Bang Bang Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bang Bang Chicken combines crispy fried chicken with a luscious, flavorful sauce. The homemade Bang Bang sauce is a harmonious balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors from Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. The panko coating ensures the chicken is crispy and golden brown, while the sauce adds a creamy and spicy kick that brings everything together. Whether you’re looking for a dinner main dish or a satisfying appetizer, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1 cup (232 g) mayonnaise

• ½ cup (132 g) Thai sweet chili sauce

• 1 teaspoon Sriracha, or more to taste

• 2 tablespoons honey

For the Chicken:

• 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

• Chopped parsley, for garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until well combined. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Chicken Coating: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Add the chicken tenderloins to the bowl and toss them in the mixture to coat evenly.

3. Dredge in Panko: Place the panko breadcrumbs in a shallow plate. Working one piece at a time, remove each chicken tenderloin from the batter, shaking off excess batter, and then dredge it in the panko breadcrumbs. Press lightly to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well. Place the coated chicken on a clean plate and repeat with the remaining pieces.

4. Fry the Chicken: Add about an inch of canola oil to a large skillet. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 365°F. Working in batches, carefully add the chicken tenderloins to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

5. Toss in Bang Bang Sauce: Once all the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a serving plate. Drizzle the prepared Bang Bang sauce over the chicken and toss to coat evenly.

6. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and serve the chicken warm.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 6 minutes

• Total Time: 26 minutes

Variations

• Spicy: Add extra Sriracha to the sauce if you want more heat.

• Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, swap out the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives.

• Baking Option: If you prefer to bake the chicken instead of frying, coat the chicken as instructed and bake it in a preheated oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes or until crispy and cooked through.

• Vegetarian: Use a plant-based chicken substitute or cauliflower florets for a vegetarian version of Bang Bang “chicken.”

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover Bang Bang Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

• Reheating: For best results, reheat the chicken in an oven or air fryer to maintain its crispiness. If using a microwave, the coating may lose its crunch.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they will need to be cut into smaller strips for even frying.

2. Can I make this dish in advance?

The chicken is best served fresh to maintain its crispiness. However, you can prep the chicken and sauce in advance, then fry and toss in the sauce right before serving.

3. Can I make the Bang Bang Sauce without mayo?

Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free mayo substitute if you prefer a lighter or dairy-free version.

4. How can I make the chicken spicier?

Increase the amount of Sriracha in both the batter and the Bang Bang sauce to suit your spice preference.

5. Can I make this recipe without frying?

Yes, you can bake the chicken for a healthier option. Bake the panko-coated chicken at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until crispy and fully cooked.

6. Can I use a different type of breadcrumb?

Yes, you can substitute plain panko breadcrumbs with regular breadcrumbs, but panko will give the chicken a crispier texture.

7. Can I freeze leftover Bang Bang Chicken?

It’s best to freeze the chicken before frying it. Once fried, the coating will lose its crispiness when frozen and reheated.

8. Can I make the Bang Bang Sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

9. Is the sauce too sweet?

The sweetness of the sauce can be adjusted by reducing the amount of honey or sweet chili sauce if you prefer a more savory or spicy flavor.

10. Can I serve this as an appetizer?

Yes, this dish works perfectly as an appetizer for a party or gathering. Just serve it with toothpicks for easy snacking!

Conclusion

Bang Bang Chicken is the perfect combination of crispy, golden brown chicken and a creamy, spicy sauce that will leave your taste buds craving more. With its simple preparation and explosive flavors, it’s an ideal dish for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for dinner or serving it as an appetizer, this recipe is sure to be a hit!

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