Bang Bang Chicken

Introduction

Ever crave something crunchy, spicy, and sweet—all in one glorious bite? Let me introduce you to Bang Bang Chicken. It’s everything your taste buds dream of: crispy panko-coated chicken tenders fried to golden perfection and drizzled with a sweet and spicy bang bang sauce. Whether you serve it over a bed of rice, on a sandwich, or as a fun appetizer, this dish is a total crowd-pleaser.

Reasons to Love This Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

There’s so much to adore here:

• ✅ Ultra Crispy Texture – Thanks to panko breadcrumbs, every bite gives you that satisfying crunch.

• ✅ Sweet & Spicy Sauce – Bang bang sauce is a flavor bomb. It’s creamy, sweet, tangy, and packs a tiny kick.

• ✅ Easy to Customize – Whether you air fry, bake, or deep fry, this recipe bends to your kitchen style.

• ✅ Great for Any Occasion – Dinner, party appetizer, or game-day snack—it fits the bill every time.

• ✅ Family Favorite – Even picky eaters can’t resist it!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s break it down:

For the Chicken

• 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken tenderloins (or sliced chicken breasts)

• 1 cup buttermilk (full-fat)

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour

• ½ cup cornstarch

• 1 large egg, room temperature

• 1 tbsp Sriracha

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp kosher salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra kick)

• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs (plain)

• Canola oil (for frying)

For the Bang Bang Sauce

• 1 cup mayonnaise

• ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce

• 1 tsp Sriracha (more if you like heat)

• 2 tbsp honey

Garnish

• Chopped parsley or green onions

Possible Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

No buttermilk? Make your own by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tbsp of lemon juice or vinegar—let it sit for 10 minutes. Out of panko? Try crushed cornflakes or regular breadcrumbs. Prefer spicier sauce? Add more Sriracha or a dash of chili oil. Want it milder? Cut back the Sriracha and let the sweet chili shine.

Tools You’ll Need

Keep things simple and mess-free with these tools:

• Mixing bowls (for sauce and batter)

• Whisk

• Large skillet or Dutch oven (for frying)

• Meat thermometer (to ensure your chicken hits 165°F)

• Tongs or slotted spoon

• Paper towels (for draining fried chicken)

• Air fryer or baking sheet (optional alternatives)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s your roadmap to crispy bang bang bliss:

1. Whisk the batter: Combine buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne in a bowl.

2. Coat the chicken: Add the chicken tenders to the bowl, making sure they’re fully coated.

3. Bread with panko: Roll each tender in panko breadcrumbs until well coated. Press lightly to help it stick.

4. Fry: In hot oil (365°F), cook the chicken in batches for about 2–3 minutes per side.

5. Drain and drizzle: Place the fried chicken on paper towels, then drizzle with bang bang sauce before serving.

How to Make Bang Bang Sauce

This sauce is magic. You’ll want to put it on everything:

• Mix 1 cup mayo, ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce, 1 tsp Sriracha, and 2 tbsp honey in a small bowl.

• Stir until smooth.

• Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Feel free to adjust the spiciness to your taste. Want extra zing? Add a splash of lime juice or a pinch of garlic powder.

How to Fry the Chicken

• Pour oil into a deep skillet—about 1 inch deep.

• Heat to 365°F. Use a thermometer for accuracy!

• Fry 3–4 tenders at a time without crowding the pan.

• Cook until golden and internal temp reaches 165°F.

• Let them drain on a paper towel-lined plate before saucing.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken in the Air Fryer

Want to skip the mess and calories of deep frying? No problem.

• Follow the same breading steps.

• Spray tenders with cooking spray.

• Air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway.

• Drizzle with sauce and dig in!

Can I Bake Bang Bang Chicken Instead?

Yes, you absolutely can.

• Preheat oven to 425°F.

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

• Arrange breaded tenders and spray with cooking spray.

• Bake 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked through.

• Finish with bang bang sauce on top.

Just know they won’t be quite as crispy as fried or air-fried, but they’ll still be delicious.

What to Serve with Bang Bang Chicken

Make this dish a meal with:

• Steamed jasmine or coconut rice

• Garlic green beans

• Asian slaw

• Sweet potato fries

• Chili-lime corn on the cob

Or stuff them into a wrap with lettuce and cucumbers for a bang bang chicken wrap.

How to Store Bang Bang Chicken

If you’ve got leftovers (lucky you), here’s how to keep them fresh:

• Let chicken cool completely—about 30 minutes.

• Wrap in foil and place in an airtight container.

• Refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Keep the sauce separate if you want to maintain that crispy texture when reheating.

Can I Freeze Bang Bang Chicken?

Yes! It freezes like a dream.

• After cooling, place tenders in a freezer bag.

• Freeze for up to 6 months.

• To reheat: Bake at 375°F for 12–15 minutes or air fry until hot and crispy.

Don’t freeze with the sauce already on. Add the sauce after reheating for the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?

Yes, just cut them into strips. Tenderloins are naturally more tender, but breast meat works great too.

How spicy is bang bang chicken?

It’s mildly spicy. You can adjust the Sriracha to increase or decrease the heat level.

Is bang bang chicken gluten-free?

Not by default, but you can substitute gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make it safe for gluten sensitivities.

Can I make bang bang chicken ahead of time?

Yes. Fry the chicken and store it separately from the sauce. Reheat and sauce right before serving.

What’s the origin of bang bang sauce?

It’s inspired by Asian flavors, often used in Thai and American fusion cooking. The name comes from the “bang” of the flavor combo—sweet, spicy, and tangy!

Two Resources

• How to Clarify Used Cooking Oil

• Homemade Buttermilk Recipe

Nutritional Information

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on ingredients used.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Chicken is more than just a fun name—it’s a finger-lickin’ good recipe that delivers on flavor, crunch, and satisfaction. Whether you fry, air fry, or bake it, the results are always crave-worthy. Whip this up for a weeknight dinner or impress your guests at your next gathering. Either way, don’t be surprised when everyone begs for the recipe!

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