There’s something utterly satisfying about biting into crispy Bang Bang Chicken, where tender chicken meets a crunchy, golden crust that shatters delightfully with each bite. I first discovered this finger-licking recipe during a cozy gathering with friends, and the aroma of that spicy, creamy sauce wafting through the kitchen was irresistible. It’s a dish that seamlessly blends flavors and textures, making it a perfect match for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a lively dinner party or simply attempting to elevate your weeknight menu.
With its rich history in Sichuan cuisine, this Western adaptation is not only crowd-pleasing but incredibly versatile. Toss the golden tenders in a creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce, and you’ll find yourself transported to a realm of indulgent flavors that hit all the right notes. Join me in creating a dish that is sure to impress your family and friends while breaking away from the monotony of fast food—let’s indulge in the joy of homemade Crispy Bang Bang Chicken!
Why will you love Bang Bang Chicken?
Bold flavors and textures: The crispy exterior offers a delightful crunch, while the tender chicken inside keeps each bite juicy and satisfying.
Quick and easy: This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, taking just about 30 minutes to prepare.
Crowd-pleaser: Serve this at gatherings or family dinners, and watch it disappear faster than you can say “Bang Bang!”
Versatile options: Modify the protein with shrimp, tofu, or even cauliflower for a delightful twist.
Elevate your menu: It’s an exciting way to swap out fast food and bring global cuisine into your home. Try serving it with jasmine rice or cucumber salad for a complete meal!
Bang Bang Chicken Ingredients
• Get ready for an irresistible treat!
For the Sauce
- Mayonnaise – Provides creaminess to the sauce; substitute Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- Thai Sweet Chili Sauce – Adds sweetness and mild heat; substitute regular chili sauce if unavailable.
- Sriracha Sauce – Offers spice and tang; adjust quantity for your preferred heat level.
- Honey – Enhances sweetness and balances flavors; substitute maple syrup for a vegan option.
For the Chicken
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Tenderloins – The main protein ensuring tenderness; substitute with shrimp, tofu, or cauliflower for variations.
- Buttermilk – Aids in tenderizing the chicken and provides moisture; substitute regular milk with a splash of vinegar for a DIY buttermilk.
- All-Purpose Flour & Cornstarch – Creates the batter that coats the chicken for crispiness; can use gluten-free blends as an alternative.
- Egg – Binds the coating; no alternative recommended, but you can omit it for egg-free diets.
- Panko Breadcrumbs – Adds crunchiness to the texture; substitute regular breadcrumbs if needed.
- Canola Oil – Used for frying; substitute any neutral oil like vegetable or sunflower oil.
For Garnish
- Chopped Parsley – Adds freshness as a garnish; feel free to omit if not available.
Dive into the culinary adventure of creating Bang Bang Chicken that will captivate your family and guests alike!
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken
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Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Whisk the ingredients together until smooth, then set aside to let the flavors meld.
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Marinate Chicken: In another bowl, combine buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne. Add chicken tenderloins and let them marinate for 10 minutes for maximum tenderness.
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Coat Chicken: Place panko breadcrumbs on a plate. Remove the marinated chicken from the bowl and coat each piece evenly with breadcrumbs, pressing them on to ensure they stick well.
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Fry Chicken: Heat canola oil in a skillet to 365°F. Fry the coated chicken tenders in batches for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
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Drain and Toss: Once fried, drain the chicken tenders on paper towels to remove excess oil. Then, toss them in the prepared Bang Bang Sauce until they are evenly coated, making sure each piece is deliciously dressed.
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Garnish and Serve: Finally, sprinkle the crispy Bang Bang Chicken with chopped parsley for a touch of freshness, and serve warm to enjoy the delightful flavors!
Optional: Serve with lime wedges for an extra zesty kick.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Bang Bang Chicken
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Temperature Matters: Keep the frying oil at 365°F for the crispiest Bang Bang Chicken. Using too low oil will make the coating soggy.
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Customize the Heat: Adjust the Sriracha in your sauce to control the spice level. For extra heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper.
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Perfect Coating: Ensure each piece of chicken is thoroughly coated in the panko breadcrumbs for maximum crunch. Press down lightly to adhere better.
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Quick Drain: After frying, place the tenders on paper towels immediately to absorb excess oil, enhancing the crispy texture.
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Bake Option: For a healthier version, try baking or air frying the chicken. Cook in an air fryer at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Storage Tips for Bang Bang Chicken
Room Temperature: Store leftovers at room temperature for no more than 2 hours to ensure food safety.
Fridge: Keep Crispy Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
Freezer: Freeze the fried chicken in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: For best results, reheat in an oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Enjoy the flavors of your Bang Bang Chicken!
Bang Bang Chicken Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe and tailor it to your taste preferences!
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Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk instead of buttermilk for a delightful tropical twist that keeps it creamy.
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Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or extra Sriracha to the sauce for a fiery boost that will make your taste buds dance.
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Gluten-Free: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and use certified gluten-free panko breadcrumbs for a crispy coating.
