If you love crispy fried chicken with a perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and a creamy kick, then this Bang Bang Chicken recipe is for you. Imagine tender chicken strips coated in a light, crunchy panko crust, deep-fried to golden perfection, and drizzled with a bold, creamy, and spicy Bang Bang sauce. It’s the kind of dish that will have everyone reaching for seconds—whether you’re making it for a casual dinner, game night, or a weekend treat.
This dish takes inspiration from the ever-popular Bang Bang Shrimp, which is known for its crispy texture and flavorful sauce. By replacing shrimp with chicken, we get an equally irresistible version that is more filling and perfect for any occasion. The combination of crispy panko breadcrumbs, juicy chicken, and the legendary Bang Bang sauce makes this dish a must-try.
What makes Bang Bang Chicken even better is its versatility. You can fry it for the ultimate crunch, bake it for a healthier option, or even cook it in an air fryer for a balance between crispiness and convenience. Serve it as an appetizer, a main course with rice, or even as part of a sandwich—there’s no wrong way to enjoy it.
Get ready to impress your friends and family with this restaurant-quality dish that’s easy to make at home. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe a winner and how you can make it perfectly every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Extra Crispy, Extra Juicy
The combination of buttermilk marinade and panko breadcrumbs creates a crispy outer layer while keeping the chicken inside tender and juicy. No dry chicken here—just perfect bites every time.
2. Irresistible Bang Bang Sauce
The sauce is what makes this dish truly special. With creamy mayo, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey, it delivers the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and richness. It’s so good you’ll want to drizzle it on everything.
3. Easy to Make with Simple Ingredients
You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. Everything in this recipe is easy to find and straightforward to prepare. If you can coat and fry chicken, you can master this dish.
4. Perfect for Any Occasion
Bang Bang Chicken makes a great appetizer, party snack, or even a full meal when served with rice or salad. It’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone—from kids to adults—will love.
5. Customizable Cooking Methods
Whether you prefer deep-frying, baking, or air-frying, this recipe adapts to your needs. Choose your preferred cooking method and still enjoy that signature crunch.
Health Benefits
While Bang Bang Chicken is definitely an indulgent dish, you can make it healthier without sacrificing flavor. Here’s how:
1. Lean Protein Source
Chicken tenderloins are a great source of protein that helps build muscle, keep you full longer, and support overall health.
2. Customizable Cooking Options
Deep-frying creates an ultra-crispy texture, but if you’re watching your calorie intake, baking or air-frying significantly reduces the amount of oil used while still giving you a crispy result.
3. Homemade Sauce Means Better Ingredients
Unlike store-bought sauces, this Bang Bang sauce is made from scratch, allowing you to control the ingredients and avoid unnecessary preservatives.
4. Lighter Breading Alternative
If you want to make this even lighter, swap panko breadcrumbs for crushed cornflakes or almond flour for a lower-carb version.
By making small adjustments, you can enjoy Bang Bang Chicken while keeping it a bit healthier without losing its amazing taste.
Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4-6 servings
Nutrition (per serving):
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fats: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
Ingredients List
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1 cup mayonnaise (use light mayo for a healthier version)
- ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons honey
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins
- 1 cup buttermilk (full-fat preferred)
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 2 cups plain panko breadcrumbs
- Canola oil (for frying)
- Parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until smooth. Set aside.
2. Marinate the Chicken
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Add the chicken tenderloins and toss to coat evenly. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
3. Bread the Chicken
Place panko breadcrumbs on a shallow plate. Remove chicken from the marinade, shake off excess, then coat in panko, pressing slightly to help it stick.
4. Deep-Fry the Chicken
Heat about 1 inch of canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (365°F). Fry chicken in batches, 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F). Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
5. Serve & Garnish
Drizzle with Bang Bang sauce and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve immediately.
How to Serve
- Serve as an appetizer with extra Bang Bang sauce on the side.
- Pair with white rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a full meal.
- Stuff into a soft tortilla for Bang Bang Chicken tacos.
- Add to a sandwich with coleslaw and toasted buns for an irresistible crispy chicken sandwich.
Pairing Suggestions
- Side Dishes: Jasmine rice, garlic butter noodles, or grilled veggies.
