Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe You’ll Crave Again and Again

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There’s something magical about that moment when you sink your teeth into a piece of perfectly crispy chicken. It’s hot, crunchy, and then suddenly—boom—you get hit with that sweet, tangy heat from a creamy sauce that was clearly made in flavor heaven. That, right there, is the beauty of crispy Bang Bang chicken. And if you’ve ever found yourself scrolling through food reels at midnight, you know exactly what we’re talking about.

You’re here because you want to recreate that viral, lip-smacking experience in your own kitchen. Maybe you’re planning a casual dinner that still feels special, or maybe you want to wow some guests without spending hours on a complicated recipe. Either way, you’re in the right place.

This guide is going to walk you through every step to make your very own crispy Bang Bang chicken. We’ll show you how to get that addictive crunch, whip up the iconic sauce, and even give you tips on variations and pairings. By the end, you’ll be dishing out a plate that tastes like it came straight from a trendy food truck—but better, because you made it.

What is Bang Bang Chicken? (With a Crispy Twist)

A Little Background

Bang Bang chicken started as a mild, poached dish in Sichuan cuisine, traditionally served cold with a sesame-based sauce. But the version that made waves across the internet? That’s a whole different game. It’s hot, fried, bold, and smothered in a creamy chili sauce that makes your taste buds stand up and cheer. Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Baked Spinach Mushroom Quesadillas

Why It’s So Popular

You’ve seen it all over TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest. That dramatic crunch. The vibrant orange-pink sauce dripping off perfectly golden tenders. It’s the kind of meal that grabs attention. But it’s more than just pretty—the combination of textures and flavors hits every pleasure point:

• Crunchy outside, juicy inside
• Creamy and spicy, yet sweet and tangy
• Easy enough for a weeknight, impressive enough for guests

Now that you know the hype, it’s time to dive in.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

Bang Bang Sauce Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount
Mayonnaise	1 cup
Thai sweet chili sauce	1/2 cup
Sriracha	1 tsp
Honey	2 tbsp

Crispy Chicken Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount
Chicken tenderloins	1.5 lbs
Buttermilk	1 cup
All-purpose flour	3/4 cup
Cornstarch	1/2 cup
Egg (room temp)	1 large
Sriracha	1 tbsp
Garlic powder	1/2 tsp
Kosher salt	1/2 tsp
Black pepper	1/4 tsp
Cayenne pepper (optional)	1/8 tsp
Panko breadcrumbs	2 cups
Canola oil (for frying)	As needed
Fresh parsley (for garnish)	To taste

Pantry Notes

• You can swap Greek yogurt for mayo if you want a lighter sauce.
• No Thai chili sauce? Mix honey with a splash of vinegar and red pepper flakes.
• Cornstarch gives that essential crispiness—don’t skip it.

How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken – Step-by-Step

Step 1 – Whisk Up the Iconic Bang Bang Sauce

Grab a small bowl. Add your mayo, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Whisk until smooth. Pop it into the fridge while you prep the chicken—this gives it time to thicken and mellow.

Step 2 – Create the Flavor-Packed Batter

In a medium bowl, mix your buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Whisk until everything’s smooth and creamy. Toss in the chicken tenderloins and make sure they’re fully submerged. Let them sit for 10–15 minutes.

Step 3 – Coat with Panko for Ultimate Crunch

Pour your panko into a wide, shallow dish. Take each tenderloin from the batter, let the excess drip off, and press into the breadcrumbs. Coat evenly. Don’t rush this—that coating is key to getting the crunch you want.

Step 4 – Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat about 1 inch of canola oil in a skillet over medium-high. You’re aiming for 365°F. Fry the chicken in small batches, about 2–3 minutes per side. Let them go golden brown and crispy. Make sure the inside hits 165°F.

Step 5 – Drain, Drizzle, and Serve

Lay the chicken on paper towels to drain. Then either toss it all in the sauce or drizzle over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley for that final, fresh touch.

Recipe Tips for the Crispiest Bang Bang Chicken Every Time

Frying Tips

• Use a thermometer to keep the oil steady.
• Don’t crowd the pan or the temp will drop.
• Always let fried chicken rest for 2–3 minutes before serving.

Coating Tips

• Wet hand/dry hand method: one hand dips, the other coats.
• For extra crunch, double coat with panko.

Sauce Tips

• Chill your sauce to thicken it up.
• Add a splash of lime juice for extra zing.

Delicious Serving Ideas for Bang Bang Chicken

Appetizer Style

• Serve on a platter with toothpicks and sauce on the side.
• Sprinkle with sesame seeds for flair.

Make it a Meal

• Serve over jasmine rice with steamed broccoli.
• Drizzle sauce across everything for full flavor.

Sandwiches and Wraps

• Add to a brioche bun with lettuce and slaw.
• Roll into a tortilla for a quick lunch wrap.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F until crispy.
• Avoid microwaving—it kills the crunch.

Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Nutrition Info (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	450 kcal
Protein	~30g
Carbs	~35g
Fat	~20g
Fiber	~1g

Variations to Try Next

Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken

• Prep the same, but air fry at 400°F for 12–15 minutes.
• Flip halfway for even browning.

Bang Bang Shrimp or Cauliflower

• Use the same batter and sauce.
• Fry shrimp for 2 minutes or roast cauliflower at 425°F.

Gluten-Free Version

• Swap flour for rice flour or a GF blend.
• Use gluten-free panko.

FAQs About Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

What makes Bang Bang Chicken so crispy?

The mix of cornstarch, flour, and panko creates a triple threat that locks in crunch.

Can I make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken ahead of time?

Yes—fry it up and store it, but wait to add the sauce until serving.

Is Bang Bang Chicken spicy?

It’s got a mild kick, but you control the heat with the Sriracha.

Can I bake Bang Bang Chicken instead of frying?

Absolutely. Use a wire rack and bake at 425°F for crispier results.

What should I serve with Crispy Bang Bang Chicken?

Steamed rice, Asian-style slaw, or even a cool cucumber salad work great.

Final Thoughts – Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

You’ve just unlocked a go-to recipe that delivers on every level: texture, flavor, ease, and wow-factor. Whether you’re feeding the fam, impressing guests, or just treating yourself, crispy Bang Bang chicken checks all the boxes.

Ready to bring this beauty to life? Head to the kitchen and make your own batch today—then share your crispy creation with someone who deserves to taste greatness.

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