Can I make Bang Bang Chicken without frying?

Yes! For a healthier version, spray the breaded tenders with cooking spray and bake at 425°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through. You'll still get good crispiness, though not quite the same as frying.

Is Bang Bang Chicken very spicy?

This recipe has a moderate heat level that most people find pleasantly warming rather than overwhelmingly spicy. The sweet chili sauce and honey balance the Sriracha beautifully. For a milder version, reduce or omit the Sriracha; for extra heat, add more Sriracha or cayenne to taste.

Can I prepare any components ahead of time?

Absolutely! The Bang Bang sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. You can also bread the chicken up to 4 hours ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator before frying. This makes dinner prep much faster when you're ready to cook.

What's the best way to ensure crispy chicken?

Three key factors: 1) Make sure your oil is at the correct temperature (365°F), 2) Don't overcrowd the pan when frying, and 3) Let excess batter drip off before adding to the panko breadcrumbs. These steps will give you that perfect crispy coating that stands up to the sauce.

Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

This Bang Bang Chicken is a game-changer for your dinner routine – crispy, tender chicken tenders coated in a sweet-spicy sauce that’s absolutely irresistible. Ready in less than 30 minutes, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. The combination of crunchy exterior and juicy chicken inside, all bathed in that signature creamy, spicy-sweet sauce, creates a meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Satisfying: From start to finish in under 30 minutes – perfect for those nights when you want something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Flavor Explosion: The contrast between the crispy coating and the creamy, sweet-spicy sauce creates an incredible taste experience that’s both comforting and exciting.
Crowd-Pleaser: This dish has that perfect balance of flavors that appeals to almost everyone – not too spicy, not too sweet, just right!
Versatile: Works beautifully as an appetizer, main dish, or even in wraps and salads. One recipe, endless possibilities!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Bang Bang Sauce

Mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base of the sauce that clings perfectly to the chicken.
Thai sweet chili sauce: Adds both sweetness and a touch of heat – this ingredient is non-negotiable for authentic bang bang flavor!
Sriracha: Brings the heat level up a notch while adding depth of flavor.
Honey: Balances the heat with natural sweetness and helps create that sticky, cling-to-the-chicken texture.

For the Chicken

Chicken tenderloins: Naturally tender and the perfect size for quick cooking and easy eating.
Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and helps create a tangy, moist coating.
Flour and cornstarch: This combination creates the perfect crispy exterior that stays crunchy even after saucing.
Egg: Acts as the binding agent that helps everything stick together.
Sriracha: Adds a kick of heat directly into the coating.
Seasonings (garlic powder, salt, pepper, cayenne): Layers of flavor that infuse the chicken coating.
Panko breadcrumbs: Creates that signature ultra-crispy exterior that regular breadcrumbs just can’t match.
Canola oil: Has a high smoke point, making it perfect for frying.
Parsley: Adds a fresh pop of color and subtle flavor to the finished dish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Baked Version: Skip the frying and bake the breaded tenders at 425°F for about 15-18 minutes for a lighter option.
Extra Spicy: Double the Sriracha in both the sauce and batter, and add extra cayenne for serious heat lovers.
Lighter Option: Use Greek yogurt in place of half the mayonnaise for a tangier, lighter sauce.
Bang Bang Shrimp: Substitute large shrimp for the chicken tenders and reduce cooking time to about 1 minute per side.
Vegetarian Version: Try this with firm tofu, cauliflower florets, or even broccoli for a meatless version with all the same great flavor.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce

Combine mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly until smooth and set aside to allow flavors to meld while you prepare the chicken.

Step 2: Create the Batter

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using) until smooth. Add the chicken tenders and toss until each piece is thoroughly coated.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Pour panko breadcrumbs onto a shallow plate. Take each batter-coated chicken tender, allowing excess batter to drip off, and press into the panko, ensuring even coverage on all sides. Place breaded tenders on a clean plate.

Step 4: Fry to Perfection

Add about an inch of canola oil to a large skillet and heat to 365°F. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, carefully add chicken tenders and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Transfer cooked tenders to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Sauce and Serve

Transfer the crispy chicken to a serving plate, drizzle generously with bang bang sauce (or toss directly in the sauce for full coverage), garnish with chopped parsley, and serve immediately while still hot and crispy.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Temperature Matters: Use a cooking thermometer to maintain oil at 365°F. Too hot and the coating burns before the chicken cooks; too cold and the chicken absorbs too much oil.
Don’t Skip the Rest: Let the breaded chicken rest for 5 minutes before frying. This helps the coating adhere better during cooking.
Sauce Control: If you prefer more control over sauce quantity, serve the sauce on the side for dipping rather than tossing the chicken directly in it.
Double Dip: For extra-crispy chicken, dip tenders in batter, then panko, then quickly back in batter and panko again.
Keep Warm: If cooking in multiple batches, keep finished chicken warm in a 200°F oven on a wire rack over a baking sheet to maintain crispiness.

How to Serve

Main Course

Serve with steamed rice and a simple vegetable like broccoli or green beans for a complete meal. The sauce is perfect for drizzling over everything!

Appetizer Style

Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces before breading and serve with toothpicks and extra sauce for dipping at your next gathering.

In a Wrap

Tuck a couple of tenders into a flour tortilla with lettuce, tomato, and extra sauce for a quick lunch option.

Salad Topper

Slice the Bang Bang Chicken and place atop a bed of mixed greens with cucumber, red pepper, and carrots for a protein-packed salad.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them separate prevents the breading from becoming soggy.

Freezing

These chicken tenders freeze beautifully! Freeze cooked, cooled tenders (without sauce) in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Freeze sauce separately in small containers.

Reheating

For maximum crispiness, reheat frozen or refrigerated tenders in a 375°F oven on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes. Microwave reheating works in a pinch but sacrifices the crispy texture. Warm the sauce separately and combine just before serving.

FAQs

Can I make Bang Bang Chicken without frying?

Yes! For a healthier version, spray the breaded tenders with cooking spray and bake at 425°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through. You’ll still get good crispiness, though not quite the same as frying.
Is Bang Bang Chicken very spicy?

This recipe has a moderate heat level that most people find pleasantly warming rather than overwhelmingly spicy. The sweet chili sauce and honey balance the Sriracha beautifully. For a milder version, reduce or omit the Sriracha; for extra heat, add more Sriracha or cayenne to taste.
Can I prepare any components ahead of time?

Absolutely! The Bang Bang sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. You can also bread the chicken up to 4 hours ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator before frying. This makes dinner prep much faster when you’re ready to cook.
What’s the best way to ensure crispy chicken?

Three key factors: 1) Make sure your oil is at the correct temperature (365°F), 2) Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying, and 3) Let excess batter drip off before adding to the panko breadcrumbs. These steps will give you that perfect crispy coating that stands up to the sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Bang Bang Chicken recipe transforms ordinary chicken tenders into something truly special. The contrast between the crispy exterior, tender chicken, and that irresistible sweet-spicy sauce creates a dish that feels like a restaurant treat but comes together in your own kitchen in minutes. Whether you serve it for a weeknight dinner, weekend lunch, or as part of a larger spread for guests, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your cooking rotation. Give it a try tonight – your taste buds will thank you!