Bang Bang Chicken: Easy, Delicious Recipe to Love

Name: Bang Bang Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (232 g) mayonnaise; ½ cup (132 g) Thai sweet chili sauce; 1 teaspoon Sriracha or more to taste; 2 tablespoons honey; 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

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Remember those days when dinner just magically appeared on the table, and all you had to do was show up hungry? This Bang Bang Chicken is bringing that vibe backwith a spicy-sweet punch. It’s all over TikTok and Pinterest for a reason. Just 30 minutes, beginner-friendly, and wildly tasty.

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This dish is like crispy chicken tenders got all dressed up for date night. Tossed in a creamy chili sauce with a hint of garlic, using pantry people like mayo, Sriracha, and honey. It’s crunchy, saucy, and wildly comforting. Full details in the blog!

We made this on a rainy Saturday, me and the girls elbow-deep in panko and laughter. Been cooking since I was a barefoot kid in my mom’s garden kitchenso I get what works. I tested it. You’ll love the secret for keepin’ that crunch just right.

Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Chicken

Let’s talk about what makes this so specialit’s crispy, saucy, and has just the right kick of heat. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home, but let’s be honest, it feels a little fancy too. The creamy Thai-inspired Bang Bang sauce? Absolute magic. Pair that with crunchy, golden chicken, and it’s comfort-meets-a-celebration on your plate.

Quick and beginner-friendly: Ready in about 30 minutes, with simple steps anyone can master.
Customizable heat: Turn it up or tone it down by adjusting the Sriracha.
Family-approved: Even the picky eaters love ittrust me, it’s that good.

Key Ingredients for Success

The magic of Bang Bang Chicken is all about balancetextures, flavors, and just the right ingredients. Here’s what you need:

Bang Bang Chicken golden crispy pieces drizzled with sauce and fresh herbs on white cloth

Ingredient	Purpose
Chicken tenderloins	The star of the showjuicy and easy to work with.
Buttermilk	Tenderizes the chicken and helps the coating stick.
Panko breadcrumbs	Gives that signature crunch we all love.
Bang Bang Sauce	The game-changercreamy, sweet, spicy perfection.

Pro Tip: Can’t find Thai sweet chili sauce? Double-check the Asian aisle at the grocery storeit’s worth it.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken (Step-by-Step)

Making this recipe is as fun as it is delicious. Here’s how to pull it off:

Marinate: Combine buttermilk, egg, a bit of Sriracha, and spices. Toss in your chicken to soak up all that flavor.
Coat: Set up a breading station with flour, cornstarch, and panko. Dip each chicken piece so it’s fully coated.
Fry: Heat canola oil and fry until golden-brown and crispy. Don’t overcrowd the pango in batches!
Toss: Let the chicken drain on a rack, then drizzle or toss in that dreamy Bang Bang sauce.

Pro Tip: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken hits 165°F in the thickest partit’s the easiest way to guarantee juicy, safe-to-eat chicken.

Step	Timing
Marinate	15 minutes
Coat	10 minutes
Fry	10 minutes
Toss in Sauce	5 minutes

Tweaks & Variations

Part of the fun with a recipe like this is making it your own. Here’s how you can tweak things:

Spicy or Mild: Add more Sriracha to the sauce if you love heat, or skip the cayenne for a gentler kick.
Oven-Friendly: Don’t feel like frying? Bake the breaded chicken at 425°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Air-Fryer Swap: Coat the chicken lightly with cooking spray and air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes.

Pro Tip: Want to make this gluten-free? Swap out the all-purpose flour and panko for your favorite gluten-free versions.

Swap	Alternative
Flour	Gluten-free flour mix
Breadcrumbs	Gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers

Serving & Storing Bang Bang Chicken

The final question is alwayshow should I serve this? And, can I save leftovers for later? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered:

Perfect Pairings: Serve with fluffy rice, a side salad, or even stuffed into tacos. The sauce doubles as extra dip!
Store It: Leftovers? Pop them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 375°F to keep the coating crispy.

Storage Method	Duration
Refrigerator	Up to 3 days
Freezer	Up to 2 months

Note: If freezing, hold off on the sauce. Add it fresh after reheating for the best flavor and texture.

Expert Says: The Appeal of Bang Bang Chicken

Bang Bang Chicken combines creamy, spicy, and tangy flavors in a way that creates incredible balance on the palate. Its signature sauce, often made with mayo and chili paste, coats tender chicken to deliver a satisfyingly rich yet fresh taste. This dish is a great example of how simple ingredients come together to create complex flavor profiles.

For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Reddit!

Mastering My Bang Bang Chicken

Bang Bang Chicken didn’t come together overnight; I must have tested a dozen versions, tweaking the sauce each time. I still laugh remembering the batch where I swapped peanut butter for almondit was a tasty disaster. Today’s recipe reflects all those lessons, resulting in a perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and crunch that my family loves.

FAQs ( Bang Bang Chicken )

What is Bang Bang Chicken?

Bang Bang Chicken is a popular crispy chicken dish featuring tender pieces of chicken coated in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce. The signature “bang bang” sauce typically combines mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha for the perfect balance of flavors. This dish originated as an appetizer but has become a beloved main course option. It’s often served over rice or with vegetables for a complete meal.

Can I make Bang Bang Chicken sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can definitely make the bang bang sauce up to 3 days in advance! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and give it a good stir before using. The flavors actually improve as they meld together over time. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before serving, or warm it slightly if you prefer it heated.

What can I substitute for sriracha in bang bang sauce?

If you don’t have sriracha, you can use other hot sauces like Frank’s RedHot, Tabasco, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper mixed with a little honey. For a milder option, try using just a touch of paprika or red pepper flakes. You can also use garlic chili sauce or sambal oelek for a different but equally delicious flavor profile.

How do I keep Bang Bang Chicken crispy?

To maintain maximum crispiness, serve the bang bang sauce on the side for dipping rather than tossing the chicken in it. If you do want to coat the chicken, add the sauce just before serving and consume immediately. Make sure your chicken is completely cooked and drained of excess oil before adding any sauce.

Can I bake Bang Bang Chicken instead of frying?

Absolutely! You can bake bang bang chicken at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking. While it won’t be quite as crispy as the fried version, it’s a healthier alternative that still delivers great flavor. For extra crispiness, spray the coated chicken pieces with cooking oil before baking and use panko breadcrumbs in your coating.

Bang Bang Chicken golden crispy pieces drizzled with sauce and fresh herbs on white cloth_pin

Wrapping Up This Bang Bang Chicken Delight

This Bang Bang Chicken is a quick 30-minute winner that’s crispy, saucy, and just the right mix of spicy and sweet. You’ll love how the crunchy coating holds up with every biteperfect for a cozy night in or a simple family dinner that feels special.

Feel free to swap frying for baking or air-frying if you want a lighter touch, and don’t hesitate to tweak the heat to match your mood. Leftovers reheat nicely in the oven, keeping that crunch freshsomething I picked up from my kitchen experiments over the years.

Did you give this recipe a try? I’d love to see your photos or hear your twists! Maybe it brought back a family memory or inspired a new favorite. Share the love with friends, and let’s keep these homemade moments warm and joyful.