- Beverages: Lemonade, iced tea, or a sparkling mocktail.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Keep in a freezer bag for up to 6 months.
- Reheat: Best reheated in a skillet or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the marinade: Buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and enhances flavor.
- Crowding the pan: Fry in batches to keep the oil hot and maintain crispiness.
- Overcooking: Use a thermometer to ensure 165°F internal temperature.
Pro Tips
- For extra crispiness, double-coat the chicken (dip in batter twice before panko).
- Use fresh oil to prevent a burnt taste.
- Let fried chicken rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels for better texture.
Creative Ways to Use Leftover Bang Bang Chicken
If you have extra Bang Bang Chicken, don’t let it go to waste! There are so many delicious ways to repurpose it into new meals. Try slicing it up and adding it to a crisp Asian-inspired salad with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a light sesame dressing. It also makes a fantastic Bang Bang Chicken wrap—just tuck it into a warm tortilla with lettuce, avocado, and a drizzle of extra sauce. You can also use the leftovers to create homemade Bang Bang Chicken sliders by placing the crispy chicken on small brioche buns with coleslaw. For a low-carb option, chop up the chicken and serve it in lettuce cups with diced cucumbers and a squeeze of lime. No matter how you repurpose it, that crispy, flavorful chicken will still be the star of the dish.
The History and Inspiration Behind Bang Bang Chicken
Bang Bang Chicken has a fascinating history rooted in Chinese cuisine. Traditionally, it comes from the Sichuan province of China, where shredded poached chicken is served cold with a spicy, nutty sauce made from sesame paste, soy sauce, and chili oil. The name comes from the method of “banging” or pounding the chicken with a wooden stick to make it more tender. The modern, Westernized version—popularized by restaurants—swaps the poached chicken for crispy fried chicken and replaces the nutty sauce with a sweet and spicy mayo-based Bang Bang sauce. While it has evolved into a completely different dish, it still carries the spirit of bold flavors and satisfying textures that made the original version so beloved.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken for a Crowd
If you’re hosting a party or gathering, Bang Bang Chicken is the perfect shareable dish. To serve a crowd, double the recipe and keep the chicken warm by placing it on a baking sheet in a low oven (200°F) while you finish frying the rest. For an easy serving method, set up a Bang Bang Chicken bar where guests can assemble their own plates with sides like slaw, rice, or wraps. Another great idea is to serve them as Bang Bang Chicken bites—cut the chicken into smaller pieces before frying and serve with toothpicks and a bowl of Bang Bang sauce for dipping. This way, guests can grab and enjoy without the need for utensils, making it an effortless party favorite.
How to Adjust the Spice Level for All Tastes
One of the best things about Bang Bang Chicken is how easily you can customize the spice level to suit different preferences. If you love a milder flavor, simply reduce the Sriracha in the sauce or swap it for a mild hot sauce. You can also add a little extra honey to balance out the heat while keeping the flavor intact. For those who enjoy more spice, increase the Sriracha, add a pinch of cayenne to the chicken coating, or stir some red pepper flakes into the sauce. If you’re serving a mixed crowd, make the sauce separately and offer extra hot sauce on the side, allowing everyone to adjust their portion to their liking. This way, both spice lovers and those with a milder palate can fully enjoy the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
How can I make it spicier?
Increase the Sriracha or add cayenne to the sauce.
Conclusion & Call to Action
This Bang Bang Chicken is crispy, flavorful, and downright addictive. Try it today and let us know how it turns out. Happy cooking!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
Crispy, golden-fried chicken tenders coated in a sweet and spicy Bang Bang sauce. This restaurant-style dish is easy to make at home and bursting with flavor!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp Sriracha
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Canola oil (for frying)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 tsp Sriracha
- 2 tbsp honey
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce by whisking together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Set aside.
- Marinate the chicken in a mixture of buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, and pepper for 10-15 minutes.
- Coat the chicken in panko breadcrumbs, pressing slightly to adhere.
- Heat oil in a pan to 365°F and fry chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain on paper towels, then drizzle with Bang Bang sauce.
- Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a healthier option, bake at 425°F for 12-15 minutes or air-fry at 400°F for 10 minutes.
- Adjust spice level by adding more or less Sriracha.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying (or baking/air frying)
- Cuisine: American-Asian Fusion
