Best Bang Bang Chicken Recipe: Crispy, Creamy & Totally Irresistible

The Best Bang Bang Chicken isn’t just a catchy name—it’s a full-blown flavor experience that delivers creamy, crispy, sweet, and spicy all in one bite. If you’ve ever had that one dish at a restaurant you just can’t stop thinking about, this is it. And guess what? You can totally recreate it in your own kitchen without needing a culinary degree or spending hours cleaning up. This step-by-step Bang Bang Chicken recipe walks you through every flavorful detail.

It’s got that irresistible crunch, a sauce that could probably win awards, and a wow factor perfect for weeknights or hosting friends. Whether you’re looking to impress your dinner guests or just feed your family something they’ll actually eat without bribery, this chicken does the trick. And yes, the best part is that you can tweak the spice level to your taste. So go ahead, grab your apron and let’s get banging—in the kitchen, of course.

Table of Contents

What is Best Bang Bang Chicken?

The Best Bang Bang Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that brings together crispy fried chicken tenders coated in a rich, creamy, and slightly spicy Bang Bang sauce. While it’s inspired by the bold and numbing flavors of Sichuan cuisine, this version dials things down for a more approachable, family-friendly twist. Instead of tongue-tingling spice, you get a balanced blend of sweet chili, honey, mayo, and Sriracha that’s hard to resist.

The chicken itself is super tender thanks to a quick soak in a flavorful marinade and gets that signature golden crunch from a panko breadcrumb coating. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like a rockstar in the kitchen, without needing 15 weird ingredients or a sous chef. You can serve it up as a hearty main dish, pile it over a salad, stuff it in wraps, or serve it as a party snack that’ll disappear in minutes. It’s satisfying, playful, and just a little bit fancy without being fussy.

Reasons to Try Best Bang Bang Chicken

If you’ve been stuck in a chicken dinner rut (yes, another dry grilled breast), then it’s time to shake things up. Here’s why the Best Bang Bang Chicken should be at the top of your to-cook list. First, it’s a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for picky kids or adventurous foodies, everyone falls for that crispy texture and creamy-spicy sauce combo.

Second, it’s shockingly easy to make. Even on a busy weeknight, you can have this on the table in under an hour—faster than delivery and way tastier. Third, it’s flexible. You can go full-fry for that restaurant-style crisp, or lighten things up by baking or air-frying. Need to dial the heat up or down? Go ahead. Want to make it gluten-free? Swap the flour and panko for your favorite substitutes. Finally, it’s downright fun to cook. Coating, frying, saucing—it’s the kind of hands-on, sensory experience that makes cooking joyful again. Oh, and leftovers? Don’t count on having any.

Ingredients Needed to Make Best Bang Bang Chicken

To whip up the Best Bang Bang Chicken, here’s what you’ll need:

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
• 1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce (add more for extra kick)
• 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, for extra heat)
• 2 cups plain panko breadcrumbs
• Canola oil (for frying)
• Chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions to Make Best Bang Bang Chicken – Step by Step

Step 1: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

Start your step-by-step journey to deliciousness by mixing up the creamy, spicy magic that is Bang Bang sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Mix it until it’s silky-smooth and well combined. This sauce is the superstar of the dish, so give it a taste and adjust the heat if needed. Want it bolder? Add a bit more Sriracha. Want it sweeter? Drizzle in extra honey. Once it’s just right, cover the bowl and set it aside—you’ll be needing it again once the chicken’s ready to shine.

Step 2: Prep the Chicken Marinade

Now let’s get that chicken flavorful and juicy. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne if you like a little heat. The mix should be thick but pourable—kind of like pancake batter, but savory. Add the chicken tenderloins into the marinade, making sure each piece is fully submerged and coated. This quick marinade gives the chicken an ultra-tender texture while locking in flavor. Let it soak for at least 10 minutes. You can use this time to set up your breading station or, you know, sneak a little spoonful of that sauce again.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Get ready to bread. Pour your panko breadcrumbs onto a large plate or shallow bowl. Remove one chicken tender at a time from the marinade, letting the excess drip off, and coat it generously in the panko. Press gently to help the crumbs stick and form a nice, even layer. This is what gives you that epic crunch! Transfer each coated piece to a clean plate or baking sheet. Pro tip: if you’re prepping ahead, you can refrigerate the coated tenders for about 15 minutes to help the crust set before frying.

