Get ready to make crispy bang bang chicken that delivers restaurant-quality flavor right in your kitchen. This golden fried chicken gets its crunch from a special breading technique before getting tossed in an addictive sweet and tangy sauce.
Whether you’re hosting game day or need a fresh twist on dinner, this recipe will become your new favorite crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Chicken
Bang bang chicken hits all the right notes with its contrasting textures and flavors. First, tender chicken achieves maximum crispiness through a double coating process.
Next, the creamy sauce balances sweetness and heat perfectly. Even better, you can customize the spice level to match your family’s preferences. Additionally, this dish comes together faster than takeout while costing less than delivery.
Perfect for Busy Weeknights
Requiring just 40 minutes from start to finish, this recipe fits seamlessly into hectic schedules. The simple preparation means even beginner cooks can succeed. Moreover, you’ll use common pantry ingredients to create something extraordinary.
Serve it over rice for a complete meal or pack it for lunch the next day it keeps wonderfully when stored properly.
Recipe
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Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 40 min
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Crispy chicken tossed in sweet and tangy bang bang sauce makes an irresistible meal
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise (240 ml)
- ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce (120 ml)
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce (5 ml)
- 2 tablespoons honey (30 ml)
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken tenderloins (680 g)
- 1 cup buttermilk (240 ml)
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour (90 g)
- ½ cup cornstarch (60 g)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce (15 ml)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (2.5 g)
- ½ teaspoon salt (3 g)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (1 g)
- â…› teaspoon cayenne pepper (0.5 g)
- 2 cups plain panko breadcrumbs (100 g)
- Canola oil (for frying)
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce by mixing mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey in a bowl
- Marinate chicken strips in buttermilk, egg, and Sriracha for 15 minutes
- Combine flour, cornstarch, spices in one bowl and place breadcrumbs in another
- Drain chicken, then coat in flour mixture, dip in marinade, then press into breadcrumbs
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry chicken until golden brown
- Drain on wire racks, toss with sauce, garnish with parsley
Notes
- Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs if required
- Adjust sauce spiciness by varying Sriracha amounts
- For crispiest results, fry in small batches
- Serve immediately to maintain optimal texture
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 kcal
Ingredients and Substitutions
This crispy chicken formula uses accessible ingredients with smart substitution options. Below you’ll find the essential components plus alternatives for dietary needs.
Base Components
- Boneless skinless chicken tenderloins: Cut breast into strips if unavailable
- Buttermilk: Substitute plain yogurt or milk mixed with lemon juice
- All-purpose flour: Use gluten-free flour blend for dietary restrictions
- Cornstarch: Substitute arrowroot powder or potato starch
- Plain panko breadcrumbs: Crushed cornflakes work for gluten-free needs
Sauce and Seasonings
- Pantry staples like mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and honey
- Adjust Sriracha amounts for milder or spicier results
- Garlic powder and black pepper: Use fresh minced garlic for stronger flavor
- Canola oil: Any neutral oil like vegetable or peanut works for frying
How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
Follow these straightforward steps to achieve perfectly crispy chicken every time. Remember to work efficiently while keeping safety in mind around hot oil.
Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
Whisk mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey in a bowl until smooth. Cover and refrigerate while preparing other components—this lets flavors develop beautifully.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Cut chicken into uniform strips for even cooking. Soak them in buttermilk with egg and Sriracha for 15 minutes. This tenderizes the meat while jump-starting flavor absorption.
Step 3: Create the Breading Station
Mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne in one bowl. Place panko breadcrumbs in another. Drain excess buttermilk from chicken before coating.
Step 4: Dredge and Bread Chicken
First, dip chicken pieces into flour mixture, shaking off excess. Then, quickly dip back into marinade. Finally, press into panko until fully coated. This triple-layer technique creates ultra-crispy results.
Step 5: Fry Until Golden Perfection
Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a heavy pot or deep skillet. Fry chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes per side without overcrowding. Drain on wire racks to maintain crispness.
