Bang Bang Chicken

Published: June 14, 2025

by kaeli

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy Texture: The panko breadcrumbs create an irresistible crunch that complements the tender chicken.
Bold Flavors: The homemade bang bang sauce adds a sweet and spicy kick, elevating the dish.
Quick Preparation: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious meal ready in no time.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as an appetizer, over rice, or in wraps for lunch.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, this dish is guaranteed to be a favorite among guests.

Tools and Preparation

Before getting started with your Bang Bang Chicken, gather the necessary tools and equipment. Having everything on hand will make your cooking experience smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Deep fryer or large heavy-bottomed pot
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Tongs or slotted spoon
Plate lined with paper towels (for draining)

Importance of Each Tool

Deep fryer or large heavy-bottomed pot: Ensures even cooking and allows for proper frying temperature.
Mixing bowls: Essential for mixing the batter and sauces without making a mess.
Whisk: Helps combine ingredients smoothly for the bang bang sauce.
Tongs or slotted spoon: Perfect for flipping and removing chicken from hot oil safely.

Ingredients

Bang Bang Chicken is panko-crusted chicken tenderloins deep-fried to a crispy golden brown, drizzled with homemade bang bang sauce.

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 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
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
2 cups (216 g) panko breadcrumbs (plain)
Canola oil (for frying)
Parsley (chopped, for garnish)

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce

Start by making the delicious bang bang sauce that will accompany your chicken.
1. In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey.
2. Whisk until smooth and set aside.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Marinating helps infuse flavor into your chicken tenderloins.
1. Place the chicken tenderloins in a bowl.
2. Pour buttermilk over the chicken to coat well.
3. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes.

Step 3: Set Up Breading Station

Creating a breading station makes it easy to coat your chicken evenly.
1. In one bowl, mix together flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using.
2. In another bowl, beat the egg with one tablespoon of Sriracha until combined.
3. Place panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.

Step 4: Bread the Chicken

Now it’s time to coat your marinated chicken pieces for frying.
1. Remove each piece of chicken from buttermilk; allow excess to drip off.
2. Dredge in the flour mixture first, then dip into the egg mixture, ensuring even coverage.
3. Finally, coat with panko breadcrumbs and press gently to adhere.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken

Frying gives your chicken that golden crispiness everyone loves!
1. Heat canola oil in your deep fryer or pot over medium-high heat until hot (about 350°F/175°C).
2. Carefully add breaded chicken pieces in batches; avoid overcrowding the pot.
3. Fry for about 4-6 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 6: Serve

Your Bang Bang Chicken is ready to be enjoyed!
1. Transfer fried chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
2. Serve hot drizzled with bang bang sauce and garnish with chopped parsley.

Enjoy this crispy delight as part of your next meal!

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken

Bang Bang Chicken is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just enjoying a casual meal, these serving suggestions will elevate your dining experience.

As an Appetizer

Serve the crispy Bang Bang Chicken on a platter for guests to enjoy. Pair it with toothpicks for easy eating.

Over Rice

Place the chicken over a bed of rice to soak up the flavors. Jasmine or basmati rice works well as they complement the sauce.

In Tacos

Use soft tortillas to create delicious tacos. Add fresh veggies and drizzle with extra bang bang sauce for a tasty twist.

On a Salad

Toss the chicken pieces on top of mixed greens for a hearty and healthy salad. Add some avocado and sesame seeds for added texture.

With Dipping Sauce

Offer extra bang bang sauce on the side as a dipping option. This allows everyone to customize their flavor experience.

As Part of a Platter

Include Bang Bang Chicken in a larger appetizer platter with other finger foods like spring rolls and dumplings for variety.

How to Perfect Bang Bang Chicken

To achieve the best Bang Bang Chicken, follow these essential tips for perfecting your dish every time.

Use fresh ingredients – Fresh chicken tenderloins will yield better flavor and texture compared to frozen ones.
Marinate properly – Letting the chicken sit in buttermilk enhances tenderness and flavor, making each bite juicier.
Heat oil correctly – Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying; this ensures a crispy crust without absorbing too much oil.
Don’t crowd the pan – Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking for perfect crispiness.
Drain excess oil – After frying, place chicken on paper towels to absorb excess oil, keeping them crispy and light.
Adjust spice levels – Feel free to modify the amount of Sriracha in both the marinade and sauce based on your heat preference.

Best Side Dishes for Bang Bang Chicken

Pairing side dishes with your Bang Bang Chicken can enhance its flavors and create a balanced meal. Here are some great options:

Steamed Broccoli – Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients, balancing the richness of the chicken.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide comfort alongside the crispy chicken.
Coleslaw – A crunchy coleslaw offers refreshing acidity that cuts through the richness of the bang bang sauce.
Fried Rice – Flavorful fried rice complements the chicken well, making it a filling combination for dinner.
Cucumber Salad – A light cucumber salad with vinegar dressing brings freshness that pairs beautifully with spicy flavors.
Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn can provide a fun, summery side that contrasts nicely with savory dishes like Bang Bang Chicken.
Quinoa Pilaf – Nutty quinoa pilaf adds protein and texture, making it a nutritious side option alongside your meal.
Sweet Potato Fries – Crispy sweet potato fries offer sweetness that contrasts wonderfully with spicy bang bang sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Bang Bang Chicken, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to steer clear of.

Skipping the Buttermilk: Using regular milk instead of buttermilk can lead to less flavorful chicken. Always opt for buttermilk for that tender texture.
Not Heating the Oil Properly: If the oil isn’t hot enough, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy. Use a thermometer to ensure it’s around 350°F (175°C).
Overcrowding the Pan: Adding too many chicken pieces at once can lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy chicken. Fry in batches for the best results.
Ignoring the Sauce: Forgetting to adjust the spice level in your sauce can lead to an unbalanced flavor. Taste as you go and add Sriracha according to your preference.
Using Stale Panko Breadcrumbs: Old breadcrumbs can affect the crispiness of your chicken. Always use fresh panko for that perfect crunch.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Ensure the chicken has cooled completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing Bang Bang Chicken

Freeze cooked Bang Bang Chicken for up to 2 months.
Use a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible.

Reheating Bang Bang Chicken

Oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C). Place chicken on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until crispy.
Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, but note that it may lose some crispiness.
Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, flipping occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bang Bang Chicken?

Bang Bang Chicken is a delicious dish featuring crispy fried chicken tenderloins coated in a spicy, creamy sauce. It’s perfect as an appetizer or main course.

Can I make Bang Bang Chicken gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute regular flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives, and you’ll have a gluten-free version of this tasty recipe.

How spicy is Bang Bang Chicken?

The spice level can be adjusted based on how much Sriracha you add. Start with a little and increase according to your taste preference.

Can I grill instead of fry my Bang Bang Chicken?

Absolutely! For a healthier option, grill the marinated chicken after soaking it in buttermilk. Just ensure it’s cooked through before serving.

Final Thoughts

Bang Bang Chicken is an irresistible dish that combines crispy textures with bold flavors. Its versatility allows for various customization options, from adjusting spice levels to experimenting with different sauces. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a delightful meal that’s sure to impress!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card