Bang Bang Chicken is a crispy, juicy dish featuring golden-fried chicken tenders coated in a creamy, sweet, and spicy Bang Bang sauce. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main course, this crowd-pleasing dish delivers a satisfying crunch with a flavorful kick. Whether you’re serving it at a party or for a weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to be a hit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy & Juicy: The combination of buttermilk marination and panko coating ensures the chicken stays tender inside and crispy outside.
- Sweet & Spicy Sauce: The Bang Bang sauce blends creamy mayo, sweet chili sauce, and a touch of heat from Sriracha for the perfect balance.
- Quick & Easy: With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can have a restaurant-quality meal at home in just 35 minutes.
- Versatile: Serve it as a snack, in tacos, or with rice and veggies for a complete meal.
Ingredients
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Canola oil for frying
- Chopped parsley for garnish
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
- In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Set aside.
Prepare the Chicken:
- In a mixing bowl, combine buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Add the chicken tenders to the mixture and coat evenly. Let marinate for 15 minutes.
Coat the Chicken:
- Place panko breadcrumbs in a separate bowl.
- Remove chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off, and dredge each tender in the panko, pressing gently to coat.
Fry the Chicken:
- Heat canola oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 365°F (185°C).
- Fry the chicken in batches, cooking for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Serve:
- Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the fried chicken tenders.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 380 kcal per serving
Variations
- Baked Option: For a healthier alternative, bake the breaded chicken tenders at 425°F (218°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Air Fryer Method: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
- Extra Spicy: Increase the Sriracha or add red pepper flakes to the sauce for more heat.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free panko and flour to make this dish gluten-free.
- Taco Twist: Serve the crispy chicken in tortillas with shredded cabbage and drizzle with Bang Bang sauce for delicious tacos.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes or in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy.
FAQs
Can I make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a week.
What’s the best oil for frying?
Canola, vegetable, or peanut oil are great options since they have a high smoke point and neutral flavor.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Absolutely! Simply cut chicken breasts into strips for the same delicious result.
Is there a substitute for buttermilk?
You can mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute.
How do I make this dish less spicy?
Reduce the amount of Sriracha in both the marinade and sauce for a milder flavor.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for the sauce?
Yes! Greek yogurt is a great alternative if you want a lighter version of the sauce.
What can I serve with Bang Bang Chicken?
It pairs well with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
How can I ensure my chicken stays crispy?
Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying, and place the cooked tenders on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep them crisp.
Can I freeze Bang Bang Chicken?
Yes! Freeze the cooked chicken tenders in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.
What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?
Regular breadcrumbs can work, but panko gives the crispiest texture.
Conclusion
Bang Bang Chicken is a deliciously crispy and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you fry, bake, or air-fry it, the crunchy coating paired with the creamy, sweet, and spicy Bang Bang sauce makes for an unforgettable bite. Serve it as an appetizer, snack, or main course, and watch it disappear in no time!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken
This Bang Bang Chicken features crispy, golden-fried chicken tenders coated in a creamy, sweet, and spicy Bang Bang sauce. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, this crowd-pleasing recipe is easy to make and delivers a satisfying crunch with bold flavors. Serve it with rice, tacos, or on its own for a restaurant-quality meal at home!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 tsp Sriracha sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp Sriracha sauce
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Canola oil, for frying
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1. Make the Bang Bang Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until smooth. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken
- In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Add the chicken tenders to the mixture and coat evenly. Let marinate for 15 minutes.
3. Coat the Chicken
- Place panko breadcrumbs in a separate bowl.
- Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off, and dredge in panko, pressing gently to coat.
4. Fry the Chicken
- Heat canola oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 365°F (185°C).
- Fry chicken in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
5. Serve
- Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the fried chicken.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Baked Option: Bake at 425°F (218°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Air Fryer Method: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Extra Spicy: Add more Sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free panko and flour.
- Taco Twist: Serve in tortillas with shredded cabbage for Bang Bang Chicken Tacos.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Frying (with Baking & Air Fryer options)
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
