If you’re craving a sandwich that delivers a perfect crunch with a burst of sweet and spicy flavor, look no further than this Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich Recipe. Tender chicken marinated in rich buttermilk and spices, fried to golden perfection, then slathered with a creamy, tangy bang bang sauce creates a mouthwatering combination that’s absolutely irresistible. It’s a fantastic way to elevate the humble chicken sandwich into something unforgettable and crowd-pleasing, making it a go-to recipe for lunch or dinner when you want a flavorful comfort meal with a kick.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients are the backbone of this Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich Recipe. Each one plays a crucial role—from the marinating spices enhancing the chicken’s juiciness to the crispy coating that adds irresistible texture, and finally the vibrant veggies that provide freshness and crunch.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless to keep things tender and easy to eat.
- Buttermilk: Helps tenderize the chicken and adds a subtle tang.
- Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper: A perfect blend of spices to season and flavor the chicken deeply.
- All-purpose flour and cornstarch: Together, they create an ultra-crispy crust that stays crunchy.
- Vegetable oil: For frying — essential for that golden, crispy finish.
- Mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey: These ingredients combine to make the signature bang bang sauce—spicy, sweet, and creamy all at once.
- Sandwich buns: Soft buns that hold everything together without overpowering the flavors.
- Shredded lettuce, thinly sliced red cabbage, and chopped green onions: Fresh veggies that add crunch, color, and a hint of sharpness.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Marinate the Chicken
Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness so they cook uniformly. Cut each breast in half to make perfect sandwich-sized portions. Mix buttermilk with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful marinade. Submerge the chicken in this mixture and let it sit for at least 30 minutes—this step is key to juicy, tender meat packed with flavor.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
While the chicken marinates, whisk together all-purpose flour and cornstarch in a separate bowl. This combination ensures a crispy coating that won’t get soggy too quickly. Once marinated, remove each chicken piece from the buttermilk bath, letting the excess drip off, then dredge it thoroughly in the flour mixture for maximum crunch.
Step 3: Fry Until Golden and Crispy
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to around 350°F (175°C). Fry the coated chicken pieces carefully, cooking each side about 4 to 5 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown and are cooked through. Drain the fried chicken on paper towels to remove any excess oil—this keeps the bite perfectly crisp and never greasy.
Step 4: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey to achieve that irresistible sweet-spicy creaminess that defines the bang bang flavor. Taste and adjust the sriracha if you want to dial the heat up or down. This sauce is where the magic happens.
Step 5: Assemble the Sandwich
Toast your sandwich buns lightly if you like an extra crunch. Spread a generous layer of the bang bang sauce on both the top and bottom buns. Place the crispy chicken on the bottom bun, then top with shredded lettuce, thinly sliced red cabbage, and chopped green onions for freshness and texture. Cap it with the top bun and serve immediately for the best experience.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes like crunchy lettuce, crisp red cabbage, and green onions is essential—they brighten each bite and balance the richness of the fried chicken and creamy sauce. For an extra punch, a few pickle slices or ripe avocado pieces can be layered in for complementary flavors and texture.
Side Dishes
Pair this sandwich with something simple and refreshing to complement its bold flavors. Classic choices like crispy sweet potato fries, a light cucumber salad, or even an easy coleslaw provide the perfect balance and make the meal truly satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving this at a casual gathering or want to mix things up, try making slider versions using smaller buns or serving the components separately as a build-your-own sandwich bar. Adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds on the bun or garnishing with fresh herbs like cilantro can elevate the visual appeal and delight your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover fried chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken stays best for up to 2 days, while the sauce can hold for about a week. Keeping the ingredients separate helps maintain crispiness and freshness.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the fried chicken for future meals, place the cooled pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag. This prevents them from sticking together, and they can last for up to 2 months frozen.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated chicken in a hot oven or air fryer to restore crispiness—avoid the microwave as it tends to make the breading soggy. Pop the chicken in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway, and then assemble your sandwich fresh with the bang bang sauce and veggies for best results.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and tend to be even juicier. Just follow the same marinating and frying steps, but keep an eye on cooking time—it may be slightly shorter depending on thickness.
Is there a healthier way to make this sandwich?
Yes, you can bake or air-fry the chicken instead of frying it to reduce oil use. The bang bang sauce can also be lightened by using Greek yogurt or a low-fat mayo alternative without losing much flavor.
How spicy is this Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich Recipe?
The spiciness primarily comes from sriracha in the sauce, which you can adjust according to your preference—from mild to moderately spicy. It’s easy to customize to your heat tolerance.
Can I prep this sandwich ahead of time for a party?
You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, but it’s best to assemble the sandwiches just before serving to keep everything fresh and crispy. Keeping toppings and sauces separate until the last moment is key.
What kind of buns work best for this sandwich?
Soft sandwich buns like brioche or potato buns are ideal because they’re sturdy enough to hold the fried chicken and sauce but soft enough not to overpower the textures. Toasting them lightly adds even more personality.
Final Thoughts
This Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich Recipe is one you will find yourself reaching for time and again whenever you want a quick but show-stopping meal. The perfect harmony of crunchy chicken, flavorful sauce, and fresh crunch makes it a true winner in the sandwich world. Give it a try and watch how this simple combination turns into your next favorite comfort food treat!
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Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Dairy-Free (with plant-based mayo)
Description
A crispy and spicy Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich featuring buttermilk-marinated fried chicken breasts coated in a seasoned flour and cornstarch mixture. Topped with a creamy, sweet, and spicy bang bang sauce, fresh shredded lettuce, red cabbage, and green onions, all sandwiched between toasted buns. Perfect for a flavorful and satisfying main course.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Coating and Frying
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- Vegetable oil for frying
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 teaspoon honey
Assembly
- 2 sandwich buns
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red cabbage
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onions
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness and cut each in half to create sandwich-sized portions. This ensures even cooking and perfect sandwich fit.
- Marinate: In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and flavor the meat.
- Prepare the Coating: In another bowl, mix the all-purpose flour and cornstarch evenly. This combination provides a light and crispy coating for the chicken.
- Heat Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). Proper oil temperature is crucial for crispy, non-greasy frying.
- Coat and Fry: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour and cornstarch mixture. Fry the chicken in the hot oil, about 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey. Stir until smooth and well blended for a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce.
- Toast Buns: Optionally toast the sandwich buns until lightly browned and crisp to add texture and flavor.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Spread bang bang sauce on both the top and bottom buns. Place the fried chicken on the bottom half, and top with shredded lettuce, thinly sliced red cabbage, and chopped green onions. Cap with the top bun and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of sriracha according to your preference.
- For a lighter version of the sandwich, you can opt to bake or air-fry the chicken instead of frying it.
- Adding pickles or avocado slices can introduce extra flavor and texture to the sandwich.
