If you’re craving something crispy, spicy, and absolutely irresistible, then this Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s packed with juicy, buttermilk-marinated chicken fried to golden perfection and smothered in a creamy, tangy sauce that dances on your taste buds. Every bite is a harmony of heat, sweetness, and crunch that makes this sandwich an unforgettable meal perfect for lunch, dinner, or anytime you want to treat yourself. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll find yourself coming back for more!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential, each playing a crucial role in delivering the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the tenderizing buttermilk to the zesty bang bang sauce components, every item is here to build layers of deliciousness.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless for that tender, juicy center every sandwich deserves.
- Buttermilk: Adds tang and helps tenderize the chicken while keeping it juicy after frying.
- Salt and black pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance all other flavors perfectly.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: Essential spices that deepen the savory notes in the chicken marinade.
- All-purpose flour: The crispy coating base that gives the chicken its irresistible crunch.
- Paprika: Adds warmth and subtle smokiness to the breading.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): For those who love a hint of heat in every bite.
- Vegetable oil: The key to perfectly fried chicken with a golden crust.
- Mayonnaise: Creamy base for the signature bang bang sauce.
- Sweet chili sauce: Brings a sweet, slightly spicy kick for that trademark bang bang flavor.
- Sriracha: Adds layers of spice, adjustable to your heat preference.
- Honey: Balances out the spice with natural sweetness.
- Rice vinegar: Adds a mild tang and complexity to the sauce.
- Sandwich buns: Brioche or potato buns work best for their soft, buttery texture.
- Lettuce: Fresh and crisp for a refreshing crunch.
- Tomato slices: Juicy sweetness to complement the spicy chicken.
- Pickles (optional): For that added tangy zip that cuts through richness.
- Red onion slices (optional): Add sharpness and texture for extra flavor punch.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by mixing the buttermilk with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl. Submerge the chicken breasts fully into this marinade and cover it. Let the chicken soak in those flavors for at least 30 minutes, though overnight is ideal if you want that depth of tenderness and flavor to really shine through.
Step 2: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
While the chicken marinates, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar in a small bowl. This combination creates the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, tangy, and spicy that defines a Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich Recipe. Taste and tweak the heat with more sriracha if you like it extra fiery.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Mix the flour with paprika, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt in a shallow dish. Take each chicken breast from the marinade, letting excess drip off, then dredge it in the seasoned flour, pressing firmly so every inch is coated beautifully. This step is crucial for that irresistible crispy crust.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the coated chicken breasts into the hot oil. Fry for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side until golden brown and perfectly crispy. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe and juicy chicken. Drain the fried chicken on paper towels to remove extra oil.
Step 5: Assemble the Sandwich
Lightly toast your buns to add a bit of crunch and warmth. Spread a generous amount of the Bang Bang sauce on the bottom bun, then nestle the crispy chicken on top. Add fresh lettuce, juicy tomato slices, and pickles or red onion if you like that extra zip. For true sandwich perfection, dollop more bang bang sauce over the chicken. Crown it with the top bun and get ready for a flavor-packed bite.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Garnishes
Add colorful garnishes like shredded lettuce, crisp tomato slices, and zingy pickles to bring freshness and texture contrast. These simple toppings brighten the sandwich and balance the richness of the fried chicken and creamy bang bang sauce.
Side Dishes
This sandwich pairs wonderfully with fries—classic, sweet potato, or even crispy baked wedges. A crunchy coleslaw or a fresh green salad can also round out the meal nicely if you want something lighter yet satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the sandwich open-faced with extra bang bang sauce drizzled on top, or try stacking the chicken strips for a hearty slider version. Wrapping the sandwich in parchment and tying it with twine makes for a charming presentation perfect for picnics or casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover chicken pieces and sauce separately in airtight containers and refrigerate. The chicken stays good for up to 3 days and keeps its crispy texture best if reheated properly.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken breasts wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or in freezer-safe containers, for up to 2 months. Freeze sauce separately to preserve its fresh flavor and texture.
Reheating
Reheat fried chicken in a hot oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness without drying out. Warm the sauce gently on the stovetop or microwave and then assemble your sandwich fresh for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving during frying. Just adjust cooking time slightly and make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
How spicy is the Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich Recipe?
The spiciness is very adjustable. The sriracha and cayenne pepper bring heat, but you can easily reduce or increase these based on your tolerance. For kids or mild preferences, simply lessen or omit the cayenne.
What’s the best bun for this sandwich?
Brioche or potato buns are top picks because they’re soft, slightly sweet, and sturdy enough to hold the saucy chicken without falling apart. But feel free to use whatever you enjoy most!
Can I make the bang bang sauce vegan?
Yes, swap the mayonnaise for a vegan mayo and ensure your sweet chili sauce has no animal-derived ingredients. The rest of the sauce components are naturally vegan-friendly.
Is it okay to bake the chicken instead of frying?
You can bake the chicken for a healthier option, though you’ll lose a bit of the signature crunch. To help with this, spray the coated chicken with cooking oil before baking at 425°F (220°C) for around 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Final Thoughts
This Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich Recipe brings together bold flavors, crispy textures, and creamy, spicy sauce in one ridiculously delicious package. It’s a recipe that’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough to serve guests. I can’t wait for you to give it a go and discover just how addictive this sandwich can be. Once you do, it’ll definitely become a staple in your meal rotation!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes (including 30 min marination)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
A flavorful Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich featuring crispy fried chicken breasts coated in a spicy and sweet homemade sauce, served on toasted buns with fresh lettuce, tomato, pickles, and red onions for a perfect balance of textures and tastes.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Chicken Coating
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- Pinch of salt
- Vegetable oil for frying
Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1–2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust based on your spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Sandwich Assembly
- 4 sandwich buns (brioche or potato buns work best)
- Lettuce (shredded or whole leaves)
- Tomato slices
- Pickles (optional)
- Red onion slices (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the buttermilk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add the chicken breasts, making sure they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or preferably overnight to tenderize and flavor the chicken.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth. Adjust the spice level by adding more sriracha if desired. Set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken Coating: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt. This seasoned flour will give the chicken its crispy, spicy crust.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off, then dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour, pressing the flour onto the chicken to ensure even coating.
- Heat the Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C), ensuring there is enough oil to fully submerge the chicken breasts.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken into the hot oil. Fry for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown, crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Drain the Chicken: Remove the chicken from oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and maintain crispiness.
- Toast the Buns: Lightly toast the sandwich buns in a pan or on a grill until golden for extra flavor and texture.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Spread a generous layer of Bang Bang sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Place the fried chicken breast on top, then add lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, and red onions if using.
- Finish and Serve: Add more Bang Bang sauce if you like it extra saucy, then top with the other half of the bun. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra crispy chicken, double dredge by dipping chicken back into buttermilk after the first flour coat, then coat again with flour mixture.
- Marinating overnight will significantly improve the tenderness and flavor of the chicken.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce to suit your heat preference.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through to avoid over or undercooking.
- Serve with your favorite side like fries or coleslaw for a complete meal.
