Dinner

Bang Bang Chicken with Crispy Panko Crust and Spicy Creamy Sauce Recipe

Name: Bang Bang Chicken with Crispy Panko Crust and Spicy Creamy Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 16 min
Total time: 26 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken tenderloins; 1 cup buttermilk; ¾ cup all-purpose flour; ½ cup cornstarch; 1 large egg (room temperature); 2 cups panko breadcrumbs; Canola oil (for frying); 1 cup mayonnaise; ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce; 1 teaspoon Sriracha (or more to taste); 2 tablespoons honey; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); Chopped parsley

ByLila Prescott January 18, 2026January 18, 2026

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Introduction

Bang Bang Chicken is a delightful dish that features crispy panko-coated chicken tenderloins paired with a creamy, spicy sauce. This flavorful recipe is quick to prepare and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or casual gathering.

The image shows a wooden tray filled with several golden brown, crispy fritters, each with a slightly rough texture and bits of green herbs sprinkled on top. A small, round container of creamy orange dipping sauce sits at the upper right corner of the tray. The fritters look crunchy on the outside with small, uneven edges and are arranged closely together on the tray. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken tenderloins
1 cup buttermilk

¾ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup cornstarch

1 large egg (room temperature)
2 cups panko breadcrumbs

1 cup mayonnaise
½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
1 teaspoon Sriracha (or more to taste)

2 tablespoons honey
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon kosher salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Canola oil (for frying)

Parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the bang bang sauce by mixing mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey in a bowl until smooth. Set aside.
Step 2: Marinate the chicken tenderloins in buttermilk for at least 10 minutes to tenderize and add flavor.

Step 3: Set up the breading stations: In one shallow dish, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne if using. In a second dish, beat the egg. In a third dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
Step 4: Dredge each chicken tenderloin first in the flour mixture, then dip into the beaten egg, and finally coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs.
Step 5: Heat canola oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the breaded chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 6 minutes per batch.

Step 6: Drain the cooked chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve warm, drizzled generously with the prepared bang bang sauce and garnished with chopped parsley.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, double coat the chicken by repeating the egg and panko steps before frying.
Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise in the sauce to lighten it up without losing creaminess.

Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice to the bang bang sauce for a bright, tangy twist.
Use chicken thighs instead of tenderloins for a juicier, more flavorful result.

Storage

Store leftover bang bang chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to retain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess. The sauce can be stored separately for up to 5 days.

How to Serve

The image shows a rectangular wooden board filled with six pieces of golden-brown fried chicken wings, each coated with a crispy textured batter and sprinkled with small green herbs on top. On the top right corner of the board, there is a small white round bowl containing a creamy orange dipping sauce with some small green herb bits mixed in. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake the breaded chicken at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a healthier option. The breading won’t be as crispy as frying but will still be delicious.

How spicy is the bang bang sauce?

The sauce has a mild to moderate heat level thanks to the Thai sweet chili sauce and Sriracha. You can adjust the spice by adding more or less Sriracha to suit your taste.