Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich Recipe

The Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich is a festival of bold flavors and irresistible textures all wrapped up in a soft, golden brioche bun. Tender marinated chicken gets the royal treatment—first with a buttermilk soak, then a crisp coating, and finally a drizzle of creamy, sweet-spicy bang bang sauce that will have you swooning at first bite. With every mouthful, you taste the crunch of fried chicken, the tangy punch of pickles, the cool contrast of lettuce, and that unforgettable sauce. This is not just a sandwich; this is a love letter to weeknight comfort food, reinvented with a zesty twist you’ll crave over and over.

Ingredients You’ll Need

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed how a few simple but carefully chosen ingredients burst to life in the Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich. Each item brings something essential to the party—from color and crunch to heat and luscious creaminess—every bite is built for maximum satisfaction.

• Chicken breasts: The canvas for all our flavors, filleted thin for quick, juicy frying.
• Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and helps all those spices and flour stick beautifully.
• Salt and black pepper: Basics that wake up all the other flavors.
• All-purpose flour: Gives the chicken that dreamy crunch on the outside.
• Cornstarch: Lightens up the coating for extra crispiness.
• Garlic powder and paprika: Whisper warm, savory depth into every bite.
• Vegetable oil: Frying wizardry for golden, shatteringly crisp chicken.
• Brioche buns: Perfectly tender and just a touch sweet; a true sandwich upgrade.
• Shredded lettuce: Adds freshness and a pleasant crunch against the hot chicken.
• Sliced pickles: Their sharp tang is the sandwich’s unsung hero.
• Mayonnaise: The creamy base for our bang bang sauce.
• Sweet chili sauce: Delivers that signature sweet heat.
• Sriracha: Adjusts the kick to make the sauce your own.
• Honey: Balances the spice with just a drizzle of sweetness.
• Rice vinegar: The gentle acid brightens all the other sauce flavors.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich

Step 1: Slice and Marinate the Chicken

Start by slicing your chicken breasts in half horizontally—you’ll end up with four thinner, even pieces. Place these in a bowl and pour over the buttermilk, salt, and pepper. Let them marinate, covered, for at least 30 minutes. This soak keeps the chicken juicy and allows every bite to taste seasoned all the way through.

Step 2: Mix Your Coating

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, and paprika. This blend creates the ultimate crust—ultra crisp but light enough to let the chicken shine. Don’t skip the cornstarch; it’s the secret to avoiding heavy breading.

Step 3: Dredge and Fry the Chicken

Heat about an inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or sturdy pan over medium-high heat (aim for 350°F). Take each marinated chicken piece from the buttermilk bowl, letting the excess drip off, and coat it generously in the flour mixture, pressing to help it stick. Fry each cutlet for 3 to 4 minutes per side until they’re gloriously golden and fully cooked. Drain them on paper towels so they stay crisp.

Step 4: Whisk the Bang Bang Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth and almost too good to resist tasting with a spoon. This bang bang sauce is what takes your Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich from tasty to unforgettable. Adjust the Sriracha to suit your spice mood.

Step 5: Assemble the Sandwiches

Slightly toast your brioche buns if you like them with a bit of warmth and extra flavor. Spread a generous layer of bang bang sauce on both the top and bottom of each bun. Start building with a bed of shredded lettuce and a few pickle slices on each bottom bun, add your hot fried chicken cutlet, then drizzle over more bang bang sauce for good measure. Sandwich it all together and dive right in.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich

Garnishes

Give your Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich a flourish by sprinkling on freshly chopped chives, a handful of thinly sliced green onions, or even a dusting of toasted sesame seeds. These little touches add even more color and a fresh spark to every bite.

Side Dishes

This sandwich pairs joyfully with classic sides—think crispy seasoned fries, a big dill pickle spear, or a light, zingy coleslaw. Even sweet potato chips make a fun, slightly sweet companion that soaks up any extra sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Try building sliders with mini brioche buns for a party platter, or serve the crispy chicken cutlets sliced over a chopped salad with a drizzle of bang bang sauce. For heat-lovers, set out extra Sriracha or spicy pickles for custom creations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich components, store the fried chicken separately from the buns and veggies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Everything keeps best when not assembled until mealtime—the chicken stays crisp and the veggies fresh.

Freezing

The fried chicken cutlets freeze beautifully! Let them cool, then wrap individually and store in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing the assembled sandwiches, as the sauce and lettuce won’t survive the cold as well.

Reheating

To bring leftover chicken back to life, reheat in an oven or air fryer at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes, or until hot and crispy. Avoid the microwave if you can—it tends to soften the crust. Always add the sauce and fresh toppings after reheating.

FAQs

Can I make the Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich less spicy?

Absolutely! Reduce the amount of Sriracha or sweet chili sauce in the bang bang sauce for a milder experience. You’ll still get all the flavor without the burn.

What’s the best way to get extra-crispy chicken?

The magic duo of cornstarch and flour in the coating is key, along with frying at the correct temperature. Make sure your oil is hot enough and don’t overcrowd the pan for best results.

Can I bake or air-fry the chicken instead of frying?

Yes! For a lighter version, bake the battered chicken at 425°F for about 20 minutes (flipping once), or air-fry for 10 to 12 minutes, until golden and cooked through. The crust will still be delicious, just a touch less indulgent than deep frying.

What substitutions work for the bang bang sauce?

If you’re out of one ingredient, you can swap Greek yogurt for mayonnaise, agave for honey, or even try a different vinegar, like apple cider. The key is balancing creamy, sweet, and spicy elements.

How long will the bang bang sauce keep in the fridge?

You can make the sauce ahead and store it in an airtight jar for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using—it’s fantastic for dipping veggies or drizzling over grilled meats too!

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend the Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich enough—it’s pure comfort with a fun, zesty twist! Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just shaking up your lunch routine, this sandwich will have friends and family begging for the recipe. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your new must-have meal!

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