If you have not yet fallen head over heels for the Bang Bang Chicken Recipe, get ready to change everything you thought you knew about crispy, saucy chicken. This dish brings together tender, juicy chicken tenders that are perfectly fried to a golden crunch, and then beautifully coated in a luscious, creamy, spicy-sweet sauce that will have your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe offers that incredible balance of heat, sweetness, and crunch that just can’t be beat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each one playing a crucial role in building its unforgettable flavor and texture. From the crispy panko crust to the creamy, spicy sauce, each component is essential to creating this masterpiece.
- 1 cup mayonnaise: Provides the creamy base for the signature Bang Bang sauce, adding richness and smoothness.
- ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce: Brings a perfect balance of sweetness and mild heat, anchoring the sauce’s bold flavor.
- 1 tsp Sriracha sauce: Adds a kick of spicy heat that makes every bite exciting.
- 2 tbsp honey: Offers a touch of natural sweetness that rounds out the sauce beautifully.
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins: The star ingredient that stays tender and juicy when cooked properly.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken while adding a subtle tang to the marinade.
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour: Helps create the crispy coating when combined with the other dry ingredients.
- ½ cup cornstarch: Ensures maximum crunchiness by absorbing moisture and creating a light texture.
- 1 large egg: Binds the marinade and helps the panko breadcrumbs stick firmly to the chicken.
- 1 tbsp Sriracha sauce: Incorporated in the marinade for an extra layer of heat inside the coating.
- ½ tsp garlic powder: Gives a subtle savory depth to the chicken coating.
- ½ tsp kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors for a well-rounded taste.
- ¼ tsp black pepper: Adds a mild bite that complements the other spices.
- â…› tsp cayenne pepper (optional): For those who love it hot, this amps up the spice level.
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs: Provides the begging-for-more crispy outer crust every bite needs.
- Canola oil, for frying: Perfect for achieving that golden, crunchy exterior without overpowering flavors.
- Chopped parsley, for garnish: Adds a fresh, vibrant pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness to finish off the dish.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
Start by whisking together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This sauce is the heart and soul of the Bang Bang Chicken Recipe — it’s creamy, sweet, spicy, and utterly addictive. Set it aside so the flavors can meld while you prepare the chicken.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Marinade
In a large bowl, mix the buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. This blend not only flavors the chicken but also tenderizes it and preps the surface for the perfect crunchy crust. Add the chicken tenderloins and turn them in the marinade until every piece is evenly coated. Let the chicken soak up all this amazing seasoning for about 15 minutes – this step elevates the final crispiness and juiciness dramatically.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken with Panko
Pour the panko breadcrumbs into a separate bowl. Remove each chicken piece from the marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip back into the bowl. Then gently press the chicken into the panko to create an even, thick coating. This crunchy exterior is what makes the Bang Bang Chicken Recipe so irresistibly crunchy and satisfying.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Heat the canola oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 365°F (185°C), the perfect temperature for getting that golden crunch without sogginess. Fry the chicken in batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side until each piece is beautifully golden brown and crisp. Avoid overcrowding the pan so the temperature stays steady. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil — crisp, not greasy!
Step 5: Serve the Bang Bang Chicken
Immediately drizzle the prepared Bang Bang sauce over each crispy chicken tender, or serve it on the side for dipping. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add that lovely splash of green and a fresh aroma that brightens the entire dish.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped parsley is a classic choice for garnishing this dish, lending a fresh herbal note and vibrant color. If you want to get a bit creative, try some thinly sliced green onions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for subtle texture and flavor contrast.
Side Dishes
Bang Bang Chicken is wonderfully versatile with sides: serve it alongside steamed jasmine rice or fragrant coconut rice to soak up all the saucy goodness. For a lighter option, a fresh cucumber salad or crunchy slaw offers a cooling balance to the spicy sauce. Roasted vegetables or crispy fries also make fantastic companions for a heartier meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party-ready presentation, thread the crispy chicken pieces onto skewers, drizzle generously with the Bang Bang sauce, and sprinkle with chopped parsley or chives. You can also build a vibrant bowl with rice, veggies, and chicken topped with sauce, perfect for an Instagram-worthy meal that’s both satisfying and colorful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keeping the chicken coated in sauce during storage helps maintain flavor, but for best texture, keep the sauce separate and add just before serving.
