Bang Bang Chicken – Crispy, Spicy, and Irresistibly Flavorful

Bang Bang Chicken is the perfect combination of crispy, crunchy chicken tenders coated in a creamy, spicy, and tangy sauce that will leave your taste buds begging for more. This dish brings together the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser whether you serve it as a main course or an appetizer. With a crispy golden crust and a creamy, bold sauce, Bang Bang Chicken is sure to impress your family and guests alike.

The creamy Thai sweet chili sauce combined with sriracha and honey creates an irresistible glaze that coats each piece of tender chicken. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just craving something flavorful for a casual meal, Bang Bang Chicken is a fun, easy-to-make dish that delivers big on flavor with just the right amount of heat. Perfect for those who love spicy food but still enjoy a slightly sweet kick, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What makes Bang Bang Chicken so irresistible is the combination of crispy, golden fried chicken with a spicy, creamy sauce that packs a punch without being overwhelmingly hot. The balance of flavors—from the sweetness of honey to the heat from sriracha and Thai chili sauce—creates a delightful harmony that makes this dish hard to put down. With its quick preparation and simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious and satisfying with minimal effort. Plus, the crispy chicken is addictively crunchy, and the sauce is versatile enough to be used as a dip for veggies, fries, or other appetizers!

Ingredients

• Mayonnaise
• Thai sweet chili sauce
• Sriracha
• Honey
• Boneless skinless chicken tenderloins
• Buttermilk
• All-purpose flour
• Cornstarch
• Large egg
• Garlic powder
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• Cayenne pepper (optional)
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Canola oil for frying
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Variations

• Spicy Level: Adjust the amount of sriracha based on your preference for heat. You can add more sriracha for an extra kick or reduce it for a milder version.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken tenderloins for cauliflower florets for a crispy, vegetarian version of this recipe. Simply follow the same breading and frying process.
• Baked Option: For a lighter version, bake the breaded chicken tenders at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, instead of frying them.
• Lime Zest: Add a teaspoon of lime zest to the sauce for a zesty citrus kick that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the sauce.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey. Stir the ingredients together until well combined, and set the sauce aside to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, sriracha, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Add the chicken tenders to the bowl and toss to coat each piece thoroughly with the batter.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Place panko breadcrumbs on a shallow plate. Take each chicken tender from the batter, shaking off any excess liquid, and dredge it in the panko breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs gently to help them stick. Set the breaded chicken tenders aside on a clean plate while you heat the oil.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

Add about an inch of canola oil to a large skillet. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 365°F. Be sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken so that it cooks properly and gets crispy.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken

Working in batches, carefully add the chicken tenders to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until it is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Use a thermometer to check for doneness. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 6: Coat with Sauce

Toss the freshly fried chicken tenders with the prepared Bang Bang sauce, making sure each piece is coated evenly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and your crispy, flavorful Bang Bang Chicken is ready to serve!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Check the Oil Temperature: Ensure the oil is at the right temperature (365°F) for frying. If the oil is too cool, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become soggy.
• Crispier Chicken: For an extra crispy coating, double-dip the chicken in the batter and panko breadcrumbs for a thicker crust.
• Sauce Consistency: If you want a thicker sauce, you can reduce the amount of honey slightly or add a bit more mayonnaise to adjust the consistency to your liking.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Fry the chicken in batches to ensure the pieces cook evenly and get crispy without sticking together.

How to Serve

Bang Bang Chicken is best served immediately after being tossed in the sauce for maximum crunch and flavor. Serve it on a platter with a garnish of chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish. You can enjoy it on its own as a snack, or serve it alongside a salad, rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For extra fun, you can serve the chicken with a side of dipping sauce for even more flavor!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes to regain some of the crispy texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the breaded, uncooked chicken tenders before frying them. Lay the breaded chicken on a baking sheet and freeze them for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, fry the frozen tenders directly from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the cooking time.

Reheating

Reheat the leftover fried chicken in the oven to help restore its crispiness. You can also reheat it in a skillet with a little oil for a few minutes on each side.

FAQs

1. Can I make the Bang Bang Chicken spicier?

Yes, you can add more sriracha to the sauce if you like it hotter. You can also sprinkle extra cayenne pepper on the chicken before frying.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can bread the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you are ready to fry. Make the sauce ahead of time as well.

3. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Yes, you can bake the breaded chicken at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a healthier version of this recipe.

4. What should I serve with Bang Bang Chicken?

Serve this dish with rice, a green salad, or steamed veggies. It’s also great as an appetizer for a party!

5. Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips if you prefer.

6. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the Bang Bang sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge.

7. How long does Bang Bang Chicken last in the fridge?

Leftover Bang Bang Chicken can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

8. Can I use a different type of breading?

You can substitute panko breadcrumbs with regular breadcrumbs, but panko provides a crispier, crunchier texture.

9. Can I use a different oil for frying?

Canola oil is ideal for frying, but you can use other oils like vegetable or sunflower oil.

10. What is the best way to reheat fried chicken?

To reheat fried chicken, place it in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes to keep the crust crispy.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Chicken offers the perfect combination of crispy, golden chicken and a sweet, spicy, and creamy sauce that’s impossible to resist. With easy-to-find ingredients and a simple cooking method, this dish is a fantastic addition to your dinner repertoire. Whether you’re serving it for a family meal, a gathering with friends, or as a party appetizer, Bang Bang Chicken is sure to be a hit every time.

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