If you’re craving a dish that brings together crispy crunch, fiery sweetness, and irresistibly creamy sauce, you’ve got to try this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe. It’s a vibrant blend of perfectly fried chicken tenderloins coated in a luscious, spicy-sweet sauce that tantalizes your taste buds with every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers a guaranteed crowd-pleaser full of flavor and texture that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each playing a crucial role in creating the perfect Bang Bang Chicken Recipe. From tender chicken to the golden crispy panko and that creamy, zingy sauce, everything works together to deliver an unbeatable dish.
- Chicken tenderloins 1 ½ pounds: These provide tender, juicy bites that crisp up beautifully when fried.
- Buttermilk 1 cup (245 g): Tenderizes the chicken and adds subtle tanginess to the marinade.
- All-purpose flour ¾ cup (94 g): A base for the marinade’s coating mix that helps create a light crust.
- Cornstarch ½ cup (64 g): Adds extra crispness and light texture to the breading.
- Large egg, room temperature: Acts as a binder to keep the coating firmly attached to the chicken.
- Sriracha 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon: Brings the signature kick and depth of flavor to both marinade and sauce.
- Garlic powder ½ teaspoon: Infuses a gentle warmth and enhances savory notes.
- Kosher salt ½ teaspoon: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
- Black pepper ¼ teaspoon: Adds a touch of heat and complexity.
- Cayenne pepper â…› teaspoon (optional): For those who love extra spice on their Bang Bang Chicken Recipe.
- Panko breadcrumbs 2 cups (216 g): The secret to an irresistibly crispy, golden crust.
- Canola oil, for frying: Ideal for high-heat frying to get that perfect crunch without overpowering flavor.
- Parsley, chopped, for garnish: Brightens the dish with fresh color and a mild herbal note.
- Mayonnaise 1 cup (232 g): Creates the creamy base for the addictive Bang Bang sauce.
- Thai sweet chili sauce ½ cup (132 g): Adds sweetness and tang, making the sauce pop.
- Honey 2 tablespoons: Balances the heat with natural sweetness for that signature Bang Bang finish.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by mixing together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. This luscious sauce is where the magic happens — it’s creamy, sweet, spicy, and sticky enough to coat every crispy piece of chicken perfectly. Once combined, set it aside so the flavors can meld while you work on the chicken.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Next, combine buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper in a large bowl. This marinade isn’t just about flavor; it tenderizes and prepares the chicken tenderloins for a crispy coating. Submerge the chicken and let it soak up this flavorful bath, which will give the chicken the perfect texture inside and out.
Step 3: Coat with Panko Breadcrumbs
Remove the marinated chicken from the liquid mixture and dredge each piece thoroughly in the panko breadcrumbs. Panko is crucial here, providing that unmistakable crunch that makes the Bang Bang Chicken Recipe so memorable. Set the coated chicken aside briefly — this step ensures the breading stays intact when frying.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Heat canola oil in a deep pan or fryer to the right temperature for frying (about 350°F or 175°C). Fry the coated chicken tenderloins in batches, careful not to overcrowd the pan, until they turn golden brown and the chicken is cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain the fried chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil but keep their crispness.
Step 5: Toss in the Bang Bang Sauce
While still warm, toss the fried chicken pieces in the prepared Bang Bang sauce until everything is evenly coated. This step transforms crispy chicken into a sticky, flavorful wonder that’s both spicy and sweet, a true testament to why the Bang Bang Chicken Recipe is so beloved.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for color contrast and a fresh herbal note that brightens each bite. Serve immediately while the chicken is hot, crispy, and dripping with sauce.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped parsley is classic here, lending a cheerful pop of green and a fresh aroma that complements the spiciness beautifully. You could also add finely sliced green onions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds to elevate texture and flavor.
