Crispy, juicy, and drenched in a creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce—this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Imagine perfectly crunchy chicken bites coated in a bold, flavor-packed sauce that hits all the right notes: a little heat, a little sweetness, and a whole lot of deliciousness. Whether you’re making it for a game day snack, an easy weeknight dinner, or just because you’re craving something insanely good, trust me—you’re going to love this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Crunchy – Thanks to a perfect blend of panko breadcrumbs, flour, and cornstarch, every bite is shatteringly crisp.
- That Signature Sauce – Creamy, spicy, sweet—this sauce is so good you’ll want to put it on everything.
- Better Than Takeout – No need to order out when you can make this restaurant-quality dish at home!
- Easy to Customize – Adjust the spice level to your liking, or even swap the protein for shrimp or tofu.
Ingredients
Get everything ready before you start—this dish comes together quickly!
For the Chicken:
- Chicken Tenderloins – Juicy and perfect for bite-sized pieces.
- Garlic Powder – Adds a subtle depth of flavor to the breading.
- All-Purpose Flour & Cornstarch – The perfect combo for an ultra-crispy coating.
- Kosher Salt & Black Pepper – Essential seasonings to enhance the chicken.
- Cayenne Pepper – A touch of heat for a little kick (optional but recommended!).
- Egg & Buttermilk – Helps the breading stick while keeping the chicken tender.
- Panko Breadcrumbs – The key to that signature crunch!
- Canola Oil – For frying to golden perfection.
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- Mayonnaise – The creamy base of the sauce.
- Thai Sweet Chili Sauce – Brings the perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
- Sriracha – Adds heat; adjust to taste.
- Honey – A touch of sweetness to round out the flavors.
📌 Note: The full ingredient list with exact measurements is in the recipe card below!
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey. Set it aside so the flavors can meld.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
Grab three bowls:
- Mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne in one.
- Whisk the egg with buttermilk in another.
- Place the panko breadcrumbs in the third.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken piece into the flour mixture, then into the buttermilk mixture, and finally into the panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly so they stick.
Step 4: Fry to Crispy Perfection
Heat canola oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 3–4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
Step 5: Toss in Sauce & Serve
Gently toss the crispy chicken in the bang bang sauce, or serve it on the side for dipping. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Double-Coat for Extra Crunch – For even crispier chicken, dip it back into the buttermilk and panko for a second coating.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Fry in batches so the oil stays hot, ensuring crispy chicken instead of soggy pieces.
- Let the Chicken Rest – After frying, place it on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep it crispy.
- Adjust the Heat – Add more or less sriracha depending on your spice preference.
How to Serve
Bang Bang Chicken is best served fresh and crispy, but here are some fun ways to enjoy it:
- Classic Style – With extra bang bang sauce on the side for dipping.
- Over Rice – Drizzle with extra sauce and serve over steamed jasmine rice.
- Taco Style – Stuff into warm tortillas with slaw and a squeeze of lime.
- Salad Topping – Add to a crisp salad for a spicy, crunchy protein boost.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate for the best texture.
Freezing
Freeze the breaded, uncooked chicken on a baking sheet, then transfer it to a freezer bag. Fry straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
For best results, reheat in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes or in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave—it’ll make the breading soggy!
Variations
Want to switch things up? Here are a few creative ways to put your own twist on this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe:
- Chicken Meatloaf Twist – Want to incorporate bang bang flavors in a whole new way? Try a Chicken Meatloaf and drizzle it with the signature bang bang sauce for a bold, saucy finish.
- Bang Bang Chicken Cordon Bleu – Love the crispy coating and creamy sauce? Take it a step further by stuffing chicken with ham and cheese like in Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf—then slather it with bang bang sauce for a spicy, indulgent twist.
- Experiment with Sauces – If you love sauce variations, explore other creamy, cheesy, or tangy sauces like the ones used in Chicken Cordon Bleu Sauce to create your own custom version of Bang Bang Chicken.
FAQs
Can I bake or air-fry this instead of deep frying?
Yes! Bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. For an air fryer, cook at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise in the sauce?
You can substitute Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter version with a slight tang.
How spicy is Bang Bang Chicken?
It has a mild kick, but you can adjust the spice by adding more or less sriracha.
Can I use chicken breast instead of tenderloins?
Absolutely! Just cut the chicken breast into even, bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Crispy, spicy, and absolutely irresistible—this Bang Bang Chicken is a game-changer! Whether you’re making it for a party, a quick dinner, or just to satisfy a craving, this dish delivers serious flavor. Give it a try and get ready to fall in love! 💥🍗🔥