If you’re craving a dish that combines crispy, golden chicken with a creamy, spicy kick, then Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is the perfect recipe for you. With its irresistible crunch and creamy, flavorful sauce, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, a main course, or as part of a fun dinner, this recipe is quick to make and absolutely delicious. The tender chicken is perfectly coated in a seasoned batter, fried to crispy perfection, and then generously tossed in a mouthwatering Bang Bang sauce that has the right balance of heat, sweetness, and tang. It’s a dish that’s sure to satisfy both your taste buds and your hunger.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy and Crunchy: The panko breadcrumbs create the perfect crispy coating for the chicken, making each bite satisfyingly crunchy.
Sweet and Spicy Sauce: The Bang Bang sauce is a perfect balance of sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey, providing just the right amount of heat and sweetness.
Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner, party appetizer, or just a casual meal, Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is sure to impress.
Customizable Heat Level: You can adjust the level of spiciness by controlling the amount of Sriracha used in the sauce and the batter.

Ingredients

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

Mayonnaise
Thai sweet chili sauce
Sriracha (or more to taste)
Honey

For the Chicken:

Boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins
Buttermilk
All-purpose flour
Cornstarch
Large egg (room temperature)
Sriracha
Garlic powder
Kosher salt
Black pepper
Cayenne pepper (optional)
Panko breadcrumbs (plain)
Canola oil (for frying)
Chopped parsley (for garnish)

Variations

Different Protein: Instead of chicken tenders, you can use chicken breast pieces or even shrimp for a variation.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and cornstarch to make this dish gluten-free.
Lower Heat: If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce or omit the Sriracha in both the sauce and batter.
Add Veggies: Serve the crispy chicken on a bed of salad greens or with roasted vegetables for a more balanced meal.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Mix well and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
Add the chicken tenders to the batter and toss to coat them evenly.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken in Panko

Spread the panko breadcrumbs out on a shallow plate.
Working with one piece of chicken at a time, remove it from the batter, gently shaking off any excess.
Dredge the chicken in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to ensure they stick. Set the coated chicken aside on a clean plate.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

In a large skillet, add about an inch of oil. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches a temperature of 365°F.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken

Working in batches, add the chicken to the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
Fry the chicken for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Remove the cooked chicken from the oil and transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Step 6: Toss the Chicken in Sauce

Once all the chicken is fried, toss the chicken in the Bang Bang sauce until evenly coated.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Oil Temperature: Make sure the oil is at the right temperature (365°F) before adding the chicken. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and crisps up perfectly.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet, which can cause the oil temperature to drop and result in soggy chicken.
Pat the Chicken Dry: Before battering the chicken, make sure to pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the batter stick better.

How to Serve

Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is best served immediately while it’s still crispy. Serve it on its own, or with a side of steamed rice, crispy fries, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it as an appetizer at your next gathering and watch it disappear in no time!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

In the Fridge: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to retain its crispiness.

Freezing

Freezing: While it’s best to eat the chicken fresh, you can freeze the cooked chicken by laying it flat on a baking sheet and freezing it. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat leftover chicken in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?

Yes, chicken breasts work just fine. Just cut them into smaller, bite-sized pieces.

2. How can I make this dish spicier?

Add more Sriracha to the Bang Bang sauce or mix some chili flakes into the batter for added heat.

3. Is there a substitute for buttermilk?

Yes, you can use regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to substitute for buttermilk.

4. Can I make the Bang Bang sauce in advance?

Yes, the sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week.

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

Yes, you can bake the chicken at 400°F for about 20 minutes or until golden and cooked through, though the texture will be different.

6. Can I use a different type of oil for frying?

Canola oil is ideal, but you can also use vegetable or peanut oil for frying.

7. What can I serve with Crispy Bang Bang Chicken?

It pairs well with rice, Asian slaw, or a simple green salad.

8. Can I freeze the sauce?

Yes, the Bang Bang sauce can be stored in the fridge or frozen for up to a month.

9. Can I use a different type of breadcrumb?

Yes, you can use regular breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers if you don’t have panko.

10. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The chicken should have an internal temperature of 165°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check.

Conclusion

Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is a deliciously addictive dish that combines crispy fried chicken with a creamy, spicy, and sweet sauce. Whether you’re looking for a fun dinner or a party appetizer, this recipe is sure to impress. With its perfect balance of flavors and textures, it’s a dish that will quickly become a favorite.