Easy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe: Spicy Homemade Goodness

Chicken lovers crave this sweet-and-spicy bang bang chicken that packs a serious flavor punch.

Crispy golden pieces shimmer under a glaze so irresistible you’ll want seconds immediately.

Creamy sauce drizzled with precision creates a magical combination of heat and sweetness.

Complex layers of taste dance across your palate with each delectable bite.

Perfectly balanced ingredients marry zesty chili notes with smooth, velvety undertones.

Restaurant-quality results await without complicated techniques or hard-to-find components.

Trust me, this recipe will become your new weeknight sensation that impresses everyone around the table.

Bang Bang Chicken Highlights

• Spice Up Your Meal: Dive into a flavor explosion with this zesty Bang Bang Chicken that brings restaurant-quality taste right to your kitchen.
• Conquer Crispy Perfection: Master the art of golden-brown, crunchy chicken with a foolproof coating technique that guarantees a satisfying crunch in every bite.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Impress family and friends with a show-stopping dish that comes together faster than ordering takeout, making it ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.
• Customize Your Heat: Easily adjust the spice level by tweaking the Sriracha and cayenne pepper, making this recipe adaptable for various taste preferences and heat tolerances.

Ingredients for Bang Bang Chicken

Main Ingredients:

• Chicken Tenderloins: Tender cuts of white meat that create a delicious and crispy base for this flavorful dish.
• Buttermilk: Helps tenderize the chicken and provides a tangy marinade base.

• Panko Breadcrumbs: Provides a light, crispy exterior that gives the chicken a satisfying crunch.
• Flour, Cornstarch: Creates a smooth, even coating that helps the breading stick to the chicken.

• Mayonnaise, Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: Forms the creamy and sweet base of the Bang Bang sauce.
• Sriracha: Adds a spicy kick to both the marinade and the sauce.

• Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper, Cayenne Pepper: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the chicken.

• Canola Oil: Provides the medium for deep frying the chicken to golden perfection.

• Parsley: Adds a fresh, green touch and light herbal flavor to the finished dish.

• Egg, Honey: Helps bind the coating and adds a subtle sweetness to the sauce.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken

Step 1: Whip Up Flavor-Packed Sauce

Grab a small mixing bowl and combine mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Stir until the mixture becomes silky smooth and creates a vibrant, tangy sauce.

Set this liquid gold aside for later magic.

Step 2: Create Magical Chicken Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper.

Drop chicken tenderloins into this flavor bath and ensure each piece gets fully coated. Let the chicken soak up those delicious flavors for 15-20 minutes.

Step 3: Create Crispy Coating

Spread panko breadcrumbs on a shallow plate. Carefully remove chicken pieces from the marinade, letting excess drip off.

Gently press each piece into the panko, ensuring a gorgeous golden crust covers every inch. Place coated chicken on a clean plate.

Step 4: Heat Oil to Perfection

Pour canola oil into a large skillet, filling about one inch deep. Warm the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 365°F.

Use a cooking thermometer to monitor temperature for consistent results.

Step 5: Fry Chicken to Golden Crispiness

Carefully lower chicken pieces into hot oil in small batches.

Fry each side for 2-3 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Keep oil temperature steady and avoid overcrowding the pan.

Step 6: Drain and Sauce

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

Toss warm chicken in the prepared Bang Bang sauce, coating each piece with zesty goodness.

Step 7: Serve with Flair

Arrange sauced chicken on a serving plate.

Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a fresh pop of color. Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Pro Tips for Bang Bang Chicken

• Let chicken soak in the buttermilk mixture for the full 15-20 minutes to ensure tender, juicy meat with deep, rich seasoning.
• Use a cooking thermometer to maintain consistent 365F oil heat, preventing greasy or undercooked chicken and achieving perfect golden-brown crispiness.
• Fry chicken in small portions to keep oil temperature stable and prevent overcrowding, which guarantees evenly cooked, crispy exterior for each piece.
• Place fried chicken on paper towels to absorb extra oil, ensuring a lighter, less greasy final dish that stays wonderfully crunchy.

