Bang Bang Chicken: Crispy, Crunchy, Sweet, and Spicy

If you’re craving a dish that combines crispy chicken, a sweet and spicy sauce, and a burst of flavor with every bite, then look no further than Bang Bang Chicken. This irresistible dish features boneless, skinless chicken tenders, panko-crusted and deep-fried to golden perfection, then tossed in a homemade bang bang sauce that’s equal parts sweet, tangy, and spicy. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner, a weekend treat, or a special gathering, this dish is guaranteed to impress both family and friends.

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The combination of a crispy exterior and juicy interior, drenched in a smooth, creamy sauce, creates a culinary experience that will have you reaching for seconds. With a prep time of just 20 minutes and a cook time of only 6 minutes, Bang Bang Chicken offers a quick and easy way to elevate your chicken game. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients Breakdown

Before we get into the step-by-step process of creating this mouthwatering dish, let’s go over the ingredients that will help you bring this crispy, saucy delight to life.

Bang Bang Sauce

The star of Bang Bang Chicken is, of course, the sauce. The sauce provides a rich, creamy base with a perfect balance of sweetness, heat, and tang. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Mayonnaise (1 cup or 232g): The creamy base of the sauce, adding richness and smoothness.
• Thai Sweet Chili Sauce (½ cup or 132g): This sauce provides sweetness with a hint of spice, making it an essential ingredient in the bang bang sauce.
• Sriracha (1 teaspoon, or more to taste): This hot sauce adds heat and depth to the dish. Adjust the amount depending on your spice tolerance.
• Honey (2 tablespoons): A natural sweetener that gives the sauce a glossy finish and enhances the overall sweetness.

Chicken Ingredients

For the chicken itself, we’re using tender chicken tenders that are perfectly breaded, fried, and tossed in the bang bang sauce. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Tenderloins (1 ½ pounds): These tenderloins are a great cut of chicken for this recipe because they cook quickly, stay juicy, and are easy to eat in one bite.
• Buttermilk (1 cup or 245g): Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken, giving it a juicy interior and helping the breading adhere better.
• All-Purpose Flour (¾ cup or 94g): The flour helps form the base of the batter and gives the chicken a crispy texture.
• Cornstarch (½ cup or 64g): Cornstarch helps make the chicken even crispier when fried.
• Large Egg (1, room temperature): The egg binds the dry ingredients together, helping to create a smooth, well-coated chicken.
• Sriracha (1 tablespoon): Added to the batter for a hint of spice that infuses the chicken.
• Garlic Powder (½ teaspoon): A savory addition that enhances the flavor of the chicken.
• Kosher Salt (½ teaspoon): For seasoning the batter and the chicken.
• Black Pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds a bit of sharpness and depth to the flavor.
• Cayenne Pepper (⅛ teaspoon): Optional, but it can give the chicken an extra kick if you like heat.
• Panko Breadcrumbs (2 cups or 216g): Panko breadcrumbs provide the crunch and texture that make this dish stand out. They create a crisp, light coating that fries beautifully.
• Canola Oil (for frying): Canola oil is a great option for frying because it has a high smoke point and neutral flavor, allowing the chicken to crisp up without overpowering the taste.
• Parsley (chopped, for garnish): For a burst of fresh flavor and color to complete the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we’ve gathered all of the ingredients, let’s walk through the process of making this delicious dish.

1. Make the Bang Bang Sauce

Start by preparing the bang bang sauce. In a small mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Stir until well combined, and taste to adjust the spice level. If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to add more Sriracha to taste. Set the sauce aside while you prepare the chicken.

2. Coat the Chicken

Next, we’ll prepare the chicken tenders for frying. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth.

Add the chicken tenders to the bowl, tossing them until they’re completely coated in the batter. This mixture will give the chicken a wonderful crunchy coating once fried.

In a shallow plate or dish, spread out the panko breadcrumbs. Working with one chicken tender at a time, remove it from the batter and let any excess drip off. Then, dredge the chicken in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure an even coating. Set each piece aside on a clean plate.

3. Heat the Oil

In a large skillet, add about an inch of canola oil for frying. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 365°F (185°C). It’s important to maintain the correct frying temperature for optimal crispiness.

4. Fry the Chicken

Once the oil is heated, carefully place the chicken tenders into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side or until the coating is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Work in batches if needed to ensure the chicken cooks evenly.

Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

5. Toss with Bang Bang Sauce

Once all the chicken is fried and crispy, it’s time to toss it in the bang bang sauce. In a large bowl, gently toss the crispy chicken with the sauce, ensuring each tender is coated in the sweet and spicy glaze. The sauce will cling to the crispy chicken, making each bite irresistible.

6. Serve and Garnish

Transfer the sauced-up chicken to a serving plate. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. For an extra touch, serve with lemon wedges on the side for a burst of citrus that complements the richness of the sauce.

Flavor, Texture, and Aroma

When you take a bite of Bang Bang Chicken, you’re met with a perfect blend of textures and flavors. The crispy exterior gives way to a juicy, tender chicken that is full of flavor. The sauce is the hero of this dish, delivering a sweet and spicy profile that balances heat from the Sriracha and a mellow sweetness from the honey and Thai chili sauce.

As you bite into the chicken, the sauce will coat your taste buds, while the crunch of the panko adds a satisfying bite. The savory elements from the garlic powder, the light heat from the cayenne and Sriracha, and the sweetness of the honey create a complex flavor profile that will leave you craving more. The aroma of the fried chicken, paired with the tangy sweetness of the sauce, will have your kitchen smelling irresistible!

Tips and Variations

• Adjusting Spice Level: If you like it spicier, feel free to add extra Sriracha or cayenne pepper to the sauce or the batter. For a milder version, reduce the amount of hot sauce.
• Oven-Baked Version: If you want to skip frying, you can bake the chicken. Simply coat the chicken in the batter and breadcrumbs, then bake it on a greased baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute the chicken with cauliflower florets for a vegetarian-friendly option. The panko coating and bang bang sauce will still deliver that crispy, flavorful experience.
• Serving Suggestions: Bang Bang Chicken is delicious on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a fresh green salad. You could also serve it as an appetizer at a party or as part of a larger Asian-inspired meal.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Chicken is the perfect combination of crispy, savory, sweet, and spicy. The crunchy coating, tender chicken, and the creamy, tangy bang bang sauce will have your taste buds dancing. It’s a quick and easy dish that can be made in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or a crowd-pleasing appetizer at a gathering. Once you try this recipe, it will likely become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the crispy crunch and the sweet, spicy goodness of Bang Bang Chicken—a dish that never fails to satisfy!