If you are craving a sandwich that packs a punch of flavor and a satisfying crunch, this Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine crispy, golden fried chicken breasts soaked in a tangy buttermilk marinade, then slathered in a creamy, spicy-sweet bang bang sauce that hits every delicious note. Served on a soft, toasted bun with fresh lettuce, tomato, and optional pickles, this sandwich is an irresistible blend of textures and tastes that will have you coming back for more with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the secret to tasting greatness, and this Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich Recipe shines because each element plays a key role, from the tender chicken to the lip-tingling sauce.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Perfect for a juicy, meaty sandwich filling that cooks evenly.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and adds a subtle tang for flavor depth.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the chicken and seasoning.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild heat and aromatic touch that builds complexity.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings savory notes that complement the spices perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and rounds out the seasoning mix.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Creates the crispy coating that’s key for that irresistible crunch.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Gives a mild smoky flavor and lovely color to the breading.
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For those who love a little extra heat.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Essential for achieving that golden and crispy finish.
- ½ cup mayonnaise: The creamy base of the bang bang sauce that ties it all together.
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce: Adds sweetness with a gentle kick to the sauce.
- 1-2 tablespoons sriracha: Adjustable for your preferred spice level, giving the sauce its signature zing.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Balances the heat with a touch of natural sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar: Brightens the sauce with a subtle acidity.
- 4 sandwich buns (brioche or potato buns work best): Soft and sturdy bases that hold all the tasty layers perfectly.
- Lettuce (shredded or whole leaves): Adds crunch and freshness to balance the fried chicken.
- Tomato slices: Juicy and slightly acidic, complementing the richness of the sauce.
- Pickles (optional): Give a tangy crunch that cuts through the creaminess.
- Red onion slices (optional): Offer a sharp bite that brightens every mouthful.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining buttermilk with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl. Submerge your chicken breasts fully in this flavorful bath, then cover and refrigerate. This simple step makes all the difference, ensuring your chicken turns out tender, juicy, and loaded with subtle spice. While 30 minutes is enough, letting it marinate overnight will truly deepen the flavors.
Step 2: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
Next, whip up that magical bang bang sauce that elevates this sandwich. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth. Don’t be shy about tasting and adjusting the spice level to your liking with more sriracha. This sauce is creamy, sweet, tangy, and spicy – the perfect finishing touch.
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken for Frying
In a shallow dish, blend the flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt. This seasoned flour gives the chicken crust that beautiful golden color and a little warmth from the cayenne. Preparing this mix in advance streamlines the frying process.
Step 4: Dredge the Chicken
Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade and dredge each piece carefully in your seasoned flour mixture. Press the flour into the chicken to form an even, thick coating. This step is crucial to get that satisfying crunch every time.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the breaded chicken breasts and fry for 5 to 7 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a crispy, golden-brown crust that locks in the juicy interior. Use a thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe eating.
Step 6: Drain and Assemble
Once fried, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess oil – nobody wants a greasy sandwich! Lightly toast your sandwich buns, then spread a generous amount of bang bang sauce on the bottom half. Layer on the crispy chicken, fresh lettuce, tomato slices, and if you like, pickles and red onion. Don’t forget to add a little extra sauce on top of the chicken if you’re feeling saucy. Cap it with the top bun and get ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes bring your sandwich to life. Bright green lettuce adds a refreshing crunch, while tomato slices add a burst of juiciness and color. Pickles give a zingy contrast that cuts through the richness, and thin red onion slices introduce a subtle sharpness. Pick the ones that excite your taste buds for any occasion.
Side Dishes
This Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich Recipe pairs beautifully with classic sides like crispy french fries or sweet potato fries for a comforting meal. For something lighter, try a mixed green salad or coleslaw, which adds a cooling crunch that balances the sandwich’s heat and richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation matters, so try serving the sandwich wrapped in parchment paper with a rustic twine tie for a casual picnic vibe. Alternatively, slice the sandwich in half on a diagonal and stack it on a wooden board alongside dipping sauces. Top it with microgreens or sprinkle with a pinch of extra paprika to make it look as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the fried chicken in an airtight container and keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days. Keep the buns and fresh toppings separate to avoid sogginess. When you’re ready to eat, you can quickly re-toast the buns and reheat the chicken for a fresh experience.
Freezing
This Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich Recipe’sfried chicken is freezer-friendly! Place breaded and cooked chicken pieces on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Frozen chicken can last up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat thoroughly before assembling your sandwich.
Reheating
To best preserve that crispy texture when reheating, pop the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the exterior crunchy. Toast the buns lightly and add fresh greens and sauce when ready to serve.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully and tend to be juicier. Just adjust frying time so they cook through completely and remain crispy on the outside.
Is the cayenne pepper necessary?
Cayenne pepper is optional but adds an extra layer of heat that enhances the overall flavor. If you prefer a milder sandwich, feel free to leave it out.
Can I make the bang bang sauce vegan?
Yes! Substitute mayonnaise with vegan mayo and ensure your chili sauce is vegan-friendly. This swap keeps the sauce creamy and spicy without any animal products.
How spicy is this sandwich?
The spice level is adjustable. The recipe includes sriracha and cayenne, but you can reduce or omit these depending on your heat preference. The sauce balances spice with sweetness, so it’s not overwhelming.
What type of bun is best for this sandwich?
Brioche or potato buns are ideal because they’re soft yet sturdy enough to hold up to the saucy chicken without falling apart. They also add a touch of buttery flavor that complements the sandwich perfectly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the bang bang sauce combined with a crispy, juicy fried chicken breast nestled inside a soft bun, making this Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich Recipe a standout favorite. It’s straightforward to make, bursting with flavors that everyone will rave about, and perfect for any meal from casual lunch to game day feast. Go ahead, give it a try and watch it become a beloved go-to recipe in your kitchen!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus at least 30 minutes marinating time)
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich is a crispy, flavorful delight featuring tender buttermilk-marinated chicken breasts coated in a spicy seasoned flour and fried to golden perfection. Topped with a creamy, sweet, and spicy Bang Bang sauce, fresh lettuce, tomato, pickles, and red onions, all nestled within lightly toasted brioche buns, this sandwich delivers an irresistible combination of heat, crunch, and freshness perfect for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Breading
- 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, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight for best flavor and tenderness.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar. Stir until smooth and taste; adjust the spice level by adding more sriracha if desired.
- Prepare the Chicken for Frying: In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt for the seasoned breading.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade and dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure an even and thorough coating.
- Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C), suitable for deep frying.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully add the coated chicken breasts to the hot oil and fry for approximately 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until the coating is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Drain the Chicken: Remove the fried chicken from the oil and place it 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 slightly golden and warm.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Spread a generous amount of Bang Bang sauce on the bottom half of each bun, then add the fried chicken breast.
- Add Toppings: Layer with lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, and red onion slices as desired. For extra flavor, spread additional Bang Bang sauce over the chicken.
- Complete and Serve: Place the top half of the bun on the sandwich and serve immediately while warm and crispy.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances flavor and tenderness significantly.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce to suit your spice tolerance.
- Use a thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- For a lighter meal, the chicken can be baked instead of fried, though it won’t be as crispy.
- Pickles and red onions are optional but add great texture and tanginess to the sandwich.
- Brioche or potato buns are recommended for their soft and slightly sweet characteristics, complementing the spicy chicken.
