Remember mall food courts in the early 2000s? The smell of sweet heat calling you over? That’s the vibe of this Bang Bang Chicken now back in style thanks to TikTok and Pinterest cravings. It’s a quick, easy recipe with crispy chicken and a creamy, spicy sauce that’s oddly addictive. Ready in under 30 minutes. No deep fryer drama, promise.
This one’s all about balancegolden seared chicken, a touch of garlic, and that bang bang sauce made from pantry MVPs like mayo, chili sauce, and a whisper of honey. It’s comfort food that’s also shockingly doable. Full details in the blog!
I learned to pan-fry like a pro standing barefoot in my grandma’s kitchen, listening to the sizzle. Decades (and a culinary degree) later, I still go back to those roots. I tested this one six ways. You’ll love the secret that makes it pop.
Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Chicken
This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser with just the right balance of crispy, creamy, and spicy. It’s the meal your family will ask for again and again. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple and fast perfect for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers.
Nostalgic vibes: Who doesn’t love crispy chicken soaked in a creamy, kicky sauce? It’s like a hug in food form.
Beginner-friendly: You don’t need fancy tools or complicated steps here.
Customizable spice: Adjust the heat to make it mild or bold it’s totally up to you.
Bang Bang Ingredients Breakdown
It all starts with your pantry staples, a couple of fresh fridge favorites, and a bottle of chili sauce to seal the deal. Here’s what makes the magic happen:
Category
Ingredients
Purpose
Sauce Base
Mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, Honey
Creates the creamy, sweet heat signature flavor.
Chicken
Chicken tenderloins
Lean, tender protein that fries up beautifully.
Coating
Buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, breadcrumbs
Ensures maximum crunch in every bite.
Seasoning
Sriracha, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, pepper
Adds savory spice and flavor depth.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken: Step by Step
Let’s break it down into simple steps so you can whip up this crispy perfection with zero stress. Ready?
Marinate the chicken: Mix buttermilk, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne in a bowl. Add chicken, making sure it’s fully coated. Let it marinate (10-20 minutes).
Prep the bang bang sauce: Stir mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey in a small bowl. Taste adjust Sriracha if you want more heat. Set aside.
Ready the coating: In one dish, whisk the flour and cornstarch. In another, spread the breadcrumbs. Take your marinated chicken and coat it first in the flour mixture, then press into breadcrumbs to cover completely.
Fry until golden: Heat ¼ inch of canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add breaded chicken in batches and cook 3-4 minutes on each side or until crispy and golden. Work in batches to avoid crowding.
Toss with sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, toss it in as much bang bang sauce as you like. Garnish with parsley if you’re feeling fancy!
Step
Action
Time Needed
1
Marinate the chicken
10-20 minutes
2
Mix the sauce
2 minutes
3
Coat the chicken
10 minutes
4
Fry the chicken
6-8 minutes
5
Toss with sauce
1-2 minutes
Customizations & Troubleshooting
Dial down the spice: Use less Sriracha or skip the cayenne altogether for a mild version.
Sauce too thick? Add a drop or two of water to thin it to your liking without losing flavor.
Chicken too greasy? Drain it briefly on a wire rack or paper towel right out of the pan.
Pro Tip: If you’re working in batches, use a 200°F oven to keep your cooked chicken warm and crispy until serving.
Leftovers & Perfect Storage
Storage Method
How to Do It
How Long It Lasts
Refrigerator
Store chicken in an airtight container.
Up to 3 days
Freezer
Place breaded chicken (before frying) in a freezer-safe bag.
Up to 3 months
Reheating
Use a 375°F oven for 10 minutes, flipping halfway.
Best freshly reheated
Expert Says: Mastering the Flavor of Bang Bang Chicken
Bang Bang Chicken balances creamy, spicy, and tangy notes in a unique way that excites the palate without overwhelming it. Achieving the perfect sauce consistency is keytoo thick dulls the heat, while too thin waters down the flavor. This harmony is what makes Bang Bang Chicken a standout dish in modern Asian fusion cuisine.
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Behind the Recipe
Bang Bang Chicken brings back memories of lively weeknight dinners with my family, where quick, healthy meals were a must. I love how this recipe balances bold flavors with simple steps, making it perfect for busy homes craving a little excitement without the extra fuss.
FAQs ( Bang Bang Chicken )
What is Bang Bang Chicken?
Bang Bang Chicken is a popular crispy chicken dish featuring tender pieces of chicken coated in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce. The signature “bang bang” sauce typically combines mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha for the perfect balance of flavors. This dish originated as an appetizer but has become a beloved main course option. It’s often served over rice or with vegetables for a complete meal.
Can I make Bang Bang Chicken sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely make the bang bang sauce up to 3 days in advance! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and give it a good stir before using. The flavors actually improve as they meld together over time. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before serving, or warm it slightly if you prefer it heated.
What can I substitute for sriracha in bang bang sauce?
If you don’t have sriracha, you can use other hot sauces like Frank’s RedHot, Tabasco, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper mixed with a little honey. For a milder option, try using just a touch of paprika or red pepper flakes. You can also use garlic chili sauce or sambal oelek for a different but equally delicious flavor profile.
How do I keep Bang Bang Chicken crispy?
To maintain maximum crispiness, serve the bang bang sauce on the side for dipping rather than tossing the chicken in it. If you do want to coat the chicken, add the sauce just before serving and consume immediately. Make sure your chicken is completely cooked and drained of excess oil before adding any sauce.
Can I bake Bang Bang Chicken instead of frying?
Absolutely! You can bake bang bang chicken at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking. While it won’t be quite as crispy as the fried version, it’s a healthier alternative that still delivers great flavor. For extra crispiness, spray the coated chicken pieces with cooking oil before baking and use panko breadcrumbs in your coating.
Wrapping Up Your Bang Bang Chicken Adventure
Your Bang Bang Chicken comes together in under 30 minutes with a crispy, tender bite that’s bursting with sweet heat. It’s approachable, fun to make, and perfect for cozy nights in when you want something homemade but hassle-free. You’ll love how effortlessly this recipe fits right into your kitchen rhythm.
Feel free to swap breadcrumbs for crushed cornflakes for extra crunch or add a squeeze of lime to brighten it up. Leftovers reheat beautifully in the ovena pro tip I picked up that saves busy weeknights. Keep some sauce on hand for dipping, because, honestly, it’s addictive!
Give this recipe a whirl and share your photos or favorite tweaksI’m always curious how these family-style dishes take on a life of their own. Did you have a spicy chicken recipe growing up? Pass this along to a friend and cozy up with a plate made just for you. Happy cooking!
Thomas Baker
Bang Bang Chicken: Easy, Delicious Recipe to Love
This Bang Bang Chicken recipe is an easy and delicious dish featuring crispy fried chicken tenderloins coated in a creamy, spicy, and sweet bang bang sauce, perfect for a quick meal.
In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey to make the bang bang sauce. Set aside.
Place the chicken tenderloins in a bowl with buttermilk, and let marinate for 10 minutes.
In another bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using.
Dip each chicken tenderloin into the flour mixture, then coat with panko breadcrumbs.
Heat canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Fry the chicken tenderloins until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Remove chicken and drain on paper towels.
Toss the fried chicken in the bang bang sauce or serve the sauce on the side.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
For extra crispy chicken, double coat with breadcrumbs. Adjust Sriracha amount to taste for desired spiciness. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
