This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is the perfect balance of crunch, spice, and creamy sweetness! Each piece of juicy chicken is coated in a crispy, golden-brown breading, then tossed in a mouthwatering Bang Bang sauce—a creamy, sweet, and spicy blend of mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Whether you serve it as an appetizer, snack, or main course, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken tenders (or boneless chicken breast cut into strips)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust for heat preference)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For Garnish (Optional):
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
- Extra sweet chili sauce for dipping
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Add the chicken tenders, making sure they are fully coated. Cover and let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight for extra juiciness).
Step 2: Prepare the Breading
- In one shallow bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, and baking powder.
- In a second bowl, whisk eggs and water together.
- In a third bowl, add panko breadcrumbs.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
- Remove chicken from marinade and let excess drip off.
- Coat each piece in the flour mixture, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally, coat with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F or 75°C).
- Transfer to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, sriracha, vinegar, and garlic powder.
- Taste and adjust spice levels if needed.
Step 6: Toss & Serve
- Toss the crispy fried chicken in the Bang Bang sauce, or drizzle it on top.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and serve immediately with extra dipping sauce.
Conclusion & Tips
- Extra Crispy? Double dip in the egg and panko for a thicker, crunchier coating.
- Air Fryer Version: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Oven-Baked Option: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with coleslaw, fries, or steamed rice for a complete meal.
This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is a crowd-pleasing, flavor-packed dish that’s both crunchy and creamy with a spicy kick. Perfect for game nights, parties, or a fun weeknight dinner!