If you’re craving a sandwich that packs a burst of spicy, creamy, and crispy goodness all at once, look no further than this Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich Recipe. It’s a true crowd-pleaser with tender, juicy chicken breasts marinated to perfection, coated in a crunchy, flavorful crust, and dressed with a luscious, tangy bang bang sauce that wakes up every bite. This sandwich is comfort food with a kick, perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impressive lunch that will have everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, once you try this Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich Recipe, it might just become your new favorite go-to!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything about this Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich Recipe is deliciously simple, thanks to everyday ingredients that come together beautifully. Each item plays an important role, from the marinade that tenderizes the chicken to the spices that bring warmth and depth, and the creamy sauce that ties it all together with a zing of heat and sweetness.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the sandwich, offering juicy meat that soaks up all the flavors.
- Buttermilk: A must for marinating; makes the chicken tender and juicy while adding subtle tang.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance every bite.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: These add a savory kick and aromatic depth to the marinade.
- All-purpose flour: Creates the crispy coating that’s absolutely irresistible.
- Paprika: Adds a smoky warmth to the breading.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): For those who love a little extra heat in their sandwich.
- Vegetable oil: Perfect for frying to a golden, crunchy finish.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the bang bang sauce that keeps every bite luscious.
- Sweet chili sauce: Brings a balanced sweetness with a touch of tang.
- Sriracha: Spicy and full of flavor, adjustable to your preferred heat level.
- Honey: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to smooth out the spice.
- Rice vinegar: Offers a subtle acidity that brightens the sauce.
- Sandwich buns: Brioche or potato buns are the best choice for soft, slightly sweet bites.
- Lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, and red onion slices (optional): Fresh toppings add crunch and freshness to complement the rich chicken and sauce.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by mixing the buttermilk with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl. This marinade is key for tenderizing the chicken breasts and infusing them with flavor from the inside. Submerge the chicken fully in the mixture, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinate overnight—the flavors deepen wonderfully and the chicken becomes incredibly juicy.
Step 2: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
While the chicken marinates, whip up the signature bang bang sauce by combining mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar in a small bowl. Stir until perfectly smooth. This sauce is the heart of the Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich Recipe, delivering the creamy, spicy-sweet punch that makes this sandwich unforgettable. Taste and adjust the sriracha if you want it hotter or milder.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
In a shallow dish, mix together the all-purpose flour with paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and a pinch of salt. This seasoned flour blend gives the chicken its crave-worthy crunch and a subtle smoky flavor. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off, then dredge each piece in the flour mixture. Press firmly to create an even, thick coating that will fry up crisp and golden.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to around 350°F (175°C) — hot enough to crisp the coating without burning it. Carefully fry the chicken breasts for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side, until they develop a deep golden crust and the meat inside reaches a safe 165°F (74°C). Remove and let the chicken rest on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil, so your sandwich stays perfectly juicy without being greasy.
Step 5: Assemble the Sandwich
Lightly toast your sandwich buns in a pan or on the grill to add a touch of warmth and slight crispiness that holds up to the juicy filling. Spread a generous layer of that luscious bang bang sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Then, place the crispy chicken on top followed by fresh lettuce, juicy tomato slices, pickles, and red onion if you like a bit of zest. Don’t be shy with an extra dollop of bang bang sauce on the chicken itself—because more sauce means more flavor! Finish with the top bun and serve immediately for the best experience.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like crisp shredded lettuce, bright tomato slices, crunchy pickles, and thinly sliced red onions add fresh texture and make the sandwich pop visually and flavor-wise. They contrast beautifully with the spicy, creamy sauce and crunchy chicken, balancing the rich layers perfectly.
Side Dishes
This sandwich pairs wonderfully with classic French fries, but if you’re looking for something lighter, consider a crisp coleslaw or a fresh cucumber salad. Even a side of sweet potato fries or roasted vegetables can elevate your meal, making it both hearty and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive twist, serve your Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich Recipe open-faced with extra sauce drizzled on top and sprinkled with chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions. You could also slice the sandwich and serve it with toothpicks for a fun party platter or cut it into slider-sized portions for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be tough!), wrap the sandwich tightly in foil or plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator. Consume within 2 days to enjoy the chicken while it’s still juicy. Store sauces separately if possible to keep the buns from getting soggy.
Freezing
The fried chicken itself freezes well. After frying, let the chicken cool completely, then wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and assembling the sandwich fresh.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat the chicken in the oven or toaster oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that crunch. Toast fresh buns before assembling to ensure your sandwich stays delightful.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are more forgiving when frying because they stay juicier, and their slightly richer flavor works great with the bang bang sauce. Just adjust cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked.
How spicy is the bang bang sauce?
The sauce has a nice balance of creamy sweetness and heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with just a little sriracha and add more gradually until it suits your taste perfectly.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, baking is a healthier alternative. Coat the chicken as usual and bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through. It won’t be quite as crispy, but still delicious!
What’s the best bun for this sandwich?
Brioche and potato buns are ideal because they’re soft and slightly sweet, complementing the spicy chicken and creamy sauce beautifully. They hold up well without getting soggy quickly.
Can I make the bang bang sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce keeps well refrigerated for up to a week. Making it ahead lets the flavors meld beautifully, so it’s even tastier when you’re ready to assemble your sandwich.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to dive into this Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug wrapped in crispy, spicy, creamy layers, perfect for satisfying cravings any day of the week. Give it a try, gather your favorite toppings, and enjoy every amazing bite—you might just find your new favorite sandwich right here!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich features crispy, buttermilk-marinated fried chicken coated in a spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce, served on toasted buns with fresh lettuce, tomato, pickles, and red onions for a perfect balance of heat, crunch, and creaminess.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Coating
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- Pinch of salt
Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1–2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust based on your spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Sandwich Assembly
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 4 sandwich buns (brioche or potato buns work best)
- Lettuce (shredded or whole leaves)
- Tomato slices
- Pickles (optional)
- Red onion slices (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the buttermilk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add the chicken breasts ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight for best flavor and tenderness.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth. Adjust the spice level by adding more sriracha if desired.
- Prepare the Chicken for Frying: In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and a pinch of salt to create the seasoned coating.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and dredge each piece in the seasoned flour, pressing firmly to ensure an even and thorough coating.
- Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or fryer and heat to 350°F (175°C), ensuring the oil is deep enough to submerge the chicken partially for even frying.
- Fry the Chicken: Fry the chicken breasts for approximately 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown, crispy, and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Drain the Chicken: Remove the fried chicken and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
- Toast the Buns: Lightly toast the sandwich buns in a pan or on the grill until golden and warm.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Spread a generous amount of Bang Bang sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Layer with fried chicken, then top with lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, and red onion slices if using.
- Add Sauce and Top Bun: Add additional Bang Bang sauce on top of the chicken if desired, then place the top bun over the sandwich.
- Serve: Serve immediately while the chicken is hot and crispy for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- For extra crispy chicken, double dredge by dipping the coated chicken back into the buttermilk and then flour mixture again before frying.
- Adjust cayenne and sriracha amounts to match your heat tolerance.
- Using brioche or potato buns adds a richer flavor and texture but regular sandwich buns work as well.
- Marinating overnight enhances flavor and tenderness but 30 minutes is sufficient for quicker preparation.
- Make sure oil temperature is consistent to avoid greasy or undercooked chicken.
- Leftover sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.
