If you’re a fan of crispy, golden-fried chicken with a sweet, spicy, and creamy twist, then you’re in for a treat! Bang Bang Chicken is a crowd-pleasing dish that combines tender chicken tenderloins coated in crunchy panko breadcrumbs, deep-fried to perfection, and drizzled with a homemade bang bang sauce.

Whether you’re looking for an appetizer, a dinner idea, or something to wow your guests, this dish checks all the boxes.

In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of making this irresistible recipe. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!

What is Bang Bang Chicken?

Bang Bang Chicken is a dish that delivers bold flavors and textures in every bite. The chicken is marinated in a flavorful batter, coated in panko breadcrumbs, and fried until golden brown. What sets this dish apart is the signature bang bang sauce—a creamy blend of mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. The combination of crispy chicken and the sweet-spicy sauce is absolutely addictive!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

1 cup (232 g) mayonnaise
½ cup (132 g) Thai sweet chili sauce
1 teaspoon Sriracha (or more for extra heat)
2 tablespoons honey

For the Chicken:

1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins
1 cup (245 g) buttermilk
¾ cup (94 g) all-purpose flour
½ cup (64 g) 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 for extra spice)
2 cups (216 g) plain panko breadcrumbs
Canola oil (for frying)
Chopped parsley (for garnish)

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the cooking process.

Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce

The sauce is what makes this dish so special! In a small bowl, combine:

Mayonnaise
Thai sweet chili sauce
Sriracha
Honey

Mix everything together until smooth and creamy. Set the sauce aside while you prepare the chicken.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together:

Buttermilk
Flour
Cornstarch
Egg
Sriracha
Garlic powder
Salt
Black pepper
Cayenne pepper (if using)

Add the chicken tenderloins to the bowl and toss to coat. Let the chicken marinate in this flavorful batter while you prepare the breadcrumbs.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Pour the panko breadcrumbs onto a shallow plate. Working one piece at a time:

Remove a chicken tenderloin from the batter, letting any excess drip off.
Dredge the chicken in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they stick.
Place the coated chicken on a clean plate. Repeat with the remaining pieces.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Heat about an inch of canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 365°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test by dropping a small piece of bread into the oil—it should sizzle immediately.

Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan:

Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil and cook for about 2–3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Repeat with the remaining chicken, ensuring the oil temperature stays consistent at 365°F between batches.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once all your chicken is fried and crispy, it’s time to assemble your dish:

Drizzle or toss the fried chicken with your prepared bang bang sauce.
Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips for Success

Temperature Control: Maintaining the oil temperature at 365°F is crucial for perfectly crispy chicken without it becoming greasy.
Don’t Overcrowd: Frying too many pieces at once can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken.
Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer your sauce spicier, add more Sriracha or even a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Make It Lighter: For a healthier twist, you can bake or air-fry the chicken instead of deep-frying.

Serving Suggestions

Bang Bang Chicken is incredibly versatile! Here are some ideas for serving:

Appetizer: Serve as finger food with extra bang bang sauce on the side for dipping.
Main Course: Pair with steamed rice or noodles for a hearty meal.
Salad Topper: Slice the chicken and serve over a crisp salad with extra drizzle of bang bang sauce.

Nutrition Information

This recipe serves four people and is perfect for sharing. Each serving contains approximately 1415 calories. Keep in mind that nutritional values may vary depending on portion sizes and specific ingredients used.

Final Thoughts

Bang Bang Chicken is one of those recipes that’s guaranteed to impress anyone who tries it. The combination of crispy fried chicken and creamy, zesty sauce is simply irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this dish will quickly become a favorite.

So why wait? Gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try today. Don’t forget to let me know how it turned out in the comments below—happy cooking!