Get ready to fall in love with Bang Bang Chicken—a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat! This crispy, golden chicken is tossed in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce that will make everyone at your table swoon. Whether you’re craving something irresistibly crunchy, or you want a flavor explosion that wakes up your weeknight routine, Bang Bang Chicken delivers the kind of punch that keeps people coming back for more. If you’re a fan of bold flavors and effortless entertaining, this recipe is about to earn a permanent spot in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Bang Bang Chicken lies in its delicious simplicity—every ingredient plays a starring role in creating that crave-worthy texture and signature zing. Here’s what you’ll need, with a quick tip or fun fact to make each element shine.

Mayonnaise: The creamy backbone for the Bang Bang sauce, making it luxuriously silky.
Thai sweet chili sauce: Adds sticky sweetness and a vibrant, subtle heat to the sauce.
Sriracha: Provides the perfect fiery kick—add more if you love spice.
Honey: A drizzle of honey balances out the heat with just the right amount of natural sweetness.
Boneless skinless chicken tenderloins: Tender and quick-cooking, they soak up all the flavors beautifully.
Buttermilk: Helps create a juicy, tender bite and a tangy foundation for the batter.
All-purpose flour: Provides structure and helps that crave-worthy crispy coating stick.
Cornstarch: The secret to extra crunch when combined with flour—don’t skip it!
Large egg: Binds everything together for that perfect dredging consistency.
Garlic powder: Brings savory, aromatic depth to every bite.
Kosher salt: Essential to bring out all the robust flavors in the chicken and sauce.
Black pepper: Adds subtle heat and earthiness, making the flavors pop.
Cayenne pepper (optional): For those who want a little extra kick in every bite.
Panko breadcrumbs: Japanese-style crumbs that deliver maximum crunch factor.
Canola oil: Perfect for frying thanks to its neutral flavor and high smoke point.
Parsley, chopped: Sprinkled over the top for a fresh, vibrant finish and a burst of color.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken

Step 1: Whip Up the Bang Bang Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Give it a good stir until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and blushing with color. Set this aside—you’ll be amazed at how this easy sauce transforms the entire dish!

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Batter

Using a medium mixing bowl, add the buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Whisk everything together so it’s well combined and dreamy—this is your secret weapon for flavorful, juicy chicken.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Add the chicken tenderloins to the batter, tossing to coat each piece. Next, spread your panko breadcrumbs in a shallow plate. Remove each chicken tender from the batter, allowing any excess to drip away, and dredge thoroughly in the panko, pressing gently so those crisp little breadcrumbs stick on tight. Set the coated tenders aside while you finish the rest.

Step 4: Heat Up the Oil

Pour about an inch of canola oil into a large skillet and set it over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil reaches 365°F—it’s worth being patient here, as the right temperature will give you that signature Bang Bang Chicken crunch. A kitchen thermometer makes this foolproof!

Step 5: Fry the Chicken to Crispy Perfection

Working in batches (so you don’t crowd the pan), add the chicken and cook each piece for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until beautifully golden and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F. As each batch finishes, transfer the chicken to a paper towel–lined plate so it stays crispy and not greasy.

Step 6: Toss and Serve

Pile the hot, crispy chicken on a serving plate and drizzle with the glorious Bang Bang sauce, tossing to coat so every piece gets its fair share. Sprinkle with bright green chopped parsley for a pop of color, and serve immediately while everything’s at its crunchy best.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken

Garnishes

For the prettiest platter, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over your Bang Bang Chicken right before serving. Want a flourish? Try thinly sliced green onions or even a pinch of toasted sesame seeds. These garnishes add a final fresh kick and visual charm that really set your dish apart.

Side Dishes

Bang Bang Chicken loves company! Serve it with a side of cool, crunchy coleslaw, a bowl of steamed jasmine rice, or crisp cucumber salad. For a heartier meal, swap in sweet potato fries or garlic noodles to soak up every last drop of that addictive sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn Bang Bang Chicken into the star of a party platter—serve as bite-sized pieces on skewers, wrapped in lettuce cups, or in mini sliders with crunchy pickles. It’s also fantastic as a saucy topping for a fresh salad, or over fluffy rice bowls for a playful twist on takeout.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the sauce separate if possible to maintain maximum crispiness.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze Bang Bang Chicken! Simply let the fried chicken cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a resealable bag or airtight container. Bang Bang sauce doesn’t freeze well, so make it fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat Bang Bang Chicken in the oven or an air fryer at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes, or until hot and crispy. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it can make the coating soggy. Add the sauce after reheating for optimal flavor and crunch.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts or thighs instead of tenderloins?

Absolutely! Just cut the chicken into evenly sized strips so they cook evenly. Thighs add even more juiciness, while breasts keep things lean and tender—both work beautifully in Bang Bang Chicken.

Is there a healthier way to cook Bang Bang Chicken?

You can bake or air-fry the coated chicken instead of deep-frying. While you may not get quite the same shattering crunch, the results are still crispy and delicious, especially when you finish them with the vibrant Bang Bang sauce.

How spicy is this recipe?

Bang Bang Chicken is pleasantly spicy but not overwhelmingly hot. If you prefer a milder dish, simply cut back on the Sriracha and cayenne in both the sauce and batter. Spice lovers can double up for extra heat!

Can I make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! Mix up the sauce and store it in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 3 days. Give it a quick stir before using, and enjoy its bold, fresh flavor whenever you need it.

What are some fun ways to use leftover Bang Bang Chicken?

Leftover Bang Bang Chicken makes an awesome addition to wraps, salads, or even sandwiches. Try it chopped over a rice bowl with veggies and extra sauce for a lunchtime upgrade that will have everyone jealous.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that’s as impressive as it is fun to make, Bang Bang Chicken is it! The crave-worthy crunch and wild, tangy sauce make every bite a celebration. Gather your favorite people, whip up a batch, and let Bang Bang Chicken spark some serious joy around your table. You’re going to love it!