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
Everything Needed for Crispy Spicy Chicken Strips
Proteins:Coating and Breading Ingredients:Wet Ingredients and Seasonings:Garnish: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
Recipe Options for Spicy Chicken Strips
How to Serve Crispy Spicy Chicken Strips
Storage Guide for Spicy Chicken Strips
FAQs
The combination of buttermilk batter and panko breadcrumbs creates an ultra-crispy exterior that stays crunchy even after saucing.
Reduce or eliminate Sriracha in both the batter and sauce to lower the heat level while maintaining great flavor.
No, you can use a large skillet with about 1 inch of oil and a thermometer to maintain the correct frying temperature of 365F.
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165F, which ensures the chicken is safe to eat and perfectly cooked.
Print
Bangbang Chicken Recipe
- 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
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
- Prepare a zesty sauce by blending mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey in a mixing bowl until smooth and well combined.
- Create a flavorful batter by whisking buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, and selected seasonings until completely integrated.
- Submerge chicken pieces into the prepared batter, ensuring each strip is thoroughly coated with the mixture.
- Transfer batter-covered chicken strips to a plate generously sprinkled with panko breadcrumbs, pressing firmly to help crumbs adhere completely to the surface.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet to 365°F, maintaining a consistent temperature for optimal frying.
- Carefully lower breaded chicken strips into hot oil, working in batches to prevent overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
- 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.
- Remove fried chicken strips and place on paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and maintain crispiness.
- Gently toss warm chicken strips in prepared sauce, ensuring even coating and maximum flavor absorption.
- 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
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.