Name: Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayo Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 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

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 80 reviews

If you have a craving for something crispy, creamy, and packed with bold flavors, then you are in for a treat with this Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayo Sauce Recipe. This dish delivers perfectly fried chicken tenderloins coated in a crunchy panko crust, then smothered in a luscious, spicy mayo sauce that balances sweetness, heat, and zing. With just the right texture and an explosion of flavor in every bite, it’s the kind of dish that quickly becomes a family favorite or a showstopper at gatherings. Let me walk you through everything you need to make this delicious meal—from simple ingredients and easy steps to creative serving tips and storage advice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up image shows a golden brown, crispy chicken wing covered in a shiny, thick sauce with small green herb bits on top. The wing is half-dipped into an orange creamy dipping sauce inside a small metal cup, placed in a metal tray with more glazed chicken wings blurred in the background. A woman's hand with white nail polish holds the wing gently from the right side. The surface below is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayo Sauce Recipe is in its straightforward yet carefully selected ingredients. Each element plays a key role in delivering the perfect balance of crunch, creaminess, and that irresistible spicy-sweet kick.

Mayonnaise: The creamy base for the sauce, adding richness and a smooth texture.
Thai sweet chili sauce: Brings a sweet and tangy note that complements the heat.
Sriracha: Controls the spice level; add more if you like things hotter.
Honey: Balances the heat with natural sweetness for a harmonious flavor.
Chicken tenderloins: The star of the show—tender, juicy, and perfect for frying.
Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken, ensuring juicy results inside the crispy coating.
All-purpose flour and cornstarch: The dynamic duo for an extra crispy crust.
Egg: Helps bind the coating and flavors to the chicken.
Garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper: Seasonings that add depth and a little heat to the coating.
Panko breadcrumbs: Provides a light, crunchy texture that’s essential for that perfect bite.
Canola oil: Ideal for frying, as it withstands high heat without overpowering the flavor.
Parsley: A fresh garnish that adds a pop of color and a hint of brightness.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayo Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce

Start by mixing together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey in a bowl until smooth. Taste and adjust the spice level with extra Sriracha if desired. This sauce is the soul of the dish, so getting the balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy just right here is crucial. Once mixed, refrigerate the sauce while you prepare the chicken to let the flavors meld.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and 1 tablespoon of Sriracha. Submerge the chicken tenderloins in this mixture and let them soak for at least 15 minutes. This step not only imparts subtle flavor but also tenderizes the chicken, ensuring juicy bites after frying. You can extend the marination for up to a couple of hours for even better results.

Step 3: Prepare the Breading Station

While the chicken marinates, set up your breading station. In one bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne. In another bowl, whisk the egg until smooth. Have your panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl ready for the final coating. This organized setup makes the breading process smooth and ensures a consistent crust.

Step 4: Bread the Chicken

Drain each chicken tender from the buttermilk mixture, then dredge it thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off excess. Next, dip it into the beaten egg, then coat generously with panko breadcrumbs. Press the panko firmly so it sticks well. This triple layer creates the iconic crunch and locks in moisture, giving the chicken that satisfyingly crispy exterior.

Step 5: Fry Until Golden and Crispy

Heat about two inches of canola oil in a deep skillet or frying pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken tenders in batches, avoiding overcrowding, for 4 to 6 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked pieces to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. The key here is maintaining steady oil temperature to get an even crispy crust without greasy chicken.

Step 6: Toss in Bang Bang Sauce

Once all the chicken is fried and drained, toss the pieces gently in the prepared Bang Bang sauce until well coated. Don’t hesitate to add extra sauce if you love that creamy, spicy flavor. This final step makes the dish truly addictive!

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayo Sauce Recipe

A metal tray holds six pieces of crispy fried chicken tenders coated in a shiny, sweet chili glaze with specks of red chili and chopped green parsley scattered on top. The golden brown chicken tenders have a crunchy texture with sauce dripping slightly over them. At the bottom left of the tray, a small white bowl contains a thick, light orange dipping sauce with visible chili flakes. The tray sits on a rustic wooden surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Freshly chopped parsley sprinkled over the top adds a lovely burst of green color and a hint of fresh herbaceous flavor that lifts the dish. For an extra punch, you could also add thinly sliced green onions or a squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten each bite.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides that balance its richness. Think steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice to soak up any extra sauce. Crunchy slaws with cabbage and carrots add refreshing texture, or you could serve it alongside roasted or grilled vegetables for a wholesome meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving this Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayo Sauce Recipe on a bed of crispy lettuce wraps, making it a perfect handheld snack or appetizer. Alternatively, slice the chicken and toss it into a salad or even a sandwich with crunchy pickles and fresh herbs for an exciting lunch option. The possibilities are endless and delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayo Sauce Recipe is best kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate if possible to prevent the breading from getting soggy. When ready to eat, warm the chicken gently and drizzle the sauce just before serving.

Freezing

You can freeze the fried chicken pieces without sauce by placing them on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to one month. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating. Avoid freezing chicken coated in the sauce as it affects texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftover chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet to maintain crispiness. Heat for about 10-12 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the crust soggy. Add the Bang Bang sauce after warming to keep that fantastic flavor intact.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well but slice them into strips to match the size and cooking time of tenderloins so the frying process remains consistent.

How spicy is the Bang Bang Sauce?

The level of spice depends on how much Sriracha you add. The sauce balances sweetness from honey and chili sauce with the heat from Sriracha, but you can easily adjust it to mild or extra spicy to suit your taste.

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken in buttermilk?

While not absolutely necessary, marinating in buttermilk tenderizes the chicken wonderfully and adds subtle tang, making the final dish juicier and more flavorful.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

You can bake the breaded chicken at 425°F (220°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crisping. It’s a lighter option but the texture will differ slightly from frying.

What can I substitute for panko breadcrumbs?

If you don’t have panko, crushed cornflakes or regular breadcrumbs can work as substitutes, but panko provides the lightest, crunchiest coating that defines this recipe.

Final Thoughts

This Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayo Sauce Recipe is truly one of those dishes that bring people together around the table with smiles and full plates. From the crispy breading to the irresistible blend of creamy, spicy, and sweet sauce, it’s a recipe that’s both crowd-pleasing and comforting. Whether you’re cooking for a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, give this recipe a try—you’ll soon wonder how you ever lived without it in your culinary rotation!