Name: Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 16 min
Total time: 26 min
Cuisine: Thai-American Fusion
Ingredients: 1 cup (232 g) mayonnaise; ½ cup (132 g) Thai sweet chili sauce; 1 teaspoon Sriracha, or more to taste; 2 tablespoons honey; 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; ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); 2 cups (216 g) panko breadcrumbs, plain; Canola oil, for frying; Chopped parsley

Print Recipe· 4.3 from 36 reviews

If you are searching for a dish that perfectly balances crispy, spicy, and creamy flavors, this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe is just what you need. It features tender, juicy chicken coated in a crunchy panko crust, all lavishly smothered in a luscious, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce that will have you coming back for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for a casual weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a gathering, this recipe brings a delightful blend of textures and tastes that’s easy to prepare yet incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A dark cooking pan filled with bubbling clear oil showing active frying. In the middle, a light golden strip of food is frying, surrounded by many small bubbles. At the top right, a pair of metal tongs held by a woman's hand is about to hold the food. The pan sits on a black stove, with the setting against a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe lies in its simplicity and the harmony of essential ingredients. Each component plays a vital role, from creating the crispy coating to bringing out a sweet heat in the sauce, enhancing every bite with bursts of flavor and perfect texture.

Mayonnaise: Provides a creamy, rich base that makes the bang bang sauce irresistibly smooth.
Thai sweet chili sauce: Adds a sweet and spicy kick with a hint of garlicky depth.
Sriracha: Brings heat with a tangy edge, adjustable according to your spice tolerance.
Honey: Balances the spice with natural sweetness, rounding out the sauce beautifully.
Boneless skinless chicken tenderloins: Tender and easy to cook, these make the perfect protein foundation.
Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and helps the batter adhere.
All-purpose flour and cornstarch: Create the crispy, light coating when combined.
Egg: Binds the batter together for a perfect dredge.
Garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper: Season the batter and elevate every bite with subtle spices.
Panko breadcrumbs: Deliver an irresistibly light and crunchy crust.
Canola oil: Ideal for frying thanks to its high smoke point, ensuring crispiness without burning.
Parsley (for garnish): Adds a fresh, vibrant finish and a pop of green color on the plate.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce

Start by whisking together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey in a small bowl. This sauce is the star of the show—it combines creamy richness with spicy sweetness that perfectly complements the crispy chicken.

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a medium mixing bowl, combine buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Whisk thoroughly until you achieve a smooth batter. This mixture will create a flavorful coating that hugs each chicken tender lovingly.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Place the panko breadcrumbs on a shallow plate. Remove each chicken tenderloin piece from the batter one at a time, shaking off any excess, then dredge it in the panko, pressing lightly to ensure the breadcrumbs stick. This double step gives the chicken its signature crunchy outer layer.

Step 4: Fry to Perfection

Pour about an inch of canola oil into a large skillet and heat it over medium-high until it reaches 365°F. Fry the chicken in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes or until the chicken turns a beautiful golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Drain on paper towels briefly to remove excess oil.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

While still warm, either drizzle the bang bang sauce over the fries chicken or toss the pieces in the sauce for even coating. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley to add color and a touch of herbal brightness before serving.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

The image shows a tray lined with light brown parchment paper holding seven pieces of golden-brown crispy fried chicken tenders. The chicken tenders have a crunchy texture with an uneven coating, sprinkled lightly with small green herb bits. In the bottom left corner of the tray, there is a small white cup filled with creamy, light orange dipping sauce with some small red specks. The tray sits on a wooden surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only makes the dish visually appealing but also adds a subtle freshness that cuts through the rich sauce. If you want an extra kick, some finely sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds work beautifully, enhancing both flavor and texture.

Side Dishes

This Bang Bang Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with light and refreshing sides like a crisp green salad or coleslaw. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside steamed jasmine rice or garlic fried rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or carrots also add a wholesome balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the chicken as sliders with soft buns and a dollop of extra bang bang sauce. Another idea is to layer the chicken pieces atop a bed of mixed greens with avocado slices for a vibrant bang bang chicken salad. These options keep your presentation exciting and customizable for any occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the sauce separate if possible to maintain the chicken’s crispiness when reheated.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken pieces before tossing in the sauce. Lay them flat on a baking tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to one month. Defrost in the refrigerator before reheating and saucing.

Reheating

To keep the crispy texture, reheat the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the crunchy crust. Once hot, toss or drizzle with the bang bang sauce and serve immediately.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?

Absolutely! Just slice the chicken breasts into tenders or thinner pieces to ensure even cooking and a nice crispy crust. The preparation method remains the same for fantastic results.

How spicy is this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe?

The recipe has a mild to moderate heat level thanks to the combination of Thai sweet chili sauce and Sriracha. You can easily adjust the spiciness by adding more or less Sriracha according to your preference.

Is there a healthier way to make this recipe?

You can bake the chicken instead of frying it. Coat the chicken as directed, place on a baking sheet, and bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. The sauce can still be added after baking for that classic flavor.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Yes! The bang bang sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container. Give it a quick stir before using to recombine the ingredients.

What can I use instead of panko breadcrumbs?

If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers work in a pinch, but panko provides the best light, airy crunch that makes this dish special.

Final Thoughts

This Bang Bang Chicken Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings together crispy, spicy, and creamy in every bite. It’s approachable enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for entertaining friends. Give it a try—you might just find yourself adding it to your permanent recipe rotation. Happy cooking!