Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe: Sweet, Spicy & Irresistible

Crispy chicken with a bang bang sauce has been my go-to comfort meal for years.

Spicy mayo drizzled over perfectly crunchy chicken pieces creates an irresistible combo that makes mouths water.

Nobody can resist these golden-brown nuggets coated in creamy, zesty goodness.

Southern-style cooking meets Asian-inspired flavors in this simple yet mind-blowing dish.

Each bite delivers a punch of tangy heat that keeps people coming back for more.

Crunchy exterior and silky sauce blend into a magical culinary experience you won’t forget.

Prepare to become the star of your next dinner gathering with this crowd-pleasing sensation.

Crispy Bang Bang Chicken That’s Full Of Flavor

• Unleash Spicy Flavor Explosion: Discover a mouthwatering chicken recipe that packs a serious punch of bold, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors in every single bite.
• Master Simple Culinary Techniques: Learn professional-level cooking skills with straightforward steps that transform basic ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish anyone can prepare at home.
• Crowd-Pleasing Party Showstopper: Create an irresistible appetizer or main course that guarantees rave reviews from friends and family, perfect for game nights, potlucks, or casual gatherings.
• Quick Comfort Food Upgrade: Transform ordinary chicken into a crispy, saucy sensation that satisfies cravings for something crunchy, spicy, and utterly delicious with minimal kitchen effort.

Ingredients To Make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

• Chicken Tenderloins: Tender and juicy chicken cuts perfect for creating a crispy exterior.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Light and airy Japanese-style breadcrumbs that provide an extra crunchy coating.

• Buttermilk, Flour, Cornstarch: A combination that helps create a thick, clingy coating for the chicken.
• Egg: Acts as a binding agent to help the breading stick to the chicken.
• Sriracha, Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper, Cayenne: Seasonings that add depth and heat to the chicken's flavor.

• Mayonnaise, Thai Sweet Chili Sauce, Sriracha, Honey: A creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce that coats the crispy chicken.
• Canola Oil: Neutral oil used for deep-frying the chicken to golden perfection.
• Parsley: Fresh herb used as a garnish to add a pop of color and light freshness.

Easy Instructions To Prepare Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

Step 1: Whip Up the Zesty Sauce

• Mayonnaise
• Thai sweet chili sauce
• Sriracha
• Honey

Whisk the ingredients until they blend into a smooth, creamy mixture. Set the sauce aside for later use.

Step 2: Create a Flavor-Packed Marinade

• Buttermilk
• Flour
• Cornstarch
• Egg
• Sriracha
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cayenne pepper (optional)

Toss chicken tenderloins into the marinade, ensuring each piece is completely coated. Let the chicken soak up the flavors for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Spread panko breadcrumbs on a plate. Carefully remove each chicken piece from the marinade and roll it in the breadcrumbs.

Press gently to help the coating stick firmly to the chicken. Place the breaded chicken on a clean plate.

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat canola oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 365°F. Carefully fry the chicken in batches, cooking for 2-3 minutes on each side until it turns a beautiful golden brown.

Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature hits 165°F, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked.

Step 5: Drain and Coat

Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.

Once drained, toss the crispy chicken pieces in the prepared Bang Bang Sauce, making sure each piece is evenly and generously coated.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped parsley over the saucy chicken.

Serve immediately while the chicken is still hot and delightfully crispy. Enjoy the explosion of flavors and textures in every bite!

Tips To Nail Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Every Time

• Pat chicken tenderloins completely dry with paper towels before marinating to ensure maximum crispiness and better coating adhesion.
• Use a digital thermometer to consistently monitor oil temperature around 365F, which prevents greasy chicken and ensures perfect golden-brown exterior.
• Let chicken sit in buttermilk marinade for exactly 10 minutes to tenderize meat without making breadcrumb coating soggy, keeping texture light and crisp.
• Fry chicken pieces in small batches to maintain oil temperature and prevent pieces from sticking together, guaranteeing evenly cooked, crispy results.
• Enjoy bang bang chicken right after coating with sauce to preserve crunchiness and prevent breading from becoming soft and losing its delightful texture.

Variations To Change Up Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

• Gluten-Free Crunch: Replace wheat flour and panko with gluten-free flour and crushed rice cereal for a celiac-friendly version.
• Baked Light Option: Skip frying and bake chicken at 425F for 20 minutes, using a wire rack for extra crispiness.
• Spicy Protein Swap: Substitute chicken tenderloins with firm tofu or cauliflower florets for vegetarian protein alternatives.
• Keto-Friendly Coating: Use almond flour and crushed pork rinds instead of traditional breadcrumbs to reduce carbohydrates.

Pairing Suggestions To Serve With Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

• Create a cool, tangy side dish with thinly sliced cucumbers, rice vinegar, and fresh dill to balance the spicy chicken's heat.
• Select a chilled Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the sauce's sweet and spicy profile, cutting through the richness of the fried chicken.
• Prepare light, fluffy jasmine rice to soak up the delicious Bang Bang Sauce and provide a neutral base that enhances the chicken's bold flavors.

Storage Tips To Keep Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Fresh

• Store leftover crispy Bang Bang chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Place a paper towel underneath to absorb moisture and prevent sogginess.
• Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet to help maintain crispiness. Warm for 10-12 minutes, turning once halfway through to ensure even heating.

FAQs

• What makes Bang Bang Sauce unique?

Bang Bang Sauce combines mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey for a creamy, sweet, and spicy flavor that perfectly complements crispy chicken.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?

Yes, you can substitute chicken tenderloins with chicken breasts. Just cut them into similar-sized strips to ensure even cooking and consistent crispiness.

• Why use buttermilk in the marinade?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken, adds a tangy flavor, and creates a thick coating that helps the panko breadcrumbs stick better, resulting in a crispier texture.

Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sichuan’s irresistible Bang Bang Chicken delivers a spicy symphony of flavors that dance across your palate. Crispy shredded chicken nestled in a tangy sauce promises a mouthwatering journey you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken:

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins

Coating and Breading:

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 2 cups plain panko breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Sauce and Garnish:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 teaspoons Sriracha sauce
• Canola oil (for frying)
• Chopped parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Whisk mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey in a small bowl until smooth to create Bang Bang Sauce. Set aside for later coating.
2. Combine buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne in a medium bowl. Thoroughly coat chicken tenderloins in marinade and let rest for 10 minutes.
3. Spread panko breadcrumbs on a plate. Carefully remove each marinated chicken piece, pressing breadcrumbs firmly onto surface to create an even, crispy coating.
4. Heat canola oil in a skillet to 365F. Carefully lower chicken pieces into hot oil, frying for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Verify internal temperature reaches 165F using a meat thermometer.
5. Transfer fried chicken to paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Once drained, generously toss chicken pieces in prepared Bang Bang Sauce, ensuring complete and even coverage.
6. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately while chicken remains hot and maintains its crispy texture.

Notes

• Adjust the spice level by modifying the amount of Sriracha in both the marinade and sauce for personalized heat.
• Ensure oil temperature stays consistent around 365F to achieve maximum crispiness without burning the chicken.
• Use buttermilk for extra tenderness and allow chicken to marinate longer for deeper flavor penetration.
• For gluten-free version, substitute regular flour with almond or rice flour and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 595 kcal
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 610 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 31 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg