Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe because it’s that perfect mix of crispy, creamy, and spicy all in one bite. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish to wow guests, this recipe delivers big flavor without the fuss. I remember the first time I made it; my family went crazy for the crunchy chicken coated in that zingy, sweet, and spicy sauce—it quickly became a dinner favorite!

You’ll find that the Bang Bang Chicken Recipe works beautifully as a main dish, a fun appetizer, or even tossed into salads for a tasty twist. Plus, the homemade Bang Bang sauce is a cinch to whip up and can be adjusted to suit your heat preference. Trust me, once you’ve tried it, you’ll want to keep this one in your regular rotation.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

I love how these ingredients come together—simple staples with a few special touches like Thai sweet chili sauce and Sriracha that make this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe stand out. When you shop for these, freshness matters, especially for the chicken and buttermilk.

• Mayonnaise: Use a good quality mayo for a creamy, rich base in the sauce.
• Thai sweet chili sauce: Adds the perfect sweet-spicy kick that’s signature to bang bang sauce.
• Sriracha: Adjust to taste for your preferred heat level.
• Honey: Balances the spiciness with natural sweetness.
• Boneless skinless chicken tenderloins: Tender pieces that cook quickly and stay juicy.
• Buttermilk: Helps tenderize the chicken and adds tangy flavor.
• All-purpose flour and Cornstarch: The combo creates a wonderfully crispy coating.
• Egg: Anchors the batter so the breading sticks well.
• Garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper: For seasoning the batter and adding depth.
• Panko breadcrumbs: Use plain for maximum crunch; avoid flavored varieties.
• Canola oil: Perfect for frying with a high smoke point.
• Parsley: A fresh garnish that brightens up the dish.

Variations

I like to switch things up every now and then with this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe—it’s so versatile! Feel free to play with the heat, swap ingredients, or even make it lighter or gluten-free depending on what you have on hand.

• Spicy Bang Bang: I add an extra teaspoon of Sriracha to the sauce for a fiery kick that my spice-loving friends adore.
• Gluten-Free Version: Using gluten-free flour and gluten-free panko works just as well for those avoiding gluten.
• Baked Instead of Fried: For a lighter take, try baking the chicken at 425°F until crispy, around 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with battered cauliflower florets for a tasty plant-based twist.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up Your Bang Bang Sauce

Start by mixing the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. I usually taste it at this stage to adjust the heat or sweetness—it’s the magic blend that brings everything together. Set this aside while you prep your chicken so the flavors can meld a bit.

Step 2: Prepare Your Chicken Batter and Bread Crumbs

In a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if you like a hint of heat. Add the chicken tenders and toss them in this mixture until every piece is coated nicely—this helps keep the chicken juicy and ensures the breading sticks perfectly.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken in Panko

Pour the panko breadcrumbs onto a shallow plate. One by one, lift each chicken tender from the batter, letting excess drip off gently, then dredge it in the panko, pressing lightly so the crumbs cling well. Lay the coated tenders on a clean plate, and repeat until you’ve coated all the pieces. This step is where you get that incredible crunch you’ll love!

Step 4: Fry the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Add about an inch of canola oil to a large skillet and heat it over medium-high. You’ll want the oil around 365°F for perfect frying. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, fry the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until they’re beautifully golden and the internal temperature hits 165°F. Drain them on paper towels to keep them crisp and free of excess oil.

Step 5: Toss and Serve

Transfer the warm, crispy chicken to a large bowl, drizzle with your Bang Bang sauce, and toss gently until each piece is coated just right. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness—then dig in! This is when all the flavors come together in one irresistible bite.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing my Bang Bang Chicken with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley—it adds a lovely pop of color and a herbal brightness that cuts through the richness. Sometimes, I toss on some sliced scallions or a few toasted sesame seeds for extra texture and flavor.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs wonderfully with simple steamed jasmine rice or fragrant coconut rice to soak up all that yummy sauce. For a lighter meal, serve it alongside crisp cucumber salad or a crunchy slaw with a citrusy dressing—both balance the flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, I’ve served Bang Bang Chicken on skewers as an appetizer with extra dipping sauce on the side—everyone loved the bite-sized convenience. Another fun idea is to use the crispy chicken to top off a vibrant Asian-inspired salad or wrap it in lettuce leaves for a light, fresh handheld treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator, usually for up to 3 days. To keep the chicken crispy, I like to separate it from the sauce and toss it just before serving again.

Freezing

Freezing is a bit tricky because breaded fried chicken can lose its crispness, but I’ve had success freezing the cooked chicken (without sauce) in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transferring to a freezer bag. Defrost fully before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat leftover Bang Bang Chicken, I like to use the oven or a toaster oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes to revive the crispiness without drying it out. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that crunchy texture intact.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes because it checks all the boxes: quick, flavorful, crispy, and totally satisfying. I can’t recommend it enough if you want something to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Give it a try, tweak it to your liking, and I’m pretty sure you’ll catch yourself making it again and again—just like I did!

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