Easy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

The first time I tried Bang Bang Chicken, I was hooked. The crispy, golden-brown chicken, coated in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce, was unlike anything I had ever tasted. It felt like the perfect balance of crunch, heat, and tang.

For beginner cooks, this recipe is a game-changer. It’s straightforward, doesn’t require fancy equipment, and delivers restaurant-quality results at home. Whether you fry, bake, or air-fry it, you’ll end up with crispy, juicy chicken that pairs beautifully with the signature Bang Bang Sauce.

Why This Recipe is Special

Bang Bang Chicken is famous for its bold flavors and crispy texture. Here’s why it stands out:

• Crispy Coating – Panko breadcrumbs create a light, airy crunch.
• Signature Sauce – A blend of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, and Sriracha makes the perfect balance of sweet and spicy.
• Beginner-Friendly – Simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps make this a great recipe for those new to cooking.
• Flexible Cooking Methods – You can deep-fry, bake, or air-fry the chicken based on your preference.

Ingredients and Preparation

Chicken:

• Boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins – Naturally tender and perfect for bite-sized pieces. If unavailable, cut chicken breasts into strips.
• Buttermilk – Helps the breading stick and keeps the chicken moist. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix regular milk with a little vinegar or lemon juice.
• All-purpose flour & cornstarch – A combination that ensures a crispy, golden-brown crust.
• Egg – Acts as a binder for the breading.
• Garlic powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper (optional) – Adds seasoning and a little extra heat if desired.
• Panko breadcrumbs – Lighter than regular breadcrumbs, creating a crispier crust. Can be swapped with crushed cornflakes for extra crunch.
• Oil for frying – Canola or vegetable oil works best.

Bang Bang Sauce:

• Mayonnaise – The creamy base of the sauce. Greek yogurt can be used for a lighter alternative.
• Thai sweet chili sauce – Adds sweetness and a mild kick.
• Sriracha – Provides heat. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.
• Honey – Balances the heat with a touch of natural sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce by mixing mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey in a bowl. Stir until smooth and set aside.

Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Add the chicken and toss to coat completely.

Step 3: Place panko breadcrumbs on a plate. One by one, remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture, let the excess drip off, and press each piece into the panko until well coated. Set aside on a plate.

Step 4: In a large skillet, heat about an inch of oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 365°F. Carefully add the chicken pieces in batches, frying for about 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Remove and drain on paper towels.

Step 5: Toss the crispy chicken in the Bang Bang Sauce or serve the sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!

Alternative Cooking Methods

Air Fryer Method: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Place the breaded chicken in the basket without overcrowding. Spray lightly with cooking spray and air-fry for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Oven-Baked Method: Preheat oven to 425°F. Arrange breaded chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spray with cooking spray and bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The coating won’t be as crispy as frying, but it will still be delicious.

Beginner Tips and Notes

• Test Oil Temperature: If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small piece of bread into the oil. If it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches to prevent the chicken from steaming instead of crisping up.
• How to Tell if Chicken is Done: The internal temperature should be 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into a piece—there should be no pink inside.
• Make it Less Spicy: Reduce or omit the Sriracha if you prefer a milder sauce.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free panko and replace flour with cornstarch or almond flour.

Serving Suggestions

Bang Bang Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides:

• Steamed rice or fried rice – Perfect for soaking up the extra sauce.
• Roasted vegetables – Broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers add a fresh, healthy balance.
• Crunchy slaw – A tangy coleslaw complements the crispy chicken beautifully.
• Dipping sauces – Serve extra Bang Bang Sauce on the side, or try ranch or honey mustard for variety.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration: Let the chicken cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezing: Place cooled chicken in a freezer bag and store for up to 6 months.

Reheating:

• Oven: Bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes to crisp it up.
• Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Not recommended, as it makes the coating soggy.

Try This Recipe and Share Your Thoughts!

Bang Bang Chicken is a fun and flavorful dish that’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and casual get-togethers. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this recipe is simple to follow and guarantees delicious results.

Have you tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out! What cooking method did you use? Do you have any favorite side dishes to pair it with? I’d love to hear your feedback.

FAQ About Bang Bang Chicken

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