Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Sauce Recipe

If you’ve ever craved a dish that hits all the right notes—crispy, creamy, sweet, and spicy—you’re going to fall head over heels for this Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Sauce Recipe. I absolutely love how this turns out because every bite bursts with flavor and texture. When I first made it, my family went crazy, begging for seconds and asking me to make it again the next week! Stick with me here; I’m going to walk you through every step so you can nail it on your first try.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients might seem simple, but together they build that incredible bang bang flavor and texture. When shopping, try to grab fresh chicken tenders and quality panko breadcrumbs for maximum crunch.

• Mayonnaise: I use full-fat mayo for creaminess that really holds up in the sauce.
• Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: This gives the sauce a lovely sweet and tangy kick. You can find it in most grocery Asian aisles.
• Sriracha: Adds the spicy heat. Adjust the amount depending on your heat tolerance.
• Honey: Balances the spiciness with a mild touch of sweetness.
• Chicken Tenderloins: They cook quickly and stay juicy; perfect for this dish.
• Buttermilk: Helps tenderize the chicken and helps the coating stick.
• All-Purpose Flour & Cornstarch: The combo creates a crispy crust that’s not too heavy.
• Egg: Binds the batter ingredients and helps the panko adhere.
• Garlic Powder, Kosher Salt, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper: Build layers of flavor in the chicken coating.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: These give the chicken its signature crunch—don’t skip them!
• Canola Oil: Great for frying because it has a high smoke point and neutral flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color and freshness when sprinkled on top.

Variations

I like to mix things up sometimes—this recipe is forgiving enough to handle a few tweaks without losing its charm. Feel free to play around with it to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

• Spicy Level: When my friends come over who love heat, I double the Sriracha and add more cayenne pepper; for milder palates, I dial it back to just a bit of Sriracha.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour and panko for gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs—I’ve tried this and the texture stays surprisingly crispy!
• Oven-Baked Version: In a pinch, you can bake the coated chicken at 425°F for around 20 minutes; it’ll be less greasy but still delicious.
• Protein Variations: This sauce also works beautifully tossed with shrimp, tofu, or even crispy cauliflower bites for a vegetarian twist.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Bang Bang Sauce

Start by mixing the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey in a small bowl. This sauce is so quick to put together, and you can taste it as you go—feel free to adjust the balance of sweet and spicy until it’s just right for you. Set it aside so the flavors can meld while you prep the chicken.

Step 2: Marinate and Batter the Chicken

In a medium bowl, combine the buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Whisk everything until it’s smooth—this mixture is your flavorful batter and marinade all in one. Toss the chicken tenders in this batter, making sure each piece is fully coated. I like to let mine sit in the fridge for 10-15 minutes if I have the time—this extra marinating makes the chicken tender and flavorful.

Step 3: Coat with Panko Breadcrumbs

Pour the panko onto a shallow plate. Take the chicken out of the batter one piece at a time, shaking off excess batter gently so the coating isn’t too thick. Press each piece into the panko crumbs—this is what gives you that incredible crunch! Line the coated tenders on a clean plate while you heat the oil.

Step 4: Fry to Crispy Perfection

In a large skillet, pour about an inch of canola oil and heat it over medium-high until it reaches roughly 365°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, watch for shimmering oil and a gentle sizzle when you gingerly drop in a breadcrumb. Fry the chicken in batches—don’t overcrowd the pan, or the pieces won’t crisp properly. Cook each piece for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp of 165°F). Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Toss and Serve

Place your fried chicken in a large bowl, pour over the bang bang sauce, and toss gently to coat every crispy bite. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for freshness and a splash of color. Serve immediately while it’s warm—trust me, that crispy, creamy mix is a game-changer.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

I always top mine with freshly chopped parsley to bring a bright herbal note that contrasts beautifully with the spicy sauce. Sometimes, I add thinly sliced green onions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for extra texture and color.

Side Dishes

This Bang Bang Chicken pairs wonderfully with simple jasmine rice or steamed veggies to balance out the richness. I’ve also enjoyed it alongside crunchy Asian slaw or even tossed into a salad for a lighter meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to serve this on skewers over a bed of shredded lettuce or cabbage—makes it super easy to grab and eat with fingers. Another fun idea I’ve used is building mini sliders by adding the chicken to soft buns with a drizzle of extra bang bang sauce and pickled veggies.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the chicken separately from the sauce in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps the chicken crispy longer and avoids sogginess from the sauce.

Freezing

I’ve frozen the fried chicken before (without sauce) by letting it cool completely, then wrapping it tightly and freezing in a single layer. When ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat crispily in the oven.

Reheating

To keep the crisp, I reheat the chicken in a 375°F oven on a wire rack for about 10 minutes until warmed through. Then I toss it in sauce just before serving so it doesn’t get soggy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Sauce Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation because it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that also feels a little fancy without being complicated. I’ve served it to friends and family countless times, and it never fails to impress. I hope you’ll give it a try soon—you might find it becoming a favorite in your house too!

Print