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Easy Bang Bang Chicken

Category: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

Enjoy perfectly crispy chicken tenderloins, coated in a light batter and fried golden, then generously tossed in a bold blend of Thai sweet chili, creamy mayonnaise, Sriracha, and a hint of honey for irresistible flavor. This dish delivers a perfect balance of crunchy texture and a smooth, sweet-heat finish from the iconic Bang Bang sauce. Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, it's ideal for weeknight dinners or crowd-pleasing gatherings. Garnished with parsley for a fresh kick, each bite offers a satisfying contrast between tender chicken and creamy, piquant sauce, ensuring it's a favorite in any kitchen.

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A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Created By Sarah
Last updated on Tue, 13 May 2025 14:09:57 GMT
A bowl of food with a sauce on top. Save
A bowl of food with a sauce on top. | sarahmeal.com

This easy Bang Bang chicken delivers that perfect balance of juicy inside, crispy outside, and irresistible creamy spiciness. It has become my go-to for casual dinners and game day snacks because it always disappears fast and is just as good as any restaurant version.

The first time I made this my family’s eyes went wide after the first bite I now keep a batch of Bang Bang sauce in the fridge just for dipping everything from fries to veggies

Ingredients

  • Mayonnaise: brings the creamy foundation for the sauce Look for real full-fat mayo for best texture
  • Sweet chili sauce: adds that signature sweet tang and gentle spice Thai brands pack the best flavor
  • Sriracha or any hot sauce: balances sweetness with heat Adjust to your spice preference
  • Honey or sugar: a little extra sweetness rounds out the sauce I love using honey for its floral notes
  • Boneless skinless chicken tenderloins: stay moist and cook quickly Opt for plump pieces with no odor
  • Panko breadcrumbs: deliver extra crunch Japanese style panko makes for the crispiest coating
  • All-purpose flour: helps the batter stick evenly Fresh flour is best so check that it is not clumpy
  • Cornstarch: lightens the coating for a shatteringly crisp bite
  • Buttermilk: ensures the chicken stays tender Adds a subtle tang too Use real cultured buttermilk
  • Egg: binds the batter so it clings to the chicken
  • Garlic powder plus paprika: for deep savory flavor and a touch of color
  • Salt and black pepper: builds base seasoning Use kosher salt if possible for the best coverage
  • Oil for frying: Choose neutral oil like canola or peanut for clean flavor and high smoke point
  • Chopped parsley: for garnish and a pop of freshness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a medium bowl whisk together mayonnaise sweet chili sauce Sriracha and honey until smooth and fully blended Taste and adjust spiciness with more Sriracha if you like extra heat Place sauce in the refrigerator so flavors meld while chicken cooks
Prepare the Chicken Batter:
Mix buttermilk flour cornstarch egg hot sauce garlic powder paprika salt and black pepper in a large bowl Whisk until the batter becomes smooth and thick This helps every piece of chicken get evenly coated
Coat the Chicken:
Submerge each chicken tenderloin in the batter ensuring every crevice is covered Use tongs or your hands Next spread panko breadcrumbs in a shallow dish and press each battered tenderloin into the crumbs Flip to coat both sides fully Place prepared pieces on a baking sheet ready for frying
Fry the Chicken:
Add enough oil to cover the bottom of a wide pan and heat over medium-high Check the oil by dropping in a breadcrumb when it sizzles it is ready Fry chicken pieces in batches Cook undisturbed for around four minutes on the first side then turn and continue for about four more minutes until both sides are golden brown and crispy Adjust heat as needed so coating browns evenly drain finished tenders on paper towels
Sauce and Serve:
Spoon or brush plenty of Bang Bang sauce all over the hot chicken for maximum flavor Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve right away while the coating is at its crispiest
A plate of food with sauce on it. Save
A plate of food with sauce on it. | sarahmeal.com

My favorite ingredient here is the sweet chili sauce because it brings a lively punch without being overwhelming I always think of the first time I made this for friends at a backyard get together Everyone asked for the recipe before the night ended and it became an instant tradition

Storage Tips

Store any leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator The chicken will keep for up to three days To reheat bake in a hot oven or air fryer so the coating gets crispy again not soggy Microwave can make it lose crunch

