Bang Bang Chicken is a modern classic that has taken the culinary world by storm. Crispy, golden chicken coated in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce creates a perfect balance of flavors that keeps everyone coming back for more. This dish is versatile, crowd-pleasing, and surprisingly easy to make at home, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even as an appetizer for parties.
The magic of Bang Bang Chicken lies in its texture and flavor combination. Tender chicken is coated in a crispy, golden crust made from a mixture of flour, cornstarch, and panko breadcrumbs, giving it a light yet crunchy bite. The chicken is then smothered in a luscious Bang Bang Sauce made of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey, giving a sweet, spicy, and creamy finish that’s addictive. Garnished with fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness, this dish is as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Whether you serve it over rice, in lettuce wraps, or simply on its own, Bang Bang Chicken offers a restaurant-quality experience without the complicated steps. The recipe also allows for easy adjustments to spice levels, making it suitable for the whole family.
Ingredients
Bang Bang Sauce
• 1 cup (232 g) mayonnaise
• ½ cup (132 g) Thai sweet chili sauce
• 1 teaspoon Sriracha, or more to taste
• 2 tablespoons honey
Chicken
• 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken tenderloins
• 1 cup (245 g) buttermilk
• ¾ cup (94 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (64 g) cornstarch
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
• 2 cups (216 g) panko breadcrumbs, plain
• Canola oil, for frying
• Parsley, chopped, for garnish
These ingredients come together to create a dish that is crunchy, creamy, sweet, and spicy, hitting all the right flavor notes in every bite.
Preparation Method
Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of mayonnaise, ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce, 1 teaspoon Sriracha, and 2 tablespoons honey. Whisk until smooth and well combined. Taste the sauce and adjust the heat by adding more Sriracha if desired. Set aside. This sauce is versatile and can also be used as a dipping sauce for other fried foods or drizzled over salads.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken tenderloins in a bowl or a resealable plastic bag. Pour 1 cup buttermilk over the chicken and ensure all pieces are coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. The buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and adds moisture, ensuring a juicy interior once fried.
Step 3: Prepare the Coating
In a shallow bowl, combine ¾ cup flour, ½ cup cornstarch, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper if you want a little extra heat. In another bowl, whisk together the egg and 1 tablespoon Sriracha. In a third bowl, place 2 cups panko breadcrumbs.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge each piece first in the flour mixture, then dip it into the egg mixture, and finally coat it with panko breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs lightly to adhere well. Repeat for all chicken pieces. This three-step coating ensures maximum crispiness and a satisfying crunch.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
Heat canola oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 4–6 minutes per batch, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and drain on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
Step 6: Toss in Bang Bang Sauce
Place the fried chicken in a large bowl. Pour the prepared Bang Bang Sauce over the chicken and toss gently to coat each piece evenly. Make sure every piece is fully coated for maximum flavor.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Transfer the Bang Bang Chicken to a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for color and a fresh aroma. Serve hot as a main dish, appetizer, or over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Chicken
- Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep the frying oil at 350°F (175°C) to ensure even cooking and avoid greasy chicken.
- Use Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko creates a lighter, crunchier coating than regular breadcrumbs.
- Adjust the Spice: Increase or decrease Sriracha and cayenne pepper to match your preferred heat level.
- Do Not Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure crispy chicken.
- Alternative Cooking Method: For a lighter version, bake the coated chicken at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden, flipping halfway through, then toss with Bang Bang Sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and coating ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours before frying. The sauce can also be made in advance and stored in the fridge.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Absolutely! Baking at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes gives a lighter but still crispy version. Toss in the sauce just before serving.
Is the sauce very spicy?
The sauce has a mild to medium heat depending on how much Sriracha you add. Adjust the Sriracha to taste for a spicier or milder version.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
Yes, but cut them into 1-inch strips to ensure even cooking. Tenderloins cook faster and remain juicier.
Can I make a vegetarian version?
Yes, substitute chicken with cauliflower florets or tofu cubes. Follow the same coating and frying method, then toss in Bang Bang Sauce.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover Bang Bang Chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. Reheat in the oven to retain crispiness, then toss with sauce.
Bang Bang Chicken: Crispy, Sweet, and Spicy Delight
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Bang Bang Chicken features crispy, golden fried chicken tenderloins coated in a creamy, sweet, and spicy Bang Bang sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish.
Ingredients
- Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 tsp Sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp honey
- Chicken:
- 1 1/2 lbs chicken tenderloins
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp Sriracha
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 cups plain panko breadcrumbs
- Canola oil, for frying
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Mix mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey in a bowl to make Bang Bang sauce. Set aside.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne, egg, and Sriracha.
- Dip chicken tenderloins in buttermilk, then coat with the flour mixture. Press panko breadcrumbs onto chicken to cover evenly.
- Heat canola oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
- Toss fried chicken with Bang Bang sauce until coated. Garnish with chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately, either on its own or with rice or salad.
Notes
- Adjust Sriracha for desired heat level.
- Panko breadcrumbs ensure extra crispiness.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 2 days, reheat in the oven for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: Asian-American
Conclusion
Bang Bang Chicken is the perfect combination of crispy, crunchy chicken with sweet, creamy, and spicy Bang Bang Sauce. It’s versatile, visually appealing, and incredibly flavorful, making it ideal for family dinners, gatherings, or just a fun weeknight treat. With tips, variations, and FAQs, you can easily adapt this recipe to your taste, whether you prefer it spicier, lighter, or even vegetarian.
From the crunchy exterior to the juicy, tender interior and rich, flavorful sauce, every bite of Bang Bang Chicken delivers a delightful experience that will keep you coming back for more.