Bangbang Chicken Recipe

The Zesty Bangbang Chicken Recipe Everyone Loves

Crispy, tender, and bursting with flavor, this bangbang chicken recipe delivers a mouthwatering explosion of taste that will make your taste buds dance.

Originating from the vibrant culinary landscape of Sichuan, China, this dish blends spicy, tangy, and savory notes into a perfect harmony.

The sauce is the real star, coating each succulent piece of chicken with a delightful punch of heat and zest.

Chefs love this recipe for its simplicity and bold flavors that can transform an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Fresh ingredients and a few key spices are all you need to create this restaurant-quality dish at home.

Prepare to savor every single bite of this irresistible bangbang chicken that promises to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.

Crispy Spicy Chicken Strips: Why They’re a Must-Try

  • Spice Up Your Meal: Unleash a flavor explosion with these crispy, fiery chicken strips that pack a serious punch of heat and crunch.
  • Quick Kitchen Win: Whip up restaurant-quality chicken in minimal steps, perfect for busy home cooks craving a delicious, satisfying meal.
  • Customizable Comfort: Easily adjust spice levels to suit everyone's taste, making this recipe a crowd-pleasing option for family dinners or casual gatherings.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer: Ideal for game nights, potlucks, or casual get-togethers where people want something exciting and shareable.

Everything Needed for Crispy Spicy Chicken Strips

Proteins:
  • Chicken Strips: Tender white meat perfect for creating crispy, spicy appetizer or main dish.
Coating and Breading Ingredients:
  • Panko Breadcrumbs: Lightweight Japanese-style crumbs that create an extra crispy exterior.
  • Flour, Cornstarch: Combination provides a light, crisp coating for the chicken.
Wet Ingredients and Seasonings:
  • Buttermilk, Egg: Help create a thick batter that helps breading stick to chicken.
  • Mayonnaise, Sweet Chili Sauce, Sriracha, Honey: Create a tangy, sweet, and spicy sauce for coating the chicken.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the chicken.
Garnish:
  • Parsley: Fresh herb that adds color and a light herbal note to the finished dish.

Directions for Crispy Spicy Chicken Strips

Step 1: Craft Flavor-Packed Sauce

Blend together a tangy sauce by combining mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and a drizzle of honey in a mixing bowl.

Whisk until smooth and set aside for later use.

Step 2: Create Signature Batter

In a large bowl, mix buttermilk, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, a beaten egg, Sriracha, and your favorite seasonings.

The key is to create a thick, clingy batter that will help the breading stick perfectly.

Submerge chicken strips completely in this magical mixture, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.

Step 3: Develop Crispy Coating

Transfer the batter-covered chicken to a plate filled with panko breadcrumbs.

Press each strip firmly into the breadcrumbs, making sure every inch gets a generous crispy layer.

Gently shake off excess crumbs to prevent burning during frying.

Step 4: Prepare Sizzling Oil Bath

Select a large skillet and pour in vegetable oil, creating a depth of about one inch.

Heat the oil until it reaches a precise 365°F.

Use a cooking thermometer to ensure the perfect temperature for golden, crispy results.

Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection

Carefully lower the breaded chicken strips into the hot oil.

Cook in small batches to maintain oil temperature.

Fry each side for 2-3 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown.

Use tongs to gently turn the strips, ensuring even cooking.

Step 6: Final Touch and Serve

Remove the chicken strips and let them drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

While still hot, toss the strips in the prepared sauce, coating them generously.

Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Serve immediately for maximum crunch and enjoyment.

Chicken Strip Tips for Maximum Crunch

  • Press panko breadcrumbs firmly onto chicken to create an extra crunchy exterior that locks in moisture and flavor.
  • Adjust Sriracha amount in batter and sauce to match your personal heat tolerance, making the dish mild or fiery.
  • Use a thermometer to keep oil consistently at 365F, ensuring even cooking and preventing greasy chicken strips.
  • Mix sauce ingredients gradually, tasting as you combine to achieve the ideal sweet-spicy harmony.
  • Let fried chicken strips drain on paper towels for a minute to remove excess oil and maintain crispy texture.

