If you’re craving a sandwich that perfectly balances crispy, spicy, and sweet flavors all in one bite, you have to try this Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich Recipe. It’s a fantastic fusion dish, combining the crunchy golden fried chicken with a creamy, tangy bang bang sauce that’ll have your taste buds dancing. Every element, from the tender buttermilk-marinated chicken to the toasted brioche buns, works together to create a sandwich that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether for a weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s absolutely worth making over and over again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but each plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of texture and flavor for the Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich Recipe. From the crispy coating to the creamy sauce, every item is essential to getting that signature taste just right.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Halved thin to ensure quick, even cooking and maximum crispiness.
- Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and adds a subtle tang.
- Hot sauce (optional): Adds a mild kick to the marinade for extra depth.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the crispy coating.
- Cornstarch: Crucial for a light, super-crispy crust that’s not heavy.
- Paprika: Provides a smoky warmth and beautiful color.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle, savory note to the coating.
- Salt and black pepper: Enhance and balance all the flavors.
- Vegetable oil: Needed for frying to get that perfect golden crust.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the bang bang sauce.
- Sweet chili sauce: Sweet and slightly spicy, essential for the signature bang bang flavor.
- Sriracha: Adds heat and tang, customizable to your spice preference.
- Honey or sugar: Brings sweetness to balance the spice and acidity.
- Rice vinegar or lime juice: Brightens the sauce with acidity.
- Brioche or sandwich buns: Soft and slightly sweet, perfect for sandwich assembly.
- Lettuce leaves, sliced tomato, and pickles (optional): Fresh and crisp toppings that add texture and flavor contrast.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining buttermilk with a splash of hot sauce in a bowl for a flavorful marinade that tenderizes your chicken beautifully. Submerge the thinly sliced chicken breasts in the mixture and let them soak for at least 30 minutes, or if you have more time, overnight in the fridge. This step ensures the chicken stays juicy after frying and infuses it with gentle heat and tang.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
While the chicken is marinating, mix together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This dry mix creates the perfect crunchy shell when fried—cornstarch keeps it light and flaky while paprika adds a smoky punch and a gorgeous color.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade, letting any excess drip off so you don’t get soggy coating. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing gently to make sure it sticks evenly. This coating will transform your tender chicken into a golden crispy treat.
Step 4: Fry to Perfection
Heat about an inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully lay the coated chicken cutlets in the hot oil and fry them for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until those crispy edges turn a beautiful golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. Drain the fried chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil and keep the crunch intact.
Step 5: Whip Up the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (or sugar), and rice vinegar or lime juice into a smooth, creamy sauce. Taste it and adjust any of the ingredients to make it just right for your spice and sweetness preferences. This sauce is the star that ties the whole sandwich together.
Step 6: Assemble Your Sandwich
Split and toast your brioche buns lightly for warmth and a touch of crunch. Spread a generous layer of bang bang sauce on both the top and bottom buns, then layer lettuce, sliced tomato, and pickles if you like that extra tangy crunch. Place your crispy chicken cutlet on top, drizzle with more sauce, and crown it with the bun. Serve immediately for a hot, crunchy, and wildly flavorful sandwich experience.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Garnishes
Keep it fresh and vibrant by adding crisp lettuce and juicy tomato slices as your go-to garnishes. If you enjoy a little extra tang and crunch, sliced pickles work wonderfully, cutting through the richness of the fried chicken and creamy sauce with their bright acidity.
Side Dishes
Pair your Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich Recipe with lightly seasoned fries, crispy sweet potato wedges, or a tangy coleslaw to complement the spicy, creamy flavors of the sandwich. For a lighter option, a fresh green salad with a citrus vinaigrette balances the indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving your sandwiches as sliders at your next gathering. You can also make the bang bang sauce a versatile dipping companion by presenting it alongside crispy fried chicken bites or drizzling it over a crunchy salad bowl for a fusion feast that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Bang Bang Chicken Sandwiches, wrap them tightly in foil or airtight containers and refrigerate up to 2 days. Keep the sauce separate if possible to avoid soggy buns. This way, you’ll preserve the delicious textures and flavors as much as possible.
Freezing
You can freeze the fried chicken cutlets without the buns and sauce. After cooling completely, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat and assemble fresh sandwiches.
Reheating
The best way to reheat leftover fried chicken is in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore its crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as that can make the coating soggy. Toast fresh buns and add the bang bang sauce just before serving for that freshly made vibe.
FAQs
Can I make this sandwich dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use a dairy-free mayonnaise and substitute the brioche bun for a dairy-free or gluten-free option. The buttermilk can be swapped with a mixture of plant-based milk and a splash of vinegar to maintain tenderness in the chicken.
Is it possible to bake or air fry the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, baking or air frying is a great way to reduce oil while still getting a crispy crust. Coat the chicken as instructed, then bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes or air fry at 400°F for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
Can I adjust the spice level of the bang bang sauce?
Definitely. The sriracha spice can be dialed up or down according to your taste, and you can add more sweet chili sauce or honey to balance the heat if desired. The sauce is very adaptable to your personal flavor preferences.
What kind of pickles work best in this sandwich?
Dill pickles are a classic choice for their bright, tangy flavor which contrasts nicely with the creamy sauce and fried chicken. Bread-and-butter pickles add a touch of sweetness if you prefer a milder tang. Either way, pickles add a refreshing crunch!
How long does it take to prepare this sandwich from start to finish?
The total time is about 35 minutes, including 20 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking, excluding marinating time. For best results, marinate the chicken at least 30 minutes, but overnight is great for extra tenderness and flavor infusion.
Final Thoughts
Making this Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich Recipe at home feels like a special treat every time. The combination of crunchy, spicy chicken and that luscious bang bang sauce is pure magic on a bun, guaranteed to bring smiles around the table. So go ahead and whip it up—you’ll be so glad you did, and it might just become your new favorite go-to sandwich!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus at least 30 minutes marinating time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American-Asian Fusion
Description
This Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich features crispy fried chicken cutlets coated in a flavorful blend of spices and paired with a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce. Served on toasted brioche buns with fresh lettuce, tomato, and optional pickles, it’s a satisfying and vibrant American-Asian fusion sandwich perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved lengthwise (to make 4 thin cutlets)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice
For the Sandwiches:
- 4 brioche or sandwich buns, toasted
- Lettuce leaves
- Sliced tomato
- Sliced pickles (optional)
- Extra bang bang sauce for spreading
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken cutlets, making sure they are fully submerged, and marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator for best flavor and tenderness.
- Prepare the Coating: In another bowl, mix together flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Remove the chicken cutlets from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure a thorough, even coating.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat about one inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the chicken cutlets for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (or sugar), and rice vinegar (or lime juice) until smooth and creamy. Adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more sriracha if desired.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread a generous amount of bang bang sauce on both the top and bottom halves of the toasted buns. Layer with fresh lettuce leaves, sliced tomato, the crispy fried chicken cutlets, and pickles if using. Drizzle extra sauce over the chicken, then close the sandwich and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- For a lighter version, try baking or air-frying the chicken instead of frying.
- The bang bang sauce doubles as a delicious dipping sauce for fries or a flavorful slaw dressing.
- Marinating the chicken overnight intensifies the flavor and tenderizes the meat more effectively.
- Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of sriracha and hot sauce used.
