Name: Irresistible Bang Bang Chicken: Crispy, Sweet, and Spicy Delight
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (Can substitute with Greek yogurt.); 1/4 cup Thai Sweet Chili Sauce; 1 tablespoon Sriracha Sauce (Adjust to taste.); 1 tablespoon Honey (Maple syrup for vegan alternative.); 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Tenderloins (Can substitute with chicken breasts.); 1 cup Buttermilk (Regular milk can be used.); 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (Gluten-free flour as an option.); 1/2 cup Cornstarch; 1 large Egg (Flaxseed or chia seed egg as vegan substitute.); 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (Fresh garlic can be substituted.); 1 teaspoon Salt; 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (Freshly ground preferred.); 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (Optional, use sparingly.); 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs (Regular breadcrumbs as a substitute.); 2 cups Canola Oil (Any vegetable oil can also work.); 2 tablespoons Chopped Parsley (For garnish.)

As I dipped the crispy chicken tender into that luscious sauce, the sweet and spicy aroma enveloped the kitchen, instantly evoking fond memories of family dinners and lively gatherings. Introducing my version of Bang Bang Chicken—golden-fried chicken tenders slathered in a creamy, zesty Bang Bang Sauce that dazzles the taste buds. This recipe is a total crowd-pleaser, and guess what? It’s not only quick to whip up but also elevates your dinner table with a delightful twist on traditional flavors. Perfect as an appetizer or a main course, you can savor it alone or with loved ones. Are you ready to spice things up in your kitchen and impress your guests with this irresistible dish?

Why is Bang Bang Chicken a Must-Try?

Crispy Delight: The crunchy texture of the chicken tenders pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce, creating an irresistible bite.

Sweet and Spicy Balance: Featuring Thai sweet chili and sriracha, this recipe offers a unique mix of flavors that will have everyone coming back for more.

Quick Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this finger-licking dish in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights.

Versatile Serve Options: Enjoy it as a main course with steaming rice or as a lively appetizer at your next gathering. For more easy meal ideas, check out One Pot Chicken and Crack Chicken Pinwheels.

Crowd Favorite: This dish is sure to impress guests, combining global flavors into a familiar format loved by many!

Bang Bang Chicken Ingredients

• Get ready to recreate this culinary masterpiece!

For the Sauce

Mayonnaise – Serves as the creamy base; swap with Greek yogurt for a lighter alternative.
Thai Sweet Chili Sauce – Provides sweetness with a touch of heat; homemade versions work as substitutes if needed.
Sriracha Sauce – Adds a spicy kick; adjust to your preference for heat level.
Honey – Sweetens the sauce; maple syrup makes for a great vegan alternative.

For the Chicken

Boneless Skinless Chicken Tenderloins – The tender protein at the heart of the dish; chicken breasts can work too.
Buttermilk – Ensures moist and flavorful chicken; regular milk or dairy-free alternatives with vinegar can be used.
All-Purpose Flour – Coats the chicken for crispiness; substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
Cornstarch – Enhances crunch in the coating; it’s essential for achieving the perfect fry.
Egg – Binds the coating mixture; a flaxseed or chia seed egg serves as a vegan substitute.
Garlic Powder – Elevates the flavor profile; fresh garlic is a lovely swap if you prefer.
Salt – Essential seasoning for balance; adjust to taste.
Black Pepper – Adds warmth; freshly ground gives the best flavor.
Cayenne Pepper (optional) – For an extra spice boost; use sparingly if you prefer milder heat.
Panko Breadcrumbs – Creates the desired crunchy exterior; regular breadcrumbs can be substituted.

For Frying

Canola Oil – Perfect for frying; any vegetable oil can also be used.

For Garnish

Chopped Parsley – Adds a fresh touch to the finished dish and enhances presentation.

