Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is the perfect dish to satisfy your cravings for something indulgent yet simple to make at home. This recipe promises mouthwatering flavors and a delightful crunch that will have everyone coming back for more. If you’re ready to elevate your chicken game, keep reading!
Time Breakdown
Preparing Crispy Bang Bang Chicken requires a bit of time, but it’s totally worth the wait. You can expect to spend approximately 15 minutes on prep, 15 minutes for marinating, and about 20-25 minutes for cooking, making the total time around 60 minutes.
Ingredients List for Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
- 1 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
- 1/2 cup Thai sweet chili sauce (can be substituted with homemade chili sauce)
- 2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce (adjust to heat preference)
- 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken tenderloins (can use breasts or thighs)
- 1 cup buttermilk (or mix milk with lemon juice or vinegar)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (gluten-free flour blend can be used)
- 1/4 cup cornstarch (can leave out but may reduce crunch)
- 1 large egg (or flax egg for a vegan version)
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce (for marinating)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or fresh minced garlic)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- 1 cup plain panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
- 2 cups canola oil (or any neutral oil)
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley (for garnish)
How To Make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Step-by-Step
1. Marinate the Chicken
Start by marinating the chicken. In a bowl, mix together buttermilk, 1 tablespoon of Sriracha sauce, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Add the chicken tenderloins, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
2. Prepare the Sauce
In another bowl, combine mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, 2 tablespoons of Sriracha, and honey. Stir well to mix. Adjust the spice level according to your preference. Set aside.
3. Dredge the Chicken
In a shallow bowl, whisk together flour and cornstarch. In a separate bowl, beat the egg. In a third bowl, add panko breadcrumbs. Begin coating the marinated chicken: first dip it in the flour mixture, then the egg, and finally the breadcrumbs. Ensure each piece is fully coated for maximum crunch.
4. Heat the Oil
In a large skillet, heat canola oil over medium-high heat. You will know it’s ready when a small piece of chicken sizzles immediately upon contact with the oil.
5. Fry the Chicken
Carefully add the coated chicken to the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
6. Serve
Drizzle the prepared Bang Bang sauce over the crispy chicken or serve it on the side for dipping. Garnish with chopped parsley.
4 Reasons Why You’ll Love Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
- Crispy Texture: The combination of panko breadcrumbs and flour creates an ultra-crisp coating.
- Flavor Explosion: The sweet and spicy Bang Bang sauce perfectly complements the savory chicken.
- Customizable Heat: Adjust Sriracha amounts to cater to your spice preferences.
- Easy Recipe: With clear steps and accessible ingredients, this recipe is beginner-friendly!
Chef’s Notes & Pro Tips About Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
- Let It Rest: Allow the dredged chicken to rest for about 10 minutes before frying for a better crunch.
- Temperature Check: Use a food thermometer; the internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F for safe consumption.
- Oil Type: Canola oil is great for frying, but peanut or vegetable oil can also work wonderfully.
- Double Dipping: For even crunchier chicken, dip the chicken twice in the egg and panko mixture.
- Leftover Sauce: The sauce makes a great dip for fries or veggies as well!
Serving Suggestions for Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken can be served in various delightful ways. You can serve it as an appetizer with extra Bang Bang sauce for dipping. Pair it with rice or noodles for a complete meal. Adding a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables will complement the chicken beautifully. For a fun twist, serve it in a wrap with crunchy veggies and more sauce!
How To Storage Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
- Cool Down: Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing.
- Airtight Containers: Use airtight containers for storage to maintain freshness.
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Want to save some for later? You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes to regain crispiness.
Tips For Success
- Pat Dry: Pat chicken dry with paper towels before marinating for better coating adherence.
- Fry in Batches: To maintain oil temperature, fry chicken in smaller batches.
- Don’t Skip the Marinating: Marinating not only adds flavor but also helps keep the chicken moist.
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to tweak the recipe by adding your favorite spices!
Flavor Variations
- Spicy Garlic: Add more minced garlic and chili flakes to the marinade for a garlicky punch.
- Sweet BBQ: Substitute the mayonnaise with barbecue sauce for a smoky flavor.
- Asian-Style: Incorporate sesame oil and soy sauce into the marinade for an Asian twist.
- Herbed: Include dried herbs such as thyme or oregano in the breadcrumb mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
FAQs About Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins? Yes, chicken breasts cut into strips will work perfectly for this recipe.
- Is there a vegan version of this recipe? Absolutely! Use plant-based mayo, a flax egg, and substitute chicken with tofu or cauliflower.
- How can I make the chicken less spicy? Use less Sriracha in the sauce and marinade or omit it entirely for a milder flavor.
- Can I bake the chicken instead of frying? Yes! Bake the chicken at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown, and flip halfway through for even cooking.
Closing Notes
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is sure to become a staple in your home-cooked meals. With its tantalizing crunch and delicious sauce, it’s ideal for a cozy family dinner or a fun gathering. Remember, the key to success lies in the prep and flavor adjustments. Customize the heat and enjoy this easy recipe that delivers big on taste. Make it today and your taste buds will thank you!

Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken tenderloins Can use breasts or thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk Can mix milk with lemon juice or vinegar
- 1 large egg Can use flax egg for vegan option
- 1 cup all-purpose flour Gluten-free flour blend can be used
- 1/4 cup cornstarch Can leave out but may reduce crunch
- 1 cup plain panko breadcrumbs Or regular breadcrumbs
- 2 cups canola oil Or any neutral oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder Or fresh minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper Optional for extra heat
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce For marinating
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise Or Greek yogurt for a healthier option
- 1/2 cup Thai sweet chili sauce Can be substituted with homemade chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce Adjust to heat preference
- 2 tablespoons honey Or maple syrup for a vegan option
For Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley For garnish
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix together buttermilk, 1 tablespoon of Sriracha sauce, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Add the chicken tenderloins, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
Prepare the Sauce
- In another bowl, combine mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, 2 tablespoons of Sriracha, and honey.
- Stir well to mix and adjust the spice level according to preference. Set aside.
Dredge the Chicken
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together flour and cornstarch.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg.
- In a third bowl, add panko breadcrumbs. Begin coating the marinated chicken: first dip it in the flour mixture, then the egg, and finally the breadcrumbs.
- Ensure each piece is fully coated for maximum crunch.
Fry the Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat canola oil over medium-high heat. You will know it’s ready when a small piece of chicken sizzles immediately upon contact with the oil.
- Carefully add the coated chicken to the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Serve
- Drizzle the prepared Bang Bang sauce over the crispy chicken or serve it on the side for dipping.
- Garnish with chopped parsley.








