Bang Bang Spicy Chicken Sandwich

Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich is a delightful fusion of flavors that perfectly balances spicy, creamy, and crunchy elements, making it a must-try recipe for any home cook. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly satisfying, perfect for family dinners or a quick weekday meal. With its juicy, crispy chicken, zesty bang bang sauce, and refreshing slaw, it’s guaranteed to become a favorite at your table. In this step-by-step guide, you will learn how to make this scrumptious sandwich that will excite your taste buds and impress your loved ones.

Ingredients

The ingredients for the Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich are simple yet packed with flavor, allowing you to create a delicious meal in no time.

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: Tender and juicy, these will form the star of your sandwich.
• 1 cup buttermilk: Adds a creamy texture and richness, allowing the chicken to marinate beautifully.
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce: The kick that elevates the dish; feel free to add more for extra heat.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour: Coats the chicken to create a crispy exterior.
• 1/2 cup cornstarch: Helps achieve that golden crunch when frying.
• 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a smoky flavor and a beautiful color to the coating.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Aromatic notes that enhance the chicken’s flavor profile.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: Additional depth to the seasoning mix.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and enhances the taste.
• 1 large egg: Acts as a binding agent for the flour coating.
• Oil for frying: A neutral oil works best for frying the chicken to golden perfection.
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Creamy base for our tangy sauce.
• 1/3 cup sweet chili sauce: Adds a hint of sweetness to balance the heat.
• 2 tablespoons sriracha: For a spicy kick that complements the other flavors.
• 1 tablespoon honey: Brings a touch of sweetness and helps to balance the heat.
• 2 cups shredded cabbage: Provides a crunchy texture to the slaw.
• 1 cup shredded carrots: Adds color and sweetness to the dish.
• 2 green onions, sliced: A fresh element that brightens the flavors.
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro: A burst of herbal freshness.
• 4 sandwich buns: Soft and toasted, perfect for holding everything together.

Step-by-Step Directions

Pound or slice the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This step ensures that the chicken cooks uniformly, resulting in juicy meat throughout. In a bowl, combine the chicken, buttermilk, and hot sauce, mixing well. Cover and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to penetrate and tenderize the meat.

While the chicken marinates, prepare the coating mixture. In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined. In a separate bowl, beat the egg until frothy. This will create a deliciously crispy crust on the chicken that’s hard to resist.

After marinating, remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, making sure to coat it evenly. Then dip it into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, return the chicken to the flour mixture for a second coating. This double coating ensures maximum crispiness once fried.

In a large skillet, heat enough oil over medium heat to cover the bottom of the pan lightly. Fry the chicken for about 4 to 5 minutes per side or until golden brown, crispy, and cooked through. The frying time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts, but make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

While the chicken is frying, prepare the bang bang sauce. In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth. This sauce provides a creamy, spicy, and tangy flavor that complements the crispy chicken perfectly.

In another bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, green onions, and cilantro to make the slaw. Mix well and set aside. This refreshing slaw adds crunch and balances the richness of the chicken and sauce.

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Lightly toast the sandwich buns to enhance their flavor and prevent them from becoming soggy.

Now it’s time to assemble your sandwich! Spread a generous layer of bang bang sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Add a piece of crispy chicken on top. Drizzle more sauce over the chicken before piling on a generous amount of slaw. Finish with the top bun and serve immediately, allowing the flavors to meld together as you enjoy each delicious bite.

Tips & Tricks

• To maximize flavor, let the chicken marinate longer, up to 4 hours, if time permits.
• For extra crunch, consider adding fried onions or pickles to your sandwich.
• Adjust the spice level of the bang bang sauce by modifying the amount of sriracha to suit your taste.
• Experiment with different types of lettuce or greens in the slaw for added variety.
• If you want to make this sandwich healthier, consider air frying the chicken instead of deep frying for a lower-calorie option.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

These Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Sandwiches are perfect for any casual gathering or weeknight dinner. Serve them alongside crispy sweet potato fries or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. They are also great for picnics or barbecues, as the vibrant flavors and crunchy textures are sure to be a hit among both kids and adults. Pair them with a cold beverage like iced tea or lemonade for a refreshing complement to your meal.

