Description
This Bang Bang Chicken recipe brings a delicious twist to classic fried chicken with a signature creamy, spicy, and sweet sauce that makes each bite unforgettable. This dish combines tender chicken with a perfectly crispy coating, all tossed in a sauce made from mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey.
Ingredients
Bang Bang Sauce:
1 cup (232 g) mayonnaise
½ cup (132 g) Thai sweet chili sauce
1 teaspoon Sriracha, or more to taste
2 tablespoons honey
Chicken:
1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken tenderloins
1 cup (245 g) buttermilk
¾ cup (94 g) all-purpose flour
½ cup (64 g) cornstarch
1 large egg, room temperature
1 tablespoon Sriracha
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
2 cups (216 g) panko breadcrumbs, plain
canola oil, for frying
parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Bang Bang Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Mix well and set aside.
Chicken:
In a medium mixing bowl add buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, sriracha, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Whisk to combine. Add chicken tenders and toss to coat.
Add Panko to a shallow plate.
Working one piece at a time, remove the chicken from the batter, gently shaking off any excess batter. Dredge the chicken in the panko, pressing slightly to adhere. Set on a clean plate. Repeat with the remaining chicken pieces. Set aside while you heat the oil.
To a large skillet, add about an inch of oil. Heat oil over medium-high heat until it reaches a temperature of 365°F.
Working in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan, add chicken and cook until browned (about 2-3 minutes on each side), or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Repeat with the remaining chicken tenderloins, making sure the oil is 365°F before adding more chicken.
Transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain slightly before adding it to a serving plate.
Toss the chicken with the bang bang sauce, top with chopped parsley, and serve warm
Notes
- Adjusting Spice Levels: The Sriracha and cayenne pepper add heat, so feel free to adjust based on your spice preference. Reducing or omitting the cayenne pepper makes a milder version, while adding extra Sriracha will make the dish spicier.
- Crispy Coating Tips: The combination of flour, cornstarch, and panko breadcrumbs is key to achieving that restaurant-quality crunch. Make sure to press the panko onto each piece for an even, crunchy layer that won’t fall off during frying.
- Alternative Cooking Methods: For a healthier option, consider baking or air frying the chicken. Both methods yield a crispy finish with far less oil, making this dish easier on the calories without sacrificing flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, a fresh salad, or coleslaw to balance out the rich flavors. Bang Bang Chicken also works as an appetizer, perfect for dipping in extra Bang Bang Sauce.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Cuisine: American