If you’ve ever had one of those days where dinner feels like an impossible task, let me introduce you to my secret weapon: Bang Bang Chicken. Imagine crispy chicken tenders, golden on the outside, juicy on the inside, all tossed in a creamy, slightly spicy, slightly sweet chili sauce. Sounds like takeout, right? But here’s the good news—you can whip it up at home in just 30 minutes.
I love this dish because it checks all the boxes: it’s fast, family-friendly, and (let’s be honest) downright addictive. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters who usually only want nuggets or trying to spice things up for date night, Bang Bang Chicken delivers every single time. It’s the kind of comfort food that feels indulgent without requiring a culinary degree or a sink full of dirty pans.
So grab your apron and let’s make this saucy little superstar together—you might just discover your new weeknight obsession.
Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Chicken
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Crispy meets saucy: That dreamy crunch stays even under the creamy sauce.
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Flavor-packed: Sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey create the perfect balance of heat and sweet.
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Quick and easy: 30 minutes from start to finish.
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Crowd-pleasing comfort food: Great for family dinners, parties, or a Netflix-and-chill night.
Ingredients
For the Bang Bang Sauce
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1 cup mayonnaise
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½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
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1 tbsp hot sauce (Sriracha)
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2 tbsp honey or sugar
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Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Chicken
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1½ lb boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins
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¾ cup all-purpose flour
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½ cup cornstarch
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1 cup buttermilk
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1 large egg, room temp
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1 tbsp hot sauce (Sriracha)
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp paprika
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1 tsp salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
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2 cups plain panko breadcrumbs
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Oil for frying
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Chopped parsley, for garnish
How to Make Easy Bang Bang Chicken
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Make the sauce: Whisk together mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey. Adjust heat to taste and chill.
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Mix the batter: Combine buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, sriracha, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk smooth.
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Coat the chicken: Toss chicken tenderloins in the batter. Dredge each piece in panko breadcrumbs, pressing to coat.
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Fry to golden perfection: Heat oil in a deep skillet. Fry chicken in batches, 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.
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Sauce it up: Drain on paper towels, then drizzle or brush generously with Bang Bang sauce. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Chicken
Here’s the thing—frying chicken doesn’t have to be stressful. A few tricks go a long way:
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Test your oil temperature: Drop in a breadcrumb. If it sizzles instantly, you’re good to go. Too slow? Not hot enough. Burns in seconds? Too hot!
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Don’t overcrowd: Fry in small batches. Overcrowding drops the oil temperature, and suddenly you’ve got soggy chicken instead of crispy chicken tenders.
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Crispier = happier: Press those breadcrumbs on firmly. It keeps the coating intact and extra crunchy.
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Spice control: Love it mild? Cut the sriracha in half. Want spicy chicken that kicks? Add an extra tablespoon.
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Sauce on the side: For extra crunch lovers, serve the sauce separately for dipping instead of coating.
A Personal Touch from My Kitchen
The first time I made Bang Bang Chicken, it was honestly a little chaotic—kids running through the kitchen, my husband asking if I’d seen his socks (spoiler: I hadn’t), and me trying to juggle a hot pan. But the moment that crispy, saucy chicken hit the table? Silence. Actual silence. My teenagers, who usually argue over everything, were too busy inhaling the chicken to bicker. That’s when I knew this recipe was a keeper.
Now, it’s become our “Friday night tradition.” Sometimes I serve it with fries and a movie, other times I pop it on a salad to trick myself into thinking I’m being healthy. Either way, it’s the dish that brings my family together—and isn’t that what comfort food is all about?
What to Serve with Bang Bang Chicken
Bang Bang Chicken plays well with just about anything. Here are a few favorites:
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Classic combo: Fries or potato wedges (think pub-style basket meal).
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Lighter option: A crisp green salad with cucumbers and carrots—the sauce doubles as dressing!
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Asian-inspired sides: Steamed jasmine rice or garlic noodles balance the spicy chicken perfectly.
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Party vibes: Serve as bite-sized pieces with toothpicks—instant appetizer hit.
If you want to turn it into a meal-prep bowl, try pairing it with rice, roasted broccoli, and an extra drizzle of that addictive sweet chili sauce.
How to Store Bang Bang Chicken
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (rare in my house), here’s how to keep them tasty:
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Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate so the coating doesn’t go soggy.
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Reheat: Pop in the oven or air fryer at 375°F for about 8–10 minutes. The air fryer is your best friend here—it brings back that crunch like magic.
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Freezer: Freeze cooked, unsauced chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for 2 months. Reheat straight from frozen in the oven until hot and crispy.
FAQs About Bang Bang Chicken
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes! Place coated chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Spray with oil and bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes. Not as crispy as frying, but still delicious.
Can I use chicken breast or thighs instead of tenderloins?
Absolutely. Cut into strips or bite-sized chunks and follow the same steps.
Is this really spicy?
Not overly. The sweet chili sauce balances the heat, but if you’re sensitive, reduce the sriracha. For extra heat, add more hot sauce.
Can I make the sauce ahead?
Yes! The sauce keeps in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just give it a stir before using.
What oil is best for frying?
Neutral oils like canola, peanut, or vegetable oil are perfect. Avoid olive oil—it burns too quickly.
Final Bite of Comfort
At the end of the day, Bang Bang Chicken is the kind of recipe that reminds us why we love comfort food so much. It’s crispy, saucy, a little indulgent, and guaranteed to win over even the pickiest eater at your table. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, game night, or just treating yourself after a long day, this dish delivers flavor and happiness in every bite.
So go ahead—make it once, and I promise you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again. After all, a recipe that makes everyone at the table smile is one worth keeping on repeat.
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Print
Easy Bang Bang Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Bang Bang Chicken is a crispy, golden fried chicken tossed in a creamy, sweet, and slightly spicy chili sauce. This 30-minute recipe is a family-favorite comfort food that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, parties, or a fun Friday night treat. Its crunchy exterior, paired with the tangy-sweet sauce, makes it irresistible.
Ingredients
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
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1 cup mayonnaise
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½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
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1 tbsp Sriracha (hot sauce)
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2 tbsp honey or sugar
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Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Chicken:
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1½ lb boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins
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¾ cup all-purpose flour
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½ cup cornstarch
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1 cup buttermilk
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1 large egg, room temperature
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1 tbsp Sriracha (hot sauce)
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp paprika
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1 tsp salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
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2 cups plain panko breadcrumbs
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Oil for frying
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Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
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Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, salt, and pepper. Chill until ready.
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Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, whisk buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
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Coat the chicken: Dip chicken tenderloins into the batter, then dredge each in panko breadcrumbs, pressing firmly to adhere.
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Fry the chicken: Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
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Toss or drizzle: Coat fried chicken with Bang Bang sauce or serve the sauce on the side. Garnish with chopped parsley.
Notes
For less spice, reduce Sriracha in the sauce and batter.
To bake instead of fry: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes on a wire rack, sprayed with oil.
Store sauce separately to keep chicken crispy.
Air fry leftovers to bring back crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Deep-Frying (or Baking alternative)
- Cuisine: American Fusion