Flavor Variations on Bang Bang Chicken

• Gluten-Free Crunch: Replace flour and panko with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour and crushed rice cereal for a celiac-friendly version.
• Baked Lighter Option: Skip deep-frying and bake chicken on a wire rack at 425F for 20 minutes, using olive oil spray for crispy texture.
• Air Fryer Quick Swap: Cook marinated chicken in air fryer at 375F for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through for even browning.
• Protein Power Modification: Substitute chicken tenderloins with tofu or cauliflower florets for vegetarian protein-packed alternative that maintains similar crispy coating and flavor profile.

Pairing Suggestions with Bang Bang Chicken

Crisp Asian slaw with rice vinegar and sesame oil perfectly cuts through the richness of the fried chicken, adding refreshing crunch and tanginess.

Light, cold Korean beer or a clean pilsner neutralizes the spicy Bang Bang sauce, creating a smooth drinking experience that complements the chicken’s bold flavors.

Creamy cucumber yogurt sauce provides a cool, smooth counterpoint to the spicy, crispy chicken, offering a refreshing palate reset between bites.

Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the chicken to introduce nutty undertones and extra visual appeal that elevates the entire dish.

Storage Advice for Bang Bang Chicken

• Store leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring maximum flavor and food safety.
• Wrap individual pieces separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through to maintain crispiness. Drizzle extra sauce if desired for moisture.

FAQs

• What makes the Bang Bang sauce unique?

The Bang Bang sauce combines mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey, creating a creamy, sweet, and spicy flavor profile that perfectly complements the crispy fried chicken.

• Why use buttermilk in the marinade?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken, making it more juicy and flavorful while also helping the coating stick better to the meat during frying.

• How do I know when the chicken is properly cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C), which ensures the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat while maintaining its juiciness.

Sweet-and-Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Bang Bang Chicken brings zesty Korean-inspired flavors to your dinner table with a perfect balance of crispy texture and bold seasonings. Spicy sauce and crunchy coating make this dish irresistible, promising a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins
• 1 large egg, room temperature

Breading and Flour:

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 2 cups plain panko breadcrumbs

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Canola oil, for frying
• Parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Craft the zesty Bang Bang sauce by whisking mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey into a smooth, vibrant mixture. Reserve for later application.
2. Create a flavorful marinade combining buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Immerse chicken tenderloins completely, ensuring thorough coating. Allow to rest for 15-20 minutes, enabling deep flavor absorption.
3. Spread panko breadcrumbs across a flat surface. Extract chicken pieces from marinade, gently shaking off excess liquid. Roll each piece meticulously through panko, pressing firmly to create a crisp, even crust.
4. Fill a large skillet with canola oil, approximately 1 inch deep. Heat to 365F, monitoring temperature precisely with a cooking thermometer to guarantee optimal frying conditions.
5. Fry chicken in controlled batches, maintaining consistent oil temperature. Cook each piece for 2-3 minutes per side until achieving a golden-brown exterior and reaching an internal temperature of 165F. Prevent overcrowding to ensure uniform cooking.
6. Transfer fried chicken to paper towel-lined plate, allowing excess oil to drain. While chicken remains warm, generously toss with prepared Bang Bang sauce, ensuring complete and even coverage.
7. Arrange sauced chicken on serving plate, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately for maximum crispiness and flavor intensity.

Notes

• Elevate the crispiness by ensuring the oil is precisely heated to 365F, using a reliable thermometer for consistent golden-brown results.
• Marinate chicken for maximum flavor absorption, with buttermilk helping tenderize and keep the meat juicy throughout cooking.
• Control oil temperature meticulously during frying to prevent burning or undercooking, working in small batches for even, crispy coating.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting Sriracha and cayenne pepper quantities, making the dish adaptable for spice-sensitive palates.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 536 kcal
• Sugar: 13 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 26 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg