Bang Bang Chicken is a crispy, flavorful dish featuring panko-crusted chicken tenderloins deep-fried to a golden brown and drizzled with a sweet and spicy homemade bang bang sauce. This dish is the perfect combination of crunch and heat, making it a great appetizer or main course.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy and Flavorful – The panko coating creates a light, crunchy texture.
- Sweet & Spicy Sauce – The bang bang sauce is a delicious mix of creamy, tangy, and spicy flavors.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and quick frying make this a great go-to recipe.
- Versatile Cooking Methods – Can be fried, air-fried, or baked for different preferences.
Ingredients
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha (or more for extra heat)
- 2 tablespoons honey
Chicken
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken tenderloins
- 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
- Oil for frying
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix buttermilk, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Add chicken tenderloins to the mixture and let them marinate for at least 15 minutes.
2. Coat the Chicken
- In a separate bowl, combine flour and cornstarch.
- Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring even coating.
- Dip the chicken into the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
3. Fry the Chicken
- Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken in batches for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
4. Make the Bang Bang Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey.
5. Serve
- Drizzle the bang bang sauce over the crispy chicken or serve it on the side for dipping.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 26 minutes
Variations
- Air Fryer Method: Cook at 400°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Baked Version: Bake at 425°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping once.
- Extra Spicy: Add more Sriracha or cayenne pepper to the sauce or marinade.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free panko and flour alternatives.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 6 months in a sealed container.
- Reheating: Reheat in an air fryer or oven at 375°F until crispy.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
Yes, just cut them into strips for similar results.
2. How do I make the sauce spicier?
Increase the amount of Sriracha or add crushed red pepper flakes.
3. Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?
Yes, but panko creates a crispier texture.
4. What’s the best oil for frying?
Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil work best.
5. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, store it in the fridge for up to 5 days.
6. What can I serve with Bang Bang Chicken?
It pairs well with rice, coleslaw, or a fresh salad.
7. Can I make this dairy-free?
Use dairy-free mayo and a plant-based milk substitute for the marinade.
8. How do I prevent the coating from falling off?
Make sure to press the panko firmly onto the chicken and let it rest for a few minutes before frying.
9. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just fry in batches to avoid overcrowding.
10. Can I use store-bought Bang Bang sauce?
Yes, but homemade sauce is fresher and more flavorful.
Conclusion
Bang Bang Chicken is a crispy, flavorful dish that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you fry, bake, or air-fry it, the crunchy coating and spicy-sweet sauce make it absolutely irresistible. Try this recipe today and enjoy a restaurant-style meal at home!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Frying, Baking, Air Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Bang Bang Chicken is a crispy, golden-fried dish featuring panko-crusted chicken tenderloins drizzled with a sweet and spicy homemade Bang Bang sauce. With a crunchy texture and bold flavors, this easy-to-make recipe is perfect as an appetizer or main course, and it can be fried, baked, or air-fried to suit your preference.
Ingredients
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha (or more for extra heat)
- 2 tablespoons honey
Chicken
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins
- 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
- Oil for frying
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix buttermilk, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Add chicken tenderloins to the mixture and let them marinate for at least 15 minutes.
2. Coat the Chicken
- In a separate bowl, combine flour and cornstarch.
- Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring even coating.
- Dip the chicken into the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
3. Fry the Chicken
- Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken in batches for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
4. Make the Bang Bang Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey.
5. Serve
- Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the crispy chicken or serve it on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Air Fryer Method: Cook at 400°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Baked Version: Bake at 425°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping once.
- Extra Spicy: Add more Sriracha or cayenne pepper to the sauce or marinade.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free panko and flour alternatives.
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