Bang Bang Chicken: Crispy, Spicy, and Addictively Delicious

Crispy, golden-fried chicken coated in a sweet, spicy, and creamy Bang Bang sauce—this dish is nothing short of a flavor explosion. Whether you serve it as an appetizer, a main dish, or even in a wrap or sandwich, Bang Bang Chicken is a crowd-pleaser that delivers on both texture and taste.

Inspired by the famous Bang Bang Shrimp, this recipe swaps seafood for tender chicken tenderloins, breaded with a crispy panko coating and deep-fried to perfection. Tossed in a homemade Bang Bang sauce—a blend of sweet chili sauce, creamy mayonnaise, and fiery Sriracha—this dish is a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and crunch.

If you’re looking for a restaurant-quality dish you can make at home, this guide will walk you through why this recipe is so popular, expert cooking tips, creative variations, and answers to frequently asked questions.

What Makes Bang Bang Chicken So Irresistible?

1. The Perfect Crispy Coating

The double-layered breading made from flour, cornstarch, and panko breadcrumbs ensures that each bite is crunchy and golden-brown, holding up beautifully under the Bang Bang sauce.

2. A Sauce That Brings Everything Together

The sauce is the heart of the dish, combining:

• Creamy mayonnaise for richness.
• Thai sweet chili sauce for sweetness and depth.
• Sriracha for that spicy kick.
• A touch of honey to round out the flavors.

3. A Versatile Dish for Any Occasion

• Appetizer: Serve with toothpicks or skewers for easy sharing.
• Main Dish: Pair with rice, coleslaw, or steamed vegetables.
• Wrap or Taco: Stuff the crispy chicken into tortillas with lettuce and extra sauce.
• Salad Topping: Chop up the chicken and add to a fresh green salad for a satisfying crunch.

Expert Tips for the Best Bang Bang Chicken

Even though this recipe is easy to make, a few key techniques can elevate your dish to restaurant quality.

1. Use Chicken Tenderloins for the Best Texture

Chicken tenderloins are naturally juicy and cook quickly, making them the ideal cut for this dish. If using chicken breasts, be sure to cut them into even-sized strips for consistent cooking.

2. Let the Chicken Marinate for Extra Flavor

Soaking the chicken in a buttermilk mixture not only adds tenderness but also helps the breading stick better, ensuring maximum crispiness.

3. Coat the Chicken Properly for a Crunchy Exterior

To get the crispiest coating:

• Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
• Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken to create an even layer.
• Let the breaded chicken rest for 5–10 minutes before frying to help the coating adhere.

4. Maintain the Right Oil Temperature

For deep-frying success:

• Heat oil to 365°F (185°C)—this ensures the chicken cooks evenly without absorbing too much oil.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan—frying too many pieces at once can lower the oil temperature, making the chicken greasy instead of crispy.

5. Toss the Chicken in the Sauce Just Before Serving

If you coat the chicken too early, the sauce can make the crispy coating soggy. For the best results, drizzle or toss the chicken in the sauce right before serving.

Creative Ways to Enjoy Bang Bang Chicken

While the classic Bang Bang Chicken is perfect as-is, here are some fun ways to customize and serve it differently.

1. Bang Bang Chicken Wraps

Stuff the crispy chicken into flour tortillas with shredded lettuce, sliced avocado, and an extra drizzle of Bang Bang sauce. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.

2. Bang Bang Chicken Tacos

Use soft corn or flour tortillas and top with:

• Shredded cabbage for crunch.
• A squeeze of lime juice for brightness.
• A sprinkle of chopped cilantro for freshness.

3. Bang Bang Chicken Rice Bowls

Serve over a bed of steamed jasmine or coconut rice, along with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for a balanced meal.

4. Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken

For a lighter version, cook the breaded chicken in an air fryer instead of deep-frying.

• Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Spray with cooking oil to help achieve a crispy texture.

5. Baked Bang Bang Chicken

For an oven-baked alternative:

• Preheat to 425°F (220°C) and bake for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• While it won’t be as crispy as frying, it still delivers great flavor.

