Name: Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayo and Crispy Panko Coating Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 16 min
Total time: 26 min
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients: 1 cup (232 g) mayonnaise; ½ cup (132 g) Thai sweet chili sauce; 1 teaspoon Sriracha (or more to taste); 2 tablespoons honey; 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken tenderloins; 1 cup (245 g) buttermilk; ¾ cup (94 g) all-purpose flour; ½ cup (64 g) cornstarch; 1 large egg (room temperature); 1 tablespoon Sriracha; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); 2 cups (216 g) panko breadcrumbs (plain); Canola oil (for frying); Parsley (chopped, for garnish)

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If you're craving a dish that explodes with flavor and texture, the Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayo and Crispy Panko Coating Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This recipe perfectly balances the creamy, spicy mayo with a crunchy panko crust, wrapping tender, juicy chicken tenders in a delightful combination that’s as addictive as it is beautiful. Whether it's a weeknight dinner or a fun party appetizer, this Bang Bang Chicken is sure to impress and become an instant favorite.

Ingredients You'll Need

Getting your ingredients right for the Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayo and Crispy Panko Coating Recipe is a breeze because each component is simple yet crucial to build layers of flavor and texture. From the crispy panko that adds the perfect crunch to the sweet and spicy mayo that brings everything together, each ingredient plays a star role.

Mayonnaise: The creamy base for our spicy mayo sauce that adds smooth richness.
Thai sweet chili sauce: Brings a sweet heat that perfectly complements the crispy chicken.
Sriracha: Adds punchy heat, adjustable to your spice preference.
Honey: Balances the spice with a touch of natural sweetness.
Boneless skinless chicken tenderloins: Tender pieces ideal for quick cooking and crispy coating.
Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and helps the coating stick beautifully.
All-purpose flour: Works with cornstarch for a light and crunchy batter.
Cornstarch: Adds crispiness to the coating for that irresistible crunch.
Egg: Binds the batter ingredients for a cohesive coating.
Garlic powder: Infuses subtle savory depth into the batter.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the chicken and batter.
Black pepper: Adds a mild bite and warmth.
Cayenne pepper (optional): Gives extra heat for those who like it spicy.
Panko breadcrumbs: The star of the crust, they create that signature crispy texture.
Canola oil: Perfect for frying due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor.
Parsley: Freshly chopped for garnish to add color and freshness.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayo and Crispy Panko Coating Recipe

Step 1: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

Start your flavorful adventure by mixing together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey in a small bowl. This blend of creamy, sweet, and spicy is the heart of the Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayo and Crispy Panko Coating Recipe and sets the tone for what’s to come. Set it aside and let those flavors meld while you prepare the chicken.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter and Coat the Chicken

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together buttermilk, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, a large egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. This batter not only tenderizes the chicken but also allows the crunchy panko coating to stick tightly. Submerge the chicken tenderloins into the batter, ensuring each piece is fully coated with flavorful goodness.

Step 3: Coat Chicken with Panko Breadcrumbs

Place the panko breadcrumbs in a shallow plate. One by one, carefully remove each chicken tender from the batter, letting excess batter drip off, then dredge thoroughly in the panko crumbs. Press lightly to make sure the coating adheres well. This crispy coating is what makes the Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayo and Crispy Panko Coating Recipe truly irresistible.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Heat about an inch of canola oil in a large skillet to 365°F. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, fry the chicken pieces for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F. Proper oil temperature and frying technique ensure that crunchy exterior and juicy interior—a hallmark of this dish.

Step 5: Drain and Serve

Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil, keeping the coating crisp. Then, toss the chicken with the Bang Bang sauce, top with freshly chopped parsley, and serve warm for that perfect juicy heat and crunch experience.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayo and Crispy Panko Coating Recipe

A close-up of a crispy chicken wing coated with a shiny, orange-brown sauce and sprinkled with small pieces of green herbs, being dipped into a small white round cup filled with creamy light orange sauce. The chicken wing has a textured surface with golden brown and darker spots. The chicken wings rest inside a gray metal tray with other wings blurred in the background. A woman's hand with white nail polish is holding the chicken wing. The setting has a white marbled texture surface beneath the tray. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds a lovely burst of green color but also offers a refreshing contrast to the rich and spicy sauce. For an even more vibrant presentation, consider a few sesame seeds or thinly sliced scallions that elevate both look and taste.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides that balance the richness. Think crisp green salads, steamed jasmine rice, or even lightly sautéed vegetables. Each side absorbs or complements the spicy mayo sauce, making the whole meal harmonious and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the Bang Bang Chicken skewered on sticks alongside small bowls of extra spicy mayo for dipping. Alternatively, pile it on top of a bed of crunchy lettuce or noodles for a playful and colorful plating. The crispy texture and spicy sauce always steal the show no matter how it’s arranged.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers from your Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayo and Crispy Panko Coating Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping the chicken separate from the sauce helps maintain the crispiness of the panko coating.

Freezing

You can freeze uncooked, breaded chicken pieces by placing them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can fry fresh batches anytime you want without sacrificing the crispy texture.

Reheating

To reheat and preserve as much crunch as possible, place the chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet and warm it in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you can—it tends to soften that glorious panko crust.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?

Absolutely! Slice chicken breasts into strips similar in size to tenderloins to ensure even cooking and crispiness. The method for the Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayo and Crispy Panko Coating Recipe remains the same.

Is there a healthier way to prepare this dish?

If you want to lighten things up, you can bake the panko-coated chicken pieces at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, instead of frying. The sauce can also be adjusted by using light mayo or Greek yogurt.

How spicy is the Bang Bang Sauce?

The sauce offers a balanced spicy kick thanks to the Thai sweet chili sauce and Sriracha, with the option to adjust the heat level by adding more or less Sriracha. It’s creamy and mild enough for most tastes but packs enough heat for those who enjoy a little fiery flavor.

What is the key to achieving a crispy coating?

The combination of cornstarch and panko breadcrumbs is essential for crispiness. Also, maintaining the oil temperature around 365°F during frying ensures the crust cooks quickly and stays crunchy without absorbing too much oil.

Can I make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the spicy mayo sauce a day ahead and refrigerate it. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayo and Crispy Panko Coating Recipe even more flavorful when served.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing like the crispy, creamy, and spicy harmony of the Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayo and Crispy Panko Coating Recipe to brighten up any meal. It’s ridiculously easy to make yet impressively tasty, inviting everyone to dig in for seconds. Trust me, once you try it, this Bang Bang Chicken will become one of your go-to dishes whenever you want to wow your friends or simply treat yourself.

Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayo and Crispy Panko Coating Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need