Delicious Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

Featured in Simple Sauces That Make Meals Better.

Turn plain chicken tenders into a standout meal with crispy breading and a tasty Bang Bang sauce. The chicken is dunked in buttermilk mixed with spices, coated in panko crumbs, and fried until golden and crunchy. The star is the sauce - a mix of mayo, Sriracha, Thai chili sauce, and a drizzle of honey, balancing sweet with a kick of heat. It’s simpler than it seems and perfect for any occasion.
Emily Watson
Updated on Mon, 10 Mar 2025 03:25:28 GMT
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Crispy Bang Bang Chicken | thefamilycooks.com

Experience the perfect harmony of crispy chicken and tangy-sweet sauce in this homemade Bang Bang Chicken recipe. The ultra-crunchy coating gives way to juicy, tender meat inside, while the signature sauce delivers just the right balance of creamy richness and gentle heat.

This recipe evolved from many test kitchen sessions aimed at capturing that perfect texture and flavor balance. The breakthrough came from discovering the ideal coating technique and proper frying temperature.

Key Ingredients Overview

  • Buttermilk: Creates tender, flavorful chicken. Mix 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice as substitute.
  • Sweet Chili Sauce: Provides essential sweet-spicy base. Mae Ploy brand recommended.
  • Fresh Panko: Creates signature crunch. Avoid seasoned varieties.
  • Quality Sriracha: Adds consistent heat. Adjust amount to preference.
  • Chicken Tenders: Stay juicy when cooked. Select uniform sizes.

Preparation Method

Step 1: Sauce Preparation
Begin with smooth mayonnaise base. Incorporate sweet chili sauce in steady stream. Add sriracha incrementally. Rest mixture while preparing chicken.
Step 2: Coating Process
Combine wet ingredients thoroughly. Coat chicken pieces individually. Press breadcrumbs firmly. Allow coating to set briefly.
Step 3: Cooking Technique
Maintain steady oil temperature. Check readiness with wooden utensil. Place chicken away from self. Minimize turning.
Bang Bang Chicken Pin it
Bang Bang Chicken | thefamilycooks.com

This recipe development started in my home kitchen when takeout wasn't available. Extensive testing revealed that allowing the breaded chicken to rest creates superior coating adhesion.

The signature sauce has become a kitchen staple, enhancing everything from fresh greens to grilled vegetables. Proper heat management ensures golden, greaseless results every time.

Bang Bang Chicken Pin it
Bang Bang Chicken | thefamilycooks.com

This perfected recipe consistently draws praise at gatherings. The combination of crunchy coating, moist chicken, and signature sauce creates an impressive dish worth mastering.

Crispy Chicken Sauce

Crisp, juicy chicken tenders coated in panko crumbs and paired with a creamy, sweet, and spicy Bang Bang dipping sauce.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
6 Minutes
Total Time
26 Minutes

Category: Sauces & Marinades

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Asian-Inspired Mix

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Bang Bang Sauce

01 1/2 cup (132g) Thai-style sweet chili sauce
02 1 teaspoon Sriracha hot sauce
03 2 tablespoons honey
04 1 cup (232g) mayonnaise

→ Chicken

05 1 tablespoon Sriracha hot sauce
06 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
07 1/3 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
08 3/4 cup (94g) plain all-purpose flour
09 1 large egg
10 2 cups (216g) plain panko breadcrumbs
11 Canola oil for frying
12 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenderloins
13 1 cup (245g) buttermilk for dipping
14 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
15 Parsley for topping once done
16 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
17 1/2 cup (64g) cornstarch

Instructions

Step 01

Stir together the mayo, chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until it’s smooth and ready.

Step 02

Whisk together the buttermilk, egg, flour, cornstarch, Sriracha, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne. Once everything is combined, dunk the chicken in the mix until fully coated.

Step 03

Pull the chicken out of the batter and give it a good layer of breading in the panko crumbs.

Step 04

Heat your frying oil to a steady 365°F. Fry the chicken for 2-3 minutes on both sides until the inside reaches 165°F.

Step 05

Lay fried chicken on paper towels to soak up oil. Toss in the prepared Bang Bang Sauce and add parsley to make it pop.

Notes

  1. Fry in smaller batches, so the chicken doesn’t get overcrowded while cooking.
  2. Keep the oil temperature steady around 365°F for best results.

Tools You'll Need

  • Thermometer to check oil temperature
  • Large frying pan or skillet
  • Mixing bowls for batter and sauce
  • Paper towels to handle excess grease

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Eggs
  • Wheat

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 1415
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~