Now that you have your essential ingredients for the Bang Bang Chicken, let’s bring this crowd-pleaser to life in your kitchen!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Bang Bang Chicken

Step 1: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. This creamy sauce will be the star of your Bang Bang Chicken, bringing delightful sweet and spicy flavors. Once prepared, set the sauce aside while you focus on the chicken.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together buttermilk, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne. The mixture should be smooth and slightly thick. Add the boneless skinless chicken tenderloins, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for about 10 minutes to absorb all the flavors and moisture.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Take each marinated chicken tender from the bowl and dredge it in panko breadcrumbs. Make sure to press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken gently, ensuring an even coating for extra crunch. Place the coated tenders on a clean plate, ready for frying. This step is crucial for achieving the deliciously crispy exterior of your Bang Bang Chicken.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat canola oil over medium heat until it reaches 365°F. Fry the chicken tenders in small batches for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. This step is vital for both flavor and food safety.

Step 5: Drain and Toss
Once the chicken is beautifully golden, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. After a minute or so, place the fried chicken in a mixing bowl and drizzle the prepared Bang Bang Sauce over it. Gently toss the chicken until it’s evenly coated, ensuring every tender is enveloped in that creamy, flavorful sauce.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finally, sprinkle the Bang Bang Chicken with chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Serve the tenders warm, whether as a delightful appetizer or a tasty main course. Your guests will be eager to dive into this crispy, sweet, and spicy dish that brings everyone together around the table.

What to Serve with Bang Bang Chicken?

Dive into a culinary adventure by pairing your crispy, sweet, and spicy delight with these delightful accompaniments.

Steaming Jasmine Rice: Provides a comforting base that absorbs the sauce, balancing the spice with a subtle sweetness. It’s a classic Asian pairing that feels like a warm hug.
Fresh Cucumber Salad: Crisp and refreshing, the coolness of cucumber slices helps cut through the richness of the Bang Bang Chicken, making each bite feel light and invigorating.
Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: Offering a satisfying crunch, these fries marry sweetness with savory, echoing the flavors of the chicken and enhancing the overall meal experience.
Garlic Green Beans: Tender, sautéed green beans tossed with garlic introduce freshness and a pop of color to your plate while complementing the chicken’s richness.
Tangy Coleslaw: A crunchy, tangy slaw adds a delightful zing, making for a vibrant contrast to the crispy chicken and creamy sauce, providing a refreshing bite.
Cold Brewed Iced Tea: Quench your thirst with a crisp, unsweetened iced tea; its refreshing taste perfectly cuts through the richness and balances the meal.
Mango Sorbet: This light, fruity dessert helps cleanse the palate after a spicy meal. Its sweetness complements the flavors of the Bang Bang Chicken and adds a delightful finish.
Peanut Sauce Dipping: For an extra twist, serve a side of peanut sauce for dipping. Its creamy texture and nutty flavor create a lovely pairing, adding depth and richness.
Vietnamese Spring Rolls: Combining fresh herbs and vegetables, these rolls provide lightness and a pop of color, enhancing your dining experience with every crunch.

Expert Tips for Bang Bang Chicken

Oil Temperature Matters: Keeping your oil at 365°F ensures perfectly crispy chicken. Use a thermometer to maintain consistent temperature during frying.
Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of Sriracha or cayenne pepper in your sauce to suit your heat tolerance, creating a personal twist on this Bang Bang Chicken classic.
Breadcrumb Variation: Panko breadcrumbs provide that extra crunch, but if unavailable, regular breadcrumbs will still work. Just remember to adjust your frying time accordingly.
Bake for Health: If you’d like a healthier alternative, consider baking or air frying the chicken instead of deep-frying. Just coat them lightly in oil for excellent results.
Rest for Crispiness: Allow the fried chicken to rest on paper towels briefly before adding the sauce. This prevents sogginess and keeps the texture nice and crispy.

