Bang Bang Chicken: Crispy, Crunchy & Loaded with Flavor!

Craving a dish that’s crispy, juicy, and bursting with sweet and spicy flavors? Look no further than Bang Bang Chicken! This dish features crunchy, golden-fried chicken coated in a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy Bang Bang sauce. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, snack, or main course, it’s guaranteed to be a hit at any table.

What is Bang Bang Chicken?

A Dish with a Kick!

Bang Bang Chicken isn’t just a fun name—it’s a dish that delivers an explosion of flavors with every bite! This crispy chicken recipe is coated in panko breadcrumbs, fried to golden perfection, and drizzled with a signature Bang Bang sauce—a creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet mixture of mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, honey, and Sriracha.

Originally inspired by Sichuan cuisine, where shredded chicken is served with a peanut-based sauce, the modern Bang Bang Chicken we know today takes a more Americanized twist, featuring deep-fried chicken tenders coated in a rich, spicy mayo-based sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

•  Super Crispy: Thanks to panko breadcrumbs, this chicken has an irresistible crunch.
•  Incredibly Flavorful: The Bang Bang sauce combines sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors for a perfect balance.
• Easy to Make: With simple pantry staples, you can whip this up in no time.
•  Versatile: Serve it with rice, in tacos, or as an appetizer.
• Air Fryer & Oven Options: We’ll cover alternative methods for those who prefer a healthier version.

 Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we get into the step-by-step cooking process, let’s gather everything you need to make Bang Bang Chicken. This dish is simple to prepare, but using the right ingredients is key to getting that perfect crispy texture and bold flavor.

Essential Ingredients for Bang Bang Chicken

To make this crispy, golden-fried chicken with a sweet and spicy kick, you’ll need the following:

the Chicken

• 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins – Tender and juicy, these are perfect for frying!
• 1 cup buttermilk – Adds tenderness and helps the breading stick.
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour – Gives structure to the coating.
• ½ cup cornstarch – For that ultra-crispy crunch!
• 1 large egg – Binds everything together.
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha – Brings in that spicy heat!
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder – Adds a savory depth of flavor.
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt – Enhances all the flavors.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper – A little kick to balance things out.
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) – For extra heat!
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs – The secret to a super-crispy coating!
• Canola oil (for frying) – Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point for the best results.

the Bang Bang Sauce

• 1 cup mayonnaise – The creamy base of the sauce.
• ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce – Adds sweetness and a slight tang.
• 1 teaspoon Sriracha – For a spicy punch!
• 2 tablespoons honey – Balances out the heat with a touch of sweetness.

Garnishing & Serving

• Chopped parsley – Adds a fresh pop of color.
• Lemon wedges – A squeeze of lemon enhances the flavor.

Why These Ingredients Matter

•  Panko breadcrumbs make the Bang Bang Chicken extra crispy compared to regular breadcrumbs.
  
•  Cornstarch & flour create a light, airy crust that doesn’t get soggy.
  
•  Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken, keeping it juicy inside.
  
•  Thai sweet chili sauce gives the Bang Bang sauce its signature sweet-spicy balance.
  
•  Sriracha & cayenne add the right amount of heat—adjust as per your spice preference!

 How to Make Bang Bang Chicken

Now that we’ve gathered all the ingredients, let’s move on to the fun part—cooking! This step-by-step guide will help you achieve perfectly crispy, golden-brown Bang Bang Chicken with an irresistible crunch. Follow these instructions, and you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish in no time!

Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce

Before frying the chicken, it’s best to have the sauce ready. Here’s how to do it:

1️ In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey.
2️ Whisk everything together until smooth and creamy.
3️ Taste and adjust the spice level by adding more Sriracha if desired.
4️ Cover and set aside while you prepare the chicken.

 Pro Tip: Let the sauce sit for 10 minutes—it helps the flavors blend beautifully!

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

To ensure juicy, flavorful chicken, we’ll soak it in a buttermilk mixture.

1️ In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, flour, cornstarch, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper until smooth.
2️ Add the chicken tenderloins and toss until fully coated.
3️ Let it sit for at least 10 minutes—this helps the batter stick better and keeps the chicken moist inside!

 Pro Tip: For even more flavor, marinate for 30 minutes to an hour in the fridge.

Step 3: Coat with Panko for Extra Crispiness

Now it’s time to get that crunchy, golden-brown coating!

1️ Pour panko breadcrumbs onto a large plate.
2️ Take one chicken piece from the buttermilk mixture, allowing excess batter to drip off.
3️ Roll the chicken in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently so the crumbs stick well.
4️ Place the breaded chicken on a tray and repeat with the remaining pieces.

💡 Pro Tip: Let the breaded chicken sit for 5 minutes before frying—this helps the coating adhere better!

Step 4: Fry to Perfection

Now, let’s cook the Bang Bang Chicken to crispy perfection!

