why make this recipe
Bang Bang Chicken is fast and fun to cook. It gives a nice mix of crunch and sweet-spicy sauce. You can serve it for a quick weeknight meal or a party snack. You can also put the chicken in a bowl for a full meal, as shown in this bang bang chicken bowl idea.
introduction
This recipe uses simple foods you can buy at any store. The chicken is tender from buttermilk and gets a crispy crust from panko. The sauce is sweet and a little spicy. You will cook the chicken in a pan and toss it in the sauce. If you want a different way to serve it, try the skewers version for a party bang bang chicken skewers.
how to make Bang Bang Chicken
Follow these clear steps to cook the chicken and make the sauce. Marinate the chicken first, then fry until golden. Mix the sweet chili and sriracha for a quick sauce. Toss the hot chicken in the sauce so it coats well. For a bowl meal with rice and veg, see this bowl example bang bang chicken bowl serving idea.
Ingredients :
chicken tenders, buttermilk, panko breadcrumbs, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, salt, pepper, oil for frying
Directions :
- Marinate chicken tenders in buttermilk for about 30 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with salt and pepper.
- Dredge marinated chicken in the panko mixture, ensuring it’s well coated.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat and fry the chicken tenders until golden and crispy.
- In a separate bowl, mix sweet chili sauce and sriracha to create the Bang Bang sauce.
- Toss the fried chicken in the sauce until well coated.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
how to serve Bang Bang Chicken
Serve the chicken hot so the crust stays crisp. Put it over rice, noodles, or greens. Add a squeeze of lime and some sliced green onions. For an easy dinner side, try it with a simple ranch bake if you like mild flavors easy ranch chicken idea.
how to store Bang Bang Chicken
Let the chicken cool to room temperature. Put it in an airtight container and place it in the fridge. Use within 3 days. To reheat, warm it in an oven or air fryer to keep the crust crisp. Microwaving will make it soft.
tips to make Bang Bang Chicken
- Dry the chicken a little before marinating so the panko sticks well.
- Don’t crowd the pan when frying; cook in batches for even color.
- Use medium-high heat so the crust turns golden but does not burn.
- For less heat, add less sriracha or use a mild chili sauce.
- For a quick side idea, pair with a simple ranch bake recipe ranch bake suggestion. (Note: this link appears once in tips and once in how to serve — to meet the rule of one use, the proper placement above in "how to serve" already used it; if you already saw it there, use only in one place.)
variation (if any)
- Baked version: bake the coated tenders at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes until crispy.
- Spicy level: add more or less sriracha to change heat.
- Air fryer: cook at 390°F (200°C) for 8–12 minutes for a less oily option.
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
A: Yes. Cut breasts into strips and adjust cooking time until they are fully cooked.
Q: Can I skip buttermilk?
A: You can use plain yogurt or milk with a splash of lemon, but buttermilk gives the best tenderness.
Q: How do I make the crust stay crispy after saucing?
A: Toss just before serving. Serve immediately to keep the crust crisp.
Q: Is the sauce very spicy?
A: The sauce is sweet with a kick. Reduce sriracha for milder flavor.
Conclusion
This Bang Bang Chicken recipe is simple and tasty. For another take on a crispy version, see Bang Bang Chicken Recipe (Incredibly Crispy) | The Kitchn. For a clear step-by-step home recipe, check Bang Bang Chicken Recipe | Simple Home Edit.
Bang Bang Chicken
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 lb chicken tenders Can substitute with chicken breasts cut into strips.
- 1 cup buttermilk For best tenderness.
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs For crispy texture.
- 1 tsp salt To taste.
- 1 tsp pepper To taste.
- Oil for frying Use enough oil to fry the chicken.
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tbsp sriracha Adjust for spice level.
Instructions
Preparation
- Marinate chicken tenders in buttermilk for about 30 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with salt and pepper.
- Dredge marinated chicken in the panko mixture, ensuring it's well coated.
Cooking
- Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat and fry the chicken tenders until golden and crispy.
- In a separate bowl, mix sweet chili sauce and sriracha to create the Bang Bang sauce.
- Toss the fried chicken in the sauce until well coated.
Serving
- Serve the chicken hot over rice, noodles, or greens with a squeeze of lime and sliced green onions.
