This Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich is a crispy, spicy, and creamy delight that perfectly balances bold flavors and satisfying textures. With golden fried chicken, tangy slaw, and a signature Bang Bang sauce nestled between toasted buns, it’s the ultimate handheld indulgence.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This sandwich offers a restaurant-style experience right at home. The crispy chicken is juicy on the inside and crunch-coated on the outside, while the spicy-sweet sauce delivers just the right kick. Combined with crisp slaw and a soft, toasted bun, each bite is rich, flavorful, and unforgettable. It’s ideal for quick lunches, casual dinners, or impressing guests with minimal effort.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Buttermilk
- All-purpose flour
- Cornstarch
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Brioche or burger buns
- Shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
- Fresh cilantro or green onions (optional garnish)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- Mayonnaise
- Sriracha
- Sweet chili sauce
- Honey
- Lime juice
directions
- Marinate the Chicken: Soak chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and flavor the meat.
- Prepare the Coating: In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Fry the Chicken: Remove chicken from buttermilk, coat it thoroughly in the flour mixture, and deep-fry until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: Whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, sweet chili sauce, honey, and lime juice until smooth.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Toast the buns lightly, spread Bang Bang sauce on each side, layer with slaw, and top with crispy chicken. Add extra sauce if desired.
- Serve Immediately: Best enjoyed warm, with fries or a side salad.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 4 sandwiches.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Marinating Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes
Variations
- Grilled Option: For a healthier version, grill the chicken instead of frying.
- Vegetarian Twist: Substitute chicken with crispy tofu or cauliflower steaks.
- Spicy Upgrade: Add extra sriracha or a pinch of cayenne to the sauce.
- Bun Alternatives: Try using ciabatta or pretzel buns for a gourmet twist.
- Pickled Veggies: Add pickled onions or cucumbers for a tangy crunch.
storage/reheating
Store leftover components separately. Keep fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F for 10-12 minutes to restore crispiness. Assemble the sandwich just before serving to maintain texture. Bang Bang sauce can be stored in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to a week.
FAQs
How spicy is the Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich?
The heat level is moderate, but you can adjust it by increasing or reducing the amount of sriracha in the sauce.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes or until crispy, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, you can fry the chicken and store it separately, then reheat and assemble fresh sandwiches when needed.
What kind of buns work best for this sandwich?
Brioche buns are ideal due to their slight sweetness and soft texture, but any burger bun will suffice.
Can I make the Bang Bang sauce in advance?
Absolutely. The sauce stores well in the fridge for up to 7 days.
What oil is best for frying the chicken?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as canola, vegetable, or peanut oil.
Can I use pre-made slaw mix?
Yes, using a pre-shredded slaw mix saves time and works perfectly in this recipe.
How can I make it dairy-free?
Use a non-dairy milk alternative with lemon juice as a buttermilk substitute and a dairy-free mayo for the sauce.
What sides go well with this sandwich?
It pairs well with fries, sweet potato wedges, or a fresh salad.
Can I freeze the fried chicken?
Yes, allow it to cool completely before freezing. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.
Conclusion
The Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich is a bold, flavorful creation that combines crispy chicken, creamy-spicy sauce, and crunchy slaw into one irresistible bite. Whether you’re serving a crowd or treating yourself, this sandwich is sure to satisfy. Try it once, and it may just become a regular in your recipe rotation.
PrintBang Bang Chicken Sandwich
This Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich is a crispy, spicy, and creamy sandwich featuring golden fried chicken, tangy slaw, and a flavorful Bang Bang sauce served on toasted buns. It’s a satisfying and flavorful meal perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 4 brioche or burger buns
- 2 cups shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
- Fresh cilantro or green onions (optional garnish)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sriracha
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp lime juice
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and coat it thoroughly in the flour mixture.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or skillet and fry the chicken until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, sweet chili sauce, honey, and lime juice to make the Bang Bang sauce.
- Toast the buns lightly and spread Bang Bang sauce on each side.
- Layer buns with slaw, fried chicken, and more sauce if desired.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions if using, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use pre-made slaw mix for convenience.
- Adjust the spiciness by changing the amount of sriracha in the sauce.
- To reheat chicken, use an oven or air fryer at 375°F for 10–12 minutes.
- Bang Bang sauce can be prepared in advance and stored for up to 7 days in the fridge.
- For a healthier option, grill or bake the chicken instead of frying.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 1050mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 28g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg