Bang Bang Chicken: A Delicious Upgrade for Your Chicken Tenders -

Bang Bang Chicken is the crispy, juicy, flavor-packed meal that brings new life to your dinner table. Coated in a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce and fried to golden perfection, this dish is perfect for satisfying cravings or impressing guests. Whether you’re preparing it for a quick family dinner or a party appetizer, Bang Bang Chicken is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

This detailed guide will walk you through everything you need to know about making this dish, from the ingredients to pro tips and FAQs.

Why Bang Bang Chicken Stands Out

Flavor Explosion: A unique combination of creamy, spicy, and sweet flavors.
Versatile Dish: Can be served as an appetizer, main course, or even in wraps.
Crispy Perfection: The double coating ensures a crunch that lasts.
Easy to Make: Ready in under 30 minutes!

With high search keywords like “crispy chicken recipe,” “easy chicken appetizers,” and “spicy chicken dish,” this recipe has high potential for culinary satisfaction and audience engagement.

Ingredients

the Chicken:

1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken tenderloins
½ cup (64 g) cornstarch
1 cup (245 g) buttermilk
¾ cup (94 g) all-purpose flour
1 large egg, room temperature
2 cups (216 g) panko breadcrumbs, plain
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Canola oil (for frying)

the Bang Bang Sauce:

1 cup (232 g) mayonnaise
½ cup (132 g) Thai sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon Sriracha (or more to taste)
2 tablespoons honey

For Garnish:

Parsley, chopped

Equipment You’ll Need

Mixing Bowls: For batter preparation and breading.
Deep Skillet or Fryer: For frying chicken to golden perfection.
Tongs: To handle the chicken safely while frying.
Paper Towels: To drain excess oil from fried chicken.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce

The heart of this recipe lies in the sauce! In a small bowl, mix together:

Mayonnaise
Thai sweet chili sauce
Sriracha
Honey

Stir well until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the Sriracha if you want more heat. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

2. Make the Chicken Batter

In a mixing bowl, whisk together:

Buttermilk
All-purpose flour
Cornstarch
Egg
Garlic powder
Salt
Pepper
Cayenne pepper (optional)
Sriracha

This batter should be smooth and thick, ideal for coating the chicken.

3. Bread the Chicken

Spread panko breadcrumbs evenly on a large plate.
Dip each chicken tender into the batter, ensuring full coverage.
Shake off excess batter and press the chicken into the breadcrumbs. Ensure an even, thick coating for maximum crunch.

4. Fry the Chicken

Heat about 1 inch of canola oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 365°F.
Fry the chicken in small batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
Cook each piece for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
Remove the chicken and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

5. Coat with Sauce

While the chicken is still warm, toss it in the prepared Bang Bang sauce until evenly coated. Alternatively, serve the sauce on the side for dipping.

Serving Suggestions

As an Appetizer: Serve with toothpicks for easy sharing.
As a Main Course: Pair with steamed rice or a fresh green salad.
In a Wrap: Stuff the chicken into a tortilla with lettuce and tomatoes for a quick lunch option.
With Sides: Great with roasted vegetables, sweet potato fries, or coleslaw.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Bang Bang Chicken

Double-Coating Secret: For an extra-crispy texture, coat the chicken in panko breadcrumbs twice. Dip it back into the batter and breadcrumbs before frying.
Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep the oil at 365°F to ensure the chicken cooks evenly without absorbing excess oil.
Customize Heat Levels: Adjust the amount of Sriracha in both the batter and sauce based on your spice tolerance.
Make-Ahead Sauce: The Bang Bang sauce can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: ~1415
Protein: ~38 g
Carbohydrates: ~106 g
Fat: ~90 g
Sodium: ~2200 mg

Note: Values may vary based on exact measurements and ingredients used.

Variations

Healthier Option: Instead of frying, bake the chicken at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Spray lightly with oil before baking.
Air Fryer Method: Cook breaded chicken at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.
Vegetarian Twist: Substitute chicken with cauliflower florets for a plant-based version.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?

Yes, you can! Simply slice the chicken breasts into strips for even cooking.

2. How can I store leftovers?

Store leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.

3. Is this dish kid-friendly?

Absolutely! You can adjust the spice level by reducing the amount of Sriracha in the sauce and batter.

4. Can I freeze the fried chicken?

Yes! Allow the fried chicken to cool completely, then store in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven or air fryer directly from frozen.

5. What other sauces pair well with this dish?

If you want variety, serve Bang Bang Chicken with ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or honey mustard.

6. Can I use store-bought breaded chicken?

For a quick fix, you can use pre-breaded chicken tenders, but the homemade version delivers unmatched freshness and flavor.

Why You Should Try Bang Bang Chicken

If you’re looking for a dish that delivers restaurant-quality results at home, this is it! The Bang Bang sauce is a standout, with its rich, tangy, and spicy notes that perfectly complement the crispy chicken. This recipe is easy enough for beginners and adaptable to suit your preferences.

With high CPC keywords like “crispy chicken recipes,” “quick chicken dinner ideas,” and “spicy chicken appetizers,” this dish is also a hit for food bloggers aiming to boost their content’s reach.

Now it’s your turn!

Try this recipe for Bang Bang Chicken today, and don’t forget to share your experience. Tag us with your creations, and let us know how you served this incredible dish!