Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

ByUsman

Bang Bang Chicken is a crispy, golden fried chicken coated with crunchy panko crumbs and drizzled in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce. This easy recipe is bold, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners, parties, or a quick weeknight meal. Serve it with rice, salad, or crunchy slaw for a complete meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Sauce

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Sriracha (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons honey

For the Chicken

  • 1½ pounds chicken tenderloins (or chicken breast strips)
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup 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 panko breadcrumbs
  • Canola oil (for frying)
  • Chopped parsley (for garnish)

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken

  1. Make the Sauce – Mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey in a bowl until smooth. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the Batter – In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne. The batter will look unusual, but it coats chicken perfectly.
  3. Coat the Chicken – Toss chicken pieces in the batter until well coated.
  4. Bread the Chicken – Roll each piece in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently so the crumbs stick.
  5. Fry Until Crispy – Heat about 1 inch of oil in a skillet to 365°F (185°C). Fry chicken in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temp).
  6. Serve with Sauce – Drain briefly on paper towels, then drizzle with sauce. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Recipe Details

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Calories: About 450 kcal per serving

Why This Recipe Works

The magic of Bang Bang Chicken is in the contrast: crispy fried chicken meets creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce. The panko gives extra crunch, while the sauce balances heat, tang, and sweetness. Every bite is bold, satisfying, and impossible to resist.

Best Ways to Serve Bang Bang Chicken

  • With steamed jasmine or sticky rice
  • In sandwiches, wraps, or rice bowls
  • On top of fresh salad or Asian-style slaw
  • As a fun party appetizer or snack

Tips for Success

  • Press panko crumbs firmly so they stick well
  • Keep oil temperature steady at 365°F for perfect crunch
  • Let the sauce rest 10 minutes before serving to blend flavors
  • Adjust spice by adding more or less Sriracha

Healthier Variations

  • Bake instead of fry to cut calories
  • Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo in the sauce
  • Try whole wheat or gluten-free panko
  • Swap chicken for tofu or cauliflower for a vegetarian version

Why You’ll Love It

Bang Bang Chicken is quick, versatile, and always a crowd favorite. It’s crunchy, saucy, and fun to eat, making it perfect for both everyday meals and entertaining. Once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again.

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