Delicious plate of Bang Bang Chicken served with a spicy sauce and garnished.

Bang Bang Chicken

ByCasey Monroe

why make this recipe

Bang Bang Chicken is a deliciously spicy and crunchy dish that is perfect for any occasion. It combines tender chicken with a sweet and spicy sauce that will have everyone coming back for more. This recipe is easy to make and packed with flavor, making it a great choice for weeknight dinners or party appetizers.

how to make Bang Bang Chicken

To make Bang Bang Chicken, you first need to prepare the Bang Bang sauce. This sauce is a mix of mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Once you have your sauce ready, the chicken is coated in a delicious batter made from buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, and spices before being fried to golden perfection. Finally, the crispy chicken is tossed in the Bang Bang sauce for that signature taste.

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)
  • Parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Directions :

  1. Prepare the Bang Bang sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Mix well and set aside.
  2. Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken tenderloins in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Let it sit for 30 minutes to soak up the flavor.
  3. Prepare the coating: In another bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
  4. Coat the chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess liquid drip off. Dip each piece into the flour mixture, coating well.
  5. Bread the chicken: After coating, roll the chicken pieces in panko breadcrumbs until fully covered.
  6. Fry the chicken: In a large pan, heat oil over medium heat. Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per batch. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  7. Toss with sauce: Once all the chicken is fried, place it in a large bowl, pour the Bang Bang sauce over the top, and toss to coat.

how to serve Bang Bang Chicken

Bang Bang Chicken is best served hot and fresh out of the fryer. You can serve it on a platter, garnished with chopped parsley for a pop of color. It pairs well with steamed rice or a simple salad for a complete meal.

how to store Bang Bang Chicken

If you have leftovers, you can store Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This keeps the chicken crispy.

tips to make Bang Bang Chicken

  • Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to get that crispy texture.
  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for longer or add spices to the batter.
  • Adjust the Sriracha in the sauce to meet your preferred spice level.

variation

You can make a baked version of Bang Bang Chicken by placing the breaded chicken on a baking sheet and spraying them lightly with cooking spray, then baking at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used in this recipe. Just cut them into similar-sized strips for even cooking.

2. Is the Bang Bang sauce spicy?
The spice level can be adjusted based on how much Sriracha you add. You can start with less and add more to taste.

3. Can I make this dish in advance?
While it is best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce and coat the chicken ahead of time. Just fry it right before serving for the best results.