Make Ahead Options

Preparing Bang Bang Chicken is a breeze when you make it ahead of time! You can marinate the boneless skinless chicken tenderloins in the buttermilk mixture up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to seep in and ensuring tender meat. The Bang Bang Sauce can also be made up to 3 days in advance; simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, dredge the marinated chicken in panko breadcrumbs and fry it as usual. This method maintains the chicken’s crispy texture, ensuring your Bang Bang Chicken is just as delicious, even when prepped ahead. Enjoy the convenience of meal planning while serving up a tasty dish that impresses!

Bang Bang Chicken Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to play with this recipe and make it your own, enhancing its flavors or adapting it to fit your dietary needs!

Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk instead of buttermilk and swap mayonnaise for a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream.
This gives a lovely creamy texture while keeping it light and dairy-free.
Shrimp Version: Replace chicken with shrimp for a quick, seafood twist. Adjust cooking times to just a couple of minutes until they are pink and cooked through.
The shrimp soak up that luscious flavor beautifully, providing a lighter alternative.
Vegetarian Delight: Substitute chicken with tofu or cauliflower for a satisfying vegetarian option that still delivers on that crispy crunch.
Toss the veggies into the Bang Bang sauce for a flavorful punch that will satisfy everyone at the table.
Baked Option: Skip frying and instead, bake coated chicken tenders at 400°F for about 20 minutes. Just spray lightly with cooking oil for extra crispiness!
This healthier twist still captures the essence of the original while being more low-key on calories.
Spicy Boost: For an extra kick, add diced jalapeños or chili flakes to the sauce. Adjust according to your heat preference, and your taste buds will reward you!
More heat complements that sweet and spicy harmony beautifully, perfect for spice aficionados.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make this recipe friendly for those avoiding gluten.
The flavors remain vibrant, ensuring everyone can enjoy this dish, regardless of dietary restrictions.
Honey Substitute: If you’re looking for a vegan-friendly option, replace honey with agave syrup or maple syrup for sweetness.
These swaps work perfectly while still providing that rich undertone in the sauce.

For more culinary inspiration, explore Rosemary Chicken Salad or check out our delightful Crack Chicken Pinwheels to add variety to your meals!

How to Store and Freeze Bang Bang Chicken

Fridge: Store leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Recoat with sauce before serving to maintain flavor.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cooked chicken in a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating: To keep the chicken crispy, reheat in the oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving to preserve texture.

Bang Bang Chicken Recipe FAQs

How do I select the best chicken for Bang Bang Chicken?
Absolutely! When choosing chicken for Bang Bang Chicken, look for boneless skinless tenderloins or breasts that are plump and have a light pink color. Avoid any that have dark spots or an off smell, as these can indicate spoilage. Fresh chicken ensures the tenderness you want in your dish, making it even more delicious!

How should I store leftover Bang Bang Chicken?
To store your leftover Bang Bang Chicken, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. For best results, recoat with some Bang Bang Sauce just before serving to revive the flavors and moisture. Always ensure the chicken is cooled before sealing to prevent excess moisture buildup.

Can I freeze Bang Bang Chicken?
Yes, you can freeze Bang Bang Chicken for longer storage! Allow the cooked chicken to cool completely before transferring it to a zip-top freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible and seal it tightly to prevent freezer burn. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What if my chicken turns out soggy?
Very! If your Bang Bang Chicken is soggy, it might be due to excess oil or not allowing it to drain properly after frying. Always ensure your oil is at the right temperature (365°F) for optimal crispiness and let the chicken rest on paper towels after frying to absorb excess grease. If sogginess occurs after storage, try reheating it in the oven to restore the crunch!

Are there any dietary considerations for Bang Bang Chicken?
This recipe can easily be adapted to fit various dietary needs! For a gluten-free version, simply switch to a gluten-free flour and panko breadcrumbs. If you’re looking for a vegan option, substitute the chicken with tofu or cauliflower along with a flaxseed or chia seed egg, and the mayonnaise with a plant-based alternative. Always check your sauces for any hidden allergens, especially if you have guests with dietary restrictions.