There’s nothing quite like the satisfying crunch of crispy fried chicken, especially when it’s coated in a sweet and spicy blend that leaves your taste buds dancing. I was inspired to create this Bang Bang Chicken recipe after a spontaneous craving hit—one of those moments when I realized I was tired of the same old fast-food routine. With panko-crusted tenderloins fried to golden perfection and smothered in a homemade bang bang sauce, this dish has quickly become my go-to for impressing guests and indulging in a flavorful dinner—all without the fuss!
Both quick to prepare and utterly delicious, this Bang Bang Chicken straddles the line between an enticing appetizer or a satisfying centerpiece. Plus, you can easily switch it up with variations like Bang Bang Shrimp or even zesty chicken skewers for your next grill night. Trust me, this crispy delight is bound to become a favorite in your home, just as it has in mine. Ready to dive into a flavor explosion? Let’s get cooking!
Why Will You Crave Bang Bang Chicken?
Crispy Texture: The panko breadcrumbs create a satisfying crunch that perfectly complements the tender chicken inside.
Flavor Fusion: A delightful blend of sweet and spicy homemade bang bang sauce will tantalize your taste buds.
Quick Preparation: In under 30 minutes, you can serve up this mouthwatering dish—ideal for busy weeknights.
Versatile Variations: Easily adapt your dish with options like Bang Bang Shrimp or Chicken Skewers for endless enjoyment.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Whether as an appetizer or a main dish, it’s bound to impress family and friends at any gathering.
Healthier Alternative: Skip the takeout and indulge in a homemade version, ensuring fresh ingredients and full flavor without guilt.
Bang Bang Chicken Ingredients
For the Bang Bang Sauce
• Mayonnaise – a creamy base that balances the heat with richness.
• Thai Sweet Chili Sauce – adds a sweet kick, making your sauce irresistible.
• Sriracha – a tablespoon delivers the heat; adjust to your liking for the perfect balance.
• Honey – a sweetener to counteract the spices, creating depth in flavor.
For the Chicken
• Chicken Tenderloins – 1½ pounds will bring tenderness and juiciness to your dish; alternatively, cut chicken breasts into strips.
• Buttermilk – 1 cup helps to tenderize the chicken; a homemade substitute can be made if needed.
• All-Purpose Flour – ¾ cup, essential for achieving that crispy outer layer.
• Cornstarch – ½ cup boosts the crispiness when fried, making each bite satisfying.
• Egg – 1 large egg, at room temperature, binds the breadcrumbs to the chicken.
• Sriracha – 1 tablespoon adds flavor dynamism; adjust for heat preference.
• Garlic Powder – enhances the savory depth of the breading mixture.
• Kosher Salt – brings all the flavors together and highlights the taste of the chicken.
• Black Pepper – for a touch of sharpness to balance the richness.
• Cayenne Pepper – ⅛ teaspoon is optional for those who crave an extra kick.
• Panko Breadcrumbs – 2 cups create a light, crunchy coating, making the Bang Bang Chicken truly delightful.
For Frying
• Canola Oil – enough to fill the skillet to about 1 inch, heated to 365°F for a perfect fry.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken
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Prepare Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. This sweet and spicy sauce adds a delicious kick to your crispy chicken. Set aside while you focus on the chicken!
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Coat Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Add the chicken tenderloins, tossing to coat them evenly in the mixture. The buttermilk will keep the chicken moist and flavorful!
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Dredging: On a shallow plate, spread out the panko breadcrumbs. Remove the coated chicken from the batter, shaking off any excess, then dredge in panko. Make sure to press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to ensure a thick, crunchy coating.
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Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of canola oil over medium-high heat until it reaches a temperature of 365°F. This ensures your chicken will fry up golden brown and crispy without soaking in oil.
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Fry Chicken: Working in batches for even cooking, gently place the chicken in the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and an internal temperature of 165°F is achieved. Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
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Serve: Toss the cooked chicken in the reserved bang bang sauce until well-coated. Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor, then serve warm for an irresistible treat!
Optional: Serve with fresh veggies or a side salad for a complete, satisfying meal.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Bang Bang Chicken Variations
Feel free to make this dish your own with these delightful twists and substitutions!
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Vegetarian: Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh, marinating them in buttermilk before coating and frying for a similar texture. These options absorb flavors beautifully while being meat-free.
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Seafood Sensation: Use shrimp or salmon in place of chicken. Adjust cooking times accordingly; shrimp needs just a few minutes, and salmon may take slightly longer depending on thickness.
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Spicy Kick: Stir in crushed red pepper flakes or extra Sriracha into the Bang Bang sauce for those who enjoy an extra layer of heat. It creates an addictive spicy-sweet experience!
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Herb and Citrus Twist: Add zest from lemon or lime to the sauce for a refreshing twist. Fresh chopped herbs like cilantro or basil can also elevate the flavor profile beautifully, brightening each bite.
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Baked Version: For a healthier twist, drizzle the coated chicken with oil and bake at 425°F for 12-15 minutes. You still get a satisfying crunch without frying!
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Dairy-Free Delight: Substitute buttermilk with almond milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar for a dairy-free option. This ensures a moist chicken without compromising flavour!
