Name: Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients: 1 cup mayonnaise; ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce; 1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken tenderloins; 1 cup buttermilk; ¾ cup all-purpose flour; ½ cup cornstarch; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); 2 cups plain panko breadcrumbs; Canola oil (for frying); Chopped parsley (for garnish)

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Introduction

Bang Bang Chicken is a crispy, flavorful dish that perfectly balances spicy, sweet, and creamy elements. This recipe combines tender fried chicken with a zesty homemade sauce that will quickly become a favorite for any mealtime.

A white bowl filled with a base layer of white rice, topped with golden brown crispy fried chicken pieces drizzled with bright orange sauce and sprinkled with white sesame seeds and green sliced scallions. Surrounding the chicken are sliced fresh cucumber pieces with light green skin and white inside, a rose-shaped avocado layer with pale green smooth texture and a few black sesame seeds, shredded bright orange carrots, and vibrant purple cabbage. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with a blurred small black bowl of orange sauce and wooden chopsticks in the background, plus a lime wedge partially visible nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

For the Sauce:

1 cup mayonnaise
½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce
2 tablespoons honey

For the Chicken:

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

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Whisk until smooth, then cover and set aside.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) until the mixture is smooth.
Step 3: Add the chicken tenderloins to the marinade, making sure each piece is fully coated. Allow to marinate for 10 minutes.
Step 4: Spread the panko breadcrumbs on a plate. Remove each chicken tender from the marinade and press them evenly into the breadcrumbs until well coated. Place the coated pieces on a clean plate.
Step 5: Heat canola oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 365°F (185°C).
Step 6: Fry the chicken tenders in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 7: Transfer fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 8: Toss the chicken tenders in the prepared Bang Bang Sauce until they are evenly coated.
Step 9: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, double-dip the chicken by repeating the breadcrumb coating step after the first coat.
Adjust the amount of Sriracha in the sauce and marinade to control the spice level.
Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce.
Serve with steamed rice or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Storage

Store any leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or air fryer to retain crispiness. The sauce is best added fresh before serving to keep the coating crunchy.

How to Serve

A round white plate holds a pile of golden-brown fried chicken bites with a crispy texture, each piece uneven but crunchy looking, sprinkled lightly with small green herb bits. To the right side of the plate is a pale yellow lemon wedge. Next to the plate, on a white marbled surface, are black chopsticks placed diagonally. In the background, there is a small white bowl filled with a creamy light brown sauce, slightly shiny on top, and behind that, another pile of the same fried chicken on a white dish. The lighting is soft, highlighting the crispy texture of the chicken. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts cut into strips. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time so the chicken is cooked through without drying out.

Is there a baked version of Bang Bang Chicken?

Absolutely! You can bake the coated chicken pieces at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through for a healthier alternative.