Easy Bang Bang Chicken – Crispy, Creamy, Sweet & Spicy Favorite

Bang Bang Chicken is the ultimate crispy chicken recipe tossed in a creamy, sweet, and spicy Bang Bang Sauce that’s completely irresistible. This easy Bang Bang Chicken combines golden-fried chicken tenders with a bold sauce made from mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey for the perfect balance of crunch and flavor. Whether you’re making Bang Bang Chicken as a party appetizer, game day snack, or family dinner, it delivers crispy texture on the outside, juicy chicken inside, and a silky, slightly spicy sauce that clings to every bite. Ready in just 40 minutes, this crowd-pleasing chicken recipe is perfect for entertaining, weeknight meals, or whenever you’re craving restaurant-style comfort food at home.

Introduction

If there’s one dish that disappears faster than anything else at a gathering, it’s Bang Bang Chicken. There’s something undeniably addictive about crispy chicken tenders coated in a creamy, sweet-heat sauce. Inspired by Sichuan cuisine but adapted for Western tastes, this version leans into that rich, crave-worthy balance of crunch and creaminess.

This dish works beautifully as both an appetizer and a main course. Serve it piled high on a platter for parties, or plate it alongside simple sides for a satisfying dinner. The contrast between the crunchy panko crust and the smooth Bang Bang Sauce makes every bite exciting.

The real magic happens when the hot, freshly fried chicken gets tossed in the sauce. It lightly soaks into the coating while still preserving that golden crisp exterior. It’s bold, it’s comforting, and it’s guaranteed to earn repeat requests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultra Crispy Texture: A combination of flour, cornstarch, and panko creates a deeply golden, crunchy coating.
• Perfect Sweet-Heat Balance: The Bang Bang Sauce blends creamy mayonnaise with sweet chili sauce, honey, and Sriracha.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Mild enough for most, but easy to adjust for spice lovers.
• Quick & Satisfying: Ready in just 40 minutes from start to finish.
• Versatile Serving Options: Works as an appetizer, party platter, or main dish.
• Beginner-Friendly: Clear steps and simple techniques make it approachable.

Ingredients Breakdown

Servings: 12 crispy chicken tenders
Calories: 350 kcal per serving

For the Sauce:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
• 1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey

Mayonnaise creates the creamy base. Thai sweet chili sauce adds sweetness and mild heat. Sriracha brings spice depth. Honey enhances sweetness and balances the heat.

For the Chicken:

• 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken tenderloins
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 2 cups plain panko breadcrumbs
• Canola oil for frying
• Chopped parsley for garnish

The buttermilk tenderizes the chicken. Flour and cornstarch create a light but crisp coating. Panko breadcrumbs add crunch. Spices build flavor without overpowering the sauce.

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Small mixing bowl
• Medium mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Large skillet
• Plate for breadcrumbs
• Clean plate for coated chicken
• Paper towels
• Meat thermometer
• Tongs
• Measuring cups and spoons

Optional helpful tools:

• Deep-fry thermometer
• Wire rack for draining

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Bang Bang Sauce

In a small bowl, combine 1 cup mayonnaise, ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce, 1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce, and 2 tablespoons honey. Whisk until completely smooth and creamy. Cover and set aside.

2. Prepare the Chicken Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup buttermilk, ¾ cup all-purpose flour, ½ cup cornstarch, 1 large egg, 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and optional ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper until smooth and lump-free.

Add 1 ½ pounds chicken tenderloins to the marinade. Ensure each piece is fully coated. Let marinate for 10 minutes.

3. Coat the Chicken

Place 2 cups plain panko breadcrumbs on a plate.

Remove each chicken tender from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Coat evenly with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently so the crumbs adhere well.

Place coated chicken on a clean plate.

4. Fry the Chicken

Heat canola oil in a skillet over medium-high heat to 365°F.

Fry chicken tenders in batches for 2–3 minutes per side. The exterior should be deep golden brown and crisp. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Avoid overcrowding the skillet to maintain oil temperature.

