Why Make This Recipe

Bang Bang Chicken is a crowd-pleaser that brings together crispy chicken and a deliciously spicy-sweet sauce. This dish is perfect for parties, dinner gatherings, or even just a cozy night in. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a favorite for many. Plus, it’s easy to make and fun to serve.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken

Creating Bang Bang Chicken is straightforward. Here’s how you can do it step-by-step.

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

Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until well combined. Set it aside.
Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, soak the chicken tenderloins in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This helps keep the chicken moist.
Coat the Chicken: In one bowl, mix together flour, cornstarch, and seasonings (Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne if using). In another bowl, whisk the egg.
Bread the Chicken: Take each chicken piece out of the buttermilk, dip it in the egg, and then coat it in the flour mixture. After that, roll it in the panko breadcrumbs to make it crispy.
Fry the Chicken: Heat canola oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces. Fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan.
Serve: Place the fried chicken on a plate, drizzle with Bang Bang sauce, and sprinkle with chopped parsley.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken

Bang Bang Chicken is best served hot. You can serve it alongside rice or with a fresh salad. The extra Bang Bang sauce on the side makes a great dip.

How to Store Bang Bang Chicken

If you have leftovers, let the chicken cool completely, then store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven to keep the crispiness.

Tips to Make Bang Bang Chicken

For extra crunch, double-coat the chicken by dipping it back in the egg and then the breadcrumbs again.
Adjust the heat level by adding more or less Sriracha to the sauce or using different spices.
Fresh herbs like cilantro can be added for extra flavor on the chicken.

Variation

You can make Bang Bang Chicken with shrimp or tofu if you want a different protein. The cooking time will vary, so adjust accordingly.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but cut them into strips to ensure they cook evenly.

2. Is the sauce spicy?
The sauce has a kick to it, but you can adjust the Sriracha to your liking for more or less heat.

3. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes, you can bake the coated chicken in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through. Baking will give you a healthier option!

Bang Bang Chicken