If you have a hankering for something that perfectly balances spicy, sweet, and creamy flavors, look no further than this incredible Bang Bang Chicken Recipe. It’s crispy, tender, and smothered in a luscious sauce that brings every bite to life. Whether you’re whipping this up for a casual weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this dish delivers comfort and excitement all in one delicious package.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up image showing a golden brown, crispy fried chicken tender being held by a woman's hand with white painted nails. The tender is coated in a shiny, sticky orange sauce with small green herb pieces on top. The chicken is dipped into a small round metal cup filled with a creamy light orange dipping sauce. In the background, more sauced chicken tenders rest in a metal tray on a wooden surface. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple, yet each plays a crucial role in bringing this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe to life—from the crispy coating to the vibrant sauce that ties everything together.

Mayonnaise: Provides the creamy base for the signature bang bang sauce that coats the chicken in rich flavor.
Thai sweet chili sauce: Adds a perfect blend of sweetness and mild heat to balance the dish.
Sriracha: Gives a spicy kick that you can adjust depending on your heat preference.
Honey: Sweetens the sauce naturally and complements the savory notes of the chicken.
Boneless skinless chicken tenderloins: Tender and lean, these cook quickly and soak up all the delicious flavors.
Buttermilk: Helps tenderize the chicken and creates the ideal texture for the batter.
All-purpose flour & cornstarch: These dry ingredients combine to create a light, crispy coating when fried.
Egg: Binds the batter together to keep the coating intact during frying.
Garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper: These seasonings bring depth and a subtle heat to the chicken batter.
Panko breadcrumbs: Give the chicken that signature crunch you’ll love in every bite.
Canola oil: Ideal for frying because it has a neutral flavor and high smoke point.
Parsley: Adds a fresh, vibrant touch as a garnish to brighten the presentation.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce

Start by making your bang bang sauce since it’s the star of the dish. In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until smooth and well combined. Set this sauce aside—it will be drizzled over the chicken at the very end to deliver that unforgettable flavor punch.

Step 2: Make the Batter and Coat the Chicken

Next, in a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. This mixture creates a flavorful, crispy coating that seals in the chicken’s juiciness. Add the chicken tenderloins and toss thoroughly until every piece is fully coated in the batter.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Pour the panko breadcrumbs onto a shallow plate. Remove each chicken piece from the batter one at a time, gently shaking off any excess. Press the chicken lightly into the panko, ensuring the breadcrumbs adhere well for maximum crunch. Place the breaded chicken on a clean plate and get ready to fry.

Step 4: Heat Oil and Fry the Chicken

Heat about an inch of canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 365°F. Carefully add the chicken pieces in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan to keep the oil temperature steady. Fry each piece for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Drain the cooked chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.

Step 5: Toss with Sauce and Garnish

Once all the chicken is cooked, drizzle it generously with the bang bang sauce or toss it briefly to coat every crispy piece. Finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of green and fresh flavor immediately before serving.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

A metal tray holds five pieces of fried chicken tenders, each coated in a shiny, sticky sauce with small red chili flakes and sprinkled with chopped green herbs. The chicken pieces are golden brown with a crispy texture under the sauce. On the bottom left of the tray, there is a small white bowl filled with creamy yellow sauce with bits of red pepper. The tray is lined with light brown parchment paper and placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds freshness and a lovely color contrast against the vibrant sauce. You can also add a few sliced green onions or sesame seeds to amp up the flavor and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Serve this bang bang chicken with steamed jasmine rice, a cool cucumber salad, or sautéed greens to balance the spicy richness of the dish. Crispy fries or a light coleslaw work beautifully too, complementing the textures and flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Bang Bang Chicken Recipe into a shareable platter by arranging the chicken on a large board with dipping sauces on the side. Or stuff the crispy chicken in soft bao buns with slaw for an Asian-inspired twist that’s sure to impress guests at your next gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the bang bang sauce separate to maintain the chicken’s crispy texture when you’re ready to reheat.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked Bang Bang Chicken Recipe pieces by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transferring to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Be sure to thaw overnight before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the chicken in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes to restore its crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy. Once heated, toss with or drizzle the bang bang sauce just before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with your favorite gluten-free alternatives to keep the delicious crunch without gluten.

How spicy is this dish?

The heat level can be easily adjusted by varying the amount of Sriracha used in both the sauce and batter, so you can keep it mild or kick up the spice to your liking.

Can I bake instead of frying the chicken?

Yes, baking is a healthier alternative. Simply bake the breaded chicken pieces at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or until golden and cooked through, but frying will always give you the crispiest results.

What’s the best type of chicken to use?

Boneless skinless chicken tenderloins are ideal because they cook quickly and remain tender, but chicken breasts cut into strips also work well.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Definitely! The bang bang sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator, which actually lets the flavors meld even better.

Final Thoughts

This Bang Bang Chicken Recipe is truly one of those crowd-pleasers that’s easy enough for any weeknight but special enough to serve whenever you want to impress. Once you try it, the crispy chicken coated in tangy, creamy, spicy sauce will be a favorite you keep coming back to. So grab your ingredients and dive into this delicious adventure—you won’t regret it!