Nutritional Information

Each Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich contains approximately 600-700 calories, depending on the size of the chicken breasts and the quantity of sauce used. It provides a balance of protein from the chicken, healthy fats from the mayonnaise, and fiber from the vegetables. For those watching their caloric intake, consider adjusting the serving size or making the sandwich with skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor.

Storing Tips & Variations

If you have leftovers, store the chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat the chicken, place it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. You can also freeze the fully cooked chicken; wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

For variations, consider transforming this recipe into a wrap by using tortillas instead of buns. You can also make bang bang chicken tacos using smaller tortillas loaded with the same creamy sauce and slaw for a fun twist!

Conclusion

Now that you have the recipe for Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich, it’s time to gather your ingredients and start cooking! This dish is not only quick and simple but also a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love. I encourage you to share your experience or any variations you create, as the kitchen is all about experimenting and having fun. Enjoy every crispy, spicy, and creamy bite, and happy cooking!

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
   Yes, chicken thighs can be used for a richer flavor and juicier texture.

2. What is the best way to serve leftovers?
   For best taste, reheat the chicken in the oven instead of the microwave to maintain its crispiness.

3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
   Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour and cornstarch with a gluten-free flour blend.

4. How spicy is the bang bang sauce?
   The spiciness can vary based on the amount of sriracha used. Adjust it according to your taste preferences.

5. Can I prepare the slaw ahead of time?
   Yes, the slaw can be made a few hours in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich

A delightful fusion of spicy, creamy, and crunchy flavors, this sandwich features juicy chicken, zesty bang bang sauce, and refreshing slaw.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 sandwiches

Calories 650 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken

• 4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts Tender and juicy, these will form the star of your sandwich.
• 1 cup buttermilk Adds a creamy texture and richness.
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce Feel free to add more for extra heat.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour Coats the chicken to create a crispy exterior.
• 1/2 cup cornstarch Helps achieve that golden crunch when frying.
• 1 teaspoon paprika Adds a smoky flavor.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder Enhances the chicken’s flavor profile.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder Adds depth to the seasoning mix.
• 1 teaspoon salt Essential for flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Adds subtle heat.
• 1 large egg Acts as a binding agent.
• Oil for frying Oil for frying A neutral oil works best.

For the Bang Bang Sauce

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise Creamy base for our sauce.
• 1/3 cup sweet chili sauce Adds a hint of sweetness.
• 2 tablespoons sriracha Adds a spicy kick.
• 1 tablespoon honey Balances the heat.

For the Slaw

• 2 cups shredded cabbage Provides crunchy texture.
• 1 cup shredded carrots Adds sweetness to the dish.
• 2 pieces green onions, sliced A fresh element.
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro Provides herbal freshness.

For Assembly

• 4 pieces sandwich buns Soft and toasted.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Pound or slice the chicken breasts to an even thickness.
• In a bowl, combine the chicken, buttermilk, and hot sauce. Cover and let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
• Prepare the coating mixture by whisking together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a shallow dish.
• In a separate bowl, beat the egg until frothy.

Cooking

• Remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture and dredge in the flour mixture, then dip into the beaten egg, and return to the flour for a second coating.
• Heat enough oil in a large skillet over medium heat to cover the bottom lightly.
• Fry the chicken for about 4 to 5 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through.
• Prepare the bang bang sauce by stirring together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth.
• In another bowl, combine shredded cabbage, carrots, green onions, and cilantro for the slaw.

Assembly

• Remove chicken from the skillet and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Lightly toast the sandwich buns.
• Spread bang bang sauce on the bottom half of each bun, top with chicken, drizzle with more sauce, and add slaw before finishing with the top bun.

Notes

Let the chicken marinate longer for more flavor. Adjust spice levels of the sauce as desired.

Keyword Bang Bang Chicken, Crispy Chicken, Easy Dinner, Family Meal, Spicy Sandwich