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

Now it’s go-time. Pour canola oil into a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot until it’s about 1½ to 2 inches deep. Heat it to 365°F. Not sure if it’s hot enough? Drop a breadcrumb in—if it sizzles and floats, you’re good to go. Fry the chicken tenders in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer if you’re unsure—the internal temp should hit 165°F. Set the fried pieces on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Step 5: Toss in That Bang Bang Sauce

Here comes the fun part: the toss. Once your chicken is crispy and cool enough to handle (about 5 minutes), add it to a large mixing bowl. Pour the Bang Bang sauce over the chicken and toss gently to coat each piece evenly. You can use tongs or just get in there with clean hands. The warm chicken soaks up that sauce like a sponge, creating a flavor explosion in every bite. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley to give it a little green pop.

And there you have it! You’ve just made the Best Bang Bang Chicken step by step—crispy, creamy, spicy, sweet, and totally addicting.

If you love this sauce-forward meal, you might also enjoy our Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken and Creamy Rotini Pasta or this fun and crowd-pleasing Mexican Chori Pollo for your next dinner idea.

What to Serve with Best Bang Bang Chicken

The Best Bang Bang Chicken is super versatile and plays well with a lot of sides. Want to keep it light? A crisp side like this White Bean and Veggie Salad balances the richness perfectly. If you’re in the mood for carbs (aren’t we all?), go for jasmine rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or even a pasta salad like our Dill Pickle Pasta Salad. For something handheld, stuff the chicken in tortillas for quick Bang Bang tacos or throw it over greens for a spicy chicken salad bowl. And don’t forget a cool drink or mocktail to tame the heat and add a refreshing finish.

Key Tips for Making Best Bang Bang Chicken

Want that restaurant-level crisp at home? Here are some real-world tips. First, keep that oil temp steady at 365°F—too low and your chicken goes soggy, too high and it burns before it’s cooked. Second, don’t skip the marinade. Even a 10-minute soak gives the chicken a head start on tenderness and flavor. Third, don’t overcrowd the pan while frying. Give each piece room to get crispy. Fourth, if you’re trying to cut back on oil, try baking or air frying. You won’t get quite the same crunch, but it’s still a hit. And finally, taste your sauce before tossing—it’s your flavor glue, so make it count.

Storage and Reheating Tips Best Bang Bang Chicken

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, here’s how to keep them awesome. Store the Best Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, keep the sauce separate and toss just before serving. To reheat, skip the microwave unless you’re okay with soggy chicken. Instead, pop them in the oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes or until heated through and crispy again. An air fryer is perfect for this too. Reheat the sauce separately in the microwave or on the stovetop for just a few seconds—don’t boil it. Then re-toss and serve like it’s fresh off the pan.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
Absolutely. Just slice them into even strips so they cook evenly.

Is there a healthier version?
Yes! You can bake at 425°F or use your air fryer. Still tasty, less greasy.

Can I make the sauce ahead?
For sure. It keeps in the fridge up to a week. Just give it a stir before using.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Yep. Use GF breadcrumbs and swap the flour for a gluten-free blend.

Is this kid-friendly?
It can be! Just go easy on the Sriracha and skip the cayenne.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it—your complete, step-by-step guide to making the Best Bang Bang Chicken. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a treat but is surprisingly easy to whip up, even on a Tuesday night when everyone’s asking, “What’s for dinner?” This dish gives you crispy texture, bold sauce, and serious crowd appeal—all wrapped up in a plate of chicken. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, this one’s a keeper. Serve it, share it, and don’t forget to bookmark it because you’ll definitely want to make it again. And while you’re here, check out more easy dinner ideas like our Taco Rice Bowl or Chicken Burrito Bowl—perfect for your next kitchen adventure. Thanks for hanging out with me—now go make something delicious.

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