1 In a deep skillet, heat about 1 inch of canola oil over medium-high heat. The oil should reach 365°F (185°C) before frying.
2️ Carefully add a few pieces of chicken to the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pan!
3️ Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
4️ Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
5️ Repeat with the remaining chicken pieces.

💡 Pro Tip: Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for perfectly cooked chicken!

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

Now for the best part—eating!

1️ Arrange the crispy Bang Bang Chicken on a serving plate.
2️ Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce generously over the top.
3️ Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
4️ Enjoy it hot with rice, noodles, or on its own as a delicious appetizer!

Serving Ideas & Best Side Dishes for Bang Bang Chicken

Now that you’ve made crispy, golden Bang Bang Chicken, it’s time to pair it with the perfect sides! Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, main dish, or even in a sandwich, there are plenty of creative ways to enjoy this irresistible, crunchy, and spicy chicken.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken

1. 1️ Drizzle or Dip? – Pour the Bang Bang sauce over the chicken for a saucy bite or serve it on the side for dipping.
2. Taco Time! – Stuff the crispy chicken into soft tortillas, add shredded cabbage, and drizzle with extra sauce for the best Bang Bang Chicken tacos!
3. Rice Bowl Favorite – Serve it over a warm bowl of jasmine or basmati rice for a simple, satisfying meal.
4. Salad Upgrade – Toss it into a fresh Asian-style salad with lettuce, cucumbers, and sesame dressing.
5. Slider Sandwiches – Place the crispy chicken in mini brioche buns with lettuce and extra sauce for Bang Bang Chicken sliders.

💡 Pro Tip: Sprinkle chopped scallions, sesame seeds, or crushed peanuts on top for an extra pop of flavor!

---

Best Side Dishes for Bang Bang Chicken

Looking for something to serve on the side? These delicious pairings will take your meal to the next level!

 Light & Fresh Options

• Coleslaw – The cool crunch balances out the heat from the Bang Bang sauce.
• Cucumber Salad – A refreshing contrast to the crispy chicken.
• Steamed or Stir-Fried Veggies – Try broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy for a healthy balance.

Hearty & Comforting

• Garlic Butter Rice – A flavorful, buttery rice pairs perfectly with the sauce.
• Coconut Rice – The slight sweetness complements the spice in Bang Bang Chicken.
• Crispy French Fries or Sweet Potato Fries – Because who doesn’t love fries? 😍

 Bold & Flavorful

• Spicy Noodles – Toss some ramen or lo mein noodles in sesame oil and soy sauce.
• Kimchi – A fermented, spicy side that pairs well with the creamy sauce.
• Corn on the Cob – Brush with butter and a sprinkle of chili powder for extra flavor.

---

Creative Twists & Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are some fun twists on the classic Bang Bang Chicken recipe!

🔥 Bang Bang Shrimp – Swap out the chicken for jumbo shrimp and follow the same crispy coating process.
🥦 Bang Bang Cauliflower – Perfect for a vegetarian option—bread and bake cauliflower florets instead!
🍔 Bang Bang Chicken Burger – Serve the crispy chicken in a burger bun with lettuce, tomato, and extra sauce.

 FAQs – Everything You Need to Know About Bang Bang Chicken

Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Bang Bang Chicken!

---

Where does Bang Bang Chicken come from?

Bang Bang Chicken has its roots in Sichuan cuisine, where shredded chicken is served with a savory peanut or sesame sauce. The name comes from the “banging” sound made when chefs tenderize the chicken by pounding it with a wooden mallet. The modern version that’s popular in Western cuisine is deep-fried, crispy chicken drizzled with a creamy, sweet, and spicy Bang Bang sauce.

---

What to eat with Bang Bang Chicken?

Bang Bang Chicken pairs well with a variety of sides! Here are some great options:

• Rice (jasmine, coconut, or garlic butter rice)
• Coleslaw or fresh salads
• Tacos (served in soft tortillas with shredded cabbage)
• Stir-fried or steamed vegetables (broccoli, snap peas, bok choy)
• Fries or sweet potato fries
• Spicy noodles or ramen
• Kimchi or pickled vegetables

---

What’s in Bang Bang Seasoning?

Bang Bang Chicken doesn’t have a traditional dry seasoning mix, but the flavors in the dish come from these key ingredients:

• Garlic powder – Adds a savory depth.
• Salt & black pepper – Essential for balance.
• Cayenne pepper & paprika – Bring the heat! 🔥
• Sriracha or chili sauce – Adds a spicy kick.
• Thai sweet chili sauce & honey – Balance the spice with a touch of sweetness.

---

Does Bang Bang Sauce contain nuts?

No, the Bang Bang Sauce used in most modern recipes does not contain nuts. It’s typically made with mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, honey, and Sriracha. However, traditional Sichuan-style Bang Bang Chicken is sometimes served with a peanut-based or sesame sauce, so always check the ingredients if you have allergies!

Print