Recipe Options for Spicy Chicken Strips

  • Gluten-Free Chicken Strips: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Use cornstarch as a binder and swap panko for gluten-free crispy coating.
  • Baked Healthier Version: Skip deep-frying and bake chicken strips on a wire rack at 425F. Spray with olive oil for extra crispiness and reduce overall oil content.
  • Veggie Protein Alternative: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or cauliflower florets. Maintain same marinade and breading technique for plant-based protein option.
  • Lower-Spice Family Edition: Reduce Sriracha in batter and sauce. Add mild paprika instead for gentle warmth. Use honey mustard as an alternative dipping sauce for kids.

How to Serve Crispy Spicy Chicken Strips

  • Party Platter Perfection: Arrange crispy chicken strips on a large wooden board with small dipping sauce bowls for easy sharing during game nights or casual gatherings.
  • Meal Companions: Serve alongside creamy coleslaw, crisp french fries, or fresh corn on the cob to create a balanced and satisfying meal that pleases everyone.
  • Spicy Salad Topper: Slice chicken strips and scatter over mixed greens with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of the sweet chili sauce for a protein-packed lunch option.
  • Quick Sandwich Hack: Stuff the chicken strips into soft brioche buns with extra sauce, lettuce, and pickles for a gourmet-style chicken sandwich that beats fast food any day.

Storage Guide for Spicy Chicken Strips

  • Store crispy chicken strips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping their delicious flavor intact.
  • Warm strips in the oven at 350F for 10 minutes to restore crispiness, avoiding microwave to prevent soggy texture.
  • Wrap cooled chicken strips individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze up to 2 months for quick future meals.
  • Keep the spicy sauce separately in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining its zesty kick.

FAQs

  • What makes these chicken strips crispy?

The combination of buttermilk batter and panko breadcrumbs creates an ultra-crispy exterior that stays crunchy even after saucing.

  • Can I make these chicken strips less spicy?

Reduce or eliminate Sriracha in both the batter and sauce to lower the heat level while maintaining great flavor.

  • Do I need a deep fryer for this recipe?

No, you can use a large skillet with about 1 inch of oil and a thermometer to maintain the correct frying temperature of 365F.

  • How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165F, which ensures the chicken is safe to eat and perfectly cooked.

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Bangbang Chicken Recipe

Bangbang Chicken Recipe


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4.8 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sichuan’s spicy bang bang chicken delivers a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate with bold, zesty charm. Crisp shredded chicken dressed in a fiery chili sauce promises a delightful culinary adventure you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

  • 1.5 pounds (680 grams) chicken tenderloins

Batter and Coating Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (245 grams) buttermilk
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup (94 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (64 grams) cornstarch
  • 2 cups (216 grams) plain panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon Sriracha
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Sauce and Seasoning:

  • 1 cup (232 grams) mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup (132 grams) Thai sweet chili sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon Sriracha, plus more to taste
  • Canola oil for frying

Instructions

  1. Prepare a zesty sauce by blending mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey in a mixing bowl until smooth and well combined.
  2. Create a flavorful batter by whisking buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, and selected seasonings until completely integrated.
  3. Submerge chicken pieces into the prepared batter, ensuring each strip is thoroughly coated with the mixture.
  4. Transfer batter-covered chicken strips to a plate generously sprinkled with panko breadcrumbs, pressing firmly to help crumbs adhere completely to the surface.
  5. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet to 365°F, maintaining a consistent temperature for optimal frying.
  6. Carefully lower breaded chicken strips into hot oil, working in batches to prevent overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
  7. Fry chicken strips for 2-3 minutes per side, rotating once, until they achieve a golden-brown exterior and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
  8. Remove fried chicken strips and place on paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and maintain crispiness.
  9. Gently toss warm chicken strips in prepared sauce, ensuring even coating and maximum flavor absorption.
  10. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish and serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Notes

  • Customize Heat Level Adjust Sriracha quantity to control spiciness, making the dish milder or more intense based on personal preference.
  • Gluten-Free Alternative Replace wheat flour with rice flour or gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising crispy texture.
  • Baking Option For healthier version, bake chicken strips at 425F on wire rack for 15-20 minutes, spraying with cooking oil to achieve golden crispiness.
  • Marinading Technique Soak chicken in buttermilk mixture overnight to enhance tenderness and develop deeper flavor profile before coating and frying.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 46g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 23g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg
Nathaniel Brooks

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques. ​


Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

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