Sizzling Bang Bang Chicken Recipe: Spicy-Sweet Comfort on a Plate

Culinary magic happens with this bang bang chicken that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Crispy, spicy, and utterly irresistible, the dish promises an explosion of flavor in every bite.

Tender chicken pieces get coated in a creamy, zesty sauce that tingles your palate.

Buzzing with sriracha and sweet chili notes, each morsel delivers a punch of excitement.

Simple ingredients create an extraordinary meal that looks like it came from a restaurant kitchen.

You can easily master this crowd-pleasing recipe with just a few smart techniques.

Why Bang Bang Chicken Packs So Much Flavor

• Quick and Easy Feast: Whip up this mouthwatering Bang Bang Chicken in minutes, perfect for busy home cooks craving restaurant-quality flavor.
• Crowd-Pleasing Crunch: Create irresistibly crispy chicken with a golden Panko coating that delivers satisfying texture and keeps everyone coming back for more.
• Flavor Explosion: Drench tender chicken in a spicy-sweet bang bang sauce that combines creamy mayonnaise, zesty Sriracha, and tangy Thai sweet chili sauce for a taste sensation.
• Versatile Meal Champion: Enjoy as a quick weeknight dinner, game day appetizer, or party snack that appeals to both kids and adults with its bold, addictive flavor profile.

What You Need for Bang Bang Chicken

Main Ingredients:

Protein: .

• Chicken Tenders: Juicy and tender white meat strips perfect for crispy coating.

• Buttermilk: Tangy liquid that helps tenderize the chicken.
• Flour: Classic base for creating a crispy exterior.
• Cornstarch: Adds extra crispiness to the chicken coating.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Light and crunchy Japanese-style breadcrumbs for a crisp texture.

• Mayonnaise: Creamy base for the signature bang bang sauce.
• Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: Sweet and slightly spicy sauce that adds complex flavor.
• Sriracha: Spicy hot sauce that brings heat to the dish.

• Egg: Helps bind the coating ingredients.
• Garlic Powder: Adds savory depth to the chicken.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper: Classic seasonings for extra flavor kick.

• Honey: Adds subtle sweetness to the bang bang sauce.
• Parsley: Fresh herb for garnish and color.

• Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil for deep frying the chicken.

How to Cook This Spicy Chicken Favorite

Step 1: Whip Up Bang Bang Sauce

Grab a small bowl and mix together creamy mayonnaise, sweet Thai chili sauce, spicy Sriracha, and golden honey.

Stir until the sauce looks smooth and vibrant.

Set this delicious mixture aside for later.

Step 2: Create Chicken Coating Batter

• Buttermilk
• All-purpose flour
• Cornstarch
• Egg
• Sriracha
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cayenne pepper

Whisk everything until well blended.

Add chicken tenders and coat thoroughly.

Step 3: Prepare Crispy Panko Coating

Spread Panko breadcrumbs on a shallow plate.

Take each battered chicken piece, gently shake off excess batter, and roll in Panko.

Press lightly to help crumbs stick.

Place coated chicken on a clean plate.

Step 4: Heat Cooking Oil

Pour about one inch of oil into a large skillet.

Heat over medium-high heat until it reaches 365°F.

Use a cooking thermometer to check temperature accurately.

Step 5: Fry Chicken to Golden Perfection

Carefully place chicken pieces in hot oil, avoiding overcrowding.

Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.

Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.

Work in batches, maintaining oil temperature.

Step 6: Drain and Finish

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

Move chicken to serving plate, drizzle with prepared Bang Bang sauce, sprinkle chopped parsley on top, and serve warm.

Tips for Crispy Chicken and Creamy Sauce

• Use a digital thermometer to maintain consistent 365°F oil heat, ensuring crispy and evenly cooked chicken without burning.
• Press panko breadcrumbs firmly onto chicken tenders, creating a thick, crunchy exterior that seals in moisture and flavor.
• Fry chicken in small batches to prevent overcrowding, which helps maintain oil temperature and achieves golden-brown crispy texture.
• Place fried chicken on paper towels to absorb extra oil, keeping the dish light and preventing greasy results.
• Adjust Sriracha and cayenne pepper quantities to personalize heat intensity, making the bang bang chicken mild or extra spicy based on preference.

How to Store and Reheat Bang Bang Chicken

• Store leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Wrap chicken individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month for best quality.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through.
• Warm chicken in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally to maintain crispiness.

