After an exhausting week filled with mundane meals and takeout nights, I found myself craving something with a bit more pizzazz. That’s when I stumbled upon a vibrant recipe for Bang Bang Chicken that transformed my dinner routine. Imagine succulent chicken tenderloins, perfectly coated in a crispy panko crust, tantalizingly drizzled with a sweet and spicy Bang Bang sauce—dinner just became the best part of my day!
This recipe is a game-changer for anyone bored of bland weeknight dinners, combining simplicity and flavor in a way that’ll impress your family or guests. Plus, whether you opt for the air fryer or traditional frying, these tender morsels are just minutes away from becoming a household favorite. Give yourself the gift of crispy joy in every bite—let’s dive into making this irresistibly delicious Bang Bang Chicken!
Why is Bang Bang Chicken So Irresistible?
Crispy texture: The panko crust gives each tender an incredible crunch that perfectly contrasts the juicy chicken inside.
Sweet and Spicy Harmony: Each bite offers a delightful balance of heat and sweetness, thanks to the signature Bang Bang sauce.
Quick Prep Time: With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up this dish in under 30 minutes!
Versatile Variations: Experiment with shrimp or salmon for a fun twist, allowing you to keep dinner exciting.
Crowd Pleaser: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, Bang Bang Chicken is bound to impress everyone at the table.
Dust off your apron and serve it up with a side salad or oven fries for a complete meal that’ll become a family favorite.
Bang Bang Chicken Ingredients
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- Mayonnaise – A creamy base that pairs perfectly with the sweet and spicy elements.
- Thai Sweet Chili Sauce – Adds a sweet kick; don’t skimp on this for authentic flavor.
- Sriracha – Use this fiery sauce for that perfect spice balance; adjust to your heat preference.
- Honey – Sweetens the sauce while enhancing the overall flavor profile.
For the Chicken
- Chicken Tenderloins – 1.5 pounds provides tender, juicy pieces; chicken breasts can substitute easily.
- Buttermilk – 1 cup helps marinate the chicken, ensuring maximum moisture and tenderness.
- All-Purpose Flour – ¾ cup for the batter, which helps create a sturdy coating.
- Cornstarch – ½ cup perfects the batter’s crunch; potato starch can work as a substitute.
- Egg – 1 large, at room temperature, binds everything for a cohesive batter.
- Sriracha – 1 tablespoon adds a kick to the batter; feel free to increase for extra heat.
- Garlic Powder – ½ teaspoon infuses the chicken with a subtle, savory flavor.
- Kosher Salt – ½ teaspoon is essential to enhance the dish’s overall taste.
- Black Pepper – ¼ teaspoon brings a mild heat that rounds out the spices.
- Cayenne Pepper – ⅛ teaspoon is optional but recommended for a little extra zing.
- Panko Breadcrumbs – 2 cups for that irresistible crispy coating; plain is preferred for maximum crunch.
For Frying
- Canola Oil – Use for frying at 365°F, or try an air fryer for a lighter option without sacrificing crispiness.
For Garnish
- Parsley – Chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to your finished dish.
This collection of ingredients will lead you to creating the most delectable Bang Bang Chicken you’ve ever tasted! Let’s get cooking!
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken
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Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until well combined; set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
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Prepare Chicken Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne until smooth, creating a delightful marinade.
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Coat Chicken: Toss the chicken tenderloins in the marinade, ensuring they’re fully coated. Then, dredge them in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere the coating.
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Heat Oil: In a skillet, heat about an inch of oil over medium-high heat to 365°F, ensuring it’s hot enough for a perfect fry.
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Fry Chicken: Fry the coated tenders in batches for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
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Drain and Toss: Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil, then toss the hot tenders in the prepared Bang Bang sauce. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Optional: Serve with a side salad or crispy oven fries for a complete meal.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Bang Bang Chicken
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Correct Oil Temperature: Always ensure your oil reaches 365°F before frying; this ensures crispiness without sogginess.
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Batch Frying: Fry chicken in smaller batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to steaming instead of frying, diminishing that crispy texture.
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Air Fryer Alternative: For a healthier option, lightly spray the coated tenders with cooking spray and follow air frying instructions for perfectly crispy Bang Bang Chicken.
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Flavor Adjustments: Don’t hesitate to adjust the spice levels in your Bang Bang sauce by adding more Sriracha or cayenne pepper to match your taste.
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Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, let the chicken cool completely before refrigeration to maintain its crispy texture when reheating.
Storage Tips for Bang Bang Chicken
Fridge: Keep cooked Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring it stays juicy and flavorful.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooled chicken in a single layer, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 6 months.
Reheating: To restore the crispiness, reheat in the oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes or in an air fryer for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
Wrapping: Always allow the chicken to cool completely before wrapping to avoid condensation that can lead to sogginess.
