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Bang Bang Chicken is a dish that effortlessly blends crunch, spice, and creaminess into one irresistible bite. While the name might sound playful, the flavors in this dish are serious business. This Westernized version takes inspiration from traditional Sichuan Bang Bang Chicken but gives it a crispy, golden-fried twist. The real magic happens when these crunchy chicken tenders are tossed in the signature Bang Bang Sauce—a perfect balance of creamy, spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors.
Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, game-day snack, or a main dish, Bang Bang Chicken never fails to impress. In this guide, we’ll dive deep into what makes this dish special, tips for getting it just right, side dishes to serve with it, and common questions to help you master this recipe.
The History Behind Bang Bang Chicken
The original Bang Bang Chicken (Bàng Bàng Jī, 棒棒鸡) comes from Sichuan cuisine, where it is traditionally prepared using poached chicken that is shredded and coated in a spicy sesame sauce. The name “Bang Bang” originates from the wooden batons (棒, “bàng”) used to tenderize the chicken before shredding it.
However, the version we know today is a modern American fusion dish that swaps poached chicken for crispy, breaded tenders and replaces the traditional Sichuan sauce with a mayonnaise-based, spicy-sweet Bang Bang Sauce. This transformation has made Bang Bang Chicken a favorite in Western restaurants, particularly in Asian fusion and seafood chains.
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Why Bang Bang Chicken is So Popular
1. The Ultimate Texture Combination
One of the biggest reasons for Bang Bang Chicken’s popularity is the perfect contrast of textures:
- Crispy, golden-brown breading on the outside
- Juicy, tender chicken on the inside
- Creamy, spicy sauce that clings to every bite
2. A Sauce That Steals the Show
The Bang Bang Sauce is what makes this dish unforgettable. The balance of creamy mayo, sweet Thai chili sauce, fiery Sriracha, and honey creates a sauce that is both comforting and exciting.
3. A Crowd-Pleaser for Every Occasion
Bang Bang Chicken works for any setting:
- As an appetizer – Serve with toothpicks at a party.
- As a main course – Pair with rice, noodles, or vegetables.
- As a game-day snack – A fun alternative to wings.
4. Versatile and Customizable
This dish is highly adaptable, making it perfect for home cooks who like to experiment. You can:
- Adjust the spice level – Add more or less Sriracha or cayenne.
- Make it healthier – Air fry or bake instead of deep frying.
- Swap the protein – Try shrimp, tofu, or cauliflower instead of chicken.
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
For the Crispy 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)
- 2 cups plain panko breadcrumbs
- Canola oil (for frying)
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken
Step 1: Whisk Up the Bang Bang Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until smooth.
- Cover and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Marinade
- In a medium bowl, whisk together buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne until smooth.
- Add chicken tenderloins, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Let marinate for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken for Maximum Crunch
- Place panko breadcrumbs on a plate.
- Remove each chicken tender from the marinade and coat evenly with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure adhesion.
Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection
- Heat canola oil in a skillet over medium-high heat to 365°F.
- Fry chicken tenders in batches for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 5: Sauce It Up!
- Transfer fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Toss the crispy chicken tenders in the Bang Bang Sauce until evenly coated.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Nutritional Breakdown
- Calories: ~350 per serving
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
Secrets to the Crispiest Chicken
The key to perfect Bang Bang Chicken is achieving a crispy, golden crust that stays crunchy even after tossing in the sauce. Here’s how to do it:
1. Use Buttermilk for Tenderness
Marinating the chicken in buttermilk not only adds flavor but also helps break down proteins, making the chicken incredibly juicy and tender.
2. The Right Coating for Maximum Crunch
A combination of flour, cornstarch, and panko breadcrumbs creates the crispiest coating. The cornstarch helps absorb moisture and adds lightness, while panko provides extra crunch.
3. Maintain the Perfect Oil Temperature
For deep frying, keep the oil at 365°F (185°C). If the oil is too cold, the breading will absorb excess oil and become soggy. Too hot, and the outside burns before the inside cooks.
4. Let the Chicken Rest Before Frying
After coating the chicken, let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This helps the breading set and prevents it from falling off during frying.
5. Drain Properly for Crispiness
Instead of placing fried chicken on paper towels, use a wire rack to drain excess oil while keeping the crust intact.
6. Toss in Sauce Just Before Serving
If you toss the chicken in the sauce too early, it will become soggy. Coat it right before serving to maintain the crunch.
What to Serve with Bang Bang Chicken
Bang Bang Chicken is incredibly versatile, so the right side dishes can complement its bold flavors while making it a more complete meal.
1. Jasmine Rice
The subtle aroma and fluffy texture of steamed jasmine rice provide a neutral base to balance the rich flavors of Bang Bang Chicken.
2. Asian-Style Cucumber Salad
A cool, refreshing cucumber salad with sesame-soy dressing cuts through the richness of the fried chicken and adds a crisp contrast.
3. Garlic Butter Noodles
A simple but delicious side dish—buttery, garlicky noodles pair perfectly with the spicy Bang Bang sauce.
4. Sweet Potato Fries
The sweetness of crispy sweet potato fries complements the spicy, tangy sauce beautifully.
5. Sesame Green Beans
Quickly stir-fried with sesame oil and garlic, these green beans add color, crunch, and a touch of umami.
6. Pickled Vegetables
Tangy pickled carrots, radishes, and onions help balance the heat and richness of Bang Bang Chicken.
7. Fried Rice
A classic choice—fried rice with peas, carrots, and scrambled eggs makes Bang Bang Chicken a hearty meal.
8. Spicy Asian Slaw
A mix of shredded cabbage, carrots, and a spicy peanut dressing pairs well with the creamy Bang Bang sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Bang Bang Chicken Spicy?
It has a mild to medium heat level from the Sriracha and cayenne. If you prefer a spicier dish, add extra Sriracha or red pepper flakes.
2. Can I Make Bang Bang Chicken in an Air Fryer?
Yes! To air fry:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Spray the breaded chicken lightly with oil.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
3. Can I Bake Instead of Fry?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
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4. How Do I Store Leftovers?
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze uncooked breaded chicken for up to 3 months.
5. How Should I Reheat Bang Bang Chicken?
- Oven: Bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes.
- Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F for 5-6 minutes.
- Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
6. What’s the Best Protein Substitute?
You can replace the chicken with shrimp, tofu, cauliflower, or even mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly version.
7. Can I Make the Sauce in Advance?
Yes! Store Bang Bang Sauce in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
Final Thoughts: Why You Need to Try This Recipe
Bang Bang Chicken is a dish that delivers everything you want in a single bite—crispy, juicy, spicy, creamy, and slightly sweet. Whether you’re making it for family dinner, game day, or meal prep, this dish is always a hit.
By following the tips and techniques outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to achieve restaurant-quality Bang Bang Chicken at home. So grab your apron, heat up the oil (or air fryer), and get ready to enjoy one of the most irresistible crispy chicken dishes ever!