Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

If you love a dish that brings the perfect balance of crunchy, creamy, and spicy in every bite, you are going to be obsessed with this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe. It’s that irresistibly crispy fried chicken coated with a luscious, flavorful sauce that manages to be sweet, tangy, and just the right amount of kick all at once. Whether you’re craving a satisfying weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe will quickly become one of your go-to favorites, impressing everyone with its texture and vibrant flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe is how straightforward the ingredient list is, yet each plays a crucial role in building those amazing layers of taste and texture. From the crispy coating to the creamy, spicy sauce, every item is essential to creating that perfect harmony on your plate.

• Mayonnaise: Adds a creamy base for the bang bang sauce, balancing the heat and sweetness.
• Thai sweet chili sauce: Delivers a fruity sweetness with a mild spicy note for that signature glaze.
• Sriracha: Provides a flavorful kick; adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance.
• Honey: Brings a natural sweetness that rounds out the sauce beautifully.
• Boneless skinless chicken tenderloins: Tender and easy to cook, perfect for getting that juicy interior.
• Buttermilk: Helps tenderize the chicken and makes the batter light and fluffy.
• All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the crispy batter.
• Cornstarch: Adds extra crunch to the coating, giving it that irresistible crisp.
• Egg: Binds the batter ingredients together for even coating.
• Garlic powder: Infuses subtle savory depth into the batter.
• Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance the overall flavor.
• Cayenne pepper (optional): Adds a mild heat boost for those who want extra spice.
• Panko breadcrumbs: Light, airy breadcrumbs that create the perfect crunchy crust.
• Canola oil: Ideal for frying due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor.
• Parsley (chopped): Brightens the dish with fresh color and a hint of herbal freshness for garnish.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce

Start by mixing together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey in a small bowl. This sauce is the heart and soul of the dish—it’s creamy, sweet, and spicy all at once, and it will perfectly coat your crispy chicken. Once combined, set it aside so the flavors can meld as you cook the chicken.

Step 2: Make the Chicken Batter

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. This batter will envelop the chicken tenderloins, adding flavor and that amazing crispy texture you crave. Toss the chicken in the batter until every piece is fully coated.

Step 3: Coat with Panko Breadcrumbs

Transfer panko breadcrumbs to a shallow plate. One by one, gently lift each battered chicken tender, letting any excess batter drip off, then dredge thoroughly in the panko, pressing slightly to make sure the crumbs stick well. This step guarantees a crispy, golden crust once fried.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Pour about an inch of canola oil into a large skillet and heat it over medium-high heat until it reaches 365°F (you can use a thermometer for accuracy). Adding too many pieces at once will lower the oil temperature, so work in batches. Fry each piece for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until beautifully golden and the internal temperature hits 165°F. Drain the chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.

Step 5: Toss and Serve

While the chicken is still warm, drizzle with the prepared bang bang sauce and toss lightly to coat every crispy piece. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately and get ready for those perfectly balanced bites of spicy, sweet, and crunchy goodness.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Adding freshly chopped parsley is a simple yet elegant way to complete this dish. The herbaceous brightness cuts through the richness of the fried chicken and the creamy sauce, adding just enough freshness to keep each bite exciting. For an extra pop of color and zing, feel free to sprinkle some thinly sliced green onions or a few sesame seeds.

Side Dishes

Bang Bang Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with light and vibrant sides to complement its bold flavors. Think fluffy jasmine rice, a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette, or even steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas. For a heartier option, creamy coleslaw or garlic mashed potatoes make satisfying companions that soak up the delicious sauce perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving this dish at a party or want to switch things up, try plating the chicken over a bed of noodles tossed lightly with sesame oil and scallions. Alternatively, turn it into an irresistible wrap by filling steamed buns or tortillas with bang bang chicken, fresh lettuce, and a drizzle of extra sauce. The options are endless—get creative and have fun sharing this addictive dish!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftover Bang Bang Chicken Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the chicken’s crispy texture, separate the sauce and chicken, adding the sauce only when ready to serve. This way, your chicken won’t get soggy overnight.

Freezing

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked, breaded chicken tenders before frying. Lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a resealable bag. When ready, fry from frozen and toss with the sauce. Avoid freezing chicken that is already coated with the bang bang sauce to maintain texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, place the chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet and warm in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes. This helps maintain its crunch much better than microwaving. Add the bang bang sauce just before serving, ensuring each piece stays crisp and flavorful.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Yes! If using chicken breasts, slice them into strips similar in size to tenders to ensure even cooking. The cooking time might be slightly longer depending on thickness, so check for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they’re fully cooked.

How spicy is this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe?

The spice level is moderate and depends mostly on the amount of Sriracha you add. You can adjust it to be milder or hotter easily by reducing or increasing the Sriracha and cayenne pepper to suit your taste buds.

Is it possible to bake the chicken instead of frying?

Absolutely! For a lighter version, you can bake the panko-coated chicken on a greased baking sheet at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crispy. The texture won’t be quite as crunchy as frying, but it’s still delicious.

Can I prepare the bang bang sauce in advance?

Yes, the sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. This actually helps the flavors blend even better, making it tastier when you’re ready to serve.

What can I substitute if I don’t have Thai sweet chili sauce?

If you can’t find Thai sweet chili sauce, you can mix a combination of honey, rice vinegar, and a little chili garlic sauce or Sriracha to mimic the sweet and spicy profile. It won’t be identical but will still deliver great flavor in the bang bang sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Bang Bang Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day — crispy, creamy, spicy, and downright addictive. Once you make it, you’ll see why it’s become a favorite for so many, offering something special that’s easy enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for guests. Give it a try, and prepare to fall in love bite after delicious bite.

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