Ever had that moment when the aroma of crispy, golden-brown chicken wafts through your kitchen, instantly making you feel at home? That’s the magic of Crispy Bang Bang Chicken with Sweet and Spicy Sauce. As I whip up this fusion dish, I’m reminded of how effortlessly it transforms casual dinners into delightful feasts with its bold flavors. This crowd-pleaser isn’t just a hit at gatherings; it’s adaptable too, allowing you to swap chicken for shrimp, tofu, or even cauliflower for a unique twist. Plus, whether you choose to fry, air-fry, or bake it, you can enjoy a scrumptious meal in no time! Curious how to create your own delicious batch? Let’s dive in!

Why is Bang Bang Chicken so popular?

Crowd-Pleaser: Bang Bang Chicken is a dish that brings everyone to the table, whether you’re hosting a party or just enjoying a cozy family dinner.

Flavor Explosion: The blend of sweet and spicy flavors in the sauce creates a mouth-watering experience with every bite!

Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to swap chicken for shrimp, tofu, or cauliflower and cater to every dietary need while still enjoying that delightful taste.

Quick Prep: This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, allowing you to whip up a delicious meal in under an hour—just how we like it!

Adaptable Cooking Methods: Whether you prefer frying, air-frying, or baking, you can achieve the perfect crispy exterior with minimal hassle. For more flavorful chicken options, check out Garlic Parmesan Chicken or explore alternatives like Cream Cheese Chicken.

Memorable Meal: With its irresistible crunch and delectable sauce, this dish guarantees leftovers won’t last long—everyone loves going back for seconds!

Bang Bang Chicken Ingredients

• Get ready to make your taste buds tingle with this crispy delight!

For the Sauce

Mayonnaise – Adds creaminess to the sauce; replace with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
Thai Sweet Chili Sauce – Provides sweetness and a mild kick; honey can be added for extra sweetness.
Sriracha Sauce – Delivers spiciness; adjust quantity for desired heat level.
Honey – Sweetens the sauce and balances flavors; maple syrup can be used as a vegan substitute.

For the Chicken

Boneless Skinless Chicken Tenderloins – The main protein offering tenderness; swap with shrimp, tofu, or cauliflower for variations.
Buttermilk – Used for marinating to tenderize the chicken; use milk with vinegar as a substitute.
All-Purpose Flour & Cornstarch – Coating for the chicken to create a crispy texture; gluten-free flour can be used for gluten-free options.
Egg – Binds the coating to the chicken; can be omitted for a vegan option or use a flax egg.
Panko Breadcrumbs – Ensures crispiness; use regular breadcrumbs if necessary.
Canola Oil – For frying, providing a crispy exterior; vegetable oil can be substituted as needed.

For Garnish

Chopped Parsley – Adds color and freshness as a garnish; can be omitted or replaced with green onions.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Use a whisk to mix the ingredients until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. Once blended, set the Bang Bang sauce aside to allow the flavors to meld and develop while you move on to the next steps.

Step 2: Marinate Chicken
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined. Add the boneless skinless chicken tenderloins, ensuring they are fully coated in the marinade. Let the chicken marinate for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to penetrate and tenderize the meat.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken
After marinating, remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk mixture and dredge it in panko breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to ensure a good coating. Lay each piece on a plate, preparing them for frying, and take a moment to preheat your oil in preparation for perfect crispy Bang Bang Chicken.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Heat canola oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat until it reaches 365°F (185°C). Gently place the coated chicken tenders in the hot oil, making sure to not overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and has an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Drain the cooked chicken on paper towels.

Step 5: Toss in Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, add the freshly fried Bang Bang Chicken and pour the prepared sauce over the top. Gently toss the chicken in the sauce until each piece is evenly coated, allowing the creamy, spicy goodness to cling to the crispy tenders. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley for a pop of freshness.

Expert Tips for Bang Bang Chicken

Perfect Temperature: Ensure the oil is heated to 365°F for that optimal crispy texture. Use a thermometer for accuracy and avoid soggy chicken.
Adjust Spice Level: Experiment with the amount of Sriracha in your Bang Bang Sauce. Start with less if you’re unsure and add more to suit your taste.
Healthier Cooking: For a lighter version, air-fry or bake your chicken instead of frying. Just make sure to coat the chicken well for crispiness!
Avoid Crowding: Fry the chicken in small batches to maintain oil temperature and achieve an even golden-brown color.
Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches 165°F internally, avoiding undercooked or dry tenders for your Bang Bang Chicken.
Make it Ahead: Prepare your Bang Bang sauce in advance to allow the flavors to meld. This makes for a quicker meal when it’s time to cook!

Bang Bang Chicken Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to get creative and personalize your Bang Bang Chicken with these fun variations and substitutions!

