Golden Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

When I was younger, my mom had this tradition of making crispy fried chicken on Friday nights. She never called it “Bang Bang Chicken,” but the ritual of dipping juicy chicken into a creamy, spicy sauce is a memory etched in my mind. Fast forward a few years, and I found myself craving that crunch but wanting something a little more modern and playful.

The first time I experimented with Bang Bang sauce, I almost laughed at how simple it was: mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey. Just four pantry staples created a creamy, sweet, spicy, and utterly addictive sauce that clung to every golden bite.

I remember standing at the stove, oil popping, the breadcrumbs turning this irresistible shade of gold, and feeling like I had just discovered magic. By the time I drizzled the sauce over the crispy chicken, I knew I had found my new weeknight obsession. It’s playful, indulgent, and perfect for those nights when you need a little comfort with a kick.

Short Description

Golden Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is tender, juicy chicken coated in a crunchy breadcrumb crust, fried to perfection, and tossed in a creamy sweet spicy Bang Bang sauce. A true crowd-pleaser that’s simple yet impressive.

Key Ingredients

• 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 2 cups plain panko breadcrumbs
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
• Canola oil, for frying

For the Bang Bang Sauce

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
• 4 tsp sriracha (adjust to heat preference)
• 2 tbsp honey

Tools Needed

• Large mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Tongs
• Deep skillet or Dutch oven for frying
• Wire rack or paper towels for draining
• Meat thermometer

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Place chicken tenderloins in a bowl. Pour in the buttermilk, crack in the egg, and whisk to coat. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes to tenderize the chicken.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating
In another bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, cayenne, and garlic powder. Stir well. Place panko breadcrumbs in a separate shallow dish.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken
Remove chicken from the buttermilk mixture, shaking off excess. Dredge in the flour mixture, then press into panko breadcrumbs until fully coated. Place on a tray while you prepare the oil.

Step 4: Heat the Oil
Pour canola oil into a deep skillet or Dutch oven until it’s about 2 inches deep. Heat to 350°F. Use a thermometer to keep oil steady.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken
Fry chicken in batches for 4–6 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Avoid overcrowding the pan. Transfer to a wire rack to drain and keep crisp.

Step 6: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth and glossy.

Step 7: Toss and Serve
Place crispy chicken in a large bowl. Drizzle with Bang Bang sauce and toss gently to coat. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy enough for weeknights but fancy enough for guests.

Crunchy golden coating that stays crisp even after saucing.

Sweet, spicy, creamy sauce that hits every taste bud.

Simple ingredients you probably already have at home.

Versatile serve as an appetizer, main, or party platter.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Mistake 1: Soggy coating
Solution: Drain chicken on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep the crust crispy.

Mistake 2: Undercooked chicken
Solution: Always check with a thermometer (165°F is the safe zone).

Mistake 3: Bland chicken
Solution: Season both the flour mixture and breadcrumbs, not just the sauce.

Mistake 4: Sauce making chicken soggy
Solution: Toss chicken with sauce only right before serving, or serve sauce on the side.

Mistake 5: Greasy results
Solution: Keep oil at a steady 350°F. Too low and the chicken absorbs oil, too high and it burns.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve as a main dish with jasmine rice or roasted vegetables.

Turn into sliders by tucking crispy chicken into buns with lettuce.

Perfect for game day with celery sticks and ranch on the side.

Pair with a crisp lager, iced tea, or sparkling water with lime.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Reheat in an air fryer at 375°F for 5–6 minutes to restore crispiness.

Avoid microwaving, as it makes the coating soggy.

FAQs

1. Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes. Place breaded chicken on a greased baking sheet, spray with oil, and bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.

2. Can I use chicken breast instead of tenderloins?
Absolutely. Cut chicken breast into strips or bite-sized chunks.

3. How spicy is Bang Bang sauce?
Mild to medium. Adjust sriracha for more heat.

4. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, store in the fridge up to 3 days. Stir before using.

5. Can I freeze fried chicken?
Yes. Freeze breaded, cooked chicken in a single layer, then store in freezer bags. Reheat in the oven or air fryer.

Tips & Tricks

Double coat chicken (flour → buttermilk → flour again) for extra crunch.

Let breaded chicken rest for 10 minutes before frying to help coating stick.

Add a splash of lime juice to the sauce for brightness.

Fry in small batches to keep oil temperature steady.

Recipe Variations

Air Fryer Version: Spray breaded chicken with oil and cook in an air fryer at 375°F for 12–15 minutes until golden and cooked through.

Extra Spicy: Add more cayenne to the flour mix and increase sriracha in the sauce.

Lighter Option: Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a tangy, lighter sauce.

Asian Twist: Add sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds to the sauce for nutty depth.

Final Thoughts

Golden Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is the kind of recipe that transforms an ordinary weeknight into something unforgettable. The crunch is loud enough to hear, the sauce is addictive enough to lick the bowl, and the ease of preparation makes it one of those dishes you’ll find yourself making over and over.

For me, it brings back the joy of family-style fried chicken nights but with a playful, modern spin. There’s comfort in the crispiness, excitement in the sauce, and satisfaction in knowing you created something both beautiful and delicious at home.