Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe with Crispy Coating

Spicy bang bang chicken has become a go-to favorite for anyone who craves bold flavor with just the right amount of heat.

What started as a restaurant sensation has made its way into home kitchens everywhere, winning over families and friends at dinner tables across the country.

The combination of crispy texture and creamy, fiery sauce creates a contrast that keeps you coming back for another bite.

Whether you serve it as a main course for weeknight dinners or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer for game day gatherings, it never disappoints.

The balance of sweet and spicy notes makes it appealing to a wide range of palates, even those who typically shy away from bold flavors.

Quick to prepare yet impressive in presentation, it fits seamlessly into busy schedules without sacrificing taste.

When you want something that feels special but doesn't require hours in the kitchen, look no further than a recipe that delivers on all fronts.

Why Bang Bang Chicken Is Always Requested

• Totally Simple Technique: This recipe breaks down into super straightforward steps anyone can master, even if cooking isn’t your strong suit.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Boost: Your friends and family will go crazy for the spicy-crispy combo that makes bang bang chicken such a popular dish.
• Pantry-Friendly Ingredients: Chances are good you already have most of these ingredients hanging around your kitchen, which means no fancy shopping trip needed.
• Awesome Snack or Meal: Whether serving as an appetizer for game day or making a quick dinner, these chicken tenders work perfectly for tons of casual eating scenarios.

What Makes Bang Bang Chicken Work

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Tenderloins (1½ lbs): Your primary protein that creates crispy, tender bites perfect for dipping.
• Buttermilk (1 cup): Helps tenderize your chicken and adds delicious tangy flavor.
• Large Egg (1): Binds the coating and ensures a perfect crispy exterior.

• All-Purpose Flour (¾ cup): Creates the initial layer that helps your breading stick.
• Cornstarch (½ cup): Guarantees an extra crispy crunch for your chicken.
• Panko Breadcrumbs (2 cups): Provides the signature golden and crunchy exterior.
• Garlic Powder (½ tsp), Kosher Salt (½ tsp), Black Pepper (¼ tsp): Season your chicken with balanced flavor.
• Cayenne Pepper (⅛ tsp): Optional ingredient that adds a subtle spicy kick.

• Sriracha (1 tbsp): Adds a warming heat to your chicken’s marinade.
• Canola Oil (for frying): Used to achieve a crispy golden exterior at 365°F.
• Mayonnaise (1 cup), Thai Sweet Chili Sauce (½ cup), Honey (2 tbsp): Combine to create a creamy, sweet, and tangy bang bang sauce.

• Chopped Parsley or Green Onions: Adds fresh color and a light herbal note to finish the dish.

The Essential Setup for Bang Bang Chicken

• Large mixing bowl: A spacious bowl perfect for creating your batter and coating chicken tenders evenly.
• Whisk: A handy tool for blending all your wet and dry ingredients smoothly without leaving lumps.
• Deep frying pan or Dutch oven: A sturdy pan that can hold enough oil for frying your chicken at the right temperature.
• Tongs: Metal tongs help you safely place chicken into hot oil and turn pieces without splattering.
• Thermometer: A digital or candy thermometer ensures your oil stays at the precise 365°F for crispy results.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurately portioning your ingredients and maintaining consistent flavor.
• Paper towels: Helps drain excess oil from your freshly fried chicken, keeping the coating crisp.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for preparing chicken and managing your ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Useful for trimming chicken tenders and ensuring uniform size for even cooking.

Bang Bang Chicken Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

Helpful Cooking Notes for Bang Bang Chicken

• Soak your chicken in the buttermilk mixture for at least 30 minutes to get super tender, flavor-packed meat that stays juicy.
• Press those breadcrumbs firmly onto each tender so your coating stays crisp and doesn’t fall off during frying.
• Use a thermometer to keep your oil steady at 365°F, which guarantees perfectly golden chicken without burning.
• Cook chicken pieces in small batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure each piece gets beautifully crispy on all sides.
• Wait until just before serving to pour bang bang sauce over your chicken, keeping the crispy coating from getting soggy.

Bang Bang Chicken with Sauce and Crunch Options

• Gluten-Free Crunch: Swap wheat flour with rice flour or almond flour, and use gluten-free panko crumbs to make this dish totally celiac-friendly without losing that crispy texture.
• Veggie Protein Swap: Replace chicken tenders with firm tofu or cauliflower florets, cutting them into similar sizes and following the exact same breading and frying method for a plant-based version.
• Spice Level Control: Reduce or eliminate Sriracha and cayenne for a milder batch, or add extra hot sauce and pepper if your taste buds crave more heat – customize the spice exactly how your palate prefers.
• Baked Lighter Option: Skip frying and spread breaded pieces on a wire rack over a baking sheet, spraying with cooking oil and baking at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through for an equally crispy but less oily result.

How to Pair and Serve Bang Bang Chicken

• Serving Temperature: Serve these crispy chicken tenders straight from the fryer while they’re steaming hot and crackling with golden panko crunch.
• Sauce Dipping Strategy: Keep extra bang bang sauce nearby so your guests can drizzle or dunk each tender exactly how they prefer their spice level.
• Side Dish Match: Pair these crunchy tenders with creamy coleslaw or a light cucumber salad to balance the spicy kick and provide a cool contrast.
• Drink Companion: Choose a cold beer or crisp white wine to cut through the rich, spicy flavor and cleanse your palate between bites.

Bang Bang Chicken Storage Without Sauce Break

• Keep fried chicken crispy by placing them on a wire rack over a baking sheet, which allows air to circulate and prevents soggy bottoms.
• Store any leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain crispness.
• Reheat refrigerated chicken in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes to restore the crunchy exterior, avoiding the microwave that can make the coating soft.
• Separate the bang bang sauce from the chicken when storing to prevent the breading from getting soggy, keeping them in separate sealed containers.

Bang Bang Chicken Common Questions

Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Bang Bang Chicken brings sizzling Sichuan flavors straight to your dinner table with crispy chicken coated in a creamy, spicy sauce that’ll make your taste buds dance with excitement.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken tenderloins
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch

Seasoning and Spices:

• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Sauce and Garnish:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon Sriracha
• Chopped parsley or green onions

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Instructions

1. Whisk together 1 cup buttermilk, ¾ cup flour, ½ cup cornstarch, 1 large egg, 1 tbsp Sriracha, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp kosher salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, and ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper in a large mixing bowl until the batter becomes completely smooth.
2. Submerge 1½ lbs chicken tenderloins into the batter, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated on all sides.
3. Pour 2 cups panko breadcrumbs onto a flat surface and gently roll each battered chicken piece, pressing firmly to help breadcrumbs adhere completely.
4. Heat canola oil in a deep skillet to exactly 365°F, creating a consistent frying temperature for perfect golden coating.
5. Carefully lower breaded chicken pieces into hot oil, cooking 2-3 minutes per side until exterior turns deep golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Transfer fried chicken to paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil for 2-3 minutes.
7. Mix 1 cup mayonnaise, ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce, 1 tsp Sriracha, and 2 tbsp honey in a separate bowl to create bang bang sauce.
8. Drizzle prepared bang bang sauce generously over crispy chicken pieces just before serving.
9. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh finishing touch.

Notes

• Check the oil temperature carefully to ensure crispy, golden-brown chicken without burning.
• Pat chicken tenders dry before coating to help the batter stick better and create a crunchier exterior.
• For a gluten-free version, swap wheat flour for rice flour and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
• Let the chicken rest for a minute after frying to help the coating set and maintain maximum crispiness.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 602 kcal
• Sugar: 19 g
• Sodium: 754 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 26 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 99 mg