Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving something crispy, saucy, and downright addictive, you’re going to love this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe. It’s got that perfect balance of crunchy, tender chicken coated in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce that’ll have you coming back for seconds (and maybe thirds!). Honestly, I love this recipe because it’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to impress guests.

When I first tried this, I was amazed at how easy it was to get that restaurant-quality crunch without tons of fuss. You’ll find that the homemade bang bang sauce—mixing mayo, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey—really takes the flavor up a notch. Whether you want an appetizer, a main course, or a fun game-day snack, this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe is a total winner.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe plays a role in building that perfect texture and taste combination. I recommend getting fresh chicken tenderloins and good-quality mayonnaise to make the sauce extra creamy and luscious.

• Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and balances the sauce’s flavors beautifully.
• Thai sweet chili sauce: The sweet and mildly spicy kick makes this sauce special.
• Sriracha: Adds heat—feel free to adjust the spice level to your liking.
• Honey: Sweetens the sauce and rounds out the spice with a touch of floral notes.
• Chicken tenderloins: Tender and quick-cooking, these work perfectly for crisp frying.
• Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and helps the batter stick better.
• All-purpose flour & Cornstarch: These create that crispy coating that stays crunchy.
• Egg: Binds the batter ingredients for a smooth, thick coating.
• Garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken batter and enhancing flavor.
• Panko breadcrumbs: Provide the lightest, crunchiest texture—don’t skip these!
• Canola oil: Best for frying because it has a high smoke point and neutral flavor.
• Parsley: A fresh, herbaceous garnish that adds color and brightness.

Variations

I love that this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe is super adaptable—so don’t be afraid to make it your own! Whether you want a gluten-free version, a vegetarian twist, or just want to ramp up the spice, I’ve got you covered.

• Gluten-Free: Swap regular flour and panko for gluten-free versions; I tried this and found the texture still crispy and satisfying.
• Spicy Boost: Add extra Sriracha or some chili flakes to the batter or sauce for a fiery punch that my spice-loving friends adore.
• Oven-Baked: If frying’s not your thing, bake the coated chicken at 425°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway—I’ve tested this for a lighter version and it still hits the spot.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Bang Bang Sauce

Start by whisking together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey in a small bowl. I usually make this first so the flavors have a little time to meld while I prepare the chicken. Trust me, it makes the sauce even tastier.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

In a medium bowl, mix buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Toss in your chicken tenderloins and make sure each piece is coated evenly. This batter is what helps lock in moisture and create a crispy shell.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Pour plain panko breadcrumbs on a shallow plate. Take each piece of coated chicken and gently shake off excess batter before pressing it onto the panko crumbs. My trick is to press just enough to make the crumbs stick but not so much that you lose that light crunch.

Step 4: Fry to Perfection

Heat about an inch of canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 365°F (use a kitchen thermometer if you have one). Fry the chicken in batches, avoiding crowding the pan, until golden brown—about 2-3 minutes per side. Cooking at the right temperature is key, so your chicken stays juicy inside while crisping up outside.

Step 5: Toss with Sauce and Serve

Drain the fried chicken on paper towels briefly, then toss it with the bang bang sauce until every bite is coated. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for color and a bit of freshness. Serve immediately and get ready for the compliments!

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping my bang bang chicken with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of green and a hint of freshness. Sometimes, I like a squeeze of lime juice to brighten the flavors even more—totally optional but so good!

Side Dishes

For sides, creamy coleslaw, steamed jasmine rice, or even a simple cucumber salad work perfectly. It’s a combo that balances the richness of the chicken and sauce while keeping things fresh and light.

Creative Ways to Present

One of my favorite ways to present this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe is in lettuce wraps—perfect for casual parties or when you want a low-carb option. For a crowd, you can serve the chicken bites on skewers with extra bang bang sauce on the side for dipping. It always gets rave reviews!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover bang bang chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the coating from getting soggy, I cool the chicken completely then separate layers with parchment paper.

Freezing

Freezing works well if you flash freeze the fried chicken on a sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag. This way, pieces don’t stick together. I’ve reheated frozen bang bang chicken with great results, making it a lifesaver for busy nights.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes, turning halfway, which helps keep the coating crispy. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that crunch!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Bang Bang Chicken Recipe really holds a special place in my kitchen—it’s one of those dishes that feels like a celebration even on an ordinary night. From the crunchy coating to the irresistible sauce, it’s comfort food that never gets old. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do; it’s the kind of recipe that brings smiles and seconds every single time.

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