Explosive Flavor: The Bang Bang Chicken Recipe You’ll Love
Sizzling and packed with punchy flavors, this bang bang chicken recipe delivers a mouthwatering explosion of taste that’ll make your dinner table come alive.
Crispy chicken pieces coated in a creamy, spicy sauce create an irresistible combination that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
The secret lies in the perfectly balanced sauce—a blend of sweet, tangy, and fiery elements that dance across your palate.
Each bite promises a delightful crunch followed by a rich, zesty kick that tingles your taste buds.
Originating from Sichuan cuisine, this dish brings a vibrant culinary experience right to your kitchen.
Simple ingredients and quick preparation mean you can whip up this restaurant-quality meal in no time.
Get ready to impress with a crowd-pleasing recipe that turns an ordinary evening into a flavor-packed celebration.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories: 540 kcal
Servings: 5
Bang Bang Chicken Ingredient Essentials
For Coating and Seasoning:
Buttermilk: Tenderizes chicken and adds tangy richness to the marinade.
Flour, Cornstarch: Creates a crispy, light exterior that locks in moisture.
Egg: Helps breading stick to chicken for perfect crunch.
Tongs: Perfect for safely turning and removing chicken from hot oil.
Meat thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165°F.
Paper towels: Helps drain excess oil from fried chicken.
Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
Instructions for Cooking Bang Bang Chicken Crispy
Saucy Spicy Chicken Delight
Flavor Fusion The heart of this dish is a creamy, zesty sauce that combines tangy and sweet notes. Whisk together creamy mayo, sweet chili sauce, spicy Sriracha, and a touch of golden honey until smooth and well-blended.
Chicken Transformation Prepare a magical coating by mixing buttermilk with a blend of flour, cornstarch, and a crack of egg. Add a sprinkle of garlic powder, a pinch of salt, and a dash of cayenne for an extra kick. Bathe the chicken tenders in this flavorful bath.
Crispy Armor Roll each chicken tender in crunchy panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to create a perfect golden shell that will become irresistibly crisp when fried.
Sizzling Magic Heat a pool of oil in a skillet until it shimmers with anticipation. Carefully lower the breaded chicken and let it dance in the hot oil, turning golden brown and achieving a perfectly cooked interior in just a few minutes.
Final Touch Rescue the crispy chicken from the oil and let it rest on a paper towel. Then, lovingly coat each piece in the tangy bang bang sauce, creating a glossy, flavor-packed exterior. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness before serving.
Ideas to Adjust Sauce Spice and Sweetness
Press panko breadcrumbs firmly onto chicken tenders for an extra crunchy, golden exterior that locks in moisture and flavor.
Adjust Sriracha and cayenne amounts to customize heat intensity, making the dish perfect for mild or fiery palate preferences.
Use a digital thermometer to maintain consistent 365°F oil temperature, ensuring evenly cooked, non-greasy chicken that's crispy outside and juicy inside.
Prepare bang bang sauce and marinate chicken up to 24 hours in advance, allowing flavors to develop and simplifying meal preparation on busy nights.
Transform recipe into sliders, wraps, or salad topping by adjusting chicken size and presentation, offering versatile meal options for different dining styles.
Serving Bang Bang Chicken with Dips or Greens
Crispy Appetizer Delight: Serve these bang bang chicken tenders as an irresistible starter at game day parties or casual gatherings with friends.
Party Platter Paradise: Arrange the golden-brown tenders on a large wooden board with small dipping bowls of extra bang bang sauce for an interactive and visually appealing presentation.
Side Dish Magic: Pair the spicy chicken with cool cucumber salad, creamy coleslaw, or steamed rice to balance the bold flavors and provide a complete meal experience.
Picnic Perfect Protein: Pack these tenders in a sealed container for outdoor lunches, beach trips, or road trip snacks that offer a zesty and satisfying bite.
Storage Solutions for Bang Bang Chicken
Fridge Fresh Strategy: Store leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the crispy coating's texture by placing a paper towel inside to absorb excess moisture.
Clever Sauce Handling: Separate the Bang Bang sauce from chicken to maintain crispiness. Store sauce in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for 5-7 days, perfect for quick flavor boosts.
Freezer Batch Preparation: Uncooked breaded chicken tenders can be frozen flat on a baking sheet, then transferred to freezer bags. Freeze up to 1 month for instant meal prep convenience.
Reheating Magic Trick: Revive cold chicken in an air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes to restore original crunchiness. Avoid microwave, which can make the coating soggy and lose its delightful texture.
Sichuan province’s bang bang chicken blends spicy, tangy flavors with tender shredded meat and crisp cucumber. Intense sauce and delicate protein create a harmonious dish you can savor with each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
1 ½ lb (0.68 kg) boneless skinless chicken tenderloins
1 cup buttermilk
1 large egg
2 cups panko breadcrumbs
¾ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup cornstarch
1 cup mayonnaise
½ cup thai sweet chili sauce
1 tbsp (15 ml) Sriracha
2 tbsps honey
1 tsp Sriracha
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
Canola oil for frying
Parsley, chopped
Instructions
Sauce Preparation: Whisk mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey in a small bowl until smooth and well-blended.
Marinade Creation: Combine buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne in a large bowl, mixing into a uniform liquid mixture.
Chicken Marination: Fully submerge chicken tenders in the spicy marinade, ensuring complete and even coating of each piece.
Breading Station: Spread panko breadcrumbs in a shallow dish, then carefully press each marinated tender into the crumbs, creating a thick, crispy exterior that completely covers the chicken.
Oil Heating: Pour canola oil into a heavy-bottomed skillet, bringing the temperature to a precise 365°F for optimal frying conditions.
Frying Process: Carefully lower chicken tenders into the hot oil in small batches, maintaining consistent temperature and preventing overcrowding. Cook until golden-brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
Finishing Touches: Transfer fried chicken to paper towels to drain excess oil, then generously coat with prepared bang bang sauce. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the tenders for added color and flavor before serving immediately.
Notes
Marinate with Precision: Ensure chicken is fully submerged in marinade for maximum flavor absorption and tender texture.
Breadcrumb Technique: Press panko firmly and evenly to create a thick, crispy coating that locks in moisture and delivers satisfying crunch.
Oil Temperature Matters: Maintain consistent 365°F for perfect golden-brown exterior and juicy interior without greasy residue.
Batch Frying Strategy: Cook chicken in small batches to prevent oil temperature drop and achieve uniform, crispy results every time.
Degree: Certificate in Food and Beverage Management
Focus: Essential knowledge of recipe development, ingredient sourcing, and food business basics.
Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.
Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.
Mia Reynolds
Food Writer & Home Cooking Specialist
Expertise
Easy Home Baking, Recipe Writing and Storytelling, Local and Seasonal Ingredients, Baking for Beginners
Education
New England Culinary Institute (NECI), Montpelier, Vermont
Community College of Vermont, Winooski, Vermont
Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.
Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.