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Sweet Surprise: Incorporate a tablespoon of peanut butter into the sauce for a nutty sweetness that adds depth to the flavor profile.
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Baked Version: For a healthier option, brush the coated chicken tenders with olive oil and bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through.
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Veggie Delight: Swap out chicken for cauliflower florets, perfect for a vegetarian twist that absorbs all the delicious sauce.
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Asian Fusion: Mix in a teaspoon of sesame oil with the sauce for a deeper, richer flavor that pays homage to its Sichuan roots.
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Herb Infusion: Experiment by adding fresh cilantro or basil to the sauce for a refreshing herbal note with every bite.
In each case, these variations not only maintain the essence of Bang Bang Chicken but also offer a delightful surprise that can keep your family and friends coming back for more!
What to Serve with Bang Bang Chicken?
Create a memorable meal by pairing dishes that complement the rich, crispy goodness of this delightful chicken.
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Steamed Jasmine Rice: This fluffy rice absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully, balancing flavors while offering a comforting base.
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Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad with crunchy cucumbers and a tangy dressing cuts through the richness of the chicken, providing a lovely contrast.
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Sweet Potato Fries: These sweet, crispy fries add a delightful sweetness that pairs well with the spicy Bang Bang sauce, enhancing the overall flavor combination.
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Mango Salsa: The sweetness of fresh mango, combined with zesty lime and cilantro, offers a vibrant, fruity topping that brightens the dish.
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Garlic Noodles: The savory, garlicky noodles create a luscious side, soaking up the sauce’s flavor and providing a satisfying bite.
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Asian Slaw: A crunchy, vibrant slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a light dressing complements the texture of the chicken and adds a fresh crunch.
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Peach Iced Tea: For a refreshing drink, sweet peach iced tea balances the spiciness of the Bang Bang Chicken while offering a cozy sip alongside your meal.
Each pairing brings out the best in your dish, ensuring a delightful culinary experience that both your family and friends will adore!
Make Ahead Options
These Crispy Bang Bang Chicken tenders are perfect for meal prep, saving you valuable time during busy weeknights! You can marinate the chicken in the buttermilk mixture up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to penetrate and tenderize the meat beautifully. Additionally, prepare the Bang Bang Sauce and refrigerate it for up to 3 days; this not only enhances the flavors but also makes serving a breeze. When you’re ready to enjoy your meal, simply coat the marinated chicken in breadcrumbs and fry until golden. Toss the cooked chicken in the sauce, and you’ll have a deliciously satisfying dish that feels fresh and homemade!
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken should I use for Bang Bang Chicken?
I recommend using boneless skinless chicken tenderloins for their tenderness and quick cooking time. If you prefer a different protein, shrimp, tofu, or even cauliflower work great as substitutes and can easily keep the personality of the dish intact!
How should I store leftover Bang Bang Chicken?
Store your Crispy Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It’s best to reheat it in the oven or air fryer rather than the microwave to retain that fabulous crunch. When ready, just pop it in at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes until it’s heated through and crispy again.
Can I freeze Bang Bang Chicken?
Absolutely! You can freeze the fried chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once it’s frozen solid, transfer it to a freezer-safe bag, where it will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat as mentioned above for that just-fried taste.
What if my chicken coating doesn’t stay crispy?
The key to crispy coating is maintaining the frying oil temperature at around 365°F. If the oil is too cool, your coating might absorb more oil and become soggy. Also, make sure each piece is adequately coated with panko breadcrumbs and that you drain them on paper towels right after frying to kick excess oil to the curb!
Is Bang Bang Chicken suitable for people with allergies?
This recipe does include common allergens such as egg, wheat (flour), and dairy (buttermilk). For egg-free diets, the egg can be omitted, but you may need to adjust the binding process. To cater to gluten-free or dairy-free diets, opt for gluten-free breadcrumbs, a gluten-free flour blend, and a dairy alternative for the buttermilk, like almond milk with a splash of vinegar.
How ripe should my ingredients be?
While the main ingredients in Bang Bang Chicken don’t require perfect ripeness, using fresher elements always enhances flavor. For example, fresh mayonnaise adds creaminess without the artificial aftertaste. Similarly, make sure your chicken is fresh and has no dark spots for the best results in flavor and texture.
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken That Will Spice Up Family Dinner
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Whisk the ingredients together until smooth, then set aside.
- In another bowl, combine buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne. Add chicken tenderloins and let them marinate for 10 minutes.
- Place panko breadcrumbs on a plate. Remove the marinated chicken from the bowl and coat each piece evenly with breadcrumbs, pressing them on to ensure they stick well.
- Heat canola oil in a skillet to 365°F. Fry the coated chicken tenders in batches for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Once fried, drain the chicken tenders on paper towels to remove excess oil. Then, toss them in the prepared Bang Bang Sauce until they are evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the crispy Bang Bang Chicken with chopped parsley for a touch of freshness, and serve warm.