If you have a craving for something crispy, creamy, and packed with flavor, then you absolutely must try this Bang Bang Chicken recipe. This dish brings together tender chicken tenderloins fried to golden perfection and slathered generously in a luscious, sweet-spicy sauce that perfectly balances creamy mayo with the zing of Sriracha and Thai sweet chili sauce. Bang Bang Chicken is not just delicious; it’s fun to make and even more delightful to share with friends and family as a sensational appetizer or main course.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the first step to making Bang Bang Chicken that hits every note—crispy, tangy, sweet, and spicy. Each component, from the crispy panko to the flavorful marinade, plays a crucial role in building the irresistible texture and taste of this crowd-pleaser.

Mayonnaise: Adds a rich and creamy base to the sauce for that smooth mouthfeel.
Thai sweet chili sauce: Brings a sweet and mildly spicy punch that brightens the sauce.
Sriracha sauce: Provides the essential kick to give the dish its signature heat.
Honey: Balances the heat with a lovely touch of sweetness.
Boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins: The star protein that becomes tender and juicy after marinating and frying.
Buttermilk: Helps tenderize the chicken and adds a subtle tang.
All-purpose flour and cornstarch: Create the perfect coating base that crisps beautifully when fried.
Egg: Binds the flour mixture and breadcrumbs together for even coating.
Garlic powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper (optional): Season the chicken for depth of flavor and a bit of warmth.
Plain panko breadcrumbs: Deliver that unmistakably light and crunchy crust.
Canola oil: Ideal frying oil for its neutral flavor and high smoke point.
Chopped parsley: Adds a fresh, bright note and inviting color as garnish.

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. This simple mixture is what makes the dish sing—the creamy, sweet, and spicy combination that coats the chicken later. Cover it and set aside to let the flavors mingle 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 optional cayenne pepper until you have a smooth batter. This marinade tenderizes the chicken and gives it irresistible flavor and texture after frying. Add the chicken tenderloins and make sure they’re fully coated. Let them soak up all those flavors for about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Spread the panko breadcrumbs on a plate. Remove each piece of marinated chicken, letting the excess drip off, and press it firmly into the panko so every bit is covered in a crunchy coat. Setting them aside on a clean plate ensures they are ready for frying without the coating falling off.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Heat canola oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 365°F. Working in batches, fry the chicken tenders for 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through inside. Using a meat thermometer to verify they reach an internal temperature of 165°F guarantees safety and juiciness.

Step 5: Drain and Toss in Sauce

After frying, drain the chicken on paper towels to get rid of excess oil. Then, toss the hot, crispy chicken tenders in the Bang Bang Sauce until every piece is glistening with that creamy, spicy goodness.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish your Bang Bang Chicken by sprinkling chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve them warm and watch how quickly these bites disappear from the plate!

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like chopped fresh parsley or cilantro add a lovely herbal contrast to the richly flavored Bang Bang Chicken. You can also sprinkle a few toasted sesame seeds for extra texture and a subtle nutty aroma that complements the sauce perfectly.

Side Dishes

Pair this dish with crisp green salads, steamed jasmine rice, or even crunchy slaw to balance the richness. The creamy and crunchy chicken works wonderfully alongside refreshing or mildly spiced sides that let it shine as the hero.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Bang Bang Chicken as a finger food platter with dipping sauces or alongside lettuce leaves to make wraps. It’s also fantastic atop rice bowls with avocado and cucumber slices for a vibrant and wholesome meal. Presentation is an opportunity to get creative and make the dish exciting every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it cools, so give everything a gentle toss or quick reheat to bring back that signature creaminess and crispiness.

Freezing

While the chicken is best fresh, you can freeze cooked chicken tenders before tossing with sauce. Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing with the sauce to prevent texture changes.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat frozen or refrigerated Bang Bang Chicken in a hot oven or air fryer to crisp up the coating again. Warm the sauce gently on the stovetop or microwave and toss the chicken just before serving to restore that irresistible Bang Bang flavor.

FAQs

What makes Bang Bang Chicken different from regular fried chicken?

Bang Bang Chicken stands out because of its signature creamy and spicy sauce that coats the chicken after frying, combining sweet chili, Sriracha, and mayo into a vibrant flavor profile not typically found in classic fried chicken recipes.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?

Absolutely! Just cut chicken breasts into strips similar in size to tenderloins to ensure even marinating and cooking. The process remains the same, though tenderloins are naturally more tender and cook a bit faster.

Is Bang Bang Chicken very spicy?

It has a nice kick thanks to the Sriracha and optional cayenne, but the honey and mayo balance out the heat nicely. You can always adjust the amount of spicy ingredients to suit your heat tolerance.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes, baking is a healthier alternative. Coat and bread the chicken as directed, then bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. It won’t be quite as crispy but will still be delicious when tossed in the Bang Bang Sauce.

What other proteins work well with Bang Bang Sauce?

Besides chicken, shrimp, tofu, or even cauliflower make excellent partners for the Bang Bang Sauce, making it a versatile option for different diets and cravings.

Final Thoughts

Bang Bang Chicken is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate, with its crispy texture and perfectly balanced sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a casual night in or impressing guests, this recipe promises smiles and satisfied appetites. So go ahead, whip up this fantastic Bang Bang Chicken and watch it become one of your all-time favorites!

Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 10 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

Print Recipe

Description

Bang Bang Chicken is a crispy, flavorful dish featuring juicy fried chicken tenderloins tossed in a creamy, sweet, and spicy bang bang sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or main course, this dish combines the crunch of panko breadcrumbs with a zesty sauce made from mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili, sriracha, and honey. Easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious, it’s a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Instructions

Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha sauce, and honey. Whisk together until smooth. Cover and set aside to let the flavors meld.
Prepare the Chicken Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together buttermilk, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha sauce, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken tenderloins to the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully submerged and coated. Let the chicken marinate for about 10 minutes to infuse flavor and tenderize the meat.
Coat the Chicken: Spread the panko breadcrumbs evenly on a plate. Remove each chicken tenderloin from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off, then coat thoroughly with the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to make sure the crumbs stick firmly. Arrange coated tenders on a clean plate.
Fry the Chicken: Heat canola oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 365°F (185°C). Fry the chicken tenders in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking each side for 2 to 3 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Drain and Toss: Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. While still warm, toss the chicken tenders in the prepared Bang Bang Sauce until they are evenly coated in the creamy mixture.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the coated chicken for a fresh touch and serve immediately while warm for the best taste and texture.

Notes

For extra heat, increase the amount of Sriracha sauce in the marinade and the bang bang sauce.
You can substitute mayonnaise with a lighter mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.
Use a thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked to avoid foodborne illness.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
Serve with steamed rice or a side salad for a complete meal.

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