Bang Bang Chicken has truly become my go-to when I need a showstopper that’s surprisingly simple. I remember the first time I tried it at a local Asian restaurant; the explosion of sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors was incredible, and I knew I had to recreate that magic at home. This Bang Bang Chicken recipe delivers that same addictive flavor profile with a satisfyingly crispy chicken coating that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s hands-down one of the easiest ways to impress your family or guests, proving that an Easy Bang Bang Chicken dinner can be both delicious and approachable. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Chicken
This dish is an absolute winner for so many reasons! You’ll adore the incredible balance of flavors, from the creamy, sweet, and spicy Bang Bang Chicken sauce recipe to the perfectly crispy chicken. It’s a Quick Bang Bang Chicken dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes, making busy weeknights a breeze. Despite its restaurant-quality taste, it’s surprisingly budget-friendly to make at home. Plus, the entire family will devour this Easy Bang Bang Chicken, and you can even tweak the spice level in the Bang Bang Chicken sauce recipe to suit everyone’s palate. It’s a truly satisfying meal.
- Incredible sweet, spicy, and creamy flavor
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Budget-friendly homemade alternative
- Family-friendly with customizable spice
- Satisfyingly crispy chicken coating
- Impressive enough for guests
- Delicious Homemade Bang Bang Chicken sauce
- A fantastic Quick Bang Bang Chicken dinner option
Bang Bang Chicken Ingredients
Gathering your Bang Bang Chicken ingredients is the first step to creating this amazing dish. For the signature sauce, you’ll need 1 cup (232 g) mayonnaise for creaminess, ½ cup (132 g) Thai sweet chili sauce for that sweet and slightly spicy base, 1 teaspoon Sriracha (or more if you like it extra spicy), and 2 tablespoons honey to balance the heat. For the chicken itself, I use 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken tenderloins for tenderness, 1 cup (245 g) buttermilk to tenderize and help the coating stick, and a mix of ¾ cup (94 g) all-purpose flour and ½ cup (64 g) cornstarch for that perfect crispy crust. You’ll also need 1 large egg (room temperature is best), 1 tablespoon Sriracha for a little kick in the batter, and seasonings like ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and an optional pinch of ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper. Don’t forget 2 cups (216 g) panko breadcrumbs for that essential crunch, and canola oil for frying. A little chopped parsley for garnish adds a lovely fresh finish.

First, let’s craft the content for the “How to Make Bang Bang Chicken” section, followed by the sub-sections.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken
Now for the fun part – bringing this deliciousness to life! Making this Homemade Bang Bang Chicken is straightforward, and the results are absolutely worth it. We’ll start by creating that irresistible sauce, then move on to getting our chicken perfectly golden and crisp. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish on your table in no time. The aroma alone will have your mouth watering!
Making the Bang Bang Sauce
First, let’s whip up that luscious Bang Bang Chicken sauce recipe. In a medium bowl, simply combine 1 cup (232 g) mayonnaise, ½ cup (132 g) Thai sweet chili sauce, 1 teaspoon Sriracha (feel free to add more for extra heat!), and 2 tablespoons honey. Give it all a good whisk until it’s beautifully smooth and creamy. This easy sauce is key to that signature flavor. For more sauce ideas, check out these sauce recipes.
Preparing and Frying the Chicken
Now, let’s get our chicken ready for its crispy transformation. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup (245 g) buttermilk, ¾ cup (94 g) all-purpose flour, ½ cup (64 g) cornstarch, 1 large egg, 1 tablespoon Sriracha, and all your seasonings: ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper if you’re feeling bold. Toss your 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken tenderloins in this mixture until well-coated. Next, place 2 cups (216 g) panko breadcrumbs on a shallow plate. Dredge each chicken tender in the panko, pressing gently to ensure a good coating. This step is crucial for that super Crispy Bang Bang Chicken texture we’re aiming for. Heat about an inch of canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 365°F (185°C). Carefully fry the chicken in batches for about 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). This method makes it an Easy Bang Bang Chicken to prepare. For more tips on achieving crispy textures, you can explore frying techniques.

Pro Tips for the Best Bang Bang Chicken
Want to elevate your Bang Bang Chicken game? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make a huge difference. Follow these tips, and you’ll be serving up perfectly crispy, flavorful chicken every single time. It’s all about the details!
- Always ensure your oil is at precisely 365°F (185°C) before frying. Too cool, and the chicken gets greasy; too hot, and it burns before cooking through.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying. Cook in batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure each piece gets gloriously crispy.
- Let the sauce sit for at least 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld. This makes a world of difference!
What’s the secret to perfect Bang Bang Chicken?
For truly Authentic Bang Bang Chicken, the secret is a two-part approach: achieving a super crispy coating through proper panko dredging and frying, and letting the sauce flavors meld. A good mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce ratio is key for that signature sweet and spicy kick. Learn more about the science of crispy coatings.
Can I make Bang Bang Chicken ahead of time?
You can definitely make the Bang Bang Chicken sauce recipe a day or two in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The chicken is best fried right before serving to maintain its crispiness, but you can prepare the batter and panko-coated chicken and refrigerate it for a few hours before frying.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Bang Bang Chicken?
The biggest pitfall is soggy chicken! Make sure your oil is hot enough and don’t overcrowd the pan. Another mistake is not letting the sauce flavors meld; give it time! Also, ensure you coat the chicken evenly with panko for that ideal crunch.
Variations of Bang Bang Chicken You Can Try
While the classic fried version is incredible, there are so many fun ways to enjoy Bang Bang Chicken! For a healthier option, try making Air fryer Bang Bang Chicken. Simply coat your chicken as usual and air fry at 380°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through. If you’re craving a complete meal, a Bang Bang Chicken stir fry is fantastic. Toss cooked chicken with your favorite stir-fry vegetables and a generous drizzle of the sauce for a quick and flavorful dinner. You can also adapt this recipe for different proteins, like shrimp or tofu, for a delicious vegetarian twist. Explore air fryer recipes for more ideas.
Serving Suggestions for Bang Bang Chicken
This delightful Bang Bang Chicken is so versatile, you can serve it in so many ways! My absolute favorite way to enjoy it is as a main course served over a bed of fluffy white rice. The rice is perfect for soaking up all that extra, mouthwatering sauce. For a complete Bang Bang Chicken Asian recipe experience, pair it with some steamed or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers. You could also serve it as an appetizer with toothpicks, or even tucked into soft slider buns for a fun twist. It’s a dish that truly shines no matter how you present it!

