If you have a craving for a dish that’s crunchy, spicy, creamy, and downright addictive, you’re in for a treat with this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe. This crowd-pleaser effortlessly combines tender chicken tenders dipped in a perfectly seasoned batter, fried until golden, then smothered in a luscious, slightly sweet, and spicy sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a fun get-together, this recipe brings out flavors and textures that will keep everyone coming back for more. Trust me, once you try this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe, it’s going to become a staple you can’t wait to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Bang Bang Chicken Recipe uses simple, well-balanced ingredients that create a perfect harmony of flavor and texture. From the crispy coating to the creamy, spicy sauce, each component plays an essential role in making this dish irresistible.
- Mayonnaise: Adds rich creaminess to the sauce, balancing the spicy heat perfectly.
- Thai sweet chili sauce: Brings a sweet, mild tang that gives the sauce an unmistakable Asian flair.
- Sriracha sauce: Infuses the dish with a vibrant kick of heat, adjustable to your spice level.
- Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness to mellow out the spicy elements.
- Boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins: Tender and quick-cooking, perfect for a crispy coating.
- Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken while adding a subtle tangy note.
- All-purpose flour and cornstarch: These combine to create a light, crispy batter that clings beautifully to the chicken.
- Large egg: Helps bind the coating ingredients together.
- Garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (optional): Season the chicken coating for depth and balanced heat.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Provide an extra crunchy texture that’s simply addictive.
- Canola oil: Ideal for frying thanks to its high smoke point and neutral flavor.
- Chopped parsley: Adds freshness and a pop of color as a final garnish.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
Start by whisking together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey in a bowl. This creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce is what makes the dish stand out, so balancing these flavors is key. Adjust the sriracha if you prefer it milder or hotter.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken tenderloins in a bowl and pour over the buttermilk. Let them soak in this tangy bath for at least 15 minutes to ensure the chicken stays juicy and tender once cooked. This simple step makes a world of difference in texture.
Step 3: Prepare the Coating
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and egg. This mixture will create the perfect crispy exterior. In another shallow dish, spread out the panko breadcrumbs for the final coating layer.
Step 4: Coat and Fry the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge each piece into the flour mixture, dip back into buttermilk if desired for extra crunch, and press into the panko breadcrumbs. Heat canola oil in a deep skillet or fryer over medium-high heat, then fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to paper towels to drain.
Step 5: Toss in the Sauce
Once all chicken tenders are fried, toss them gently but thoroughly in the prepared Bang Bang sauce so each piece is well coated. The sauce should cling nicely to the crispy chicken, giving it that signature sticky, flavorful glaze.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley sprinkled over the top offers a bright contrast and a burst of color that makes the dish pop on the plate. You can also consider some thinly sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds for added texture and visual interest.
Side Dishes
Bang Bang Chicken pairs beautifully with simple steamed jasmine rice or fragrant coconut rice to soak up that incredible sauce. A crisp cucumber salad or crunchy slaw also complements the richness and spice for a refreshing balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Bang Bang Chicken Recipe as sliders, wrapping the crispy chicken in mini buns with some lettuce and extra sauce. Or pile it into fresh lettuce cups for a lighter, hand-held option that’s great for parties and casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the chicken and sauce separate if possible to retain crispiness until ready to serve.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover chicken tenders after frying, but before tossing in the sauce, in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To reheat, bake frozen or refrigerated chicken in a 350°F oven on a wire rack set over a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Add sauce fresh after heating to enjoy that irresistible flavor and texture combo.
FAQs
Can I make this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free flour blends and gluten-free breadcrumbs. Just make sure your cornstarch and other ingredients are certified gluten-free too.
What’s the best cut of chicken to use?
Chicken tenderloins are ideal because they cook quickly and remain tender. However, boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into strips also work well if you don’t have tenders on hand.
How spicy is this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe?
The recipe strikes a nice balance between sweet and mildly spicy with sriracha and Thai chili sauce. You can always adjust the amount of sriracha or omit the cayenne pepper to make it more mild or increase it for extra heat.
Can I bake instead of fry the chicken?
Yes! Baking is a great option for a lighter version. Preheat the oven to 425°F, place coated chicken on a greased baking sheet, and bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway until crispy and cooked through.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely. You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and keep them refrigerated separately for a quick meal. Just reheat and toss with sauce right before serving for best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Bang Bang Chicken Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The crispy coating paired with the sweet and spicy sauce delivers a flavor explosion that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re sharing it with family or bringing it to a party, it’s guaranteed to impress and satisfy. So go ahead, give this recipe a try and watch it become your new favorite go-to comfort food!
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Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Bang Bang Chicken is a crispy, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken tenderloins coated in a crunchy panko crust and tossed in a creamy, spicy, and sweet homemade Bang Bang sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or main course, this recipe combines the heat of Sriracha with the sweetness of Thai chili sauce and honey for a vibrant taste experience.
Ingredients
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 tsp Sriracha sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
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 sauce
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- â…› tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Canola oil, for frying
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Bang Bang sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, 1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce, and honey until smooth. Set aside in the refrigerator to let flavors meld while you prepare the chicken.
- Make the breading station: In a shallow bowl, whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce and buttermilk until combined. In a separate bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Place panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
- Coat the chicken: Dip each chicken tenderloin first into the flour mixture, shaking off excess, then into the egg and buttermilk mixture, and finally coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to ensure a firm crust. Set aside on a plate.
- Fry the chicken: Heat canola oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). Fry the breaded chicken tenderloins in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan, about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Drain on paper towels.
- Toss and serve: Place the fried chicken in a large bowl and pour the prepared Bang Bang sauce over them. Toss gently to coat each piece evenly with the sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase the Sriracha in the sauce or add cayenne pepper to the sauce as well.
- Use canola oil or vegetable oil with a high smoke point for best frying results.
- Make sure oil temperature stays consistent to avoid soggy or greasy chicken.
- Can be served with steamed rice or as a crispy appetizer with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
- Leftovers are best reheated in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
