowl. You can even serve the chicken bites alongside a cold dipping sauce platter at your next party—because who doesn’t love dip?
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Bang Bang Chicken is just as delightful and can easily be stored in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to five days. Keep the sauce and chicken separated if you want to maintain that crispy texture when reheating.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap the cooked chicken tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. It freezes well for up to six months, making it a convenient option to enjoy on a busy night.
Reheating
To keep that delicious crunch, it’s best to reheat your Bang Bang Chicken in an air fryer or oven rather than the microwave. Set your air fryer to 350°F for about 5 minutes, or bake on a parchment-lined tray at 375°F until warmed through and crispy again.
FAQs
Can I make Bang Bang Chicken dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the buttermilk for a plant-based yogurt mixed with a splash of lemon juice and use dairy-free mayonnaise. The sauce remains rich and flavorful even with these substitutions.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for Bang Bang Chicken?
Yes! You can use cauliflower florets or firm tofu coated and cooked the same way for a delicious vegetarian twist that still delivers on crunch and flavor.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Definitely. Baking at 425°F for 12 to 15 minutes on a parchment-lined sheet, flipping halfway through, is a healthier option and still produces a crispy crust when sprayed lightly with oil.
How spicy is the Bang Bang Sauce? Can I adjust it?
The sauce has a mild to moderate spice level thanks to Sriracha and Thai chili sauce, but you can easily adjust the heat by adding more or less Sriracha depending on your preference.
What can I serve with Bang Bang Chicken for a complete meal?
Pair it with simple sides like rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad. For more indulgent options, roasted potatoes, mashed puffs, or spicy glazed carrots work beautifully to complete your feast.
Final Thoughts
Bang Bang Chicken is one of those dishes that instantly becomes a favorite thanks to its irresistible crispy texture and sauce with just the right amount of kick. It’s quick to prepare, flexible to suit different dietary needs, and guaranteed to make every mealtime special. I can’t encourage you enough to try this recipe soon—you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
Bang Bang Chicken is a crispy, spicy, and saucy fried chicken dish featuring tender chicken strips coated in a flavorful buttermilk batter, breaded with panko, fried to golden perfection, and generously drizzled with a sweet and spicy Bang Bang Sauce made from mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. This dish is versatile, quick to prepare, and perfect for a satisfying appetizer or main course with options for frying, baking, or air frying.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp Sriracha
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 cups plain panko breadcrumbs
- Canola oil for frying (about 1 inch deep)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1 cup mayonnaise (homemade or store-bought)
- ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 tsp Sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp honey
Instructions
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until smooth. Set aside or refrigerate; it will keep for up to 5 days.
- Prep the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well to create a smooth batter. Add the chicken tenderloins and toss to coat thoroughly in the mixture.
- Bread the Chicken: Dredge each coated chicken strip in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well. Place the breaded pieces on a plate and set aside.
- Fry to Perfection: Heat about 1 inch of canola oil in a skillet to 365°F (185°C). Fry the chicken pieces in batches for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Avoid overcrowding the pan for even cooking. Transfer cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Drizzle & Garnish: Toss or drizzle the crispy chicken with the prepared Bang Bang Sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.
- Air Fryer or Oven Option: For an air fryer, spray the coated chicken with cooking spray and air fry at 400°F (204°C) for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. For oven baking, place coated chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake at 425°F (218°C) for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping once, until golden and cooked through.
Notes
- Use fresh canola or vegetable oil for frying to achieve a crispy crust.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the Sriracha and cayenne pepper.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Freeze wrapped in foil and then a freezer bag for up to 6 months.
- Reheat in an air fryer or oven to maintain crispiness.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute buttermilk with unsweetened almond milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice, and choose a dairy-free mayo.
- Serve with light sides like mashed potato cheese puffs, spicy maple roast carrots, or over rice for a hearty meal.
- The Bang Bang Sauce can also be used on salmon bites, tofu, cauliflower, or as a dipping sauce for wraps and sliders.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying (with air fryer and oven-baked options)
- Cuisine: Asian-American Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 4-5 chicken strips with sauce)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
Keywords: Bang Bang Chicken, Crispy Chicken, Fried Chicken, Spicy Chicken, Panko Chicken, Asian Inspired Chicken, Easy Chicken Recipes, Chicken Tenderloins
