Bang Bang Chicken

I nailed this Bang Bang Chicken recipe – and you can too. Get some chicken tenderloins, make them crispy, and toss them in this easy-peasy creamy, spicy sauce. No need for fancy cooking skills. It’s quick, it’s tasty – you’ll love it!

So try a tasty twist on classic fried chicken with our easy Bang Bang Chicken recipe. Picture crispy chicken pieces seasoned and tossed in a simple creamy, zesty sauce. It’s a hit with everyone and will be a go-to in your kitchen.

Making this Bang Bang Chicken recipe is a breeze. I mean, you will need 10 minutes of easy prep and some simple ingredients like chicken tenders, cornstarch, eggs, and your favorite seasoning – then just prepare the chicken tenders, fry them, and toss in a simple but also incredibly delicious sauce. Dinner’s done; it’s so easy and mouthwatering!

Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

• Explosion Of Flavors: Bang Bang Chicken is super delicious since it combines so many different flavors and textures. The sauce is a bit spicy and creamy, and the fried chicken tenders are incredibly juicy and crispy – it tastes really good!
• Easy to Make: This recipe is simple and requires basic ingredients, making it accessible for everyone.
• Versatile: Serve Bang Bang Chicken as an appetizer, snack, or main course – it’s a versatile recipe that pairs well with different occasions.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re hosting a party or preparing a family meal, Bang Bang Chicken will impress and satisfy a hungry crowd.
• Quick Prep: No need for marinating or complicated steps – our recipe ensures a delicious result with minimal effort.
• Simple ingredients. This crispy bang bang chicken recipe is made with basic pantry staples you probably already have in your kitchen.

Bang Bang Chicken Video Tutorial

Bang Bang Chicken Ingredients and Substitutions

Here is the list of ingredients you’ll need to prepare this delicious Bang Bang Chicken:

Bang Bang Sauce

• Mayonnaise – Use a good-quality mayonnaise for a rich and creamy base, and adjust the amount based on your preference for creaminess.
• Sweet Chili Sauce – Adds sweetness and a hint of spice to the sauce; you can choose any brand you like; the sweetness can vary between brands.
• Sriracha – Provides a spicy kick to the sauce.
• Honey – Used to balance the heat with sweetness.

Chicken

• Chicken Tenderloins – I used tenderloins since they cook faster and turn out super juicy. But you can also use chicken breast cut into strips.
• Buttermilk – Acts as a tenderizer, giving the chicken a juicy and tender texture.
• Flour – All-purpose flour works well, but you can experiment with other flours for different textures.
• Cornstarch – Combining cornstarch with flour creates a light and crunchy texture.
• Egg – Used to bind the dry ingredients.
• Sriracha – You can skip it if you are not such a big fan of spicy food.
• Garlic Powder – Gives that savory punch.
• Salt and Pepper – To taste. Use to balance all the flavors in this recipe.
• Cayenne Pepper – This is an optional ingredient used to add extra heat to the chicken. 
• Panko Breadcrumbs – This ingredient gives that irresistible crunch to the chicken. You can also try crushed rice cakes, gluten-free panko, or even cornflakes for a gluten-free bang bang chicken! 
• Oil – Used for frying the chicken. Choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or peanut oil.
• Parsley – you will need fresh chopped parsley to garnish.

How To Make Bang Bang Chicken 

Now that we know all the ingredients that we need to create this juicy and crispy bang bang chicken recipe, let’s discover how easy it is to prepare by following these easy steps:

Make The Bang Bang Sauce

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until the mixture is well combined.

Adjust the Sriracha to taste, adding more for extra heat if desired.

Set the sauce aside in the refrigerator to let the flavors meld while preparing the chicken.

Prepare the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine buttermilk, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).

Whisk the ingredients together until you achieve a smooth, thick batter.

Coat the Chicken

Add the chicken tenderloins to the batter and mix thoroughly, ensuring each piece is well coated.

In a separate shallow dish, spread out the panko breadcrumbs.

Carefully transfer each battered chicken tenderloin to the panko breadcrumbs, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to thoroughly coat it. Place the coated chicken on a baking sheet.

Fry the Chicken

In a large frying pan, heat enough oil over medium-high heat for frying.

Once the oil is hot, carefully add the breaded chicken tenders in batches, ensuring the pan is not overcrowded.

Fry the chicken on each side until it turns golden brown and crispy, approximately 4-5 minutes per side.

Place the cooked chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.

Add Bang Bang Sauce

Drizzle or brush the prepared Bang Bang Sauce over the crispy chicken, ensuring each piece is generously coated.

Garnish the dish with chopped parsley before serving.

Essential Tips For Success

• Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying the chicken for a crispy texture.
• Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
• Adjust the level of hot sauce sauce in the Bang Bang Sauce to control the spiciness according to your preference.
• For an extra kick, sprinkle additional sriracha or red pepper flakes over the finished Bang Bang Chicken.
• Serve immediately to enjoy the crispy texture before the sauce softens it.

Recipe Variations

• Substitute chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist on this classic dish.
• Create a vegetarian version by using cauliflower florets instead of chicken.
• For a vegan alternative, substitute tofu for the chicken and use vegan mayonnaise.

Serving Ideas

• Lettuce Wraps: Use lettuce cups for a light and quite healthier twist.
• Cold Noodle Salad: Toss chicken with cold noodles, veggies, and Bang Bang sauce.
• Rice Bowl: Place chicken over steamed rice with stir-fried vegetables.
• Sandwiches or Wraps: Fill buns, pitas, or tortillas with chicken, veggies, and sauce.
• Ramen Bowl: Add chicken to a warm ramen bowl with noodles and veggies.
• Stir-Fry: Include chicken in a vegetable stir-fry with Bang Bang sauce.
• Garnish for Salad: Top a green salad with shredded Bang Bang Chicken.
• Dipping Delight: You can serve this chicken with a variety of dipping sauces like bang bang sauce(of course), honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue sauce.

Storing Ideas

• Fridge: Store any leftover of this bang bang chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. This helps maintain its freshness and safety.
• Freezing: If you want to store it longer, you can freeze the chicken(without the sauce). Place it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Troubleshooting 

• Soggy Coating: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying. Fry in small batches to prevent overcrowding in the pan, which can lead to uneven cooking and a soggy coating.
• Burnt Chicken: Adjust the heat as needed, and remove the chicken when it reaches a golden brown color.
• Watery Sauce: If the sauce is too watery, simmer it for a few extra minutes to thicken. You can also add a cornstarch slurry to help thicken the sauce.
• Chicken Not Cooked Through: Ensure that the oil is hot enough before frying and that you cook the chicken for the recommended time. You can also cut it into a piece to check if it’s fully cooked; it should have no pink interior.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can I Bake The Chicken Instead Of Frying It?

Yes, you can bake the chicken in a preheated oven until it is golden crispy. Make sure to flip the pieces halfway through the baking time for even cooking.

Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs/Breast Instead Of Chicken Tenderloin?

Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs or chicken breast work well in this recipe and can add extra juiciness and flavor.

Can I Prepare The Bang Bang Sauce Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can make the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to toss it with the crispy chicken.

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• Baked Chicken and Rice
• Marry Me Chicken Pasta