Bang Bang Chicken

Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in the ultimate sweet and spicy bang bang sauce this Bang Bang Chicken is a game changer. The light crunch of panko breadcrumbs perfectly contrasts the bold, creamy sauce that packs just the right amount of heat. Whether served as an appetizer, main dish, or even on a sandwich, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make at home! With a simple buttermilk marinade, a crispy panko coating, and a quick fry, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy meal in under 30 minutes. Want to keep it lighter? Try baking or air-frying it! No matter how you serve it, this Bang Bang Chicken will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
• 1 teaspoon Sriracha (or more to taste)
• 2 tablespoons honey

Chicken:

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup 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 plain panko breadcrumbs
• Canola oil for frying
• Chopped parsley (for garnish)

Directions:

1. Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Chicken: In a medium bowl, whisk together buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Add chicken tenders and toss to coat.

3. Coat with Panko: Place panko breadcrumbs on a shallow plate. Remove each chicken piece from the batter, shaking off excess, and dredge in panko, pressing slightly to adhere. Place coated chicken on a clean plate.

4. Fry the Chicken: Heat about an inch of canola oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 365°F.

5. Cook in Batches: Fry the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

6. Assemble & Serve: Toss the crispy chicken in bang bang sauce, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve warm!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 420 kcal per serving | Servings: 4

Bang Bang Chicken: A Crispy, Sweet, and Spicy Delight

Bang Bang Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that combines crispy, golden-fried chicken tenderloins with a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce. This dish is inspired by Asian flavors and has gained immense popularity due to its bold taste, satisfying crunch, and irresistible sauce. Whether served as an appetizer, main course, or even in a sandwich or wrap, Bang Bang Chicken is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make at home.

In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Bang Bang Chicken, including its origins, variations, serving suggestions, and tips for achieving the perfect crispy texture.

The Origins of Bang Bang Chicken

Despite its modern popularity in American-style cooking, the name “Bang Bang Chicken” originally comes from a traditional Chinese dish called “Bang Bang Ji” The Chinese version is quite different from what we commonly see today it consists of shredded, poached chicken served with a spicy Sichuan style sauce made from sesame paste, soy sauce, garlic, and chili oil. The name “Bang Bang” comes from the method of tenderizing the chicken using a wooden stick or mallet.

The Western adaptation of Bang Bang Chicken takes the core idea of bold flavors and reinvents it into a crispy fried dish, featuring a sauce that combines sweet, spicy, and creamy elements. This version is often compared to Bang Bang Shrimp, which was made famous by restaurant chains such as Bonefish Grill.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

Bang Bang Chicken is beloved for many reasons. Here’s why it’s a must-try recipe:

1. Crispy and Crunchy Texture – The use of panko breadcrumbs ensures that the chicken stays crispy, even after being coated in the delicious sauce.
2. Perfectly Balanced Flavors – The bang bang sauce delivers a mix of sweetness, spice, and creaminess that makes every bite irresistible.
3. Versatile Dish – It can be served as a snack, appetizer, or main course, and pairs well with various sides.
4. Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and minimal cooking time, it’s a quick and satisfying meal for any day of the week.
5. Family-Friendly – The spice level can be adjusted, making it a dish that both kids and adults can enjoy.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Healthier

While deep-frying gives Bang Bang Chicken its signature crunch, there are a few ways to make a lighter, healthier version:

• Air Fryer Method – Instead of deep-frying, cook the breaded chicken in an air fryer at 400°F for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway. This method reduces oil usage while still keeping the chicken crispy.
• Baked Version – Bake the chicken at 425°F for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Spraying the breaded chicken with cooking spray before baking helps achieve a crispy texture.
• Use Greek Yogurt – Swap out some or all of the mayonnaise in the bang bang sauce with Greek yogurt to cut down on fat while maintaining a creamy consistency.

These adjustments make the dish a healthier option while preserving its delicious flavor.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Bang Bang Chicken is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in multiple ways. Here are some delicious ways to serve it:

• As an Appetizer: Serve the crispy chicken on a platter with extra bang bang sauce for dipping. It’s perfect for game nights, parties, or family gatherings.
• With Rice or Noodles: Pair it with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or stir-fried noodles to create a more filling meal.
• In a Wrap or Sandwich: Stuff the crispy chicken into a tortilla wrap with lettuce, tomatoes, and a drizzle of extra sauce for a quick and tasty lunch. You can also use it in a sandwich with toasted brioche buns.
• On a Salad: Add pieces of Bang Bang Chicken to a fresh salad with greens, cucumbers, shredded carrots, and a light vinaigrette dressing for a crunchy, flavorful protein boost.
• With Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted or steamed vegetables such as broccoli, green beans, or bell peppers to balance out the meal.

These serving ideas make it easy to incorporate Bang Bang Chicken into different meals throughout the week.

Tips for the Best Bang Bang Chicken

To achieve restaurant-quality Bang Bang Chicken, keep these key tips in mind:

1. Use Panko Breadcrumbs – Panko breadcrumbs provide a lighter, crispier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs. They help keep the chicken crunchy for longer.
2. Maintain Oil Temperature – If frying, keep the oil temperature at around 365°F. If the oil is too cold, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy. If it’s too hot, the coating may burn before the chicken is fully cooked.
3. Double-Coat for Extra Crispiness – For an even crunchier texture, dip the chicken in the batter and panko coating twice before frying.
4. Let the Chicken Rest After Cooking – After frying, let the chicken rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels. This prevents the bottom from becoming soggy.
5. Drizzle, Don’t Drench – Tossing the chicken in too much sauce can make it soggy. Instead, drizzle the sauce over the top or serve it on the side for dipping.
6. Customize the Heat Level – Adjust the spice by increasing or decreasing the amount of Sriracha and cayenne pepper. For a milder version, reduce these ingredients and add a little more honey to balance the flavors.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat them properly:

• Refrigeration: Store leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep the sauce separate to maintain crispiness.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken (without sauce) for up to 6 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for the best texture.
• Reheating: To retain crispiness, reheat the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes or in an air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Chicken is a dish that delivers everything you could want crispy texture, bold flavors, and versatility. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner, a party appetizer, or just to satisfy a comfort food craving, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit.

With easy ingredient swaps and different cooking methods, you can tailor this recipe to fit your dietary preferences while still enjoying its signature crunch and delicious bang bang sauce.

So why not give it a try? Make Bang Bang Chicken at home and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal that’s full of flavor and fun to eat!