Perfect Bang Bang Chicken Recipe: Spicy & Sweet Party Hit

Succulent chicken drizzled with a zesty bang bang sauce creates an explosion of flavor that will leave you craving more.

This crowd-pleasing dish combines crispy breaded chicken with a creamy, spicy coating that dances on your taste buds.

The secret lies in the perfectly balanced sauce that brings together sweet, tangy, and fiery elements.

Each bite delivers a delightful crunch and a burst of complex flavors that elevate a simple meal into something extraordinary.

The recipe is surprisingly easy to master, even for home cooks with limited kitchen skills.

Spice enthusiasts and comfort food lovers will find this dish irresistibly satisfying.

Get ready to become the culinary hero at your next gathering with this mouthwatering sensation.

Why Everyone Loves Bang Bang Chicken

• Unleash Flavor Explosion: Dive into a mouthwatering chicken experience with bold, tangy Bang Bang sauce that transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary culinary adventure.
• Master Easy Cooking Technique: Learn a simple yet impressive frying method that guarantees crispy, golden-brown chicken tenders with a perfectly crunchy exterior and juicy interior.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser Meal: Whip up a restaurant-quality dish that impresses family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen, making it ideal for casual gatherings or weeknight dinners.
• Customizable Spice Level: Adjust the heat by controlling Sriracha and cayenne pepper quantities, allowing everyone from spice lovers to mild-preference eaters to enjoy this delectable recipe.

Ingredients for Flavor-Packed Bang Bang Chicken

• Chicken Tenderloins: Tender and juicy protein that forms the heart of this dish.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Light and crispy coating for maximum crunch.
• Canola Oil: Neutral oil perfect for deep frying.

• Mayonnaise, Thai Sweet Chili Sauce, Sriracha, Honey: Creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce blend.
• Buttermilk, Flour, Cornstarch, Egg: Rich marinade mixture for tender chicken.
• Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper: Seasonings that add depth of flavor.

• Parsley: Fresh green herb for a pop of color and brightness.

How to Cook Bang Bang Chicken to Perfection

Step 1: Whip Up the Zesty Sauce

Grab a small bowl and toss in mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey.

Whisk everything together until smooth and set it aside for later.

This sauce will be the flavor bomb that makes your chicken irresistible.

Step 2: Create a Flavor-Packed Marinade

• Buttermilk
• Flour
• Cornstarch
• Egg
• Sriracha
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cayenne pepper

Whisk these ingredients until they form a smooth, creamy batter.

Dive in the chicken tenderloins and make sure they’re completely coated in this magical mixture.

Step 3: Coat with Crunchy Goodness

Spread panko breadcrumbs on a shallow plate.

Pull each chicken tender from the marinade, letting excess drip off.

Roll the tender in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to create a perfect crispy coating.

Line up the breaded chicken pieces on a clean plate.

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat canola oil in a large skillet until it reaches 365°F.

Carefully place chicken pieces into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Fry each piece for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn a beautiful golden brown.

Check that the internal temperature hits 165°F to ensure they’re fully cooked.

Step 5: Sauce and Serve

Transfer the crispy chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

While still hot, toss the chicken in the zesty Bang Bang sauce, making sure every piece gets a generous coating.

Sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for a fresh touch.

Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement!

Tips to Get That Iconic Creamy Kick

• Pat chicken tenderloins dry before marinating to help breadcrumbs stick better and create a crispier texture.
• Use a digital thermometer to maintain consistent 365°F oil heat, ensuring evenly cooked and golden-brown chicken without burning.
• Toss chicken in Bang Bang sauce just before serving to keep the crispy breading from getting soft and maintaining maximum crunch.
• Adjust Sriracha and cayenne pepper amounts to make the dish mild or extra spicy according to personal heat preference.
• Let chicken sit in buttermilk mixture for 15-30 minutes to enhance tenderness and allow flavors to penetrate deeply.

How to Keep Bang Bang Chicken Tasting Fresh

• Store leftover Bang Bang chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Warm for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even heating and crispy texture.
• Set air fryer to 375°F. Place chicken pieces in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Heat for 3-4 minutes until warmed through and crispy exterior returns.

Best Pairings for Spicy Sweet Chicken

• Pair Zesty Citrus Slaw: Create a tangy cabbage slaw with lime juice, fresh cilantro, and a hint of orange zest to cut through the richness of the spicy fried chicken.
• Chill with Crisp Pilsner: Select a cold, light pilsner beer that balances the spicy Bang Bang sauce with its clean, refreshing hop profile and crisp finish.
• Complement with Sweet Potato Wedges: Roast sweet potato wedges with smoked paprika and sea salt, providing a complementary side that echoes the chicken's crispy texture and spicy flavor.
• Cool Down with Cucumber Yogurt Dip: Whip up a quick cucumber-yogurt sauce with dill and garlic, offering a cooling counterpoint to the zesty Bang Bang chicken's heat.

Creative Styles for Bang Bang Chicken

• Gluten-Free Crunch: Replace wheat flour and panko with gluten-free flour blend and crushed rice cereal for a celiac-friendly version.
• Baked Low-Fat Option: Skip frying and instead bake chicken tenders on a wire rack at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, using cooking spray for crispy texture.
• Spicy Herb Variation: Add fresh chopped cilantro and green onions to the Bang Bang sauce for extra flavor complexity. Replace Sriracha with jalapeño for milder heat.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Substitute breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds, use almond flour instead of wheat flour, and replace honey with sugar-free sweetener to maintain low-carb profile.

FAQs

• Is Bang Bang Chicken spicy?

The sauce has a mild to medium heat level from Sriracha and Thai sweet chili sauce. You can adjust the spiciness by reducing or increasing the amount of Sriracha.

• What makes the chicken crispy?

The combination of buttermilk marinade and panko breadcrumbs creates an extra crispy exterior. Coating the chicken thoroughly and pressing the breadcrumbs helps achieve a crunchy texture.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts. Cut them into tender-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent crispiness throughout the chicken.

• Do I need a deep fryer to make this recipe?

No, you can use a large skillet with about 1 inch of oil. The key is maintaining the correct oil temperature around 365°F for perfect frying.