Nutrition Facts for Bang Bang Chicken
When enjoying this delicious Bang Bang Chicken, it’s helpful to know what you’re getting nutritionally. Here’s a breakdown per serving (this recipe makes 4 servings):
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Understanding these Bang Bang Chicken calories and other values can help you incorporate this dish into your balanced diet. Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more information on nutrition, consider consulting resources on healthy eating.
How to Store and Reheat Bang Bang Chicken
Even though this Bang Bang Chicken is best enjoyed fresh, it makes for a fantastic Quick Bang Bang Chicken dinner as leftovers. Once the chicken has cooled completely, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the cooked chicken (without the sauce) for about 3 months. For reheating to recapture some of that delicious crispiness, I recommend using an oven or an air fryer. Pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes until heated through and slightly crisped. You can then toss it with the sauce before serving. Microwaving will make the chicken softer, but it’s still a quick option if you’re in a rush! Check out these food storage tips.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bang Bang Chicken
What is Bang Bang Chicken?
Bang Bang Chicken is a popular Asian-inspired dish known for its incredibly addictive flavor profile. It features crispy, often panko-crusted, chicken pieces tossed in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce. The sauce is typically made with mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey, creating a perfect balance that’s both comforting and exciting. It’s a dish that’s become a favorite in many homes and restaurants.
How do I make Bang Bang Chicken?
To make this delightful dish, you’ll typically prepare the signature sauce first by whisking together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Then, you’ll coat chicken pieces in a seasoned batter and a panko breadcrumb mixture before frying them until golden and crispy. Finally, toss the cooked chicken in the prepared sauce. This process results in a wonderfully flavorful and textural experience, making Homemade Bang Bang Chicken accessible for everyone.
Can I make Bang Bang Chicken healthier?
Absolutely! You can definitely lighten up this dish. For a healthier approach to Bang Bang Chicken, consider baking or air frying the chicken instead of deep-frying to reduce oil usage. You can also use a lighter mayonnaise or Greek yogurt as a base for the sauce, or simply reduce the amount of sauce used. Opting for whole wheat breadcrumbs or even crushed nuts can add a nutritional boost. Explore healthy ingredient swaps.
What are the best sides for Bang Bang Chicken?
Bang Bang Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides that complement its bold flavors. Steamed white or brown rice is a classic choice, perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce. Stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers add freshness and crunch. For a more complete meal, consider serving it alongside a light Asian slaw or even some simple boiled edamame. It’s a versatile dish that works well with many accompaniments.
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Bang Bang Chicken: Easy & Crispy Dinner Recipe
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy Bang Bang Chicken recipe features crispy panko-crusted chicken tenderloins drizzled with a flavorful homemade Bang Bang sauce. It’s a quick and delicious Asian-inspired dish perfect for dinner.
Ingredients
- Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1 cup (232 g) mayonnaise
- ½ cup (132 g) Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha, or more to taste
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken tenderloins
- 1 cup (245 g) buttermilk
- ¾ cup (94 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (64 g) cornstarch
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
- 2 cups (216 g) panko breadcrumbs, plain
- Canola oil, for frying
- Parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Mix well and set aside.
- Chicken: In a medium mixing bowl, add buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, sriracha, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Whisk to combine. Add chicken tenders and toss to coat.
- Add Panko to a shallow plate.
- Working one piece at a time, remove the chicken from the batter, gently shaking off any excess batter. Dredge the chicken in the panko, pressing slightly to adhere. Set on a clean plate. Repeat with the remaining chicken pieces. Set aside while you heat the oil.
- To a large skillet, add about an inch of oil. Heat oil over medium-high heat until it reaches a temperature of 365°F.
- Working in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan, add chicken and cook until browned (about 2-3 minutes on each side), or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Repeat with the remaining chicken tenderloins, making sure the oil is 365°F before adding more chicken.
- Transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain slightly before adding it to a serving plate.
- Toss the chicken with the bang bang sauce, top with chopped parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- For a spicier Bang Bang Chicken, add more Sriracha to the sauce.
- Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature for crispy chicken.
- Serve this Bang Bang Chicken immediately for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Deep Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg


