Best Crispy Bang Bang Chicken: Sweet, Spicy, and Irresistibly Crunchy

If you’re looking for the ultimate combination of crispy, sweet, and spicy, Bang Bang Chicken is the answer! Coated in a perfectly crunchy crust and drizzled with a creamy, spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce, this dish is pure comfort food with a flavor-packed twist. Whether you’re recreating a restaurant favorite at home, trying out trendy TikTok chicken recipes, or looking for ways to master chicken tenderloin recipes in your air fryer, this dish is a must-try.

From weeknight dinners to party appetizers, Bang Bang Chicken is versatile and oh-so-satisfying. Whether you deep-fry, air-fry, or bake it, the golden crust and addictive sauce will have everyone reaching for seconds.

What is Bang Bang Chicken?

Originally inspired by food cart culture, Bang Bang Chicken is known for its tender chicken coated in a crispy crust and tossed or drizzled with a bold Bang Bang sauce. The sauce, made with a blend of mayo, sweet chili sauce, and a hint of spice, adds a signature creamy kick that pairs perfectly with the crispy chicken.

This dish works just as well as a meal served over rice or as a snackable appetizer. Whether you prefer frying or are curious about making chicken tenderloin in air fryer, this recipe is incredibly versatile.

Recipe: Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

Ingredients

Serves 4

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb chicken tenderloins (or boneless chicken breast, cut into strips)
• 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Vegetable oil, for frying (or cooking spray for air frying)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

1. Place the chicken tenderloins in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Let marinate for 20-30 minutes to tenderize the chicken.
2. In another bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.

2. Fry the Chicken

For Deep Frying:

1. Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating.
3. Fry the chicken in batches for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Transfer to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

For Air Frying:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Coat the chicken with the flour mixture as above. Spray both sides of the chicken generously with cooking spray.
3. Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between pieces. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden.

3. Make the Bang Bang Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth. Adjust the heat level by adding more sriracha if desired.

4. Serve

1. Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the crispy chicken or serve it on the side as a dip.
2. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color.

Why This Recipe Works

1. Crispy Chicken Breast Perfection: The combination of flour and cornstarch creates a light, crispy crust that stays crunchy even when topped with sauce.
2. Bold Bang Bang Sauce: The balance of creamy, sweet, and spicy flavors in the sauce makes it utterly addictive.
3. Versatile Cooking Methods: Whether you prefer the indulgence of deep-frying or the lighter touch of air frying, this recipe adapts beautifully.
4. Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and a fast cook time, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, parties, or when you’re craving a little indulgence.

Tips for the Best Bang Bang Chicken

1. Keep It Crispy: If frying in batches, place cooked chicken on a wire rack in a warm oven to stay crispy. Avoid stacking pieces, as this can make the crust soggy.
2. Marinate for Tenderness: Don’t skip the buttermilk marinade—it tenderizes the chicken and adds flavor.
3. Customize the Heat: Adjust the spice level of the Bang Bang sauce to your taste by adding more or less sriracha.
4. Serve Fresh: Bang Bang Chicken is best served immediately for maximum crunch.

Variations

1. Ninja Crispy Recipes: Use your Ninja air fryer to achieve crispy chicken with minimal oil—perfect for a healthier twist!
2. BBQ Chicken Bites Air Fryer: Swap the Bang Bang sauce for a tangy BBQ glaze for a whole new flavor profile.
3. Asian-Inspired: Add a dash of soy sauce or sesame oil to the sauce for an Asian twist.
4. Sweet and Spicy Recipes: Incorporate honey or brown sugar into the sauce for a sweeter flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• As a Main Course: Serve the chicken over steamed rice or noodles with a side of stir-fried veggies.
• Appetizer Style: Arrange on a platter with toothpicks and extra sauce for dipping—great for parties or game day!
• Food Cart Style: Wrap the chicken in tortillas with lettuce, slaw, and extra sauce for a street food-inspired meal.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is the ultimate combination of texture and flavor, perfect for satisfying cravings or impressing guests. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, experimenting with chicken tenderloin dinner recipes, or looking for fun new ideas for TikTok chicken recipes, this dish is sure to be a hit.

So grab your ingredients, whip up the iconic Bang Bang sauce, and get ready to enjoy a sweet, spicy, and crispy masterpiece that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!