If you’re craving something crispy, spicy, and downright addicting, this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that will quickly become your go-to comfort meal. Imagine tender chicken tenders dredged in a perfectly seasoned batter, fried to a golden crisp, and then generously coated with a creamy, tangy sauce that combines just the right amount of heat and sweetness. Whether served as a main dish for dinner or a fun appetizer for a gathering, this recipe shines with bold flavors and delightful textures that make every bite unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is all it takes to whip up this fantastic dish. Each component plays its part—from the crispy panko coating that adds crunch, to the luscious sauce that balances spice and sweetness perfectly.
- Mayonnaise: Creates a rich, creamy base for the sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken.
- Thai sweet chili sauce: Adds a sweet and tangy kick, bringing out the vibrant flavors.
- Sriracha sauce: Offers that signature spicy punch, adjustable to your heat preference.
- Honey: Balances heat with a natural, smooth sweetness in the sauce.
- Boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins: Tender and quick-cooking, perfect for frying crispy without drying out.
- Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and gives the batter extra flavor depth.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy base for the batter’s coating.
- Cornstarch: Adds extra crispiness to the fried coating.
- Egg: Helps bind the coating ingredients and marinade together.
- Garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper: Season the marinade and batter to perfection, enhancing every bite.
- Panko breadcrumbs: The secret to that irresistible crunchy texture everyone loves.
- Canola oil: Ideal for frying due to its neutral flavor and high smoke point.
- Chopped parsley: Adds fresh color and a hint of brightness as garnish.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Whip up the Bang Bang Sauce
Start by making the star of the dish—the sauce! In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until the mixture is smooth and uniform. This luscious sauce perfectly balances creamy, sweet, and spicy notes. Set it aside to let the flavors meld beautifully while you prepare the chicken.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor
In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, egg, a splash of Sriracha, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne if you like it extra spicy. Whisk well until everything is thoroughly mixed. Add the chicken tenderloins, ensuring each piece is fully coated with this flavorful marinade. Let the chicken rest for about 15 minutes—this tenderizes it and seals in all those savory spices.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken in Crispy Panko Breadcrumbs
Place panko breadcrumbs in a separate bowl for easy access. Remove each tender from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off gently. Then, dredge the chicken in the panko, pressing slightly so every nook and cranny is coated. This step is what guarantees that perfect crunch in every bite.
Step 4: Fry Until Golden and Crispy
Heat canola oil in a deep skillet or fryer until it reaches 365°F (185°C). Carefully place the coated chicken tenders into the hot oil in batches—avoid overcrowding to keep them crisp. Fry for around 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn a gorgeous golden-brown color with a crunchy exterior. Use a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil once they’re done frying.
Step 5: Drizzle with Bang Bang Sauce and Serve
Arrange the fried chicken tenders on a serving plate and generously drizzle the prepared Bang Bang sauce over the top. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh touch and bright color. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture experience.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley or thinly sliced green onions work wonders to add pops of color and an herbaceous note that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the dish. For a little extra zing, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top.
Side Dishes
Bang Bang Chicken pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides such as a crisp cucumber salad, steamed jasmine rice, or even some spicy coleslaw to complement the rich sauce and crunchy chicken. If you want to keep it simple, a side of buttery steamed vegetables or roasted sweet potatoes works beautifully too.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Bang Bang Chicken on crispy lettuce cups or inside soft bao buns for a tasty handheld treat. You can even transform it into a vibrant rice bowl with fresh veggies, herbs, and a drizzle of extra sauce for a satisfying meal in a bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate if possible to prevent the crispy coating from getting soggy, then drizzle just before serving again.
Freezing
Want to save some for later? Freeze the cooked chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. This prevents sticking and keeps the coating intact. Frozen chicken is best used within 1 to 2 months for optimal flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, avoid the microwave if you can, as it can make the coating soggy. Instead, warm the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. This will help restore that crisp exterior while heating the chicken through.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
Absolutely! Just slice chicken breasts into strips similar in size to tenderloins to ensure even cooking and maintain the perfect crispy texture with this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe.
How spicy is this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe?
The heat level is moderate, thanks to the combination of Sriracha and optional cayenne pepper, but you can easily adjust the spice by adding more or less Sriracha according to your taste preferences.
Is it possible to bake instead of frying?
Yes! For a lighter version, bake the panko-coated chicken at 425°F (220°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. While frying offers extra crunch, baking works well too.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! The Bang Bang sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This actually allows the flavors to meld even more, making your chicken taste extra delicious.
What can I serve with Bang Bang Chicken for a complete meal?
Consider serving this dish alongside jasmine rice, steamed veggies, or a fresh salad for a balanced and satisfying dinner that’s sure to impress family or friends.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about the combination of crispy fried chicken and that luscious, sweet-spicy Bang Bang sauce. This Bang Bang Chicken Recipe is straightforward enough for a weeknight meal yet impressive enough for guests. I promise once you try it, it will earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection. So put on your apron, gather these simple ingredients, and get ready to delight your taste buds!
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Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American-Asian Fusion
Description
This Bang Bang Chicken recipe features crispy, golden fried chicken tenderloins coated in a spicy, creamy sauce made from mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Perfectly battered and fried to a delightful crunch, then topped with a flavorful sauce and fresh parsley, this dish is a delicious and quick meal that serves four.
Ingredients
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 tsp Sriracha sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
Chicken and Coating
- 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
- 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 this sauce aside for later use.
- Prepare the Chicken Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper until a smooth batter forms.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins to the marinade bowl, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Let the chicken marinate in the batter for 15 minutes to absorb flavors and improve texture.
- Coat the Chicken: Place the panko breadcrumbs in a separate shallow bowl. Remove each piece of chicken from the marinade, allowing excess batter to drip off, then dredge the chicken in the panko breadcrumbs, gently pressing to ensure a thorough coating.
- Heat Oil for Frying: In a deep skillet or deep fryer, heat canola oil to 365°F (185°C). The oil should be hot enough for frying but not smoking.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken pieces in the hot oil in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each side for 2-3 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and crispy on the outside and fully cooked inside.
- Drain Excess Oil: Using tongs, transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack set over a baking sheet or a paper towel–lined plate to drain off any excess oil and keep the coating crispy.
- Serve: Drizzle the prepared Bang Bang sauce generously over the hot fried chicken pieces. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For extra spiciness, increase the amount of Sriracha in the sauce or marinade.
- Make sure the oil temperature is maintained at 365°F to ensure crispy coating and proper cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the pan while frying to prevent uneven cooking and soggy breading.
- You can substitute mayonnaise with a vegan mayo for a dairy-free variant.
- Leftover Bang Bang Chicken is best enjoyed freshly made but can be reheated in an oven to restore crispiness.
