Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The perfect balance of crispy, crunchy texture and creamy, spicy sauce.
Easy to make at home with simple ingredients.
Versatile—serve it as an appetizer, over rice, or in wraps.
Options for frying, baking, or air frying to suit your preference.

Ingredients

Bang Bang Sauce:

Mayonnaise
Thai sweet chili sauce
Sriracha
Honey

Chicken:

Boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins
Buttermilk
All-purpose flour
Cornstarch
Egg
Sriracha
Garlic powder
Kosher salt
Black pepper
Cayenne pepper (optional)
Panko breadcrumbs
Canola or vegetable oil (for frying)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Set aside.
Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Add the chicken and let it marinate for 15 minutes.
Coat the Chicken: In a separate dish, mix flour, cornstarch, and panko breadcrumbs. Dredge the marinated chicken in the dry mixture until fully coated.
Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a pan to 350°F. Fry the chicken in batches for about 3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
Drain and Serve: Remove from oil and drain on a paper towel. Drizzle with bang bang sauce and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 6 minutes
Total time: 26 minutes

Variations

Baked Version: Bake at 425°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
Air Fryer Version: Air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway.
Spicier Version: Increase Sriracha in the sauce and cayenne in the breading.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and cornstarch instead of flour.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer bag for up to 6 months.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or in an air fryer at 375°F for 5 minutes to maintain crispiness.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of tenderloins?

Yes, cut chicken breasts into strips for a similar result.

What can I use instead of buttermilk?

You can substitute with milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.

Is bang bang chicken very spicy?

It has a mild kick, but you can adjust the spice level by adding more or less Sriracha.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare and coat the chicken in advance, then fry or bake it when ready to serve.

What sides pair well with bang bang chicken?

Serve with rice, coleslaw, fries, or a fresh salad.

Can I use a different sauce?

Yes, try buffalo sauce, ranch, or a garlic aioli for a twist.

How do I prevent the coating from falling off?

Make sure the chicken is well-dredged, and press the coating onto the chicken firmly.

Can I air fry the chicken instead of frying it in oil?

Yes, air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

No, but you can make it low-carb by using almond flour and crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs.

Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?

Yes, but panko provides a crispier texture.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Chicken is a crispy, flavorful dish that’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Whether you fry, bake, or air fry it, the combination of crunchy coating and tangy bang bang sauce makes it a standout recipe. Enjoy it as an appetizer, over rice, or in a wrap for a delicious meal!