Make Ahead Options
These Crispy Bang Bang Chicken tenders are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to simplify dinner time! You can marinate the chicken in the buttermilk mixture up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring maximum tenderness. The coated chicken can also be prepped and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before frying, helping to keep the panko crispy. To maintain the quality, keep the breaded tenders separated on a parchment-lined baking sheet and covered. When you’re ready to serve, just heat the oil and fry until golden brown, then toss with the Bang Bang sauce for that delicious sweet and spicy flavor in no time!
What to Serve with Bang Bang Chicken?
Transform your dinner table into a delightful feast with flavorful pairings that’ll elevate your Bang Bang Chicken experience.
- Crispy Oven Fries: The perfect crunch complements the chicken’s texture, making for a satisfying bite you won’t resist.
- Fresh Garden Salad: A light salad with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the sauce. The freshness cuts through the sweetness, cleansing your palate.
- Steamed Broccoli: This vibrant, green side brings a lovely crunch and earthy flavor, harmonizing beautifully against the sweet and spicy notes of the Bang Bang Chicken.
- Creamy Coleslaw: The crisp cabbage and creamy dressing provide a refreshing contrast, adding a cool touch to each bite of spicy chicken.
- Jasmine Rice: The fluffy texture and subtle fragrance nicely absorb the Bang Bang sauce, creating a delightful harmony of flavors on your plate.
- Honey Glazed Carrots: Roasted to sweet perfection, the natural sweetness of carrots pairs beautifully with the Bang Bang sauce, creating a delicious synergy that’s both sweet and savory.
- Iced Thai Tea: This refreshing drink with its sweet and creamy notes cools down the spice, completing your meal with a tropical touch.
- Chocolate Mousse: For dessert, a rich, velvety chocolate mousse adds an indulgent finish to your meal, balancing the spiciness of the chicken with sweetness.
- Chilled Cucumber Salad: Light and zesty, this salad cools the heat of the chicken while adding a refreshing crunch to the overall dining experience.
Bang Bang Chicken Variations
Feel free to customize your Bang Bang Chicken experience with these delicious alternatives!
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Bang Bang Shrimp: Swap chicken for shrimp, following the same coating and frying process for a lighter seafood option.
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Bang Bang Salmon: Use salmon fillets instead of chicken, which adds a rich, buttery flavor; adjust cooking time for tenderness.
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Baked Crunch: For a healthier twist, bake the coated chicken at 425°F for 12-15 minutes, getting crispy without frying.
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Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour and panko with gluten-free alternatives, like almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs, for a delightful option.
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Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or extra Sriracha to the sauce for an irresistible fiery burst in every bite.
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Herb Infusion: Mix fresh herbs, like parsley or cilantro, into the coating for an aromatic flavor boost that compliments the sauce beautifully.
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Coconut Panko: Substitute regular panko with coconut panko for a hint of tropical sweetness that pairs well with the spicy sauce.
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Vegetarian Delight: Use crispy tofu or eggplant as a meat substitute, following the same preparation for an exciting, plant-based dish.
With these variations, you can keep the excitement alive in your kitchen, ensuring that every meal feels like a delightful new adventure!
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 the best texture and juiciness. However, you can also cut chicken breasts into strips if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure they are evenly sized to cook uniformly.
How do I select ripe ingredients for the Bang Bang sauce?
For the best results, select fresh mayonnaise without preservatives. Look for Thai sweet chili sauce that has a vibrant red color and a delightful aroma. Honey should be pure and free of additives, which ensures a smooth blend in your sauce.
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What’s the best way to store leftover Bang Bang Chicken?
Store your cooked Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you need to keep it longer, it can be frozen in a single layer for up to 6 months. Just ensure it’s cooled completely before wrapping to maintain that crispy goodness.
Can I freeze cooked Bang Bang Chicken? How?
Absolutely! After letting the chicken cool completely, lay the pieces out in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once they’re firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. This way, you can pull out portions as needed without losing crispiness!
What should I do if my coating isn’t crispy after frying?
If your Bang Bang Chicken coating turns out soggy, it may be due to overcrowding the pan or not ensuring the oil’s temperature was at the right point (365°F). For next time, fry in smaller batches, and consider using a thermometer to monitor the oil’s heat more accurately.
Is Bang Bang Chicken safe for pets?
It’s best to avoid giving Bang Bang Chicken to pets due to its spicy elements and fried nature. The ingredients like Sriracha could upset their stomachs. Always stick to pet-safe treats for your furry friends!
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken: A Sweet & Spicy Delight at Home
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until well combined; set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prepare Chicken Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne until smooth, creating a delightful marinade.
- Coat Chicken: Toss the chicken tenderloins in the marinade, ensuring they’re fully coated. Then, dredge them in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere the coating.
- Heat Oil: In a skillet, heat about an inch of oil over medium-high heat to 365°F, ensuring it’s hot enough for a perfect fry.
- Fry Chicken: Fry the coated tenders in batches for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Drain and Toss: Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil, then toss the hot tenders in the prepared Bang Bang sauce. Garnish with parsley before serving.