Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich

The Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich is a mouthwatering fusion of bold flavors, crispy textures, and creamy sauces that’s sure to elevate your sandwich game. Inspired by the famous Bang Bang sauce, this sandwich features crunchy fried chicken breast coated in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy glaze, all nestled between soft buns with fresh toppings. It’s a perfect combination of indulgence and excitement in every bite.

This recipe is versatile enough for a casual lunch, a satisfying dinner, or even a party menu. With its balance of flavors—from the crispiness of the chicken to the creaminess of the sauce and the refreshing crunch of the veggies—it’s hard to resist.

Whether you’re a fan of spicy food or prefer something milder, the heat level in this sandwich is customizable to your taste. Pair it with fries, a side salad, or a tall glass of iced tea, and you’ve got a complete meal that’s sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold Flavor: The signature Bang Bang sauce delivers a sweet, tangy, and spicy punch that perfectly complements the crispy chicken.

Crispy Perfection: The golden, crunchy chicken breast contrasts beautifully with the soft, buttery buns.

Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice level to make the sandwich as mild or as fiery as you like.

Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family meals, gatherings, or game-day feasts.

Easy to Prepare: Despite its gourmet appeal, this sandwich is simple enough to make at home with basic ingredients.

Preparation Time and Servings

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 sandwiches
Serving Size: 1 sandwich

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 620 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 8g

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to 1/2 inch thickness)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust for spice level)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon lime juice

For Assembly:

• 4 brioche buns or sandwich rolls
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced cucumbers
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
• 4 slices of cheese (optional, such as pepper jack or cheddar)
• Additional sriracha or sweet chili sauce for drizzling (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

1. In a shallow dish, combine the flour and cornstarch. Mix well.
2. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off, and coat each piece in the flour mixture. Press the coating firmly onto the chicken to ensure it adheres well.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

1. Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat until the oil reaches 350°F (175°C).
2. Fry the chicken breasts in batches for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
3. Transfer the cooked chicken to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the spice level if needed.

Step 5: Assemble the Sandwiches

1. Lightly toast the brioche buns for added texture and flavor.
2. Spread a generous layer of Bang Bang sauce on both the top and bottom halves of each bun.
3. Place a piece of fried chicken on the bottom bun.
4. Top with shredded lettuce, cucumber slices, red onion, and cheese (if using).
5. Add additional sauce or a drizzle of sriracha or sweet chili sauce for extra flavor. Cover with the top bun.

Step 6: Serve

1. Serve the sandwiches warm with your favorite sides, such as fries, coleslaw, or a side salad. Enjoy immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Ingredient Background

Chicken Breasts

Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures they cook quickly and evenly, resulting in tender, juicy meat.

Bang Bang Sauce

This iconic sauce combines creamy mayonnaise with sweet chili sauce and sriracha for a perfect balance of sweetness, tanginess, and heat.

Brioche Buns

Soft, buttery brioche buns provide a rich, slightly sweet base that complements the bold flavors of the chicken and sauce.

Fresh Vegetables

Lettuce, cucumbers, and red onions add a refreshing crunch and balance to the richness of the chicken and sauce.

Technique Tips

Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is fully cooked without drying out, use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F.

Double-Coating: For extra-crispy chicken, dip the chicken back into the buttermilk and flour mixture for a second coating before frying.

Oil Temperature: Keep the frying oil at a consistent temperature of 350°F to achieve golden, crispy chicken without absorbing too much oil.

Customize the Sauce: Add more sriracha for extra spice or more honey for a sweeter, milder flavor.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

Mini Sliders: Cut the chicken into smaller pieces and serve on slider buns for a fun, shareable appetizer.

Lettuce Wraps: Swap the buns for large lettuce leaves for a low-carb, gluten-free option.

Bang Bang Chicken Salad: Serve the fried chicken over a bed of mixed greens, drizzled with the sauce for a lighter take on the dish.

Additional Tips for Success

Marinate Longer: For deeper flavor and extra tenderness, marinate the chicken overnight in the buttermilk mixture.

Toast the Buns: Toasting the buns enhances their flavor and prevents them from becoming soggy.

Serve Immediately: For the best texture and taste, assemble and serve the sandwiches right after frying the chicken.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Bang Bang Sandwich: Add sliced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese for an extra kick of heat.

Sweet and Tangy: Use a pineapple or mango-based slaw instead of lettuce for a tropical twist.

Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with crispy tofu or fried cauliflower for a plant-based alternative.

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour for the coating and gluten-free buns to make the sandwich gluten-friendly.

Freezing and Storing

Refrigeration: Store leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.

Freezing: Freeze the cooked chicken on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Sauce Storage: Store the Bang Bang sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Healthier Twist Ideas

Baked Chicken: Instead of frying, bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Air Fryer Option: Cook the chicken in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes for a crispy texture with less oil.

Low-Fat Sauce: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in the Bang Bang sauce for a lighter option.

Whole Grain Buns: Swap brioche buns for whole-grain rolls to increase fiber content.

Serving Suggestions for Events

Game Day Spread: Pair the sandwiches with buffalo wings, loaded fries, and a variety of dipping sauces for the ultimate game day feast.

Family Dinner: Serve alongside roasted sweet potato wedges and a side of steamed broccoli for a balanced meal.

Outdoor BBQ: Grill the chicken instead of frying and pair with corn on the cob and a refreshing watermelon salad for a summer barbecue vibe.

Lunch Boxes: Pack the fried chicken separately and assemble the sandwich just before eating to keep it fresh and crispy.

Special Equipment

Meat Mallet: Useful for pounding the chicken to an even thickness for consistent cooking.

Frying Thermometer: Ensures the oil stays at the correct temperature for perfect frying.

Wire Rack: Allows fried chicken to cool without becoming soggy.

Mixing Bowls: For marinating the chicken, mixing the coating, and preparing the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make the chicken less spicy?
   Yes, reduce or omit the sriracha in the sauce for a milder flavor.
2. What’s the best oil for frying?
   Use a neutral oil like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil for frying.
3. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
   Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great and are naturally juicier.
4. How do I prevent the coating from falling off?
   Press the coating firmly onto the chicken, and let it rest for a few minutes before frying.
5. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
   Yes, prepare the Bang Bang sauce up to 1 week in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
6. What’s the best way to reheat the chicken?
   Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the chicken soggy.
7. Can I use store-bought breaded chicken?
   Yes, pre-cooked breaded chicken can save time, though homemade delivers the best flavor and texture.
8. What other toppings can I add?
   Try avocado slices, pickles, coleslaw, or a fried egg for extra flavor and variety.

Conclusion

The Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich is a delicious blend of bold flavors, crispy textures, and creamy goodness that’s sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. With its versatile toppings and customizable heat level, it’s perfect for any occasion, from casual lunches to party spreads.

Whether you’re making it for a crowd or treating yourself to a gourmet sandwich at home, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. Paired with your favorite sides, it’s a complete meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Try this recipe today and experience the irresistible charm of the Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich—where every bite is an explosion of flavor!

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