Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayo Sauce Recipe

Alright, let me tell you about this Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayo Sauce Recipe that has become a total staple in my kitchen. It’s that unbeatable combo of crispy chicken and a creamy, sweet, with just the right amount of heat mayo sauce that makes it incredibly addictive. Whether you’re whipping it up for a casual dinner or impressing friends at a weekend get-together, it hits that perfect balance of comfort and excitement every single time.

What really makes this Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayo Sauce Recipe stand out is how simple it is to make yet so full of flavor. I remember that first time I tried it, I was amazed at how the crispy coating paired with the zingy, creamy sauce just danced on my taste buds — and I’m confident you’ll be just as hooked. Plus, it’s versatile enough for a quick weekday meal or as a showstopper when you want to add a little flair without any fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayo Sauce Recipe come together beautifully to deliver crispiness, moisture, and that addictive spicy-sweet sauce we all crave. Most of these are pantry basics or easy-to-find items that give you a perfect crispy crust and a creamy, flavorful finish.

• Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the spicy mayo sauce, lending richness and smooth texture.
• Thai sweet chili sauce: Adds that sweet and tangy element that balances the spicy kick.
• Sriracha: For heat — start with less and add more to taste, depending on your spice tolerance.
• Honey: Adds natural sweetness to mellow the spice and round out the sauce.
• Boneless skinless chicken tenderloins: They cook quickly and stay juicy, perfect for frying.
• Buttermilk: This tenderizes the chicken and adds a slight tang, making the chicken extra juicy.
• All-purpose flour and cornstarch: The magic combo for an ultra-crispy coating — cornstarch is the secret hero here!
• Egg: Helps the flour and breadcrumbs stick to the chicken perfectly.
• Garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper: These bring subtle warmth and balance to the coating mix.
• Panko breadcrumbs: They give you that iconic crunch that makes every bite irresistible.
• Canola oil: Great for frying because it has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor.
• Parsley: Fresh chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness when garnishing.

Variations

One of my favorite things about the Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayo Sauce Recipe is how easy it is to customize — you really can make it your own depending on what you have in the fridge or your preferred flavor profile.

• Variation: I like swapping chicken tenderloins for boneless chicken thighs when I want a bit more flavor and moisture — thighs stay juicy and are less expensive.
• Variation: For a healthier twist, try baking the chicken instead of frying — you’ll get a lighter version that’s still crunchy if you spray the breadcrumbs with a little oil before baking.
• Variation: If you’re dairy-free, swap buttermilk for a mix of almond milk and a splash of vinegar, which similarly tenderizes the chicken.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayo Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken Tenderloins

First things first, get those chicken tenderloins soaking in the buttermilk. This step is key because it tenderizes the chicken, making it juicy on the inside after frying. I usually let mine sit for at least 30 minutes up to a couple of hours if I have the time — this little soak is a game changer.

Step 2: Prepare the Crispy Coating

While the chicken is marinating, mix your dry ingredients — flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and that tiny hint of cayenne pepper for warmth. Separately, beat the egg with Sriracha and a little salt. This combo keeps your chicken crispy and packs just enough spice. Don’t skip the cornstarch — trust me, it’s the secret to that crunch we all love.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the buttermilk bath, then dredge each piece first in the flour mixture, dip it into the egg wash, and finally coat it thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs. Be generous here — that coating layer is what makes it irresistible.

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat your canola oil in a deep skillet or pan — you want it hot but not smoking, around 350°F (175°C) is perfect. Fry the chicken in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan, cooking about 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Once fried, place the chicken on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil — no one wants soggy chicken.

Step 5: Whip Up the Spicy Mayo Sauce

In a bowl, mix together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until smooth. Taste and adjust the spiciness or sweetness if needed — this sauce is where that perfect bang bang flavor shines.

Step 6: Toss and Serve

Once the chicken is cooled just enough to handle, toss it gently in the spicy mayo sauce so every piece gets coated in that luscious sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley for freshness and color, then get ready to dive in!

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayo Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

I always sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the finished dish — it adds a lovely green pop and fresh bite that cuts through the richness. Sometimes I add thinly sliced green onions or even a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for extra texture and flavor.

Side Dishes

Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayo Sauce pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice, crunchy coleslaw, or even a fresh cucumber salad to add some cooling crunch. When I’m feeling indulgent, garlic fried rice or roasted veggies with a bit of lemon zest are my go-to.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, I served this dish layered over a bed of crispy lettuce leaves as little lettuce wraps, making it super fun for a casual party and allowing people to customize their bites. Another time, I plated it with some pickled vegetables and drizzled extra sauce artistically around the plate for a restaurant-style look. It’s a showstopper no matter how you plate it!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge. Because the sauce can slightly soften the crispy coating over time, I like to keep the chicken and sauce separate if I know I’ll be eating leftovers the next day.

Freezing

Freezing this chicken works pretty well, especially if you freeze the fried chicken pieces uncovered on a tray first, then transfer to a bag or container. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven to refresh the crispiness. The sauce is best made fresh, but you can freeze it too if you’d like.

Reheating

I find the best way to reheat leftover chicken without losing that crisp is by warming it up in the oven on a wire rack at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes. Microwave tends to make it soggy, so I avoid that whenever possible. Add fresh sauce after reheating for maximum flavor.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayo Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes I keep coming back to because it’s just so satisfying and versatile. It’s fun to make, easy to tweak to your taste, and incredibly crowd-pleasing — perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it becomes one of your go-to recipes when you want something with that perfect crispy, spicy, sweet combo.

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