Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich

If you’re craving a sandwich that delivers crunch, spice, and a little sweetness all in one bite, the Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich is your new go-to. Juicy chicken tenders, coated in creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce, are paired with a vibrant slaw of red cabbage, carrots, and cilantro—all sandwiched between toasted buns. It’s messy, flavorful, and totally satisfying.

This sandwich is perfect for busy weeknights, casual lunches, or even game-day gatherings. The combination of textures—crispy chicken, crunchy slaw, and soft buns—makes every bite exciting, while the Bang Bang sauce ties everything together with its creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy kick.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

• Bold flavors: Sweet, spicy, tangy, and savory all in one sandwich.
• Crunchy texture: The slaw and crispy chicken create a satisfying bite.
• Quick and easy: Ready in just 31 minutes from start to finish.
• Customizable: Use homemade Bang Bang chicken or store-bought tenders.
• Family-friendly: A fun twist on a classic chicken sandwich that appeals to all ages.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy chicken with creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce.
• Crunchy slaw adds freshness and texture.
• Quick prep makes it ideal for weeknight dinners.
• Perfectly portable for lunch or picnic-style meals.
• Can be customized with toppings like avocado, pickles, or extra slaw.

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe serves 4 sandwiches.

Slaw

• 2 cups (140 g) thinly sliced red cabbage
• 1 large carrot, julienned
• ¼ cup (15 g) freshly chopped cilantro
• ¼ cup Bang Bang sauce (from your prepared recipe; adjust for desired spice)

Chicken

• 1 recipe Bang Bang chicken, prepared and warm (or 8-12 store-bought breaded chicken tenders/patties)

Sandwich

• 4 hamburger buns, toasted
• Extra Bang Bang sauce for drizzling

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Medium mixing bowl for slaw
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Skillet, air fryer, or oven for warming chicken
• Toaster or skillet for buns
• Tongs for assembly

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Slaw

1. In a medium bowl, combine sliced red cabbage, julienned carrot, chopped cilantro, and ¼ cup Bang Bang sauce.
2. Toss well until all ingredients are evenly coated. Adjust sauce as needed for desired creaminess and spice.

Preparing the Chicken

3. If using homemade Bang Bang chicken, prepare it according to your recipe and keep warm.
4. For store-bought breaded chicken tenders or patties, heat them according to package instructions until fully warmed.

Assembling the Sandwich

5. Toast hamburger buns until golden and slightly crispy.
6. Place 2–3 prepared Bang Bang chicken tenders on the bottom half of each toasted bun.
7. Add about ¼ cup of slaw on top of the chicken tenders.
8. Drizzle additional Bang Bang sauce over the slaw for extra flavor.
9. Place the top half of the bun over each sandwich.
10. Serve immediately, enjoying the perfect mix of crunch, spice, and creaminess.

Tips & Variations

• Adjust spice level: Increase or decrease Bang Bang sauce depending on heat preference.
• Extra crunch: Add sliced cucumbers, pickles, or thinly sliced radishes to the slaw.
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free buns and store-bought chicken tenders.
• Protein variations: Swap chicken tenders for chicken thighs, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Meal prep: Prepare slaw ahead and store in an airtight container; assemble sandwiches just before serving.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

• Crunchy and fresh: Red cabbage and carrots provide texture.
• Sweet and spicy: Bang Bang sauce adds creaminess, sweetness, and a gentle kick.
• Savory: Chicken tenders are perfectly seasoned, creating a satisfying contrast to the sauce.

Suggested Sides

• Sweet potato fries or regular fries
• Crispy potato chips or kettle chips
• Pickled vegetables or a simple cucumber salad
• Light green salad for contrast

Nutritional Overview

Approximate nutrition per sandwich:

• Calories: 696 kcal
• Protein: 32 g
• Carbohydrates: 58 g
• Fat: 38 g
• Fiber: 4 g

Dietary notes: Contains dairy if using homemade Bang Bang sauce with mayonnaise, gluten from buns (use gluten-free for adaptation), moderate to high protein, family-friendly.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Slaw can be made up to 1 day in advance; store in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Bang Bang chicken can be prepared ahead and kept warm, or cooked fresh when ready to assemble.
• Assemble sandwiches just before serving to prevent the bun from becoming soggy.

FAQs

1. Can I make this sandwich vegetarian?
Yes, replace chicken tenders with breaded tofu, tempeh, or a plant-based chicken substitute.

2. Can I use store-bought Bang Bang sauce?
Absolutely! Adjust the amount based on your spice preference.

3. How do I keep the buns from getting soggy?
Toast the buns well and add the slaw just before serving.

4. Can this sandwich be made ahead?
Yes, you can prepare chicken and slaw in advance; assemble sandwiches immediately before serving.

5. Can I use different bread?
Yes, brioche, sandwich rolls, or ciabatta buns all work beautifully.

Cooking Timeline (at a Glance)

Task	Time
Prepare slaw	5–7 min
Heat chicken tenders	5–6 min
Toast buns	2–3 min
Assemble sandwiches	5 min
Total	31 min

Serving Suggestions

• Serve immediately while the chicken is hot and crispy.
• Garnish with extra cilantro or Bang Bang sauce for presentation.
• Pair with fries, chips, or a light salad for a complete meal.
• Ideal for casual lunches, picnics, or game-day snacks.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Crunch: Add thinly sliced jalapeños to the slaw for extra heat.
2. Avocado Twist: Top sandwiches with avocado slices for creaminess.
3. Mini Sliders: Use small buns and 1 tender per slider for party appetizers.
4. Asian-Inspired: Add pickled carrots and daikon along with sriracha drizzle for fusion flavor.

Ingredient Spotlight

Bang Bang Sauce:

• Creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet—ties the sandwich together.
• Can be homemade or store-bought; adjustable for spice.

Red Cabbage Slaw:

• Adds crunch, freshness, and color.
• Pairs perfectly with creamy, spicy chicken.

Chicken Tenders:

• Crispy exterior with juicy interior makes the sandwich indulgent and satisfying.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Ensure chicken tenders are warmed properly for optimal texture.
• Toss slaw in sauce just before assembling to avoid sogginess.
• Toast buns lightly for extra flavor and structure.
• Layer sauce, chicken, and slaw evenly for every bite to have perfect balance.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigeration: Store slaw separately for up to 24 hours; chicken can be stored for 1–2 days.
• Freezing: Cooked chicken tenders can be frozen; thaw and reheat before assembly.
• Avoid freezing assembled sandwiches—buns may become soggy.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Sandwich)

Nutrient	Amount	Notes
Calories	696 kcal
Protein	32 g	High-protein
Carbohydrates	58 g	From bun and slaw
Fat	38 g	From chicken coating and sauce
Fiber	4 g	From cabbage and carrots
Sugar	6 g	From Bang Bang sauce

Dietary Notes: Contains dairy and gluten (can adapt), high-protein, moderate-carb, family-friendly.

Expanded Conclusion

The Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich is a flavor-packed meal that balances creamy, spicy chicken with crunchy, fresh slaw on a toasted bun. Quick to prepare, versatile, and totally satisfying, it’s perfect for weeknights, game days, or casual gatherings.

Each bite delivers the perfect harmony of textures and flavors: crisp, tender chicken; creamy, slightly spicy sauce; crunchy slaw; and soft, toasted buns. It’s a sandwich that your family, friends, and taste buds will absolutely love.

Print