Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe with Creamy Spicy Sauce

Bang bang chicken has become one of the most popular dishes to serve when you want bold flavors and satisfying texness all in one meal.

Crispy, saucy, and packed with a spicy-sweet kick, it appeals to anyone who loves food with personality and punch.

Originally inspired by street food culture, the dish has found its way onto dinner tables everywhere because it feels special without being complicated.

The signature creamy, slightly spicy sauce coats every bite and makes it hard to stop at just one serving.

It works beautifully as a main course for busy weeknights or as a crowd-pleasing option for gatherings with friends and family.

The combination of textures and flavors creates a memorable eating experience that feels both familiar and exciting at the same time.

You can count on it to please different palates while keeping things fun and full of flavor.

Head to the recipe card below to see how simple it is to make at home.

What Makes Bang Bang Chicken So Appealing

• Simple Sauce Star: This bang bang sauce is so addictive, you’ll want to drizzle it on everything from chicken to salads, making your meals instantly more exciting.
• No-Fuss Crispy Delight: Coating chicken in buttermilk batter and panko creates a seriously crunchy exterior that will make your family fight over the last piece.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Bomb: The combination of sweet chili, Sriracha, and honey in the sauce delivers a perfect balance of heat and sweetness that works for everyone from spice lovers to mild-taste fans.
• Beginner-Friendly Technique: Even if cooking feels intimidating, this recipe uses straightforward steps that make anyone feel like a kitchen pro, with minimal fancy equipment needed.

Core Ingredients in Bang Bang Chicken

• Mayonnaise (1 cup): The creamy base that makes your sauce rich and smooth.
• Thai Sweet Chili Sauce (1/2 cup): Adds sweet and tangy flavor to your sauce.
• Sriracha (1 teaspoon): Brings a delightful kick of heat to your sauce.
• Honey (2 tablespoons): Balances the spice with a touch of sweetness.

• Chicken Tenderloins (1 1/2 pounds): The star protein that gets crispy and delicious.
• Buttermilk (1 cup): Helps tenderize and add flavor to your chicken.
• All-Purpose Flour (3/4 cup): Creates the first layer of coating for crispiness.
• Cornstarch (1/2 cup): Ensures an extra crispy exterior on your chicken.
• Large Egg (1): Helps bind the coating and create a smooth texture.
• Sriracha (1 tablespoon): Adds an extra layer of spice to the chicken coating.

• Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon), Kosher Salt (1/2 teaspoon), Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon), Cayenne Pepper (1/8 teaspoon): Seasonings that bring depth and warmth to your chicken.
• Panko Breadcrumbs (2 cups): Creates that irresistible crispy golden coating.
• Canola Oil (enough for frying): The medium that transforms your chicken to golden perfection.
• Chopped Parsley (for garnish): Adds a fresh touch of color and flavor.

Kitchen Tools Needed for Bang Bang Chicken

• Large Skillet: Your go-to pan for perfectly crispy chicken with enough depth to hold about an inch of oil.
• Meat Thermometer: Essential tool to check your chicken reaches the safe 165°F internal temperature without guesswork.
• Medium Mixing Bowls (2): One for creating your incredible batter, another for prepping your panko coating.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending your buttermilk batter until smooth and lump-free.
• Plate: Needed for spreading out panko crumbs and breading your chicken tenders.
• Paper Towels: Critical for draining excess oil and keeping your chicken crisp after frying.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements ensure your sauce and batter turn out just right.
• Tongs: Great for safely turning and removing chicken from hot oil without splatters.
• Kitchen Scissors (optional): Handy for trimming chicken tenders if needed.

Steps for Making Bang Bang Chicken

Extra Kitchen Insight For Bang Bang Chicken

• Mix the bang bang sauce ahead of time so flavors can mingle while cooking chicken.
• Whisk your buttermilk mixture thoroughly to ensure no lumpy spots that could mess with coating.
• Press panko crumbs firmly onto each chicken tender, making sure every inch gets crispy coverage.
• Keep your oil steady around 365°F for perfectly golden, crisp chicken without greasy results.
• Drizzle sauce right before eating to maintain that delightful crunch your chicken worked hard to achieve.

