Why Make This Recipe

Bang Bang Chicken is a delightful dish that combines crispy chicken with a flavorful sauce. It’s perfect for those who love a little kick in their meals. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a tasty weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. The combination of creamy mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha gives it a unique taste that will keep you coming back for more.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken

Making Bang Bang Chicken is easy and straightforward. Follow these step-by-step instructions to prepare this delicious dish.

Ingredients

1 cup (232 g) mayonnaise
½ cup (132 g) Thai sweet chili sauce
1 teaspoon Sriracha (or more to taste)
2 tablespoons honey
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)
2 cups (216 g) panko breadcrumbs (plain)
Canola oil (for frying)
Parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Directions

Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a bowl, mix together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Adjust the Sriracha to your taste. Set this sauce aside.
Prepare the Chicken: Place chicken tenderloins in a bowl and cover them with buttermilk. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes. This will help make the chicken juicy and flavorful.
Coat the Chicken: In a separate bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Whisk until smooth.
Bread the Chicken: Take each tenderloin from the buttermilk, dip it into the flour mixture, then roll it in panko breadcrumbs, pressing slightly to adhere.
Fry the Chicken: In a large pan, heat canola oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the chicken in the oil. Cook until golden brown on each side, about 3-4 minutes per side. Ensure the chicken is cooked through.
Serve: Drizzle the Bang Bang Sauce over the chicken and garnish with chopped parsley.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken

Bang Bang Chicken can be served on its own or over a bed of rice or salad. The sauce complements the chicken well, adding an extra layer of flavor. You can also serve it as an appetizer with toothpicks for a fun party snack!

How to Store Bang Bang Chicken

If you have leftovers, let the chicken cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. To reheat, place the chicken in an oven or air fryer to keep it crispy.

Tips to Make Bang Bang Chicken

Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying to achieve that perfect crispy texture.
If you like it spicier, feel free to add more Sriracha to both the sauce and the chicken coating.
Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Variation

You can experiment with different types of chicken, such as chicken breasts or thighs. For a healthier version, consider baking the chicken instead of frying it.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can, but make sure to fully thaw the chicken and dry it before marinating to ensure proper coating and cooking.

2. Is Bang Bang Chicken spicy?
The spice level can vary. You can adjust the amount of Sriracha in the sauce and coating based on your preference.

3. Can I make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using it.