Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich
The Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich is a mouthwatering treat that combines crunchy fried chicken with a spicy, tangy bang bang sauce. Imagine biting into a golden, crispy chicken fillet…
By Emily
•
•
Reading time: 6 min
Tip: save now, read later.
The Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich is a mouthwatering treat that combines crunchy fried chicken with a spicy, tangy bang bang sauce. Imagine biting into a golden, crispy chicken fillet loaded with a creamy sauce that has just the right kick to keep you coming back for more. The sandwich usually comes with fresh lettuce and a soft bun to balance out all the bold flavors and textures.
I love making this sandwich when I want something filling but full of flavor. The bang bang sauce is my favorite part — it has just the perfect mix of creamy and spicy that gives the chicken a fun personality. Whenever I make this at home, I like to add a little extra crunch with pickles or thinly sliced onions because it adds a nice contrast to the creamy sauce and crispy chicken.
This sandwich is great for a casual dinner or a weekend lunch with friends. I find it’s perfect served with crispy fries or a simple side salad, and it’s the kind of meal that everyone enjoys because it’s familiar yet exciting. It’s a go-to when I want to treat myself to something tasty without any fuss.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: Using boneless, skinless breasts works great for even cooking and a juicy interior. If you prefer, thighs are a bit more forgiving and stay tender longer.
Buttermilk: This tenderizes the chicken and adds flavor. No buttermilk? Mix milk with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Flour & cornstarch coating: The mix of flour and cornstarch crisps up the chicken beautifully. You can swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
Brioche buns: These are soft and slightly sweet, balancing the spiciness nicely. If you want a lighter option, try sandwich rolls or potato buns.
Bang bang sauce: Made creamy with mayo and sweetened with honey and chili sauce. Adjust sriracha to control the heat. For a vegan sauce, use vegan mayo.
How Do You Get the Chicken Extra Crispy and Juicy?
Crispy chicken is all about layering flavors and textures:
- Marinate chicken in buttermilk and spices to tenderize and keep moisture.
- Coat chicken in a mix of flour and cornstarch for a light, crunchy crust.
- For extra crunch, double dredge: dip back into marinade then flour mix again.
- Fry at the right temperature (350°F/175°C) so the crust crisps quickly without drying the inside.
- Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil but don’t crowd the pan to keep it crispy.
These steps helped me achieve perfectly crispy chicken that stays juicy inside!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Deep frying pan or heavy skillet – perfect for frying chicken evenly and keeping the oil temperature steady.
- Instant-read thermometer – helps you check the oil temperature and make sure chicken is cooked safely.
- Mixing bowls – you’ll use these to marinate the chicken and mix the coating.
- Tongs – make flipping the chicken easy and safe without splashing hot oil.
- Paper towels – handy for draining the fried chicken and keeping it crispy.
- Whisk – to quickly combine the bang bang sauce ingredients smoothly.
- Toaster or skillet – helps toast the buns so they don’t get soggy under the sauce.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for fried shrimp for a seafood twist that pairs well with the creamy sauce.
- Use pepper jack cheese melted on the chicken for an extra creamy and spicy layer.
- Add pickled jalapeños or banana peppers for a tangy bite that cuts through the richness.
- Mix shredded carrots or sliced radishes into the cabbage for more crunch and fresh flavor.
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Sandwich:
- 2 brioche sandwich buns, toasted
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 4 slices cucumber
For Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 1 hour 30 minutes, including 1 hour for marinating the chicken, 20 minutes for preparing the coating and sauce, 15 minutes for frying, and a few minutes to assemble and serve.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. In a bowl, mix the buttermilk with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and let it soak in the marinade for at least 1 hour or preferably overnight in the fridge.
2. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Set aside to let the flavors come together.
3. Make the Crispy Coating:
In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt. This mixture will give your chicken a perfect crispy crust.
4. Coat the Chicken:
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, letting the excess drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks well. For extra crunch, dip back into the buttermilk briefly and coat again with the flour mixture.
5. Fry the Chicken:
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the chicken pieces until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side depending on thickness. Once done, drain the chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil.
6. Assemble Your Sandwich:
Spread a generous amount of bang bang sauce on the bottom bun. Place the crispy fried chicken on top, then pile on shredded purple cabbage, cucumber slices, and sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro. Drizzle more bang bang sauce over the toppings for extra flavor.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately while the chicken is still warm and crispy. Enjoy your delicious, spicy, and creamy Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Sandwich?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight before marinating. This ensures even cooking and helps the marinade penetrate properly.
How Do I Store Leftover Sandwiches?
It’s best to store the fried chicken and buns separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat the chicken in the oven to keep it crispy, then assemble the sandwich fresh.
Can I Make the Bang Bang Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! The sauce can be mixed and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Give it a quick stir before serving to bring the flavors back together.
What Can I Substitute for Buttermilk in the Marinade?
If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes. This homemade version works well for tenderizing the chicken.