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have buttermilk you can make your own with milk and a spoonful of vinegar Greek yogurt thinned with a little water also works For a gluten free option use gluten free flour and gluten free panko in place of all purpose items Chicken breast cut into strips can stand in for tenderloins if needed

A bowl of food with chicken and rice. Save
A bowl of food with chicken and rice. | sarahmeal.com

Serving Suggestions

Serve over steamed rice with extra chopped scallions Drizzle extra Bang Bang sauce on top or put it on the side for dipping You can also slice the chicken for topping salads or tucking inside wraps for easy lunches

Cultural Inspiration

Bang Bang chicken has roots in Chinese street food but the American restaurant spin makes it a creamy and crunchy comfort dish It is now a staple at so many chain restaurants but nothing beats the homemade version you can really control the heat and sweetness to match your taste

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?

Yes, chicken breasts sliced into strips work well, providing similar tenderness and flavor in the final dish.

→ What can I substitute for buttermilk?

Mix regular milk with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for a few minutes as an easy alternative.

→ Is the Bang Bang sauce very spicy?

The sauce has a gentle heat from Sriracha, but you can adjust the spiciness by increasing or reducing the amount used.

→ Can the chicken be baked instead of fried?

Yes, bake the breaded chicken at 425°F on a wire rack for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispiness.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Store cooled chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

→ Does this dish pair well with rice or noodles?

Absolutely! Serve the chicken over steamed rice, noodles, or with a crisp salad for a complete meal.

Easy Bang Bang Chicken

Crispy chicken tenders coated in creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce for a bold and quick dish everyone loves.

Preparation Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Duration
30 minutes
Created By: Sarah

Recipe Category: Main Dishes

Level of Difficulty: Simple

Cuisine Style: American

Servings Yield: 8 Portion Size

Diet Preferences: ~

What You'll Need

→ Bang Bang Sauce

Ingredient 01 240 ml mayonnaise
Ingredient 02 120 ml sweet chili sauce
Ingredient 03 15 ml Sriracha hot sauce
Ingredient 04 30 ml honey or sugar
Ingredient 05 Salt, to taste
Ingredient 06 Black pepper, to taste

→ Chicken

Ingredient 07 680 g chicken tenderloins, boneless and skinless
Ingredient 08 120 g all-purpose flour
Ingredient 09 60 g cornstarch
Ingredient 10 240 ml buttermilk
Ingredient 11 1 large egg, room temperature
Ingredient 12 15 ml Sriracha hot sauce
Ingredient 13 5 ml garlic powder
Ingredient 14 5 ml paprika
Ingredient 15 5 ml salt
Ingredient 16 0.5 ml black pepper
Ingredient 17 200 g panko breadcrumbs, plain
Ingredient 18 Oil, for frying
Ingredient 19 Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

How to Make It

Instruction 01

In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until completely smooth and homogenous. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Refrigerate while preparing the chicken to allow flavors to meld.

Instruction 02

In a large mixing bowl, blend buttermilk, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until a thick, smooth batter forms.

Instruction 03

Add chicken tenderloins to the batter, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated on all sides.

Instruction 04

Evenly spread panko breadcrumbs onto a shallow dish. Remove chicken from batter, allowing excess to drip off, and press each tenderloin into the breadcrumbs, coating evenly. Transfer to a baking sheet.

Instruction 05

In a large frying pan, heat enough oil over medium-high heat for shallow frying. Once oil reaches 175°C, add chicken tenders in batches, ensuring the pan is not overcrowded. Fry each side for 4–5 minutes until deeply golden and crisp. Adjust heat as needed to maintain temperature.

Instruction 06

Move cooked chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Generously drizzle or brush Bang Bang Sauce over each piece while still hot.

Instruction 07

Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately for best texture.

Additional Tips

  1. For a spicier flavour profile, increase Sriracha in the sauce and batter to preference.
  2. To ensure maximum crispness, fry chicken in small batches and avoid overcrowding the pan.

Essential Tools

  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Shallow dish
  • Large frying pan
  • Paper towels

Allergy Details

Always review ingredient labels for allergens, and consult a professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains egg
  • Contains wheat (gluten)
  • Contains dairy
  • Contains soy (from mayonnaise)

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

These nutritional details are for informational purposes and shouldn't replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 621
  • Fat Content: 40 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 41 grams
  • Protein Content: 23 grams