Crispy Bang Bang Chicken – The Ultimate Crunchy, Saucy Delight

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If you’re a fan of crispy, crunchy, and flavor-packed chicken, then this Crispy Bang Bang Chicken recipe is for you! Think of it as the cooler, crunchier cousin of Bang Bang Shrimp, with tender, juicy chicken encased in a golden, crispy coating, then drizzled (or drenched!) in a sweet, spicy, and creamy Bang Bang sauce. Whether you serve it as an appetizer, a main dish, or a party snack, this dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

✔️ Crispy & Crunchy Perfection – Thanks to a buttermilk batter and panko breadcrumbs, this chicken delivers maximum crunch.
✔️ Sweet, Spicy, & Creamy Sauce – The Bang Bang sauce is the perfect blend of sweet chili, mayo, honey, and Sriracha.
✔️ Quick & Easy to Make – Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
✔️ Versatile Serving Options – Enjoy it as a main dish, in wraps, over rice, or in salads.
✔️ Air Fryer & Oven-Friendly – Fry, bake, or air-fry for a lighter version.

🍗 Ingredients for Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1 cup mayonnaise (use real mayo for the best texture)
• ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
• 1 teaspoon Sriracha (or more if you love extra heat)
• 2 tablespoons honey

For the Crispy Chicken:

• 1 ½ pounds chicken tenderloins (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, but recommended for extra kick)
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• Canola oil for frying (enough for a shallow fry)
• Chopped parsley for garnish

🔥 How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

1️⃣ Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce

• In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until smooth.
• Set aside (and try not to eat it all before the chicken is ready!).

2️⃣ Make the Crispy Chicken Batter

• In a medium bowl, whisk together buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne.
• The batter will look a little strange at first, but trust the process – it will give you that crispy, crunchy texture.

3️⃣ Coat the Chicken

• Toss the chicken pieces in the buttermilk mixture, ensuring each piece is well coated.
• Pour panko breadcrumbs onto a plate.
• One by one, shake off excess batter from each piece and roll it in panko, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks.

4️⃣ Fry the Chicken

• Heat about an inch of canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 365°F.
• Fry the chicken in batches (don’t overcrowd the pan) for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
• Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

5️⃣ Drizzle with Bang Bang Sauce & Serve

• Arrange the crispy chicken on a serving plate.
• Drizzle (or drench!) with the Bang Bang sauce.
• Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

🍽️ How to Serve Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

1. As an Appetizer

• Serve on a platter with extra Bang Bang sauce for dipping.
• Pair with celery sticks, carrot sticks, or cucumber slices.

2. In a Wrap

• Stuff the crispy chicken into a warm tortilla with shredded lettuce, avocado, and an extra drizzle of sauce.

3. Over Rice

• Serve over a bowl of steamed jasmine rice with a side of stir-fried veggies.

4. In a Salad

• Toss the crispy chicken into a fresh, crisp salad for added crunch and protein.

🔄 Air Fryer & Oven Instructions

Air Fryer Method:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F.
2. Arrange the breaded chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
3. Spray lightly with cooking oil spray.
4. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
5. Drizzle with Bang Bang sauce and enjoy!

Oven-Baked Method:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Place breaded chicken on a greased baking sheet.
3. Spray lightly with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
4. Bake for 20-22 minutes, flipping halfway through.
5. Drizzle with Bang Bang sauce and serve.

🏆 Tips for the Best Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

✅ Use Buttermilk for Extra Tenderness – It helps keep the chicken juicy inside.
✅ Don’t Skip the Cornstarch – It creates that extra light, crispy coating.
✅ Use Panko Breadcrumbs – They add the best crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs.
✅ Fry in Batches – Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain crispiness.
✅ Make It Spicier – Add more Sriracha or cayenne if you love heat!

❄️ How to Store & Reheat Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

Refrigerator:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Freezer:

• Freeze cooked chicken pieces for up to 6 months.

Reheating:

• Air Fryer: Reheat at 375°F for 4-5 minutes.
• Oven: Bake at 375°F for 10 minutes.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes.

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🍗 Try This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Tonight!

This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is the perfect combination of crunchy, juicy, and saucy, making it an instant favorite. Whether you’re making it for game day, a casual dinner, or meal prep, this easy homemade version will rival any restaurant-style Bang Bang Chicken!

🔥 Have you tried this recipe? Let us know how it turned out in the comments below! 🍗👇