A crispy, spicy-sweet dish featuring tender fried chicken coated in creamy Bang Bang sauce — perfect as a fun appetizer or an indulgent main course for cozy meals at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Bang Bang Chicken recipe delivers a perfect balance of flavors and textures: crunchy panko‑coated chicken tenders covered in a luscious creamy sauce that’s both sweet and spicy. It’s quick to prepare, crowd-pleasing, and ideal for casual dinners, parties, or game nights.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Bang Bang Sauce

1 cup mayonnaise
½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
1 teaspoon Sriracha, or more to taste
2 tablespoons honey

Chicken

1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken tenderloins
1 cup buttermilk
¾ cup all‑purpose flour
½ cup cornstarch
1 large egg, room temperature
1 tablespoon Sriracha
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
2 cups plain panko breadcrumbs
Canola oil, for frying
Chopped parsley, for garnish

directions

Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until smooth. Set aside.
Make the Chicken Batter: In a medium bowl, combine buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Whisk until well blended. Add chicken tenderloins and toss to coat evenly.
Coat with Panko: Spread panko on a shallow plate. Working one at a time, lift the chicken from the batter, shake off excess, then dredge in panko, pressing gently to adhere. Place coated pieces on a clean plate.
Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, pour canola oil to a depth of about 1 inch. Heat over medium‑high until it reaches approximately 365 °F.
Fry the Chicken: Fry the chicken in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Cook for about 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and an internal temperature of 165 °F is reached. Maintain oil temperature between batches.
Drain: Transfer fried chicken to a paper towel‑lined plate to drain briefly.
Toss in Sauce: Place the still‑warm chicken in a bowl, pour the Bang Bang Sauce over, and toss gently to coat evenly.
Serve: Plate the sauced chicken, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve immediately while warm.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: ~15 minutes
Cook Time: ~15 minutes
Total Time: ~30 minutes

Variations

Grilled or Baked Option: For a lighter version, bake at 425 °F for 15–18 minutes, or grill until cooked through. Add the sauce after cooking.
Gluten‑free: Use gluten‑free flour and breadcrumbs.
Extra Crunch: Double-dredge the chicken (batter, panko, batter, panko) for an ultra-crispy coating.
Sauce Twist: Substitute sweet chili sauce with gochujang for a Korean-inspired kick.
Air Fryer Friendly: Air-fry at 400 °F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

storage/reheating

Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Re-warm in the oven at 350 °F for about 8–10 minutes until crispy again. The microwave may soften the coating, so oven reheating is preferred.

FAQs

What is Bang Bang Sauce made of?

Bang Bang Sauce is a creamy blend of mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey, offering a balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors.

Can I use chicken other than tenderloins?

Yes—chicken breasts or thighs cut into strips work well. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

How spicy is this dish?

It has mild to medium heat. Use more or less Sriracha and cayenne depending on your preference.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely. The sauce can be refrigerated for up to 5 days in an airtight container.

Is it possible to bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Yes. Bake the coated chicken at 425 °F for 15–18 minutes, or until crispy and cooked through. Toss in sauce before serving.

Can I freeze leftover Bang Bang Chicken?

You can freeze the cooked chicken before tossing in sauce for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven and add sauce fresh.

What sides pair well with this dish?

Crispy fries, coleslaw, steamed rice, or a simple green salad complement it nicely.

How do I ensure the chicken is cooked properly?

Use a meat thermometer—165 °F internal temperature indicates that it’s safe to eat.

Can I reduce the calories in this recipe?

Use light mayonnaise and skip the cornstarch for a lower-calorie version. Baking instead of frying will also reduce fat.

Can children eat this?

Yes, it’s generally kid-friendly. Adjust or omit Sriracha or cayenne to reduce spiciness.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Chicken is a versatile, flavorful dish that brings together crispy fried chicken and creamy, spicy-sweet sauce. Whether enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or dinner, it’s sure to be a hit with family and guests. Easy to customize, store, and reheat, this recipe is a keeper in your culinary repertoire.