Bang Bang Chicken
If you’re looking for a dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends, then let me introduce you to my favorite comfort food: Bang Bang Chicken! This crispy, tender chicken drizzled with a creamy, spicy sauce is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a fun family gathering, this recipe has got you covered. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone together around the table, making it perfect for any occasion.
What I love most about Bang Bang Chicken is how satisfying it is. The combination of that crunchy panko crust and the rich, zesty sauce creates a flavor explosion in every bite. Trust me; once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a staple in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this dish even on your busiest nights.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love the crispy chicken and creamy sauce—no complaints at dinner here!
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the chicken ahead of time for those hectic evenings. Just fry when you’re ready!
- Flavor Packed: The homemade bang bang sauce adds a perfect kick without being overpowering, making each bite irresistible.
- Customizable: Tailor the spice level or side dishes to suit your taste. Options are endless!

Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients for our Bang Bang Chicken. You might already have many of these on hand, which makes this recipe even more appealing!
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- 1 cup (232 g) mayonnaise
- ½ cup (132 g) Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha (or more to taste)
- 2 tablespoons honey
For the Chicken
- 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
- â…› teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 cups (216 g) panko breadcrumbs (plain)
- Canola oil (for frying)
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to experiment and make it your own with these fun variations:
- Swap the protein: Try using boneless skinless turkey or tofu instead of chicken for a different twist.
- Add some crunch: Toss in some chopped nuts like cashews or peanuts for an added texture contrast.
- Make it spicy: Increase the Sriracha or add some crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick!
- Try different sauces: Experiment with other sauces like ranch or blue cheese for dipping if you want something different.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by mixing the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey in a bowl. This homemade bang bang sauce is what gives our chicken that delightful kick! Adjust the Sriracha according to your heat preference—more spice means more fun!
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
In another bowl, combine buttermilk with half of the prepared bang bang sauce. Add in the chicken tenderloins and let them marinate for at least 15 minutes. This step ensures your chicken stays juicy and flavorful while frying.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
In three separate shallow bowls, set up your breading station: one with flour mixed with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne; one with beaten egg mixed with Sriracha; and one with panko breadcrumbs. Coat each piece of marinated chicken first in flour, then dip into egg mixture before finally coating it in panko. This process gives us that crunchy texture we all crave!
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Heat canola oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. Once hot enough, carefully add the breaded chicken pieces in batches so as not to overcrowd them. Fry until they are golden brown on both sides—about 6 minutes total. This step creates that beautiful crispy exterior while keeping everything juicy inside!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Once cooked, transfer your crispy Bang Bang Chicken onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Drizzle with more bang bang sauce and garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy every bite of this mouthwatering dish—you’ve earned it!
Pro Tips for Making Bang Bang Chicken
Making Bang Bang Chicken is a delightful experience, and with these pro tips, you’ll achieve that perfect crunchy texture and flavor!
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh chicken and high-quality condiments will enhance the flavor of your dish, ensuring every bite is delicious.
- Double-dip for extra crunch: For an even crispier coating, dip the chicken in the buttermilk mixture twice before coating it with panko breadcrumbs. This adds a thicker, crunchier layer to your chicken.
- Control the heat: When frying, use a thermometer to ensure your oil is at the right temperature (about 350°F or 175°C). This prevents greasy chicken and ensures even cooking.
- Customize the spice level: Adjust the amount of Sriracha in both the bang bang sauce and the batter to suit your taste. More heat can add an exciting kick!
- Let it rest: After frying, let the chicken rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels. This keeps it crispy by allowing moisture to escape.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken
Bang Bang Chicken is not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes. Present this dish beautifully to impress your guests or family!
Garnishes
- Chopped parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, enhancing both presentation and flavor.
- Green onions: Thinly sliced green onions provide a mild onion flavor and vibrant color that complements the dish nicely.
Side Dishes
- Crispy Asian slaw: A crunchy slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken.
- Steamed jasmine rice: Fluffy jasmine rice serves as a perfect base for soaking up any extra bang bang sauce while balancing out flavors.
- Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli add nutrition and color to your meal.
- Sweet potato fries: These slightly sweet fries pair wonderfully with the spicy notes of Bang Bang Chicken, making for a delightful combination.
Enjoy creating this dish! Your friends and family are sure to love it just as much as you do!

Make Ahead and Storage
Bang Bang Chicken is an excellent choice for meal prep! You can easily make this dish ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy its deliciousness throughout the week.
Storing Leftovers
- Place any leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Keep the bang bang sauce separate if possible to maintain crispiness.
Freezing
- Allow the chicken to cool completely before freezing.
- Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating
- For best results, reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
- Alternatively, you can use an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
- Avoid microwaving as it may make the chicken soggy.
FAQs
Have questions about making your own Bang Bang Chicken? Here are some common inquiries!
Can I make Bang Bang Chicken gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and ensure your sauces and other ingredients are also gluten-free.
What can I serve with Bang Bang Chicken?
Bang Bang Chicken pairs wonderfully with rice, salad, or steamed vegetables. You can also serve it as a fun appetizer with dipping sauces on the side!
How spicy is Bang Bang Chicken?
The spiciness level depends on how much Sriracha you add. Start with one teaspoon and taste; you can always add more if you like it spicier!
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Absolutely! For a healthier version, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
Final Thoughts
I hope you find joy in making this delightful Bang Bang Chicken recipe! It’s not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors that brings everyone together. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or enjoying leftovers during the week, I truly believe it will become a favorite in your home. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your experience!
Bang Bang Chicken
Bang Bang Chicken is a crowd-pleasing dish that promises to impress with its crispy texture and creamy, spicy sauce. This easy recipe combines succulent chicken tenderloins coated in crunchy panko breadcrumbs, paired with a homemade bang bang sauce that adds a delightful kick.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha (or more to taste)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 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
- â…› teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs (plain)
- Canola oil (for frying)
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the bang bang sauce by mixing mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey in a bowl. Adjust the spice level to taste.
- Marinate the chicken tenderloins in buttermilk combined with half of the bang bang sauce for at least 15 minutes.
- Set up a breading station with seasoned flour, an egg mixture with Sriracha, and panko breadcrumbs. Coat each chicken piece in flour, then dip into the egg mixture before finally coating with panko.
- Heat canola oil in a pan over medium-high heat and fry the breaded chicken until golden brown on both sides (about 6 minutes total).
- Drain excess oil on paper towels, drizzle with remaining bang bang sauce, garnish with parsley, and serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece of Bang Bang Chicken (100g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 55mg