If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors and crunchy, tender textures, then this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Combining crispy golden chicken with a luscious, creamy, and spicy sauce, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re entertaining friends or simply want to treat yourself, this dish delivers that perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory with every bite. Get ready to dive into a crowd-pleasing recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building layers of flavor and achieving that irresistible texture. From the crunchy panko coating to the creamy, tangy sauce, every component is essential.
- Mayonnaise: Provides the creamy base for the signature bang bang sauce, adding rich texture and smoothness.
- Thai sweet chili sauce: Brings a perfect balance of sweetness and mild heat, essential for the sauce’s distinctive flavor.
- Sriracha sauce: Adds a spicy kick that livens up both the sauce and marinade.
- Honey: Sweetens and rounds out the sauce for a harmonious balance.
- Boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins: The star protein of the dish, tender and perfect for frying.
- Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and helps the coating stick, ensuring every bite is moist inside and crispy outside.
- All-purpose flour and cornstarch: The duo creates a light, crispy crust on the fried chicken.
- Egg: Binds the marinade and coating together perfectly.
- Garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper: Adds layers of savory seasoning with optional heat from the cayenne.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Essential for that signature crunchy texture that makes this dish unforgettable.
- Canola oil: Ideal for frying due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor.
- Chopped parsley: A fresh garnish that adds a pop of color and herbaceous note.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
Start by whisking together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey in a bowl until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This sauce is the heart of the dish, providing that irresistible sweet-spicy flavor that makes the Bang Bang Chicken Recipe stand out. Set it aside while you prepare the chicken, allowing those flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Marinade
In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if you like a bit of extra heat. This mixture will tenderize your chicken and create the perfect sticky coating for the breadcrumbs to adhere. Add your chicken tenderloins and ensure each piece is well coated. Let the chicken soak in this flavorful bath for at least 15 minutes.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken in Panko
Once marinated, take each chicken tender out and let any excess marinade drip off. Then, dredge them thoroughly in a bowl of panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to secure an even coating. This step guarantees that signature crispiness in every bite of your Bang Bang Chicken Recipe.
Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat canola oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 365°F (185°C). Fry your coated chicken tenders in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook them for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they’re a beautiful golden brown and irresistibly crispy. Transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil before serving.
Step 5: Drizzle the Sauce and Garnish
Now comes the best part: generously drizzle your homemade Bang Bang sauce over the crispy chicken pieces. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for that fresh touch and beautiful color contrast. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect mix of crunchy, spicy, and creamy that defines this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes elevates your presentation and flavors. Chopped parsley not only adds a burst of color but a fresh herbaceous note that cuts through the richness of the sauce. For an extra touch, some thinly sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds work wonderfully and enhance the dish’s Asian-inspired personality.
Side Dishes
Bang Bang Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Simple steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice complements the bold flavors without overpowering them. Alternatively, a crisp cucumber salad or Asian slaw provides a refreshing crunch and a cooling counterpoint to the spiciness of the sauce. Pickled vegetables are also a winning match to add a sweet-tart contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve Bang Bang Chicken as a crunchy chicken slider with pickled veggies and extra sauce on soft buns — perfect for parties! You can also chop the crispy chicken to top off leafy greens and turn it into a flavorful salad. For a casual-style dinner, a bowl of noodles tossed in sesame oil with the chicken on top makes for a vibrant, crave-worthy meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Bang Bang Chicken tastes fantastic the next day but keep the sauce separate until serving to maintain that freshly drizzled texture. Store the fried chicken pieces in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This way, you can keep the coating crispier for longer and enjoy it as a quick meal or snack.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe later, it freezes well. Arrange fully cooked and cooled chicken pieces on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 1 month, making this dish a great make-ahead option for busy days.
Reheating
To reheat, avoid the microwave if you want to keep that perfect crunch. Instead, pop the chicken pieces in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Reheat the sauce gently on the stove or in the microwave, then drizzle it over the hot chicken right before serving.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, cornstarch is already naturally gluten-free, and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs for the coating. This swap maintains the crunchy texture and delicious flavor.
Is it possible to bake instead of frying the chicken?
Yes, for a lighter version, you can bake the chicken. Place the coated tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet, lightly spray with oil, and bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. The sauce remains just as delicious when drizzled on.
How spicy is this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe?
The spice level is moderate thanks to the Sriracha and optional cayenne. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing these ingredients to your preference. If you prefer milder, simply skip the cayenne and use less Sriracha.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, the bang bang sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a quick stir before drizzling over the chicken to refresh its creamy consistency.
What’s the best chicken cut for this recipe?
Chicken tenderloins are ideal because they are naturally tender and cook quickly. However, chicken breasts cut into strips or thighs can also work well, just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure they’re cooked through.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly joyful about making and sharing the Bang Bang Chicken Recipe. Its perfect blend of crispy chicken and that creamy, sweet, and spicy bang bang sauce is a combo that never fails to please. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this recipe is sure to become one of your favorites. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to make a dish that will brighten any meal with its vibrant flavors and satisfying crunch.
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American with Asian fusion influences
Description
This Bang Bang Chicken recipe features crispy fried chicken tenders coated in a flavorful batter and drenched in a creamy, spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce. Perfect for an appetizer or main dish, the chicken is marinated in a buttermilk mixture, coated with panko for extra crunch, and quickly fried to golden perfection. Topped with a vibrant homemade sauce and garnished with fresh parsley, this crowd-pleaser offers a delightful balance of spicy, sweet, and creamy flavors in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 tsp Sriracha sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
Chicken and Marinade
- 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)
Coating and Frying
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Canola oil, for frying
Garnish
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld while you prepare the chicken.
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha sauce, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Whisk thoroughly to create a thick marinade. Add the chicken tenderloins to this mixture and toss to coat them evenly. Let the chicken marinate for 15 minutes to absorb the flavors and tenderize.
- Coat the Chicken: Place the panko breadcrumbs in a separate shallow bowl. Remove the marinated chicken tenders from the mixture one by one, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently so the panko adheres well, creating a crispy coating.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat canola oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 365°F (185°C). Carefully fry the panko-coated chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook each piece for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy all over. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Serve: Drizzle the prepared Bang Bang sauce generously over the fried chicken tenders. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For an extra kick, increase the Sriracha in the sauce or marinade to taste.
- Ensure the oil temperature stays consistent at 365°F for crispier chicken and to avoid greasy results.
- Use a wire rack for draining oil to keep the chicken crispy instead of paper towels which can cause sogginess.
- You can substitute chicken tenderloins with chicken breasts cut into strips if preferred.
- Leftover Bang Bang Chicken is best eaten the same day as frying; re-crisp in an oven or air fryer if reheating.