Easy Variations for Bang Bang Chicken

• Gluten-Free Crunch Chicken: Swap wheat flour with rice flour or almond flour, keeping the same measurements. Your crispy chicken will still have amazing texture without gluten.
• Spicy Cauliflower Version: Replace chicken tenders with thick cauliflower slices, using the exact same batter and cooking method. Your vegetarian friends will appreciate this hearty alternative.
• Baked Lighter Chicken: Skip frying and arrange breaded chicken on a rack over a baking sheet. Spray with cooking oil and bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway. Your health-conscious side will love this option.
• Low-Carb Crisp Option: Use crushed pork rinds instead of panko for coating. Your keto diet can still enjoy crunchy, saucy goodness without extra carbohydrates.

Best Ways To Enjoy Bang Bang Chicken

• Serve with Slaw: Slice some fresh cabbage and carrots for a crisp, cool side that cuts through the chicken’s richness. Your taste buds will thank you for the refreshing crunch.
• Rice Bed Option: Spread these golden tenders over a fluffy white rice base. The sauce will drip down, making each grain absolutely delicious.
• Quick Veggie Companion: Roast some broccoli or green beans with a touch of salt and pepper. These simple sides will balance your plate perfectly.
• Dipping Dance: Set out small bowls of extra bang bang sauce for those who love extra flavor. Everyone appreciates a good dipping opportunity.

Proper Storage For Bang Bang Chicken

• Refrigerate leftover sauce in a sealed container for up to 5 days, keeping those zesty flavors ready for another round of crispy chicken goodness.
• Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh and tasty for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven to keep that crunch alive.
• Freeze uncooked breaded chicken tenders on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll be waiting for your next crispy craving for about a month.
• Keep your panko crumbs in a sealed container in a cool, dry spot to maintain their perfect crunch for future breading adventures.

Bang Bang Chicken Helpful FAQs

Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy Bang Bang Chicken brings sizzling flavor straight from your kitchen to the table with a creamy, zesty sauce that makes taste buds dance. Crispy chicken pieces coated in a tangy chili mayo will have your dinner guests asking for seconds.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1.5 pounds chicken tenderloins

Coating and Breading:

• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 1 large egg

Seasoning and Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon Sriracha

Additional Ingredients:

• Canola oil for frying
• Chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Combine 1 cup mayonnaise, ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce, 1 teaspoon Sriracha, and 2 tablespoons honey in a mixing bowl until your sauce looks smooth and creamy.
2. Whisk 1 cup buttermilk, ¾ cup flour, ½ cup cornstarch, 1 large egg, 1 tablespoon Sriracha, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and ⅛ teaspoon cayenne in a medium bowl until thoroughly blended.
3. Submerge 1 ½ pounds chicken tenderloins into the batter, ensuring each piece gets fully coated with the mixture.
4. Spread 2 cups panko breadcrumbs across a flat plate and individually roll each battered chicken piece, pressing gently to help crumbs adhere.
5. Pour canola oil into a large skillet to reach 1 inch depth and heat to exactly 365°F using a cooking thermometer.
6. Carefully place chicken pieces into hot oil, cooking 2-3 minutes per side until they turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
7. Transfer fried chicken to paper towels for quick oil absorption, then arrange on serving plate.
8. Generously drizzle prepared bang bang sauce over crispy chicken pieces.
9. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a professional touch before serving immediately.

Notes

• Always keep your oil temperature consistent for even, crispy frying without burning the coating.
• Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken and creates a thick, crunchy exterior that sticks perfectly.
• For gluten-free diets, swap wheat flour with rice flour or gluten-free blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
• If your chicken tenders are thick, consider pounding them thinner to ensure faster, more even cooking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Chicken
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 610 kcal
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg