Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich Recipe
If you’re craving a crispy, spicy, and utterly satisfying meal, the Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich is about to become your new obsession. Picture this: golden fried chicken cutlets, slathered with a creamy, tangy, and just-spicy-enough Bang Bang sauce, all tucked into a pillowy brioche bun with crisp lettuce and punchy pickles. It’s the kind of sandwich that delivers on every level — crunch, flavor, and comfort — and it’s surprisingly easy to whip up at home. Whether you’re serving it for lunch, dinner, or a weekend treat with friends, the Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich is guaranteed to steal the show.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich lies in its simple ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the juicy chicken to the zesty homemade sauce, every element adds a delicious layer of flavor or texture to the final bite.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless, and sliced thin for perfect frying and maximum juiciness.
- Buttermilk: The secret to tender, flavorful chicken — it marinates and softens the meat beautifully.
- All-Purpose Flour: Ensures a classic, crisp coating when combined with cornstarch.
- Cornstarch: Adds that extra crunch and keeps the breading light.
- Garlic Powder: Infuses the coating with a subtle, savory depth.
- Paprika: Brings a gentle smokiness and gorgeous color to the crust.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer from the inside out.
- Oil for Frying: Choose a neutral oil like canola or vegetable for golden, crispy results.
- Brioche or Sandwich Buns: Soft, slightly sweet, and perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- Shredded Lettuce: Adds fresh crunch and a pop of color.
- Sliced Pickles (optional): For a tangy bite that cuts through the richness—highly recommended!
- Mayonnaise (for Bang Bang Sauce): The creamy base that holds all the flavors together.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: Brings sweetness and a gentle heat to the signature sauce.
- Sriracha: Amp up or dial back for your preferred spice level.
- Honey: A touch of sweetness to balance the heat and tang in the Bang Bang sauce.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich
Step 1: Prep and Marinate the Chicken
Start by halving your chicken breasts lengthwise so they’re the perfect thickness for frying. If some pieces are uneven, give them a gentle pound so they cook evenly. Place the chicken cutlets in a bowl and pour over the buttermilk, making sure every piece is well coated. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes — or, for maximum tenderness, leave them overnight in the fridge. This step is the secret to juicy, flavorful chicken that stays moist even after frying.
Step 2: Dredge the Chicken
While your chicken is marinating, mix up the dredge. In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This seasoned blend creates an irresistibly crispy coating that clings to the chicken. When you’re ready to fry, remove each piece from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off, and press it firmly into the flour mixture. Make sure every nook and cranny is well coated for maximum crunch.
Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat a generous layer of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want the oil hot (about 350°F/175°C) but not smoking. Carefully lower the breaded chicken into the skillet and fry each piece for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until the crust is deep golden and the inside is cooked through. Drain the fried chicken on a plate lined with paper towels to keep it crisp.
Step 4: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey. Don’t be shy about adjusting the sriracha to your preferred spice level — this is where the sandwich gets its signature kick! The result is a creamy, tangy, and spicy sauce that you’ll want to drizzle on everything.
Step 5: Assemble the Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich
If you love a toasted bun, give them a quick toast in the skillet or under the broiler. Spread a generous amount of Bang Bang sauce on both the top and bottom buns. Layer on the crispy chicken, pile high with shredded lettuce, and add a few sliced pickles if you like that extra tang. Drizzle with even more Bang Bang sauce for good measure, then cap it off with the top bun. Serve the sandwiches warm for the ultimate experience.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich
Garnishes
Take your Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich to the next level with a shower of freshly chopped scallions, a handful of cilantro, or even a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. These simple garnishes add freshness, color, and a little extra crunch, making each bite even more memorable.
Side Dishes
Pair your sandwich with crispy sweet potato fries, a fresh cucumber salad, or classic coleslaw for a balanced meal. If you want to keep things simple, a pile of kettle chips and a pickle spear on the side make for a perfect, unfussy plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or game days, turn this recipe into sliders by using small buns and cutting the chicken into smaller pieces. Or, serve the Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich open-faced with extra slaw and a drizzle of sauce for a fork-and-knife meal that still delivers all the flavor. You can even deconstruct it and serve everything buffet-style, letting everyone build their own ultimate sandwich.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra chicken or sauce, store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken will keep its best texture for up to 2 days, while the Bang Bang sauce can last up to a week. Keep the buns, lettuce, and pickles unassembled until you’re ready to enjoy another sandwich.
Freezing
For longer storage, let the fried chicken pieces cool completely, then wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. The Bang Bang sauce isn’t ideal for freezing, so whip up a fresh batch when you’re ready to serve. Thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To restore the chicken’s crispiness, reheat it in a toaster oven or a hot oven (about 375°F/190°C) for 10 to 12 minutes. A quick air-fry works great, too. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy. Assemble your Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich fresh for the best flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I make the Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich less spicy?
Absolutely! Adjust the amount of sriracha in the Bang Bang sauce to your liking, or leave it out for a milder flavor. You can also add extra honey or a splash of lime juice for more sweetness and tang without the heat.
What’s the best way to make this sandwich lighter?
For a lighter version, skip the frying and bake the breaded chicken at 425°F/220°C for 18 to 20 minutes, or air-fry until golden and cooked through. You’ll still get plenty of crunch and flavor without the extra oil.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Definitely! Chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, making them a great alternative in the Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich. Just make sure to pound them to an even thickness for even cooking.
Is there a dairy-free option?
Yes! Use a dairy-free buttermilk alternative (like plant milk mixed with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice) and swap in a vegan mayo for the sauce. The sandwich will still be every bit as delicious and satisfying.
How can I make the Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich ahead for a crowd?
Fry the chicken in advance and keep it warm in a low oven. Mix up a big batch of Bang Bang sauce and prep all your toppings ahead of time. Set up a build-your-own sandwich station so everyone can create their perfect Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich fresh!
Final Thoughts
Trust me, the Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich has a way of winning hearts and sparking cravings after just one bite. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again, whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with friends. Give it a try — and get ready for some serious sandwich satisfaction!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich features crispy fried chicken coated in a flavorful blend of spices and buttermilk, topped with a creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce made from mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey. Served on toasted brioche buns with fresh lettuce and optional pickles, this Asian-inspired American dish offers a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and crunch for a satisfying main course.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved lengthwise
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Oil for frying
For the Sandwich
- 4 brioche or sandwich buns
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup sliced pickles (optional)
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon honey
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pound the chicken cutlets to an even thickness if needed to ensure uniform cooking. Place them in a bowl and marinate in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for maximum tenderness and flavor.
- Make the Coating: In a shallow dish, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will give the chicken its crispy, flavorful crust.
- Heat the Oil: Pour enough oil into a skillet to cover the bottom and heat it over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C), suitable for frying.
- Coat and Fry the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure a good coating. Fry the chicken for 3–4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth. Adjust sriracha quantity according to your preferred spice level.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Toast the brioche or sandwich buns if desired for extra texture. Spread a generous amount of Bang Bang sauce on both the top and bottom buns. Layer each with fried chicken, shredded lettuce, and pickles if using. Add more sauce on top of the chicken, then close the sandwich and serve warm.
Notes
- For a lighter version, try baking or air-frying the chicken instead of frying.
- Add coleslaw or sliced avocado to the sandwich for extra crunch and creaminess.
- To make sliders, use smaller buns and cut the chicken into smaller portions accordingly.
- If dairy-free, use a vegan mayonnaise alternative to keep the sauce suitable.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
