Bang Bang Chicken

By: ALICE PUCK | Published onDecember 3, 2025

Bang Bang Chicken is one of those magical recipes that brightens any weeknight dinner. Its irresistible crunch combined with a creamy, spicy sauce makes it a family favorite that can easily become a staple in your kitchen. Whether it’s to impress guests or indulge after a long day, this dish brings on the flavor without needing hours of prep work. Plus, who can resist that sweet and spicy bang bang sauce? Just thinking about it gets my mouth watering!

Why You’ll Love This Dish

This recipe is nothing short of delightful, combining tender chicken, creamy mayonnaise, and zesty Sriracha to deliver a punch of flavor that’s hard to forget. Why cook this at home, you ask? It’s quick, budget-friendly, and perfect for any occasion—from a cozy family dinner to a casual weekend gathering.

“The first time I made Bang Bang Chicken, my kids devoured it in minutes! It’s become a weekly request in our household.”

The ease and taste make it a go-to recipe for those hectic evenings when you want to serve something special without spending all your time in the kitchen.

How This Recipe Comes Together

Making Bang Bang Chicken is a straightforward process that follows a few easy steps. First, we’ll marinate the chicken to keep it moist during frying. Next, we’ll get those chicken tenderloins coated in a crispy panko crust, followed by a quick fry until golden brown. Finally, we’ll whip up the bang bang sauce and drizzle it over our perfectly cooked chicken. Sounds simple, right? Let’s dive into the specifics!

Gather These Items

To make this mouthwatering dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 pound chicken tenderloins
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
Salt and pepper to taste
Oil for frying
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon Sriracha
1 teaspoon lime juice

Feel free to get creative with your ingredients! For instance, if you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute with regular milk mixed with a bit of vinegar.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Buttermilk: In a bowl, season the buttermilk with salt and pepper. Allow the chicken tenderloins to soak in the buttermilk for at least 30 minutes—this will help tenderize the meat.
Mix Flour and Seasoning: In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with a pinch of salt and pepper. This will give the chicken an extra layer of flavor.
Set Up Panko: Place the panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl. The texture of these will provide that delightful crunch we love.
Dredge the Chicken: Start by dredging the soaked chicken tenderloins in the flour mixture. Then, dip them back in the buttermilk before coating with the panko breadcrumbs. Make sure each piece is fully covered for the best texture!
Fry Until Golden: Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Fry the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until it’s golden brown and cooked through.
Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and lime juice. Adjust the spice levels according to your taste buds.
Serve: Drizzle the bang bang sauce over the crispy fried chicken and serve hot!

Best Ways to Enjoy It

When it comes to serving Bang Bang Chicken, the options are nearly endless! Drizzle the delicious sauce generously over the chicken and serve it on a bed of fluffy rice or alongside a vibrant salad. For a twist, consider using it in wraps, allowing its bold flavors to shine through with fresh veggies.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

To store your leftover Bang Bang Chicken, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 days. When reheating, consider using the oven for a couple of minutes to maintain crispiness—no one wants soggy chicken!

Helpful Cooking Tips

Uniform Sizes: For the best cooking results, try to ensure all chicken pieces are of a similar size. This guarantees even cooking and browning.
Proper Oil Temperature: Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken; otherwise, the chicken might absorb too much oil and become greasy. A good test is to drop a small piece of bread in the oil; if it sizzles, you’re ready!
Experiment with Spice: Feel free to play around with the bang bang sauce. Adjust the Sriracha for more heat or add a touch of honey for sweetness.

Creative Twists

Feel like mixing it up? Try adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top for a nutty crunch or switch out the mayo for Greek yogurt for a healthier twist. You could even create a spicy ranch dip using this base, giving a whole new flair to your meal!

Common Questions

Can I use chicken breast instead of tenderloins?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be cut into strips and used just like tenderloins. Just remember to adjust the cooking time as needed.

How spicy is Bang Bang Chicken?
The spice level can be tweaked easily based on your preference. You can reduce the Sriracha for less heat or omit it entirely if desired.

What can I serve with Bang Bang Chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, vegetables, or even in taco wraps. A fresh salad can balance the richness of the sauce too!

Can I prepare the chicken in advance?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken earlier in the day or even the night before to save time. Just ensure to dredge it in the flour and panko right before frying.

How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken is cooked thoroughly when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. A quick read with a meat thermometer will take the guesswork out!

Can I freeze leftover Bang Bang Chicken?
While it’s best fresh, you can freeze the fried chicken after cooling it completely. Reheat in the oven directly from the freezer for the best results.

What’s a good alternative for sweet chili sauce?
If you don’t have sweet chili sauce on hand, you can use a mixture of honey and hot sauce as a substitute for a similar sweet and spicy profile.

Is this recipe dairy-free?
With substitutions, it’s easy to make this dish dairy-free. Use a dairy-free milk and mayo alternative, and it will still taste fantastic!

Now that you’re armed with all this delicious knowledge, it’s time to cook! Enjoy bringing this vibrant and satisfying dish to your table. Happy cooking!