If you’re craving a sandwich that packs a punch, look no further than this Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich! Tender, crispy chicken coated in a creamy, spicy sauce, all nestled between soft, toasted buns—this sandwich has all the flavor, texture, and heat you could want in one bite. The combination of the crispy chicken, the creamy sauce, and the fresh toppings is simply irresistible. Whether you’re having lunch, dinner, or hosting a casual get-together, this sandwich is sure to be the star of the show!
Why You’ll Love Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich
This sandwich isn’t just delicious—it’s an experience! Here’s why you’re going to fall in love with it:
- Crispy & Juicy Chicken: Perfectly fried chicken that’s crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside.
- Bang Bang Sauce: A sweet, creamy, and spicy sauce that brings the perfect balance of heat and flavor. It’s the secret ingredient that takes this sandwich to the next level.
- Crunchy Fresh Toppings: Topped with crunchy lettuce, pickles, and maybe even a slice of tomato, adding freshness and texture to every bite.
- Customizable Heat: You can adjust the level of spice in the sauce to suit your taste—whether you like it mild or fiery hot.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and quick steps, this sandwich comes together fast but tastes like something you’d get at a fancy restaurant.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make your own Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich:
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin for that crispy crunch.
- Flour & Cornstarch: To make a light and crispy coating for the chicken.
- Egg: Helps the coating stick to the chicken for that perfect crunch.
- Salt & Pepper: Basic seasoning for the chicken.
- Vegetable Oil: For frying the chicken to crispy perfection.
- Burger Buns: Soft, toasted buns are the perfect vessel for this flavorful sandwich.
- Lettuce & Pickles: For fresh crunch and brightness.
- Bang Bang Sauce: This sauce is the star! It’s made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and a splash of rice vinegar.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Ready to make this irresistible sandwich? Here’s how:
Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. If they’re thick, use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound them to an even thickness.
Coat the Chicken
In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour and cornstarch. In another bowl, beat the egg. Dip each piece of chicken first into the egg, then coat it evenly in the flour mixture. Set the coated chicken aside.
Fry the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken breasts to the pan. Fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the pan and set it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and rice vinegar in a bowl until smooth. Taste and adjust the spice level by adding more sriracha if you like it hotter.
Assemble the Sandwich
Toast the burger buns in the same pan you used to cook the chicken or on a grill for a few minutes until they’re golden and crispy. Spread a generous amount of the Bang Bang sauce on the bottom bun. Place the crispy chicken on top, then add fresh lettuce and pickles (and a slice of tomato, if you’d like). Top with the other bun.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich immediately while the chicken is crispy and hot. It’s a perfect meal on its own, or you can pair it with a side of fries or a simple salad.
Nutrition Facts
Here’s an approximate breakdown for one serving of Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich:
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: 500 calories
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 46g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 26g
- Vitamin A: 12%
- Vitamin C: 15%
- Calcium: 5%
- Iron: 15%
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich
This sandwich is best served on its own or with a few complementary sides. Here are some great ideas:
- Fries: A classic pairing. Crispy French fries or even sweet potato fries are perfect with the spicy chicken sandwich.
- Coleslaw: The creamy crunch of coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast to the spicy heat of the Bang Bang sauce.
- Pickled Vegetables: Serve with a side of tangy pickled vegetables to complement the flavor and spice of the sandwich.
- Side Salad: A light, crunchy salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance out the richness of the sandwich.
Additional Tips
- Make it Spicy: Feel free to adjust the amount of sriracha in the Bang Bang sauce to ramp up the heat if you love spice!
- Crispier Chicken: If you want extra crispy chicken, double-dip the chicken in the egg and flour mixture for a thicker crust.
- Air Fryer Option: You can also make this sandwich in an air fryer for a slightly healthier version. Just coat the chicken with oil spray and cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A1: Yes! Chicken thighs work great in this recipe. They’re a bit juicier and still crispy when fried.
Q2: Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
A2: Absolutely! To bake, coat the chicken as directed and place it on a baking sheet. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.
Q3: Can I make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time?
A3: Yes! The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week.
Q4: How do I adjust the spice level?
A4: For a milder sauce, reduce the amount of sriracha. For extra heat, add more sriracha or even a dash of hot sauce.
Q5: What kind of buns should I use?
A5: Soft, toasted burger buns are perfect, but feel free to use brioche, potato rolls, or even whole wheat buns for a different flavor and texture.
Q6: Can I make this sandwich without mayo?
A6: Yes, you can substitute the mayo with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter version.
Q7: Can I add other toppings to this sandwich?
A7: Yes! You can add slices of avocado, tomatoes, or even a fried egg for extra richness.
Q8: Can I use store-bought sauce instead of making my own?
A8: Absolutely! There are plenty of ready-made Bang Bang sauces on the market that would work just fine.
Q9: Can I make this sandwich gluten-free?
A9: Yes! Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free buns for a tasty gluten-free version of the sandwich.
Q10: Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?
A10: The chicken can be fried ahead of time, but the sandwich is best assembled just before serving to keep the chicken crispy.
Conclusion
The Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich is the perfect combination of crispy, tender chicken, spicy and creamy sauce, and fresh toppings all tucked inside a soft, toasted bun. Whether you’re craving a quick and satisfying lunch or an indulgent dinner, this sandwich is guaranteed to hit the spot. With its customizable spice level and irresistible flavors, it’s destined to become one of your go-to sandwiches. So go ahead—get cooking and enjoy a meal that’s full of bold, zesty flavor!
PrintBang Bang Chicken Sandwich
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
Description
A Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich is the perfect combination of crispy, juicy fried chicken with a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce. With a crunchy texture on the outside and a tender, flavorful chicken interior, this sandwich is a bold and delicious meal perfect for lunch or dinner. Pile on your favorite veggies, and you’re all set for a mouthwatering experience!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the 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
For Assembling the Sandwich:
- 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, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best results).
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar. Stir until smooth. Taste and adjust the spice level if needed by adding more sriracha.
- Prepare the Chicken for Frying:
- In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt.
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade and dredge each piece in the seasoned flour, pressing down to ensure an even coating.
- Fry the Chicken:
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Assemble the Sandwich:
- Toast the sandwich buns lightly in a pan or on the grill.
- Spread a generous amount of Bang Bang sauce on the bottom half of each bun.
- Place the fried chicken on the bun and top with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and red onions, if desired. Add more Bang Bang sauce on top of the chicken if you like it extra saucy.
- Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a healthier option, you can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes instead of frying.
- Adjust the level of spiciness in the Bang Bang sauce by adding more or less sriracha.
- Add your favorite sandwich toppings like avocado or cheese for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg