Bang Bang Chicken

If there’s a dish that instantly elevates any dinner table, it’s Bang Bang Chicken. With its crispy golden exterior, juicy tender chicken, and a creamy, sweet-spicy sauce that clings to every bite, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Inspired by Sichuan cuisine but adapted for Western tastes, it has become a global favorite — perfect for family dinners, parties, or a special weeknight treat.

From the first bite, you’ll experience a perfect harmony of textures and flavors: crunchy chicken, velvety sauce, a hint of sweetness from honey, and just the right kick of heat from Sriracha and cayenne. This recipe walks you step-by-step through creating that restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen — no deep-frying experience required!

Why Bang Bang Chicken is a Must-Make

Bang Bang Chicken stands out for its combination of crispy texture and creamy flavor. Unlike standard fried chicken, each tender is coated in a crunchy Panko layer that holds up under the luscious, spicy-sweet sauce. It’s indulgent but approachable, making it a perfect recipe for home cooks of all skill levels.

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or impressing friends at a casual gathering, this dish is versatile and universally loved. Plus, it’s easy to adjust the heat level for adults or children, and you can even bake or air-fry it for a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Perfection: Panko breadcrumbs give the chicken an ultra-crispy exterior that stays crunchy under the sauce.
• Sweet and Spicy Sauce: The combination of honey, Sriracha, and Thai sweet chili sauce creates a flavor-packed coating.
• Quick and Easy: From prep to plate in just 40 minutes.
• Family-Friendly: Mild enough for kids but customizable for spice lovers.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve as an appetizer, main course, or over rice or noodles for a full meal.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Impress friends and family with a dish that tastes like it belongs on a menu.

Ingredients Breakdown

Bang Bang Sauce

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
• 1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey

Chicken Tenders

• 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken tenderloins
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 2 cups plain Panko breadcrumbs
• Canola oil for frying
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Servings

Makes 12 crispy chicken tenders.

Tools & Equipment Needed

To achieve the perfect Bang Bang Chicken, gather the following:

• 1 small bowl for the sauce
• 1 medium bowl for the chicken marinade
• 1 plate for Panko breadcrumbs
• 1 large skillet or frying pan for frying
• Meat thermometer for checking doneness
• Paper towels for draining excess oil
• Whisk for mixing the sauce and marinade
• Tongs for turning chicken
• Serving platter

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

In a small bowl, combine:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
• 1 teaspoon Sriracha
• 2 tablespoons honey

Whisk until smooth and set aside. This creamy, sweet-spicy sauce will coat your chicken later and is the heart of the dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

• 1 cup buttermilk
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Once smooth, add 1 ½ pounds chicken tenderloins, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Let the chicken marinate for 10 minutes — this tenderizes the meat and infuses it with subtle flavor.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Place 2 cups Panko breadcrumbs on a plate. Remove each chicken tender from the marinade and coat evenly with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to make sure they adhere. Set aside on a clean plate, ready for frying.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Heat canola oil in a skillet over medium-high heat to 365°F (185°C). Fry chicken in batches for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Toss in the Bang Bang Sauce

Add the fried chicken tenders to the prepared Bang Bang Sauce. Toss carefully until each piece is coated evenly with the creamy, spicy glaze. The sauce should cling to the crispy exterior without making it soggy.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with chopped parsley for color and freshness. Serve immediately while warm.

Bang Bang Chicken is perfect as an appetizer, paired with steamed rice, or served alongside a crisp salad for a lighter option.

Tips & Variations

• Oil Temperature: Maintain 365°F to ensure the chicken stays crispy. Too low and it will absorb oil; too high and it may burn.
• Adjust the Spice: Add more Sriracha or cayenne for extra heat, or reduce for a milder version.
• Healthier Cooking: Bake or air fry the chicken instead of frying — the coating will still crisp nicely with minimal oil.
• Extra Crunch: Double-dip the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture for an ultra-crispy crust.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and Panko breadcrumbs.
• Serving Ideas: Serve over rice, in tacos, or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

Bang Bang Chicken is an explosion of textures and flavors:

• Crispy exterior: Panko breadcrumbs create a light, crunchy crust.
• Juicy interior: Tender, perfectly cooked chicken.
• Creamy-sweet-spicy sauce: Mayonnaise and honey provide sweetness, Thai sweet chili sauce and Sriracha add balanced heat.