Side Dishes
Bang Bang Chicken shines alongside simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or fluffy coconut rice, which help soak up all that delicious sauce. For a fresh contrast, a crisp cucumber salad or a crunchy slaw with a light vinaigrette pairs wonderfully, balancing the richness with brightness and acidity.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Bang Bang Chicken Recipe as a bao bun filling or in crisp lettuce cups for a delightful handheld treat. You can also turn it into a hearty salad topping, pairing it with mixed greens, avocado, and a drizzle of extra Bang Bang sauce for an indulgent yet fresh meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the chicken as crispy as possible, keep the sauced chicken separate from extra plain fried chicken or store the sauce separately and toss just before serving again.
Freezing
While you can freeze plain fried chicken pieces for up to 2 months, the sauce’s texture may change after freezing and thawing. For best results, freeze chicken and sauce separately. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before tossing with warmed sauce.
Reheating
To retain crispiness, reheat leftover chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes. Then toss with the Bang Bang sauce just before serving to ensure the coating remains crunchy and the flavor profile stays bright and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well, but slice them into tenders or strips to mimic the tenderloins’ ideal frying size and ensure even cooking.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for Bang Bang Chicken Recipe?
Yes, crispy fried tofu or cauliflower florets make fantastic vegetarian substitutes. Just apply the same marinade and breading technique, and fry until golden and crispy.
How spicy is the Bang Bang Chicken Recipe?
The heat level is moderate with Sriracha and optional cayenne pepper. You can always adjust the chillies or omit cayenne entirely to suit your taste preference.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
You can if you prefer a lighter option. Bake breaded chicken on a sprayed baking sheet at 425°F (220°C) until crispy and cooked through, but keep in mind the texture won’t be quite as crunchy as deep-frying.
What’s the best way to make the sauce ahead?
Mix the sauce ingredients and refrigerate in a covered container for up to 3 days. Give it a good stir before using to recombine any separated ingredients.
Final Thoughts
This Bang Bang Chicken Recipe is a total game-changer that brings delightful layers of flavor and texture to the dinner table. Its crispy crust, creamy, spicy-sweet sauce, and juicy interior make it a dish you’ll want to keep coming back to. So why wait? Grab these simple ingredients and start cooking – you’re just minutes away from a meal that’s as fun to eat as it is to share!
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Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Bang Bang Chicken is a crispy, spicy, and creamy dish featuring tender chicken coated in a crunchy panko crust and tossed in a flavorful Bang Bang sauce made from mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. This quick and easy recipe brings a perfect balance of heat and sweetness, ideal as an appetizer or main course.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken tenderloins
- 1 cup (245 g) buttermilk
- ¾ cup (94 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (64 g) cornstarch
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- â…› teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
- 2 cups (216 g) panko breadcrumbs, plain
- Canola oil, for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1 cup (232 g) mayonnaise
- ½ cup (132 g) Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha, or more to taste
- 2 tablespoons honey
For Garnish:
- Parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a bowl, thoroughly mix mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until smooth. Set this flavorful sauce aside for later use.
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, 1 tablespoon Sriracha, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. Add the chicken tenderloins and mix to coat evenly. Let the chicken marinate briefly to absorb the flavors.
- Coat with Panko: Remove each piece of marinated chicken from the mixture, letting excess drip off, then coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs. Place the coated chicken aside ready for frying.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat canola oil in a deep skillet or fryer over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry the breaded chicken pieces until they are golden brown and cooked through, usually about 4–5 minutes per side depending on thickness. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Drain and Toss in Sauce: Remove the fried chicken from the oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. While the chicken is still hot, toss it gently in the prepared Bang Bang sauce ensuring every piece is well coated.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the coated chicken to a serving plate and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately while hot for the best texture and flavor experience.
Notes
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to prevent the chicken from absorbing excess oil and becoming greasy.
- Adjust the amount of Sriracha in the sauce to control the spiciness according to your taste preference.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
- Use a thermometer to verify the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it is safely cooked.
- If you prefer baking, coat the chicken and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, but frying provides the crispiest texture.
