Name: Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients: 1 cup mayonnaise; ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce; 1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken tenderloins; 1 cup buttermilk; ¾ cup all-purpose flour; ½ cup cornstarch; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); 2 cups plain panko breadcrumbs; Canola oil (for frying); Chopped parsley (for garnish)

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If you have a craving for something that balances creamy, spicy, sweet, and crunchy all in one bite, then you need to try Bang Bang Chicken. This dish brings together tender, crispy chicken coated in a lively sauce that wakes up your taste buds, making it a deliciously addictive meal or appetizer. Bang Bang Chicken is the kind of recipe you’ll want to share with friends and keep coming back to because it’s just that good.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering a handful of straightforward ingredients is all it takes to create the magic of Bang Bang Chicken. Each component plays a key role—from the crispy coating that delivers crunch to the vibrant sauce that brings the whole dish to life in flavor and color.

Mayonnaise: Acts as a creamy base for the signature Bang Bang sauce, adding richness.
Thai sweet chili sauce: Offers a perfect blend of sweetness and tang with a mild kick.
Sriracha sauce: Adds a fiery edge to both the sauce and marinade for balanced heat.
Honey: Sweetens the sauce naturally, harmonizing spicy and savory notes.
Boneless chicken tenderloins: Tender and juicy, ideal for frying and soaking up flavors.
Buttermilk: Tenderizes chicken while keeping it moist and juicy inside.
All-purpose flour and cornstarch: Combine for a crispy, light coating on the chicken.
Egg: Helps bind the marinade ingredients and coating to the chicken.
Garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper: Provide seasoning depth and a subtle spicy warmth.
Panko breadcrumbs: Give the chicken a delightfully crunchy texture.
Canola oil: Perfect for frying because of its neutral flavor and high smoke point.
Chopped parsley: Adds a fresh, vibrant finish when sprinkled on top.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken

Step 1: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

Start by whisking together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey in a small bowl until the sauce is smooth and glossy. This sauce is the heart of the dish, offering creamy sweetness with an exciting spicy kick. Set it aside so the flavors meld beautifully while you prepare the chicken.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper for a little extra heat if you like. This marinade tenderizes the chicken tenderloins while adding layers of flavor. Submerge the chicken in the mixture and let it soak up all those delicious seasonings for about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Once marinated, set out a plate of panko breadcrumbs. Remove each tenderloin from the marinade and evenly coat it with the breadcrumbs, gently pressing the crumbs so they stick well. This step ensures the chicken will have a crispy, golden crust after frying—crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Heat canola oil over medium-high heat until it reaches around 365 degrees Fahrenheit—hot enough to fry the chicken tenders perfectly. Fry the chicken in batches, cooking each side for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. A meat thermometer should read 165 degrees Fahrenheit when inserted into the thickest part, confirming it’s safely cooked. Drain the chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Step 5: Toss with Bang Bang Sauce

Transfer the crispy chicken tenders to a large mixing bowl and pour the prepared Bang Bang sauce over them. Toss gently to coat every piece in that amazing sauce evenly. This final touch elevates the dish to irresistible levels of flavor and texture.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken

Garnishes

Chopped parsley is the perfect bright-green garnish for Bang Bang Chicken, adding a fresh contrast to the rich, saucy tenders. You can also sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top for a subtle nutty crunch and crack a wedge of lime on the side to brighten each bite.

Side Dishes

Bang Bang Chicken pairs wonderfully with light and fresh sides. Think crunchy coleslaw or a simple cucumber salad to cool down the spice. For a heartier feast, serve it with steamed jasmine rice or garlic fried rice, which soak up the sauce beautifully and complement the crisp chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the tenders on a bed of mixed greens or quinoa for a modern twist. Another fun idea is to serve Bang Bang Chicken as sliders with soft buns, lettuce, and a drizzle of extra sauce for finger food that’s perfect for parties. No matter how you plate it, this dish always impresses.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Bang Bang Chicken, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days. Keeping it chilled preserves the crunch and the flavors, so it’s easy to enjoy again.

Freezing

To freeze Bang Bang Chicken, place the fried tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat directly from frozen for best texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftover Bang Bang Chicken in the oven or air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 to 10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it tends to soften the coating and sauce. A quick crisp up brings back that delightful crunch and makes it taste freshly made.

FAQs

What kind of chicken is best for Bang Bang Chicken?

Chicken tenderloins are ideal for this recipe because they’re naturally tender, quick to cook, and absorb the marinade and sauce well. However, you can also use boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips if tenderloins are unavailable.

How spicy is Bang Bang Chicken?

The level of spice can be adjusted to your preference. The combination of Thai sweet chili sauce and Sriracha creates a medium heat level that is balanced by the creamy mayo and honey. If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the Sriracha and cayenne pepper.

Can I bake instead of fry Bang Bang Chicken?

Absolutely! Baking is a great alternative for a lighter version. Bake breaded chicken tenders at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through. While they won’t be quite as crispy as fried, baking still delivers a delicious texture.

Is Bang Bang Chicken gluten-free?

The traditional recipe uses all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs which contain gluten. To make it gluten-free, substitute both with gluten-free flour blends and gluten-free breadcrumbs. The sauce ingredients are naturally gluten-free but always check labels to be certain.

What can I use instead of mayonnaise in the Bang Bang sauce?

If you want a lighter or different twist on the sauce, Greek yogurt works well as a substitute for mayonnaise. It will make the sauce tangier but keeps the creamy texture. Adjust the sweetness a bit to balance the yogurt’s tartness if needed.

Final Thoughts

Bang Bang Chicken is a recipe that never fails to impress with its perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Whether you’re cooking for a casual weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is guaranteed to bring smiles around the table. I encourage you to dive into making Bang Bang Chicken soon—you’ll see why it’s become a fast favorite for so many!

Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 28 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

Bang Bang Chicken is a deliciously crispy and spicy fried chicken dish coated in a flavorful mixture of mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. This recipe features tender chicken marinated in a zesty batter, fried to golden perfection, and tossed in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or main course, this dish offers a wonderful balance of textures and bold flavors.

Instructions

Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha sauce, and honey. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Cover the bowl and set aside while you prepare the chicken.
Prepare the Chicken Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha sauce, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper until you have a smooth batter. Ensure all ingredients are well integrated for even coating.
Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken tenderloins into the marinade, making sure each piece is fully coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for 10 minutes; this will help infuse flavor and tenderize the chicken.
Coat the Chicken: Pour the panko breadcrumbs onto a plate. Remove each piece of chicken from the marinade and evenly coat it with the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs stick well. Place the coated chicken pieces on a clean plate and set aside.
Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat canola oil over medium-high heat until the temperature reaches 365°F (185°C). Using a thermometer will help maintain the perfect frying temperature for crispy results.
Fry the Chicken: Fry the chicken tenders in batches, carefully placing them in the hot oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to verify that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Drain the Chicken: Once fried, transfer the chicken pieces to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. This step ensures the chicken remains crispy and not greasy.
Toss in Sauce and Serve: Place the drained chicken in a bowl and pour the prepared Bang Bang sauce over it. Toss gently to coat each piece evenly with the sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and Sriracha in the marinade and sauce.
Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature and ensure the chicken cooks evenly without absorbing too much oil.
Panko breadcrumbs give the chicken a light and crispy texture; regular breadcrumbs can be used but may result in a denser crust.
For a lighter version, bake the breaded chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes instead of frying.
This dish pairs well with steamed rice, fresh salad, or simple vegetables for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Frying
Cuisine: Asian Fusion