Plate of spicy Bang Bang Chicken garnished with green onions and sesame seeds

Bang Bang Chicken

ByCasey Monroe

why make this recipe

Bang Bang Chicken is a fun and tasty dish that brings together crispy chicken and a creamy, spicy sauce. It’s perfect for parties, family dinners, or just a simple meal at home. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a favorite dish for many.

how to make Bang Bang Chicken

Making Bang Bang Chicken at home is easy and quick. You can enjoy the crunchy chicken with a delicious sauce that’s so good you will want to eat it again and again.

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. Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Taste and adjust the spice level if needed. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, soak the chicken tenderloins in buttermilk for about 30 minutes. This makes the chicken juicy and tender.
  3. Prepare the Coating: In another bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
  4. Coat the Chicken: Take each chicken piece out of the buttermilk and dip it into the flour mixture. Then coat it with panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
  5. Fry the Chicken: In a large pan, heat canola oil over medium heat. Fry the chicken pieces in batches until they are golden brown and cooked through, which usually takes about 4-5 minutes on each side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  6. Serve: Toss the fried chicken pieces in the Bang Bang Sauce until they are well coated. Serve hot and garnish with chopped parsley.

how to serve Bang Bang Chicken

Bang Bang Chicken is best served hot. You can place it on a platter and drizzle more sauce on top. Pair it with rice, noodles, or a simple salad for a complete meal. You can also use it as an appetizer for parties.

how to store Bang Bang Chicken

To store leftover Bang Bang Chicken, let it cool down and place it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the oven to keep it crispy.

tips to make Bang Bang Chicken

  • For even crispier chicken, double coat it by dipping it back in the egg and then in the breadcrumbs again.
  • Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying. You can test it by dropping in a small piece of bread; it should bubble up.
  • If you like it spicier, add more Sriracha to the sauce.

variation

You can make Bang Bang Chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different twist. Just follow the same steps for coating and frying.

FAQs

Can I bake Bang Bang Chicken instead of frying it?
Yes, you can bake it! Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake the chicken for about 20-25 minutes until golden, flipping halfway through.

What can I use instead of buttermilk?
You can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the Bang Bang Sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge until you are ready to use it.