Ideal side dishes include:

• Steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice
• Fresh green salad with lime vinaigrette
• Stir-fried vegetables like broccoli or snap peas

Nutritional Overview (Per Tender)

Calories	Protein (g)	Carbs (g)	Fat (g)	Fiber (g)
350	20	25	18	1

Note: Estimated per serving; may vary based on portion size and ingredient brands.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Bang Bang Sauce: Can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
• Chicken Marinade: Marinate the chicken for 10 minutes as instructed, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
• Frying Ahead: Fry chicken and store in the fridge for 1 day. Reheat in a hot oven (350°F) to retain crispiness before tossing in sauce.
• Freezing Option: Do not freeze coated chicken after adding sauce — it will make the coating soggy. Freeze fried, uncoated chicken if needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
Yes, but slice them into strips to ensure even cooking.

2. Can this recipe be baked instead of fried?
Absolutely! Coat the chicken and bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway.

3. How can I make it less spicy?
Reduce or omit the Sriracha and cayenne pepper in both the sauce and marinade.

4. Can I make the sauce ahead?
Yes, store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Toss with freshly fried chicken before serving.

5. How do I keep the coating crispy after tossing in sauce?
Toss gently and serve immediately. If needed, drizzle sauce on top rather than fully coating the chicken.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Task	Time
Prepare Sauce	5 minutes
Marinate Chicken	10 minutes
Coat Chicken	5 minutes
Fry Chicken	10 minutes
Toss in Sauce & Serve	5 minutes
Total Time	40 minutes

Serving Suggestions

• Serve on a large platter for a party appetizer.
• Pair with steamed rice or noodles for a full entrée.
• Add garnish parsley or sliced green onions for color.
• Offer extra sauce on the side for dipping.

Recipe Variations

1. Bang Bang Shrimp: Swap chicken for shrimp for a seafood twist.
2. Spicy Ranch Bang Bang: Mix ranch dressing into the sauce for a creamy, tangy alternative.
3. Vegetarian Option: Use crispy tofu instead of chicken. Coat in the same marinade and fry or bake.
4. Bang Bang Tacos: Slice fried chicken and serve in soft tortillas with shredded cabbage and sauce drizzle.

Ingredient Spotlight: Panko Breadcrumbs

Panko breadcrumbs are key to achieving that light, crunchy exterior. Unlike regular breadcrumbs, they absorb less oil and maintain crispiness when coated with sauce.

• Storage: Keep in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
• Tip: For extra crunch, toast panko lightly in a skillet before coating chicken.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Oil Temperature Matters: Use a thermometer for consistent frying.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Fry in batches to maintain crispiness.
• Gentle Tossing: Coat in sauce carefully to keep the crunch intact.
• Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken and quality mayonnaise give the best flavor.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigeration: Keep sauce and fried chicken separate in airtight containers for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: Freeze fried chicken (without sauce) up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a 350°F oven to retain crispiness.
• Do Not Freeze Sauce-Coated Chicken: The sauce will compromise the crunch.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Calories	Protein (g)	Carbs (g)	Fat (g)	Fiber (g)
350	20	25	18	1

Dietary Notes: Contains gluten (breadcrumbs) and eggs/dairy in sauce. Can be adapted for gluten-free and vegan versions with substitutions.

Expanded Conclusion

Bang Bang Chicken is the ultimate sweet, spicy, creamy, and crispy comfort food that brings excitement to any meal. It’s approachable, flavorful, and perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Whether you’re serving it as a main course over rice or as an appetizer for a party, this dish never disappoints. The crunchy chicken and luscious sauce create a combination that’s addictive in the best way.

Try this recipe, tweak it to your liking, and watch it become a family favorite. Don’t forget to share it with friends and return for more delicious, approachable recipes like this one.

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