Best Side Dishes to Serve with Bang Bang Chicken

1. Fresh and Crunchy Sides

• Asian Slaw – A tangy cabbage slaw with sesame dressing.
• Cucumber Salad – A light and refreshing contrast to the spicy sauce.

2. Classic Comfort Pairings

• Garlic Butter Rice – A simple, buttery base to soak up the sauce.
• French Fries or Sweet Potato Fries – A crispy side that complements the crunch of the chicken.

3. Healthy Alternatives

• Steamed Broccoli or Green Beans – Adds a fresh and nutritious element.
• Cauliflower Rice – A low-carb substitute for traditional rice.
  

Crispy, Spicy, and Irresistible: Bang Bang Chicken

A Flavor Explosion in Every Bite: Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Bang Bang Sauce

• Mayonnaise: The creamy base that binds the sauce together.
• Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: Adds a balance of sweetness and heat.
• Sriracha: Brings an extra kick of spice.
• Honey: Enhances the sauce with a touch of natural sweetness.

For the Chicken

• Boneless Chicken Tenderloins: The perfect cut for juicy, crispy bites.
• Buttermilk: Helps the coating stick and keeps the chicken tender.
• Flour & Cornstarch: Creates a light, crispy texture.
• Egg & Sriracha: Adds richness and extra spice.
• Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper, & Cayenne Pepper: Layers of bold seasoning.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: A crispy coating that holds up well to frying.
• Canola Oil: Ideal for deep-frying to golden perfection.

For Garnish

• Chopped Fresh Parsley: A bright and fresh finishing touch.

Crispy Perfection in Minutes: Directions

1. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: Mix all sauce ingredients in a bowl and set aside.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Combine buttermilk, seasonings, and egg, then coat the chicken pieces.
3. Bread the Chicken: Dredge each piece in panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness.
4. Fry Until Golden Brown: Cook in hot oil until crispy and fully cooked inside.
5. Coat with Sauce & Serve: Drizzle or toss the crispy chicken in Bang Bang sauce, garnish with parsley, and enjoy!

Nutritional Breakdown: A Crispy Indulgence

• Calories: ~1,415 per serving
• Carbohydrates: 80g
• Protein: 52g
• Fat: 95g
• Sodium: 2,600mg
• Sugar: 24g

This Bang Bang Chicken is a perfect balance of crispy, creamy, sweet, and spicy flavors, making it a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish. Serve with rice, fresh slaw, or as a wrap for an unforgettable meal!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Make Bang Bang Chicken Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can prepare and bread the chicken in advance, then store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours before frying. However, for the best texture, fry the chicken just before serving.

2. How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in an air fryer or oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes to regain crispiness.

3. Can I Freeze Bang Bang Chicken?

Yes! To freeze:

• Freeze the breaded, uncooked chicken on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag.
• When ready to cook, fry directly from frozen—just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

4. What Can I Use Instead of Buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute:

• Milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar (let sit for 10 minutes).
• Greek yogurt thinned with a little water for a similar tangy effect.

5. How Can I Make It Less Spicy?

If you prefer a milder version, simply:

• Reduce or omit the Sriracha in the sauce.
• Use regular chili sauce instead of Thai sweet chili sauce.
• Add a little extra honey or mayonnaise to tone down the heat.

6. Can I Use a Different Protein?

Absolutely! Bang Bang sauce pairs well with:

• Shrimp (for a classic Bang Bang Shrimp dish).
• Tofu (for a vegetarian alternative).
• Cauliflower bites (for a plant-based version).

Conclusion: A Must-Try Crispy and Flavorful Dish

Bang Bang Chicken is the perfect balance of crispy, creamy, spicy, and sweet, making it a go-to dish for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it as an appetizer, a main course, or even in a wrap or taco, this dish never fails to impress.

With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can bring restaurant-style flavors into your home kitchen. So next time you’re craving something crispy and bold, give Bang Bang Chicken a try—you won’t regret it!

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