Shrimp Swap: Use shrimp instead of chicken for a delightful seafood twist that cooks quickly and offers a unique flavor profile.
Tofu Alternative: For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with firm tofu, ensuring you press it beforehand to remove excess moisture for that crispy texture. It’s a fantastic plant-based option that still delivers on flavor!
Cauliflower Option: Swap the chicken for cauliflower florets to create a gluten-free, light alternative that’s just as tempting and satisfying. Roasted cauliflower can provide an even deeper flavor—what a treat!
Baked Bang Bang: If you prefer a healthier approach, bake the coated chicken at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway. This method provides the same satisfying crunch with less oil.
Vegan Mayo: For a fully vegan dish, replace traditional mayonnaise with a vegan-friendly alternative, or try using cashew cream for a nutty twist.
Extra Crunch: For a crunchier finish, double-coat the chicken with panko breadcrumbs. Dip them back into the egg mixture (or flax egg) after the first coat for some serious crispiness.
Heat Level: Add more Sriracha or even a pinch of cayenne pepper to elevate the spice level of your sauce. Alternatively, reduce the Sriracha for a milder, kid-friendly version.
Sweetness Boost: Stir in a bit of maple syrup into the sauce to enhance sweetness while keeping it vegan, perfect for balancing the heat!

With these variations, you’ll never get bored of your Bang Bang Chicken dish! For more exciting chicken ideas, take a look at my Fried Chicken Street or Cranberry Chicken recipes. Happy cooking!

How to Store and Freeze Bang Bang Chicken

Fridge: Store leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container for up to 5 days. To maintain crispiness, place a paper towel in the container to absorb moisture.
Freezer: If you want to freeze Bang Bang Chicken, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to 3 months. This helps preserve flavor and texture.
Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again. For quicker reheating, use the microwave but expect some loss in texture.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week, making it easy to toss with freshly cooked chicken when you’re ready to serve.

Make Ahead Options

Preparing Crispy Bang Bang Chicken ahead of time is a game changer for busy weeknights! You can marinate the chicken tenderloins in the buttermilk mixture for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator, which allows the flavors to deeply infuse. Additionally, you can mix the Bang Bang Sauce and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Just remember to refrigerate both components separately to maintain their quality. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply dredge the marinated chicken in the panko breadcrumbs and fry as directed. This ensures you’ll have a delectable, crispy meal with minimal effort, saving you precious time while still delivering that delicious Bang Bang Chicken experience!

What to Serve with Crispy Bang Bang Chicken?

Bring together vibrant flavors and delightful textures to create a meal that will excite your palate and warm your heart.

Steamed Jasmine Rice: This fluffy bed of rice absorbs the spicy-sweet Bang Bang Sauce, making each bite a harmony of flavor.
Cucumber Salad: A refreshing mix of crisp cucumbers and tangy dressing offers a cooling contrast to the warm, crunchy chicken.
Sweet Potato Fries: Their natural sweetness complements the spicy chicken beautifully, and the crispiness enhances the overall meal experience.
Garlic Green Beans: Sautéed with a dash of soy sauce, they add a savory crunch that pairs perfectly with the chicken’s creamy sauce.

Delight your guests with a rich, flavorful meal. Serve with a chilled glass of sparkling water for a refreshing finish, or treat them to a light vanilla ice cream topped with chocolate drizzle as a sweet finale.

Bang Bang Chicken Recipe FAQs

How do I choose ripe ingredients for Bang Bang Chicken?
For the Bang Bang Chicken, fresh chicken tenderloins should be pink and moist without any signs of discoloration or excessive liquid. Opt for mayonnaise that’s creamy and free from any separation. If using vegetables like green onions for garnish, pick ones with crisp green tops—no wilting or browning.

How should I store leftover Bang Bang Chicken?
Absolutely! Store your leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. To keep the chicken crispy, place a paper towel inside the container to absorb any moisture, which can help maintain that delightful crunch you love.

Can I freeze Bang Bang Chicken?
Yes, indeed! To freeze Bang Bang Chicken, wrap each individual piece tightly in plastic wrap, then follow up with aluminum foil to protect against freezer burn. This way, you can keep the chicken for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What if my Bang Bang Chicken isn’t crispy enough?
Very! If your chicken isn’t achieving that desired crispiness, check to ensure your oil is hot enough—ideally at 365°F (185°C). Also, if you’re frying in batches, make sure you’re not overcrowding the pan, as it drops the temperature and leads to soggy coatings. If frying isn’t your thing, consider air frying for a healthier crispy option!

Are there any dietary considerations for Bang Bang Chicken?
Yes, there are many! For those with gluten sensitivities, substitute all-purpose flour and cornstarch with gluten-free flour. If you’re looking for a vegan option, swap the chicken for tofu or cauliflower, use a flax egg, and replace mayonnaise with a vegan option like cashew cream or avocado. Always check all packaged ingredients for allergens if needed.

How can I adjust the spiciness in the Bang Bang Sauce?
Great question! To tailor the spice level of your Bang Bang Sauce, start with a smaller amount of Sriracha, then taste as you go. If you enjoy more heat, gradually add more until you reach your desired level. Remember, you can always add but it’s hard to take away!