Bang Bang Chicken is one of those irresistible dishes that perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors. The crispy chicken tenders, coated in the signature Bang Bang Sauce, deliver a punch of flavor that will make this dish a favorite for family dinners, parties, or just a special treat for yourself.
This recipe includes everything you need to make Bang Bang Chicken from scratch—crispy fried chicken tenders paired with a creamy, tangy sauce made from Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and mayonnaise. Whether you serve it as an appetizer or a main dish, it’s sure to please anyone who loves a little kick with their meal.
Ingredients
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1 cup (232g) mayonnaise
- ½ cup (132g) Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha (or more to taste)
- 2 tablespoons honey
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken tenderloins
- 1 cup (245g) buttermilk
- ¾ cup (94g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (64g) 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, for extra heat)
- 2 cups (216g) panko breadcrumbs, plain
- Canola oil, for frying
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a small mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
- Mayonnaise
- Thai sweet chili sauce
- Sriracha
- Honey
Whisk together until smooth and well combined. Adjust the amount of Sriracha to suit your spice tolerance. Set aside to let the flavors meld while you prepare the chicken.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, combine the following ingredients:
- Buttermilk
- Flour
- Cornstarch
- Egg
- Sriracha
- Garlic powder
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- Cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
Whisk everything together until the batter is smooth. Add the chicken tenders into the batter, making sure each piece is fully coated. Let the chicken sit for a few minutes to allow the batter to adhere better.
3. Coat the Chicken:
In a shallow plate, spread out the panko breadcrumbs. One piece at a time, remove the chicken from the batter, letting any excess drip off. Then, coat the chicken in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs stick well. Set the breaded chicken on a clean plate. Repeat this process with all the chicken tenders.
4. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet, pour in about 1 inch of canola oil. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 365°F (185°C). It’s important the oil is hot enough for frying, so you get that crispy, golden texture on the chicken.
5. Fry the Chicken:
Working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, carefully add the chicken tenders to the hot oil. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side or until the chicken turns golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when fully cooked. Be sure to let the oil return to temperature between batches.
Once fried, transfer the chicken tenders to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
6. Toss with Bang Bang Sauce:
Place the crispy fried chicken tenders in a large bowl. Pour the Bang Bang Sauce over the top and toss gently to coat each piece evenly. The sauce will provide the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, elevating the dish to new heights.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle chopped parsley over the chicken for a pop of color and added freshness. Serve the Bang Bang Chicken immediately, while it’s still warm and crispy. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, a side of veggies, or even just by itself for a satisfying snack.
Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Chicken:
- Double Coat the Chicken: For an extra crispy exterior, you can double coat the chicken by dipping it back into the batter and panko after the first coating.
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer more heat, add extra Sriracha or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. You can also increase the cayenne pepper in the batter for an additional kick.
- Use a Deep Fryer: If you have a deep fryer, use it for even more consistent cooking and extra crispiness.
- Do Not Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the chicken in batches to maintain the oil temperature. Overcrowding will make the chicken greasy instead of crispy.
- Make it in the Oven: For a healthier version, you can bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Serving Suggestions:
- Appetizer: Serve Bang Bang Chicken as a crunchy appetizer with a side of dipping sauce (such as ranch or blue cheese).
- Main Course: Serve over a bed of rice or with a fresh salad for a lighter meal.
- Party Platter: This dish is perfect for a party or gathering. You can serve it as finger food alongside other party favorites like onion rings, mozzarella sticks, or fried pickles.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes! If you prefer chicken breasts, you can cut them into thin strips. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the pieces.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes, you can store the leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to maintain the crispiness.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the Bang Bang Sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. The sauce will stay fresh and flavorful.
Conclusion
Bang Bang Chicken is the perfect combination of crispy, spicy, and creamy—making it a surefire hit at any meal. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just craving a flavorful dish for dinner, this recipe will deliver every time. With its easy preparation and irresistible taste, you’ll find yourself making this dish again and again. Enjoy!