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Gluten-Free Crunch: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice cereal instead of panko to accommodate gluten sensitivities while still retaining that delightful crunch.
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Fruit Fusion: Incorporate diced pineapple or mango into the sauce for a fruity touch. The sweetness pairs wonderfully with the spicy elements of the Bang Bang sauce.
Each of these variations invites you to explore and enjoy this recipe even more!
What to Serve with Bang Bang Chicken?
Creating a memorable meal is all about the perfect pairings that enhance the main dish and delight your guests’ taste buds.
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Crispy Oven Fries: These golden, crunchy fries are a perfect match, offering a hearty side that complements the light texture of the chicken.
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Fresh Garden Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a citrus vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the spicy bang bang sauce. It’s the perfect palate cleanser!
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Steamed Broccoli: Tender, steamed broccoli adds a vibrant green and subtle earthiness to your plate, balancing the heat and richness of the chicken beautifully.
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Zesty Coleslaw: The crunch of coleslaw dressed in a tangy sauce brings a delightful crunch and coolness that marries well with the bold flavors of the dish.
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Garlic Rice: Aromatic garlic rice offers a subtle savory note while soaking up the sweet and spicy bang bang sauce, enhancing each bite.
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Mango Salsa: A sweet and fruity mango salsa adds an exotic touch and freshness that perfectly contrasts with the crispy bang bang chicken, bringing a summer vibe to your meal.
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Chilled White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing Riesling accentuates the flavors of the spicy chicken, making it a perfect drink pairing.
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Chocolate Lava Cake: End your meal on a sweet note with a warm chocolate lava cake that adds a rich dessert experience, balancing the flavors and textures of your delightful entry.
Expert Tips for Bang Bang Chicken
- Oil Temperature: Keep your oil at 365°F while frying to achieve that perfect crispy texture without greasiness. Use a thermometer for accuracy!
- Coating Technique: Ensure chicken is thoroughly coated in the batter before dredging in panko. This step minimizes bare spots and maximizes crunchiness.
- Batch Frying: Avoid overcrowding the pan; fry chicken in small batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
- Air Fry Option: For a healthier twist, air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway for that crispy finish while skipping the oil.
- Storage Tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days; they’re great reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness, unlike the microwave.
Make Ahead Options
Bang Bang Chicken is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious homemade meal without the last-minute rush! You can prepare the bang bang sauce up to 5 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Additionally, you can coat the chicken tenderloins in the buttermilk mixture and bread them with panko up to 24 hours ahead; simply refrigerate until you’re ready to fry. To maintain their crispiness, avoid cooking them until right before serving. When you’re ready to enjoy your meal, simply heat the oil, fry the chicken for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown, toss in the sauce, and serve for a quick, weeknight delight!
How to Store and Freeze Bang Bang Chicken
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Ensure chicken is cooled before sealing to maintain freshness.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cooked Bang Bang Chicken for up to 6 months. Place pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.
Reheating: To reheat, place frozen chicken on a baking sheet at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through and crispy. Avoid using the microwave to keep the texture intact.
Thawing: If frozen, thaw chicken overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Bang Bang Chicken Recipe FAQs
How do I select ripe chicken tenderloins?
Absolutely! Look for chicken tenderloins that are pinkish in color with no dark spots or unpleasant odors. The meat should feel firm and moist to the touch. If they appear slimy or have a sour smell, it’s best to avoid them.
How should I store leftover Bang Bang Chicken?
After it cools, simply transfer the chicken to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. Make sure to allow it to cool before sealing the container, as this helps maintain freshness and prevents condensation buildup.
Can I freeze Bang Bang Chicken?
Very! To freeze, allow the cooked chicken to cool completely and arrange the pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet. Place them in the freezer until solid, about 1-2 hours. Then, transfer the chicken to a freezer-safe bag or container where it will stay good for up to 6 months.
What should I do if my Bang Bang Chicken isn’t crispy?
If you find your chicken turned out less crispy than expected, it could be due to overcrowding in the frying pan or the oil not being hot enough. Make sure to fry in small batches, and always check that the oil temperature is at 365°F. For a crispier outcome, try letting the chicken rest on a cooling rack after frying, which allows air to circulate and keeps it crispy.
Is this Bang Bang Chicken suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
When it comes to dietary considerations, you can easily make this dish gluten-free by substituting regular all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with their gluten-free counterparts. If you have a shellfish allergy, opting for chicken (or even tofu for a vegetarian variant) will work beautifully! As always, double-check your individual ingredients for any allergens.
How long can I store Bang Bang Sauce?
You can make the bang bang sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just keep it in an airtight container, and give it a quick stir before serving to restore its creamy consistency.
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken: Quick Homemade Delight!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Add chicken tenderloins and toss to coat evenly.
- On a shallow plate, spread out panko breadcrumbs. Remove coated chicken from batter, shake off excess, then dredge in panko.
- Heat canola oil in a large skillet to 365°F. Ensure chicken fries golden brown and crispy.
- Working in batches, gently place chicken in hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Toss cooked chicken in reserved bang bang sauce until well-coated. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.