Bang Bang Chicken is a crispy, juicy, and flavor-packed dish that pairs tender chicken with a sweet, spicy, and creamy sauce. With its golden panko crust and a bold kick from Sriracha and Thai sweet chili sauce, this crowd-pleasing recipe is perfect for family dinners, party platters, or even satisfying snack cravings.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1 cup mayonnaise

• ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce

• 1 tsp Sriracha (adjust for spice level)

• 2 tbsp honey

For the Chicken:

• 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins

• 1 cup buttermilk

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour

• ½ cup cornstarch

• 1 large egg (room temperature)

• 1 tbsp Sriracha

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp kosher salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)

• 2 cups plain panko breadcrumbs

• Canola oil (for frying)

• Chopped parsley (for garnish)

Directions

1. Make the Sauce:
   In a bowl, mix together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until smooth. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Marinade:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat. Let it marinate while you prepare the coating.

3. Bread the Chicken:
   Place panko breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Remove chicken from marinade, shake off excess, and coat each piece in panko, pressing gently so it adheres.

4. Fry the Chicken:
   Heat about 1 inch of canola oil in a large skillet to 365°F (185°C). Fry chicken in batches for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy. Ensure internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C). Drain on paper towels.

5. Coat with Sauce:
   Place fried chicken in a bowl, drizzle with Bang Bang Sauce, and toss gently until well coated.

6. Garnish and Serve:
   Transfer to a serving plate, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve warm.

Nutrients (estimated per serving, based on 4 servings)

• Calories: ~580 kcal

• Fat: ~38g

• Carbohydrates: ~32g

• Protein: ~30g

• Sugar: ~9g

• Fiber: ~1g

• Sodium: ~740mg

The Iconic Bang Bang Sauce

At the heart of this dish is the unforgettable Bang Bang sauce—a creamy, spicy, slightly sweet condiment that clings perfectly to each piece of chicken. The sauce is a blend of mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and a touch of honey. This combination creates layers of flavor: the chili sauce provides sweetness and gentle heat, the Sriracha brings a punch of spice, the honey adds depth, and the mayo pulls everything together into a smooth, luxurious texture.

This sauce isn’t just for chicken either—it’s incredibly versatile. Use it as a dip for fries, drizzle it over roasted veggies, or spread it on sandwiches and wraps. It’s easy to adjust, too: add more Sriracha for extra heat or a splash of lime juice for acidity. The beauty of Bang Bang sauce is its ability to complement a wide range of dishes, but it especially shines when paired with crunchy, hot fried chicken.

Crispy Chicken That Stays Crunchy

What sets this chicken apart is the triple-threat coating: a flavor-packed marinade, a sturdy panko crust, and a hot oil fry that locks everything into place. The marinade doubles as a tenderizer and flavor enhancer, thanks to the buttermilk, spices, and egg. Buttermilk works its magic by breaking down proteins, keeping the chicken juicy and tender even after frying.

The coating process involves dipping each marinated piece into panko breadcrumbs. Panko is essential here—not only does it provide a crispier finish than traditional breadcrumbs, but it also absorbs less oil, resulting in a lighter, crunchier bite. Frying the chicken at the right temperature (around 365°F or 185°C) ensures a golden, crispy exterior without overcooking the inside.

Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch, followed by the juicy, tender interior that makes this dish truly irresistible. The coating holds up well even after tossing in the sauce, maintaining texture without getting soggy—a key factor for successful Bang Bang Chicken.

A Fusion of Comfort and Heat

This dish takes inspiration from both American comfort food and Asian flavor profiles, blending them into something uniquely crave-worthy. The fried chicken offers classic satisfaction, while the Sriracha and chili sauce give it an unmistakable Asian-inspired twist. This fusion makes Bang Bang Chicken feel both familiar and exciting, appealing to a wide range of palates.

The spice level is easy to customize. As written, the sauce and marinade offer a moderate heat that most people can enjoy, but you can easily turn it up with more cayenne pepper, chili oil, or extra Sriracha. For a milder version, reduce or omit the cayenne and use a milder chili sauce. However you tailor it, the result remains bold, vibrant, and comforting all at once.

Ideal for Sharing or Meal Prep

Bang Bang Chicken isn’t just delicious—it’s practical. The dish can be scaled up or down depending on your needs, and it’s easy to prepare ahead. You can marinate the chicken and make the sauce a day in advance, then simply bread and fry the chicken when ready to serve. The crispy pieces reheat well in the oven or air fryer, making them great for meal prep or entertaining.

Serve the chicken as-is on a platter for a party, or pair it with a side of jasmine rice or noodles for a complete meal. Toss it into a salad for added crunch and protein, or wrap it in a tortilla with slaw and more Bang Bang sauce for a fiery, delicious wrap. The flexibility of this dish is one of its strongest assets—it can be adapted to suit nearly any occasion.

Serving Suggestions and Garnishes

Presentation can take Bang Bang Chicken to the next level. Once the chicken is tossed in sauce, sprinkle it with chopped parsley or green onions for a burst of color and freshness. A few slices of red chili or a drizzle of extra sauce can enhance both the visual appeal and the flavor. If you’re serving it as a starter or snack, arrange the chicken pieces on a platter with a ramekin of extra Bang Bang sauce for dipping.

Pair it with crisp coleslaw, pickled vegetables, or a fresh cucumber salad to cut through the richness and balance the heat. For a more filling plate, serve with rice, noodles, or even a side of mashed potatoes for a comforting twist. No matter how you serve it, Bang Bang Chicken never fails to impress.

Nutritional Snapshot and Indulgence Factor

This dish is undeniably indulgent—between the fried coating and the creamy sauce, it’s rich and satisfying. Each serving comes in at around 580 calories, with a generous portion of protein and fat. While it’s not an everyday meal for those watching their intake, it’s a fantastic choice for when you want to treat yourself or serve a dish that everyone will love.

There are ways to make it lighter if desired: air fry or bake the chicken instead of frying, use a light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt in the sauce, or reduce the amount of coating. That said, part of the charm of Bang Bang Chicken lies in its full-flavor, full-texture indulgence—it’s meant to be enjoyed and savored.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Chicken is the perfect blend of crispy, spicy, creamy, and sweet. It’s comfort food with flair, combining classic fried chicken with an unforgettable sauce that brings every bite to life. Whether you’re serving it as the main attraction at dinner, laying it out as part of a party spread, or sneaking a few crispy bites straight from the kitchen, this dish delivers on every level.

With its crunchy panko coating, juicy chicken, and bold Bang Bang sauce, it’s a dish that feels both familiar and fresh. Easy to make, endlessly versatile, and impossible to resist, Bang Bang Chicken is a recipe that deserves a permanent spot in your cooking rotation. It’s bold, it’s fun, and most importantly—it’s absolutely delicious.