Last week I tripped down memory lane with a crispy, creamy plate of Bang Bang Chickenthe kind of dish that gets stuck in your brain (and maybe your shirt sleeve). This easy recipe is exploding on TikTok and Pinterest thanks to its spicy-sweet sauce and golden crunch. It’s weeknight-friendly, party-approved, and takes just about 30 minutes to make, even if your brain’s a little foggy by 5 p.m.
This one’s all about juicy chicken, cornstarch crunch, and a tangy Bang Bang sauce made with mayonnaise, sriracha, and Thai sweet chili sauce. You probably have everything you need already in your pantry or fridge. Imagine your favorite takeout-style chicken meets cozy Sunday dinner. Full instructions and pro tips below!
I learned to fry up chicken in my grandma’s tiny yellow kitchenstanding on a stool, flour in my eyelashes, sneaking warm bites before dinner. I still use her seasoned cast iron skillet. No gimmicks, just flavor that works. This has been tested to perfectionand I can’t wait to share the secret!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Bang Bang Chicken
This recipe has all the hallmarks of a weeknight winner: it’s quick, uses common ingredients, and tastes wildly indulgent. But it’s also versatile! Serve it as an appetizer, main course, or even atop a crisp salad if you’re feeling fancy. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or hosting friends, the crispy, golden coating paired with that sweet-spicy Bang Bang sauce is pure comfort on a plate.
What makes it extra special?
Homemade sauce: Creamy, tangy, and adjustable in heat. It’s fresher and way tastier than store-bought alternatives!
Perfect crunch: A combo of cornstarch and panko ensures a coating that stays crispy even when sauced.
Beginner-friendly: Frying is easier than you thinkand I’ll guide you with clear steps and tips.
Your Key Ingredients (and Simple Swaps!)
Let’s break down what you’ll need and where you can substitute. Don’t skip the parsley garnishit adds a pop of green and brightens the final presentation!
Ingredient
Purpose
Swaps or Notes
Mayonnaise
Base for the Bang Bang sauce
Swap with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangy version
Thai Sweet Chili Sauce
Sweet and slightly spicy flavor
Optional: Try honey + rice vinegar, but bottled chili sauce adds the authentic punch
If needed, mix 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice or white vinegar
Breadcrumbs
Adds texture and crunch to the coating
Panko yields best results; regular breadcrumbs are fine too
How It Works: Step-by-Step
If frying feels daunting, don’t worrythis step-by-step guide will make it simple and satisfying. Grab tongs and a skillet, and let’s fry with confidence!
Marinate: In a bowl, combine buttermilk, one egg, and a dash of Sriracha. Add the chicken and marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to 12 hours in the fridge. The longer it rests, the juicier it will be.
Coat: In one shallow dish, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. In another, spread out the panko breadcrumbs. Dredge chicken in flour mixture, then press firmly into panko to ensure the coating sticks.
Fry: Heat 2 inches of canola oil to 350°F in a deep skillet or Dutch oven. Test heat with a piece of pankoit should sizzle on contact. Fry chicken in batches for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and fully cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F).
Drizzle & Serve: In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce, and 1–2 teaspoons Sriracha (to taste). Toss freshly fried chicken in sauce or drizzle on top. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Step
Time
Marinate Chicken
15 minutes (minimum)
Coat with Breading
10 minutes
Fry Chicken
8–10 minutes
Drizzle & Serve
5 minutes
Troubleshooting & Pro Tips
Even easy recipes can run into hiccups. Here are some quick solutions and tricks for the best Bang Bang Chicken experience:
Chicken isn’t crispy: Ensure oil is fully heated. An instant-read thermometer or a sizzling breadcrumb test works best.
Breading falls off: Don’t skip the dredging steps! Also, press panko in firmly and avoid overcrowding the pan.
Too spicy: Start with less Sriracha; you can always add more. The sauce is super customizable!
Serving and Storing Bang Bang Chicken
This dish is definitely a crowd-pleaserbut if you do have leftovers, here’s how to store them to keep them tasty the next day:
Storage Method
How Long?
Reheating Tips
Refrigerator
Up to 3 days
Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 10–12 minutes; avoid the microwave to retain crunch
Freezer
Up to 2 months
Thaw in fridge overnight, then reheat in oven at 375°F until hot and crispy
Serving idea: Serve Bang Bang Chicken with a side of steamed jasmine rice, shredded cabbage slaw, or pop into warm tortillas for spicy chicken tacos. It also pairs beautifully with a crisp cucumber salad or garlic sautéed green beans.
Expert Insight: The Appeal of Bang Bang Chicken
Bang Bang Chicken perfectly balances creamy, spicy, and tangy flavors, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The secret lies in blending smooth mayonnaise with vibrant chili-based sauces to create a rich yet mellow coating. This brings out the golden crunch of the fried chicken without overwhelming iteach bite hits every taste bud just right.
For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Reddit!
Perfecting My Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
This Bang Bang Chicken recipe was a labor of love, refined through plenty of home testing. I remember tweaking the sauce for just the right balance of creamy and spicy, and experimenting with different breading combos. After lots of trial and taste tests, I landed on a version that’s indulgent and comfortingjust like my grandma would’ve made on a Sunday afternoon. It brings back those warm kitchen memories every time.
FAQs ( Bang Bang Chicken )
Wrapping Up Your Bang Bang Chicken Adventure
Bang Bang Chicken delivers crispy, golden goodness in about 30 minutesperfect for busy weeknights or laid-back family dinners. The tangy, creamy sauce pairs beautifully with that crunchy coating, making every bite a little celebration in your kitchen. Trust me, you’ll want to make this one again and again.
For a lighter version, try swapping mayonnaise for Greek yogurt, or add crushed peanuts or sesame seeds for a fun crunch. The leftovers reheat well in the oven, making this one of those rare fried dishes you’ll actually look forward to the next day!
Give this recipe a whirl and don’t forget to share your tweaks. I love hearing how you personalize these dishesespecially if it brings a new kitchen memory. Tag me on social and let’s savor every crispy, cozy bite together.
Yesica Andrews
Bang Bang Chicken: Easy, Delicious Recipe to Love
This Bang Bang Chicken recipe is an easy and delicious dish featuring crispy fried chicken tenderloins coated in a creamy, spicy, and sweet bang bang sauce, perfect for a quick meal.
In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey to make the bang bang sauce. Set aside.
Place the chicken tenderloins in a bowl with buttermilk, and let marinate for 10 minutes.
In another bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using.
Dip each chicken tenderloin into the flour mixture, then coat with panko breadcrumbs.
Heat canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Fry the chicken tenderloins until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Remove chicken and drain on paper towels.
Toss the fried chicken in the bang bang sauce or serve the sauce on the side.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
For extra crispy chicken, double coat with breadcrumbs. Adjust Sriracha amount to taste for desired spiciness. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