What to Serve with This Bold Chicken Dish

• Crisp Beer Complement: Light lager or wheat beer cuts through the spicy bang bang sauce, refreshing the palate with its clean, crisp finish.
• Zesty Cocktail Match: Citrus-based cocktails like margarita or mojito balance the chicken's rich, spicy flavors with bright, tangy notes.
• Cooling Wine Selection: Slightly sweet Riesling or Gewürztraminer neutralizes the heat while complementing the dish's complex flavor profile.
• Refreshing Non-Alcoholic Option: Sparkling limeade or ginger ale provides a fizzy, cooling counterpoint to the spicy chicken.

Delectable Side Dish Suggestions

• Crunchy Slaw Pairing: Creamy coleslaw with a hint of vinegar cuts through the richness and adds textural contrast.
• Cooling Rice Companion: Coconut rice or jasmine rice absorbs the bang bang sauce and provides a mild, soothing base.
• Fresh Veggie Complement: Cucumber salad or pickled vegetables offer a crisp, light accompaniment that balances the dish's intensity.

Bang Bang Chicken Flavor Variations

• Gluten-Free Crispy Chicken: Replace wheat flour with rice flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs for coating to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Swap panko breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for breading. Use sugar-free sweet chili sauce and reduce honey in bang bang sauce to minimize carbohydrate content.
• Air Fryer Option: Cook chicken in air fryer at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through. This method reduces oil usage and provides a healthier cooking technique while maintaining crispy texture.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute buttermilk with unsweetened coconut milk or almond milk mixed with apple cider vinegar. Use vegan mayonnaise in bang bang sauce for individuals with dairy restrictions.

FAQs

• What is the origin of Bang Bang Chicken?

Bang Bang Chicken originated in Sichuan, China, and was traditionally a cold chicken dish served with a spicy sauce. The American version has evolved into a crispy fried chicken recipe with a creamy, spicy sauce.

The name comes from the traditional Chinese preparation method where chicken was literally “banged” with a stick or cleaver to tenderize the meat before serving. Modern versions keep the name but focus on the sauce and crispy texture.

• Can I make Bang Bang Chicken without buttermilk?

You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes before using to achieve a similar tangy texture and help tenderize the chicken.

• Is this recipe considered spicy?

The spice level depends on how much Sriracha and cayenne pepper you add. The recipe provides a medium heat, but you can adjust the amount of hot sauce to make it milder or more intense based on your preference.

Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

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

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Description

Spicy Sichuan “Bang Bang Chicken” delivers a symphony of zesty flavors that dance across your palate with delightful complexity. Crisp chicken, pounded tender and dressed in a fiery sauce, promises a culinary adventure that will excite your senses and transport you to the heart of Chinese cuisine.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken tenderloins
• 2 cups (216 grams) panko breadcrumbs, plain
• 1 cup (245 grams) buttermilk
• 3/4 cup (94 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (64 grams) cornstarch

Coating and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 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

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup (232 grams) mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup (132 grams) Thai sweet chili sauce
• 1 teaspoon Sriracha, or more to taste
• 2 tablespoons honey

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Instructions

1. Prepare the zesty bang bang sauce by whisking together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey in a small mixing bowl until smooth and well combined.
2. Create a flavorful marinade in a medium bowl by blending buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper into a uniform batter.
3. Submerge chicken tenders completely in the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.
4. Spread panko breadcrumbs on a shallow plate, creating a crispy coating station.
5. Carefully remove each chicken tender from the marinade, allowing excess batter to drip off, then gently press into panko breadcrumbs to create an even, crisp exterior.
6. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet to 365°F, maintaining a consistent temperature for optimal frying.
7. Carefully lower breaded chicken pieces into the hot oil, avoiding overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking.
8. Fry chicken tenders for 2-3 minutes per side, achieving a golden-brown crust and ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
9. Transfer fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and maintain crispiness.
10. Generously coat the crispy chicken with prepared bang bang sauce, ensuring full coverage.
11. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish and serve immediately while hot and crisp.

Notes

• Crisp coating secrets involve patting chicken dry before marinating to ensure maximum batter adhesion and crunchiness.
• Temperature precision matters; use a digital thermometer to maintain consistent 365°F oil heat for perfectly golden, non-greasy chicken.
• Gluten-free modification can be achieved by substituting regular flour with rice flour or gluten-free all-purpose blend for equally crispy results.
• Spice level adjustment allows personalization by reducing or increasing Sriracha and cayenne pepper quantities to match individual heat tolerance.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 675
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg