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If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances crispy crunch with a luscious, spicy-sweet kick, Bang Bang Chicken is exactly what you need. This crowd-pleaser offers tender, juicy chicken that’s breaded to golden perfection and generously coated in a creamy, tangy sauce bursting with vibrant flavors. Whether you’re serving it as a weeknight dinner or an impressive appetizer, Bang Bang Chicken never fails to deliver comfort with a touch of excitement that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting started with this Bang Bang Chicken recipe is a breeze thanks to a straightforward lineup of ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role: the tender chicken forms the hearty base, the blend of spices and coatings creates irresistible texture, and the sauce brings it all together with a punch of flavor and creamy sweetness.

Chicken tenderloins (1.5 lbs): These ensure every bite is tender and quick to cook.
Buttermilk (1 cup): Perfect for marinating, it tenderizes the chicken and adds subtle tanginess.
All-purpose flour (¾ cup): A classic for coating that helps the breading stick.
Cornstarch (½ cup): Adds an extra crispy crunch to the chicken’s exterior.
Large egg (1): Binds the coating for that perfect crust.
Sriracha (1 tbsp for batter, 1 tsp for sauce): Delivers a gentle heat that wakes up the flavor profile.
Spices (garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper optional): These elevate the taste with savory depth and a little smoky warmth.
Plain panko breadcrumbs (2 cups): Panko gives that unmistakable light, crispy texture that’s essential to Bang Bang Chicken.
Canola oil for frying: Neutral oil ideal for achieving that beautiful golden fry without overpowering flavors.
Mayonnaise (1 cup): The creamy foundation of the flavorful Bang Bang Sauce.
Thai sweet chili sauce (½ cup): Brings sweetness and a mild heat, crucial for authentic sauce taste.
Honey (2 tbsp): Adds a natural sweetness to balance the spice and tang.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce

Start by mixing together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey in a small bowl. Whisk them until the sauce is silky smooth and nicely combined. This sauce is your Bang Bang Chicken’s signature element—creamy, sweet, and spicy all at once. Set it aside or refrigerate it while you prep the chicken. It keeps beautifully for up to five days, so you could even make it in advance.

Step 2: Marinate and Coat the Chicken

Next up is the chicken! In a bowl, combine the buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, and your seasonings—garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne if you want more heat. This mixture is your wet batter that tenderizes and flavors the chicken tenderloins while prepping them for the crispy coating. Toss each strip into this batter evenly until fully coated, making sure the flavors get inside every nook and cranny.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Once the chicken is bathed in the batter, dredge each piece through the panko breadcrumbs. Press lightly to ensure the breadcrumbs stick well, creating that essential crunchy exterior that makes Bang Bang Chicken so irresistible. Set them aside on a plate, so they’re ready for frying.

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

Now for the fun part—frying! Heat about an inch of canola oil in a skillet until it reaches around 365°F. Fry the chicken strips in batches, giving each side about 2 to 3 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown and the internal temperature hits 165°F. Remember, don’t overcrowd the pan; this keeps the oil temperature stable for a crispier finish. Once done, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 5: Toss, Drizzle, and Garnish

Finally, while the chicken is still warm, toss or drizzle it generously with the luscious Bang Bang Sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately, and watch as everyone digs into this crunchy, creamy delight.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken

Garnishes

Adding garnishes elevates the presentation and layering of flavors. Fresh parsley or cilantro gives a bright herby note, while thinly sliced green onions bring a subtle sharpness that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce. For a bit of extra zest, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or drizzle a squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving.

Side Dishes

Bang Bang Chicken shines best with sides that complement its vibrant flair. Light and refreshing cucumber salad cuts through the richness, while fluffy jasmine rice absorbs the delicious sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas add a healthy crunch and color contrast. Feeling indulgent? Crispy sweet potato fries are a fantastic treat alongside this dish.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re looking to impress at a dinner party or just want to mix things up, try serving Bang Bang Chicken over a bed of chilled rice noodles tossed with fresh herbs and shredded carrots. Or stuff it into soft pita pockets with crunchy slaw and extra sauce for a fun handheld twist. Even layering the chicken on a fresh green salad with avocado and cherry tomatoes makes for a fresh, satisfying meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying Bang Bang Chicken, you can safely store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate when possible to prevent the chicken from getting soggy. When ready to eat, reheat gently to retain crispiness.

Freezing

This Bang Bang Chicken also freezes well. Arrange cooled, breaded, and fried chicken strips in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep fresh for up to 1 month. Remember to freeze the sauce separately to maintain its creamy texture after thawing.

Reheating

To reheat while preserving crispness, pop the frozen or refrigerated Bang Bang Chicken in a preheated oven or air fryer at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the coating crunchy. Warm the sauce separately and drizzle just before serving.

FAQs

What cuts of chicken work best for Bang Bang Chicken?

Chicken tenderloins are ideal because they’re naturally tender and cook quickly, but boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips can also work well if you’re careful not to overcook.

Can I make Bang Bang Chicken dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap buttermilk with a simple mixture of almond milk and lemon juice or vinegar for marinating, and use dairy-free mayo for the sauce to keep all the bold flavors intact.

Is it possible to bake instead of frying?

Yes, baking or air frying is a great alternative for a lighter version. Bake the breaded chicken at 425°F on a greased rack for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until crisp and cooked through.

How spicy is Bang Bang Chicken?

The level of heat can be customized easily by adjusting the amount of Sriracha and cayenne pepper. The sauce offers a pleasant kick without overpowering the flavors, making it enjoyable for many palates.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Definitely! The Bang Bang Sauce tastes even better after resting for a few hours. You can make it up to five days ahead and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve, which makes meal prep super convenient.

Final Thoughts

Bang Bang Chicken is one of those magical recipes that feels special yet is incredibly easy to make. From the juicy, crunchy chicken to the irresistible sauce, it’s a dish destined to please every time. Go ahead and give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to that everyone at your table will love!

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Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 16 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

Print Recipe

Description

Bang Bang Chicken is a crispy, spicy, and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken strips coated in a buttermilk batter, breaded with panko, fried to golden perfection, then tossed in a creamy and sweetly spicy Bang Bang Sauce. This crowd-pleasing recipe blends a crunchy texture with a zesty sauce, perfect as an appetizer or a main course.

Instructions

Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until smooth and well combined. Set aside or refrigerate; the sauce can be stored up to 5 days.
Prep the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Mix well to create a thick batter. Toss the chicken tenderloins in the mixture, coating evenly on all sides.
Bread the Chicken: Dredge each coated chicken tenderloin in the plain panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well. Place the breaded chicken strips on a plate and set aside.
Fry to Perfection: Heat canola oil in a skillet to 365°F (about 1 inch deep). Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook each side for 2–3 minutes or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Drizzle & Garnish: Toss or drizzle the crispy fried chicken strips with the prepared Bang Bang Sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions as desired. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Notes

For a milder dish, reduce or omit the Sriracha and cayenne pepper.
To keep chicken extra crispy, fry in small batches without crowding the pan.
Use a thermometer to ensure chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165°F.
Bang Bang Sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 5 days.
For a healthier alternative, bake or air fry the breaded chicken at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Garnish with chopped parsley, green onions, or sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Main Course
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American, Asian Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (about 4 pieces)
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 8 g
Sodium: 700 mg
Fat: 30 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 23 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 1.5 g
Protein: 28 g
Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: Bang Bang Chicken, crispy chicken, spicy chicken, fried chicken, panko chicken, chicken tenderloins, bang bang sauce, appetizer, Asian fusion