Bang Bang Chicken is a game-changer for fried chicken lovers! With its extra-crispy panko coating and bold, creamy, sweet-and-spicy sauce, this dish delivers the perfect balance of crunch and flavor. The rich golden brown exterior gives way to tender, juicy chicken inside, making every bite irresistible. Whether served as an appetizer, main dish, or even in a sandwich, this recipe is a must-try for spice lovers.
One of the best things about Bang Bang Chicken is its versatility! You can deep-fry for maximum crispiness, air-fry for a healthier version, or bake in the oven for a lighter take. Pair it with a fresh salad, fluffy rice, or crispy fries for a complete meal. No matter how you serve it, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit at the dinner table.
Full Recipe:
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) plain panko breadcrumbs
- Canola oil, for frying
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Directions:
- Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until smooth. Set aside.
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, whisk together buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Add chicken tenders and toss to coat.
- Bread the Chicken: Place panko breadcrumbs in a shallow plate. Remove each chicken tender from the batter, shaking off excess. Dredge in panko, pressing gently to adhere. Set aside.
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat about an inch of canola oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 365°F (185°C).
- Fry the Chicken: Working in batches, fry the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve: Drizzle the crispy chicken with bang bang sauce, garnish with chopped parsley, and enjoy warm!
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 420 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings
Bang Bang Chicken: The Perfect Balance of Crunch and Flavor
Bang Bang Chicken is a dish that delivers on all fronts crispy, juicy, and packed with the irresistible combination of sweet and spicy flavors. A twist on the popular Bang Bang Shrimp, this chicken version takes tender, panko-crusted chicken tenders and coats them in a creamy, zesty sauce made from mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and a kick of Sriracha. Whether served as an appetizer, a main course, or even in a sandwich, Bang Bang Chicken is guaranteed to be a hit at the dinner table.
This dish has become increasingly popular due to its simplicity, bold taste, and versatility. You can deep-fry, air-fry, or bake it depending on your preference, making it accessible to different dietary needs and cooking methods. It’s perfect for family dinners, game nights, or even as a fun weekend treat.
Origins of Bang Bang Chicken
Despite its popularity in Western cuisine, Bang Bang Chicken actually has roots in Sichuan cuisine, where it was originally a cold, shredded chicken dish dressed in a spicy sesame sauce. The name “Bang Bang” comes from the Chinese cooking method in which chicken was tenderized by pounding it with a wooden stick before being shredded. This process helped break down the meat fibers, making it softer and easier to soak up the sauce.
The version of Bang Bang Chicken that most people recognize today, however, is a deep-fried variation inspired by Bang Bang Shrimp. The Western adaptation replaces the traditional sesame-based sauce with a creamy, tangy, and mildly spicy mixture of mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha. This updated version delivers a crunchier texture and a bolder taste, making it an instant favorite among fried chicken lovers.
Why You’ll Love Bang Bang Chicken
1. The Perfect Crunch
One of the standout features of Bang Bang Chicken is its incredibly crispy texture. The secret lies in the use of panko breadcrumbs, which are lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs. When fried, they create an airy, crunchy coating that stays crisp even when drizzled with the sauce. Unlike traditional battered fried chicken, which can sometimes feel heavy and greasy, Bang Bang Chicken achieves a delicate, crispy bite without overpowering the natural tenderness of the meat.
2. A Sauce That’s Next-Level Delicious
The Bang Bang sauce is what truly makes this dish shine. A blend of mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha, it perfectly balances creaminess with heat and a touch of sweetness. The sauce adds an addictive quality to the crispy chicken, making every bite incredibly flavorful. You can easily adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of Sriracha, catering to different taste preferences.
3. Versatile Cooking Methods
Not everyone wants to deep-fry their chicken, and luckily, Bang Bang Chicken can be made in multiple ways:
- Deep-Fried: The classic method results in the crispiest, crunchiest coating, giving it that restaurant-quality texture.
- Air-Fried: A healthier alternative that still provides great crispiness with significantly less oil.
- Baked: While not as crispy as frying, baking still gives you a deliciously golden, lightly crunchy chicken with fewer calories.
This flexibility makes Bang Bang Chicken a go-to recipe for anyone, whether you’re looking for indulgence or a lighter alternative.
4. Great for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a party, making a weeknight dinner, or preparing a fun meal for family and friends, Bang Bang Chicken fits the bill. Serve it as a main dish alongside rice, noodles, or a fresh salad, or enjoy it as an appetizer with a dipping sauce. It’s also a fantastic finger food option for game nights, potlucks, or casual gatherings.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken
Bang Bang Chicken is delicious on its own, but you can elevate the dish even further with these serving ideas:
- With a Side of Rice: Serve the crispy chicken over fluffy jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
- As a Salad Topper: Slice the chicken and add it to a fresh salad with mixed greens, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of extra Bang Bang sauce.
- In a Sandwich or Wrap: Stuff the crispy chicken into a toasted bun or tortilla with lettuce, pickles, and an extra dollop of sauce for a mouthwatering sandwich.
- With a Side of Fries: Classic crispy fries or sweet potato fries make a fantastic pairing.
- With Stir-Fried Vegetables: Add some crunch and color with stir-fried broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas.
No matter how you choose to serve it, Bang Bang Chicken is always a winner on the plate.
Tips for the Best Bang Bang Chicken
To achieve the perfect Bang Bang Chicken, here are some key tips:
- Use Panko Breadcrumbs: These provide the best crunch and stay crispy longer than traditional breadcrumbs.
- Keep the Oil Temperature Consistent: When frying, maintain an oil temperature of around 365°F (185°C) to ensure even cooking and prevent greasy chicken.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches to ensure each piece cooks evenly and stays crispy.
- Let the Chicken Rest Before Adding Sauce: Allowing the fried chicken to drain on a paper towel before adding the sauce helps maintain its crunch.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Customize the heat by adding more or less Sriracha in the sauce.
- Use an Air Fryer or Oven for a Healthier Version: If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, these methods still deliver great results.
Healthier Alternatives to Bang Bang Chicken
If you’re looking to make a healthier version of this dish, consider these adjustments:
- Use Greek Yogurt Instead of Mayonnaise: This keeps the sauce creamy while cutting down on fat and adding protein.
- Bake or Air-Fry Instead of Deep-Frying: This reduces oil consumption while still achieving crispiness.
- Swap Regular Flour for Whole Wheat or Almond Flour: This can make the breading a little more nutritious.
- Try a Sugar-Free Sweet Chili Sauce: To cut back on sugar, opt for a low-sugar or sugar-free version of Thai sweet chili sauce.
By making these tweaks, you can enjoy Bang Bang Chicken in a way that suits your dietary preferences.
Conclusion:
Bang Bang Chicken is a dish that truly offers the best of both worlds crunchy, flavorful, and versatile. Whether you prefer it deep-fried for maximum crispiness, air-fried for a lighter take, or baked for a healthier alternative, this dish never disappoints. The combination of crispy panko-coated chicken and the creamy, sweet, and spicy Bang Bang sauce makes it an irresistible meal for any occasion.
With its simple ingredients, easy preparation, and mouthwatering taste, Bang Bang Chicken has earned its place as a beloved comfort food. If you haven’t tried it yet, now is the perfect time to make this dish at home and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen.
So, grab your ingredients, heat up your pan, and get ready to experience the magic of Bang Bang Chicken!