5. Drain and Toss

Transfer fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Let rest for 5 minutes.

Place chicken in a large bowl and toss gently with the prepared Bang Bang Sauce until evenly coated.

6. Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve warm while the coating is crisp and the sauce is glossy.

Tips & Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with thick slices of cauliflower or firm tofu, using the same marinade and coating method.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
• Dairy-Free Option: Replace buttermilk with a dairy-free alternative mixed with a splash of vinegar.
• Spice Level Adjustments: Increase Sriracha or cayenne for more heat.
• Pantry Substitution: If out of cornstarch, ensure flour is measured accurately for crispness.
• Healthier Option: Bake or air fry instead of deep frying, following the same coating steps.

Flavor Profile

Bang Bang Chicken delivers a dynamic contrast of textures and flavors. The outer crust is audibly crisp, thanks to panko breadcrumbs and cornstarch. Inside, the chicken remains tender and juicy from the buttermilk marinade.

The sauce is creamy and slightly tangy with gentle sweetness from honey and chili sauce. Sriracha adds warmth without overpowering the dish. Each bite offers crunch, creaminess, sweet notes, and a mild kick of spice.

Nutritional Overview (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 1g

Dietary considerations: Can be adapted for gluten-free or dairy-free diets.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and refrigerated.
• Chicken can marinate for 10 minutes as directed before coating.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispness.
• Store sauce separately if possible for best texture.

FAQs

Can I air fry Bang Bang Chicken?
Yes. Coat as directed and air fry until golden and cooked through.

How do I keep the chicken crispy?
Maintain oil temperature at 365°F and avoid overcrowding.

Can I prepare it ahead?
You can fry the chicken in advance and toss in sauce just before serving.

What oil is best for frying?
Canola oil is ideal due to its neutral flavor and high smoke point.

How spicy is it?
It has mild heat, but spice can be adjusted.

Cooking Timeline

Prep Time	Cook Time	Cool Time	Total Time	Servings
20 minutes	15 minutes	5 minutes	40 minutes	12 tenders

Serving Suggestions

Serve Bang Bang Chicken on a large platter with parsley sprinkled over the top for a fresh pop of color. Arrange tenders neatly or pile them high for a casual look.

For entertaining, serve on a wide serving board for easy sharing. Keep extra sauce on the side for dipping.

Recipe Variations

1. Bang Bang Chicken Wrap: Slice tenders and serve in warm wraps with extra sauce.
2. Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: Serve over rice with a drizzle of extra sauce.
3. Extra Crispy Version: Double coat in panko for thicker crunch.
4. Spicy Lover’s Version: Increase Sriracha in both sauce and marinade.

Ingredient Spotlight

Panko Breadcrumbs

Panko creates a lighter, crunchier crust than traditional breadcrumbs. Store in a sealed container in a cool pantry.

Buttermilk

Buttermilk tenderizes chicken and enhances flavor. Keep refrigerated and shake before measuring.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Always verify oil temperature before frying.
• Let chicken rest briefly after frying to lock in juices.
• Press breadcrumbs firmly for maximum adhesion.
• Toss gently in sauce to avoid breaking crust.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigerator: Store cooked chicken up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked, unsauced chicken up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Bake at 375°F until heated through.
• Avoid Freezing Sauce: Mayonnaise-based sauce can separate when frozen.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	350 kcal
Protein	22g
Carbs	28g
Fat	18g
Fiber	1g

Dietary Notes: Adaptable to gluten-free and dairy-free variations.

Expanded Conclusion

Bang Bang Chicken delivers everything you want in a comfort-food classic: crisp texture, bold flavor, and a creamy sweet-spicy sauce that ties it all together. It’s approachable enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for parties.

Once you make it, you’ll understand why it’s such a favorite. Save it for your next gathering, share it with friends, and keep it in your recipe rotation for whenever you need something guaranteed to please.

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