Step 6: Toss and Garnish
Transfer crispy chicken to a large bowl. Drizzle with reserved bang bang sauce and toss gently. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving immediately for best texture.
Pro Tips for Success
Implement these expert techniques to elevate your crispy chicken game. Following professional methods guarantees foolproof outcomes even on your first attempt.
Maintain Proper Oil Temperature
Use a deep-fry thermometer to ensure optimal frying conditions. Too hot burns breading before chicken cooks through. Too cool makes food greasy. Maintain steady heat between 350-375°F (175-190°C).
Master the Breading Technique
Dry-wet-dry breading creates superior crunch. After initial flour coating, pat chicken lightly to remove excess. The second dip creates adhesion for panko. Press crumbs firmly so they stay put during frying.
Drain Properly After Frying
Paper towels create steam that softens breading. Instead, place fried chicken on wire racks over baking sheets. This allows airflow while keeping everything wonderfully crisp.
Flavor Variations
Customize this recipe to suit different tastes or dietary needs. Swap ingredients freely while respecting basic ratios for consistent success.
Heat Adjustments
- Mild version: Omit Sriracha completely; add extra honey
- Extra spicy: Double Sriracha; add red pepper flakes
- Smoky twist: Mix chipotle powder into sauce
Crispy Coating Alternatives
- Nutty crust: Use crushed almonds or cashews
- Cheesy panko: Add grated Parmesan to breadcrumbs
- Seasoned flour: Mix paprika and onion powder into flour
For soup lovers seeking complementary flavors, why not explore classic options like chicken tortilla soup? It makes an excellent starter before this crispy main. This tasty chicken tortilla soup recipe delivers robust south-of-the-border flair easily.
Serving Suggestions
Bang bang chicken shines as part of various meal combinations. Consider these plating ideas to create memorable dinners.
Classic Pairings
- Steamed jasmine or brown rice
- Crisp Asian slaw with sesame dressing
- Quick-pickled cucumber salad
Creative Twists
- Stuff into lettuce wraps with shredded veggies
- Layer atop loaded fries with cheese sauce
- Toss with noodles for a hearty stir-fry hybrid
Looking for more crowd-pleasing dishes? Try these flavorful ground beef recipes for easy weeknight dinners when you need variety. They pair beautifully alongside this chicken for diverse menus.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Proper storage keeps leftovers tasting great. Follow these guidelines to maintain quality and safety.
Refrigeration Method
Store leftover chicken in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Psst—it tastes delicious cold too! Reheat in air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 4 minutes to restore crispiness.
Freezing Recommendations
- Freeze cooked chicken before saucing
- Use freezer-safe bags or containers
- Enjoy within 2 months for best quality
Reheating Techniques
- Oven: 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes
- Air fryer: 5-6 minutes at 375°F (190°C)
- Stovetop: Low heat in a nonstick skillet
Nutrition Facts per Serving
| Calories | Fat | Carbs | Protein | Fiber | Sugar | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 350 |
FAQs About Bang Bang Chicken
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute gluten-free flour and verify panko labels. Alternatively, use crushed gluten-free cereal or crackers for breading.
What if I don’t have deep-fry equipment?
Use a heavy skillet filled 1-inch deep with oil. Cook in small batches, flipping halfway through. For healthier options, try our baked cooking method.
How spicy is bang bang sauce?
Standard sauce offers mild heat with noticeable sweetness. Adjust Sriracha quantities to match your preference—start small and add gradually.
Can I air fry the chicken?
Yes! Bread chicken as directed. Spray with oil and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes, flipping halfway. Results remain crispy with less oil.
What main dishes pair with small gatherings?
Hosts love serving crowd-pleasers like copycat chicken tortilla soup alongside this chicken. It brings comforting flavors that complement the crispy texture.
Final Thoughts
This crispy bang bang chicken recipe delivers excitement for everyday meals and special occasions alike. Easy techniques produce extraordinary results that family and guests will crave again and again.
With adaptable flavors and reliable frying methods, you’ll love how approachable restaurant-style cooking can be. Give it a try tonight and watch happy faces light up around your table!
