Bang Bang Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Bang Bang Chicken recipe is perfect for those who crave a bold flavor profile without a lot of fuss. The creamy, spicy sauce complements the crispy chicken beautifully, making it an irresistible crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, main course, or party dish, it’s always a hit. Plus, it’s quick to make with simple ingredients you probably already have at home.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Bang Bang Sauce

• mayonnaise

• Thai sweet chili sauce

• Sriracha (adjust to taste)

• honey

For the Chicken

• boneless skinless chicken tenderloins

• buttermilk

• all-purpose flour

• cornstarch

• large egg

• Sriracha

• garlic powder

• kosher salt

• black pepper

• cayenne pepper (optional)

• panko breadcrumbs

• canola oil, for frying

• parsley, chopped, for garnish

Directions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey to make the bang bang sauce. Set aside.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Whisk until smooth. Add chicken tenderloins and coat thoroughly.

3. Pour panko breadcrumbs into a shallow dish.

4. One piece at a time, remove chicken from batter, shake off excess, and coat in panko, pressing lightly to adhere. Set aside on a plate.

5. Heat about 1 inch of canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to 365°F.

6. Fry chicken in batches, 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Avoid overcrowding the pan.

7. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

8. Toss fried chicken with bang bang sauce, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve warm.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Total Time: 26 minutes

Variations

• Oven-Baked Version: Instead of frying, bake the panko-coated chicken at 400°F for 20–25 minutes or until golden and cooked through.

• Air Fryer Option: Air fry at 390°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

• Different Proteins: Try this recipe with shrimp or tofu for a different twist.

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free panko and flour alternatives.

• Extra Spicy: Add more Sriracha or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce and batter.

• Low Fat: Use Greek yogurt in place of mayo for a lighter sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy. If possible, store the sauce separately and toss with reheated chicken just before serving.

FAQs

1. What is bang bang sauce made of?

Bang bang sauce typically includes mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey for a creamy, spicy, and sweet flavor.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce and bread the chicken ahead, but it’s best to fry the chicken just before serving to maintain crispiness.

3. Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?

Yes, simply cut boneless skinless chicken breasts into strips for similar results.

4. Is there a substitute for Thai sweet chili sauce?

You can mix chili garlic sauce with a bit of sugar and vinegar to create a similar sweet-spicy flavor.

5. How do I prevent the coating from falling off?

Make sure to press the panko firmly onto the chicken and avoid moving it around too much while frying.

6. Can I freeze Bang Bang Chicken?

You can freeze the breaded, uncooked chicken pieces. Cook them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the frying or baking time.

7. What oil is best for frying?

Canola oil is ideal due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor.

8. How spicy is this recipe?

The spice level is moderate but can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the Sriracha.

9. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the buttermilk with plant-based milk and a splash of vinegar or lemon juice.

10. What can I serve with Bang Bang Chicken?

It pairs well with rice, noodles, or a crisp salad for a balanced meal.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Chicken is a flavor-packed dish that combines crispy chicken with a luscious, spicy-sweet sauce for a meal that’s guaranteed to impress. Easy to prepare and customizable to your preferences, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll keep coming back to. Serve it fresh, enjoy it warm, and don’t forget the extra drizzle of sauce!

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