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Bang Bang Chicken

Featured in: Family-Friendly Dinners Everyone Will Love

Golden panko-crusted chicken paired with a sweet heat drizzle made of mayonnaise, Thai chili sauce, and Sriracha.

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Updated on Wed, 30 Apr 2025 15:57:25 GMT
Crispy, golden chicken on a plate with a drizzle of sauce and parsley garnish, plus a sauce bowl nearby. Pin it
Crispy, golden chicken on a plate with a drizzle of sauce and parsley garnish, plus a sauce bowl nearby. | cookingkitchn.com

These crispy chicken strips are insanely delicious! I developed this dish after attempting to recreate my favorite takeaway meal, and now my family constantly begs for it. The chicken turns out wonderfully crunchy outside yet moist inside, topped with this incredible tangy-sweet spicy glaze that'll make you wanna lick every finger!

What Makes This Special

The mix of crispy coating with that tangy-sweet glaze really stands out from other recipes. You can toss them in the air fryer, pop them in the oven, or fry them up - whatever suits your kitchen setup! And that sauce? You'll find yourself wanting to drizzle it on practically anything we certainly do!

Ingredients List

  • Chicken: Pick up those pre-cut tenderloins as they cook more evenly than home-sliced breast.
  • For The Sauce: Mayo, hot sauce and sweet chili sauce.
  • Buttermilk: This helps the chicken stay incredibly juicy.
  • Bread Crumbs: Look for the panko variety in the international food section.
  • Oil: Any neutral cooking oil will do the trick.

Cooking Steps

Getting Started
For maximum crunch, deep fry in hot oil. Got an air fryer handy? Just cook for 10 minutes at 400 degrees. Oven fans can bake at 425 degrees too!
Creating The Crunch
Soak in buttermilk then thoroughly coat with crumbs. Push the coating on firmly for complete coverage!
Whipping Up The Sauce
Combine your sauce ingredients starting with just a touch of spice - you can always bump it up later.
Finishing Touches
Once they're golden brown, drizzle that amazing sauce over them. Keep extra sauce nearby because everyone always wants more!

Quick Tricks

The buttermilk bath isn't optional - it totally transforms the texture! Keep an eye on your temperature regardless of cooking method. Need extra crunchiness? Go for a second coating! Make sure they aren't crowded during cooking or they won't crisp up properly.

A platter of crispy fried chicken wings garnished with parsley, accompanied by a small bowl of dipping sauce. Pin it
A platter of crispy fried chicken wings garnished with parsley, accompanied by a small bowl of dipping sauce. | cookingkitchn.com

Storage Notes

Ended up with extras? They'll keep nicely in your fridge for around 5 days. You can also stash them in the freezer if wrapped tightly. When reheating, choose the oven for crispiness - the microwave just makes them soft and disappointing.

Serving Ideas

We typically serve these atop a bed of rice smothered in sauce. They pair wonderfully with coleslaw or a fresh cucumber salad for balance. My children love taking them in wraps for their packed lunches. However you serve them, don't forget to bring along extra dipping sauce!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What’s the right frying oil temp?

Keep it around 365°F for the perfect crunch.

→ Can I make it less spicy?

Sure, just ease up on the Sriracha.

→ Why opt for buttermilk?

It makes the chicken juicier and keeps the crumbs on perfectly.

→ Is the sauce okay to prep early?

Yeah, refrigerate it for up to 3 days.

→ Can I skip frying and bake instead?

You can, but it won’t be as crunchy.

Bang Bang Chicken

Juicy chicken coated in crispy panko and drizzled with a sweet and spicy creamy sauce. A fan-favorite dish, done at home.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
6 Minutes
Total Time
26 Minutes
By: Sophia


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Fusion-Asian

Yield: 4 Servings (1)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 10 ounces chicken tenderloins.
02 1 cup of buttermilk.
03 3/4 cup all-purpose flour.
04 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
05 1 teaspoon Sriracha, divided.
06 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper.
07 1/2 teaspoon sea salt.
08 2 cups bread crumbs (panko).
09 A sprinkle of parsley to decorate.
10 1 large egg.
11 1/8 teaspoon cayenne (if you like).
12 1/2 cup chili sweet sauce (Thai style).
13 2 tablespoons honey.
14 1 cup regular mayonnaise.
15 1/2 cup cornstarch.
16 Oil for deep frying (canola or similar).

Instructions

Step 01

Stir the sauce ingredients together, keep handy.

Step 02

Combine buttermilk, egg, flour, starch, and spices in a bowl.

Step 03

Dip chicken into the batter mix.

Step 04

Roll the battered chicken in panko.

Step 05

Heat frying oil to 365°F.

Step 06

Cook each side 2-3 minutes until it hits 165°F inside.

Step 07

Set chicken on paper towels to dry.

Step 08

Toss chicken with sauce, sprinkle parsley over.

Notes

  1. Keep an eye on oil temperature.
  2. Don’t fry too many pieces at once.
  3. Adjust the spiciness of your sauce to taste.
  4. Serve hot for the best crunch.

Tools You'll Need

  • Wide frying pan.
  • Towels (paper).
  • Bowls for mixing.
  • Oil thermometer.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Eggs (from mayo and batter).
  • Gluten (in flour and panko).
  • Milk products (buttermilk).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 1415
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~