Freezing
You can freeze the fried chicken pieces before saucing by wrapping them tightly and placing them in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat until crispy before drizzling with fresh Bang Bang sauce.
Reheating
To reheat Bang Bang Chicken, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the chicken on a baking sheet and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Add the sauce after reheating to keep that perfect creamy texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins for this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! Just slice chicken breasts into strips that approximate the size of tenderloins so they cook evenly. The marinade will help keep them tender and flavorful.
Is it possible to bake instead of fry the chicken?
Yes! For a lighter version, you can bake the coated chicken at 425°F (220°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through. While it might not be quite as crispy as frying, it still tastes amazing with the Bang Bang sauce.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! The Bang Bang sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Give it a quick stir before serving to make sure it’s perfectly smooth and ready to drizzle over the chicken.
What’s the best oil to use for frying the chicken?
Canola oil is ideal because it has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, letting the crispy coating and spicy sauce shine without interference.
How spicy is this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe?
The recipe has a nice balanced heat thanks to the Sriracha and optional cayenne, but it is not overpowering. You can always adjust the spice level up or down by adding more or less Sriracha and cayenne to suit your taste buds perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This Bang Bang Chicken Recipe truly delivers a crave-worthy combination of crispy, tender chicken dipped in an irresistibly creamy, spicy-sweet sauce that everyone will love. Whether for family dinners, casual gatherings, or whenever you need a dinner that’s a guaranteed hit, this recipe never disappoints. So grab those ingredients, fire up your stove, and prepare to wow your taste buds—you’ll find yourself coming back to this dish again and again!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American Fusion
Description
This Bang Bang Chicken recipe features crispy, golden-fried chicken tenderloins coated in a spicy, sweet, and creamy Bang Bang sauce. It’s a perfect appetizer or main course that combines the crunch of panko breading with a flavorful mayonnaise-based sauce enhanced by Thai sweet chili and Sriracha. Ready in just 35 minutes, this dish is sure to impress with its bold flavors and satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 tsp Sriracha sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
Chicken and Breading
- 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 the sauce aside for later serving.
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine buttermilk, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha sauce, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Whisk thoroughly to create a marinade and batter mixture. Add the chicken tenderloins, ensuring each piece is fully submerged and evenly coated. Let the chicken marinate in this mixture for 15 minutes to tenderize and flavor the meat.
- Coat the Chicken with Panko: Pour the panko breadcrumbs into a separate shallow bowl. Remove each piece of chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge thoroughly in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently so the coating adheres well to the chicken pieces.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat canola oil in a deep skillet or deep-fryer to 365°F (185°C), maintaining enough oil for deep frying. Carefully place the breaded chicken tenderloins in batches into the hot oil, frying for 2-3 minutes per side until they are golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to turn the chicken for even cooking. Transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Serve: Arrange the fried chicken on a serving platter. Drizzle the prepared Bang Bang sauce evenly over the hot chicken initially or serve the sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish with chopped parsley to add freshness and color. Serve immediately while crispy and hot.
Notes
- Ensure the oil temperature stays consistent at 365°F (185°C) for optimal frying results and crispiness.
- Marinate chicken for exactly 15 minutes for best flavor and tender texture.
- For a spicier version, increase the Sriracha in both marinade and sauce or add extra cayenne to the flour mixture.
- You can substitute mayonnaise with a light or vegan mayo for a lighter version or dietary preferences.
- Use a wire rack for draining the fried chicken to keep it crispy; paper towels can make it soggy underneath.
- This chicken is best served immediately but can be briefly reheated in an oven to regain crispiness if needed.
