Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
If you are craving something crispy, creamy, and bursting with flavor, Bang Bang Chicken is exactly what you need on your table. This dish features chicken tenderloins coated in a crunchy panko crust and deep-fried to golden perfection, then generously drizzled with a tangy, sweet, and spicy homemade bang bang sauce that will have your taste buds dancing with delight. Bang Bang Chicken is not only a crowd-pleaser but also surprisingly easy to make at home, bringing restaurant-quality excitement to your dinner or appetizer spread.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Bang Bang Chicken recipe has a purpose that enhances the overall experience — from the crispy texture of panko to the luscious creaminess of homemade sauce. Here’s what you’ll grab for this delicious dish:
- Mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base of the sauce that balances the spicy flavors.
- Thai sweet chili sauce: Adds sweet heat that’s signature to the bang bang sauce’s flavor profile.
- Sriracha: Brings a kick of heat to both the sauce and the chicken marinade.
- Honey: Sweetens the sauce naturally for a perfect contrast.
- Boneless skinless chicken tenderloins: Tender and quick-cooking, perfect for frying.
- Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and helps the batter stick beautifully.
- All-purpose flour and cornstarch: Combine for a light, crispy batter coating.
- Egg: Binds the batter ingredients together for better crunch.
- Garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper: Season the chicken with balanced depth and a slight heat edge.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Provide that irresistible crispy crunch on the outside.
- Canola oil: Great for deep frying due to its high smoke point.
- Chopped parsley: Adds a fresh, green touch to finish the dish.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
Start by mixing together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey in a small bowl. This combination will give you that signature creamy and spicy bang bang sauce bursting with flavor and a hint of sweetness. Set it aside to let all the flavors meld while you prepare the chicken.
Step 2: Marinate and Coat the Chicken
In a medium bowl, whisk together buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper until smooth. Toss the chicken tenders in this mixture until every piece is well coated. Then, transfer the panko breadcrumbs to a shallow plate, dredge each battered tenderloin in the panko, pressing lightly to ensure it sticks perfectly. This step is crucial for that unbeatable crunch.
Step 3: Fry to Crispy Perfection
Heat approximately an inch of canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches around 365°F. Fry the chicken in batches, taking care not to overcrowd the pan. Cook about 2-3 minutes per side until each piece is deeply golden and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken and set it on paper towels to drain any excess oil — no one wants soggy chicken!
Step 4: Combine and Serve
While the chicken is still warm, toss it gently with your prepared bang bang sauce so every crunchy bite is coated with that luscious zing. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a lovely pop of color and freshness that complements the bold flavors wonderfully.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley is a classic choice that complements the dish’s spicy and crispy elements perfectly. You might also add thinly sliced green onions or a few toasted sesame seeds for extra texture and visual appeal. Whatever you choose, garnishes bring that final touch to your vibrant bang bang chicken.
Side Dishes
Bang Bang Chicken pairs well with simple sides that let the bold flavors shine. Serve with steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a light base. A crisp green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette or a crunchy Asian slaw adds a refreshing counterpoint. For heartier options, garlic fried rice or roasted veggies work beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Create an irresistible appetizer platter by serving Bang Bang Chicken on a colorful bed of shredded lettuce with small bowls of extra sauce for dipping. Alternatively, stack the crispy chicken on buns with lettuce and pickles to make bang bang chicken sliders that are perfect for parties! You can also skewer the tenders on sticks as fun finger food for gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Bang Bang Chicken, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The chicken will remain flavorful though the panko coating might lose a little crunch in the fridge. For best texture, reheat carefully to revive that crispness.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken tenders before adding sauce. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating and saucing.
Reheating
To retain the amazing crunch of your Bang Bang Chicken during reheating, warm them in a preheated oven at 375°F for 8-10 minutes rather than microwaving. This method helps bring back the crispy texture without drying out the tender chicken inside.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
Yes! You can slice chicken breasts into strips similar in size to tenderloins. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly as thicker pieces may need a bit longer to cook through.
Is the bang bang sauce very spicy?
The sauce balances sweet, creamy, and spicy flavors, so it is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less Sriracha according to your preference — perfect for customizing the zing!
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
While frying gives the crispiest crust, baking is a healthier alternative. Bake the coated chicken at 425°F on a wire rack-lined baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes. This homemade substitute works wonderfully to tenderize the chicken and create a great batter texture.
Is Bang Bang Chicken gluten-free?
The traditional recipe uses all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs, which contain gluten. To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free breadcrumbs instead — you’ll still get fantastic texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Bang Bang Chicken is a dazzling dish that never fails to impress, effortlessly combining crispy fried chicken with a sauce that’s bursting with flavor and just the right amount of heat. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, making this at home is a rewarding experience that turns a simple meal into a flavorful celebration. I hope you have as much fun making and eating this Bang Bang Chicken as I do sharing it with friends time and time again!
