Name: Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved horizontally (to make 4 thin cutlets); ½ cup buttermilk; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon pepper; 1 cup all-purpose flour; vegetable oil for frying; ½ cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce; 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste); 1 tablespoon honey; 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (optional); 4 sandwich buns or brioche buns; lettuce leaves; sliced tomatoes; pickles or coleslaw (optional); butter (for toasting buns)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe·4 from 27 reviews

If you crave a sandwich that’s bursting with flavor and texture, the Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich Recipe is an absolute must-try. This vibrant dish offers crispy, juicy chicken cutlets coated in a perfectly seasoned batter, smothered with a creamy, spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce, and nestled between buttery toasted buns. Each bite delivers a delightful mix of heat, tanginess, and crunch that will have you reaching for seconds. Whether it’s a quick lunch or a crowd-pleasing dinner, this recipe brings that restaurant-quality magic right into your own kitchen with simple, accessible ingredients.

Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the long ingredient list fool you — the magic of this Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich Recipe comes from a handful of straightforward, everyday ingredients that combine effortlessly. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this sandwich truly special.

Chicken breasts: Halved and tenderized, they form the crispy, juicy heart of the sandwich.
Buttermilk: Adds tang and tenderizes the chicken for a succulent bite.
Garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper: Simple spices that give the chicken a flavorful base.
All-purpose flour: Provides the crisp coating after frying.
Vegetable oil: Essential for frying the chicken to golden perfection.
Mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar: The dynamic ingredients behind the luscious, sweet—and just spicy enough—Bang Bang sauce.
Sandwich buns or brioche: Buttery and soft buns that cradle every delicious bite.
Lettuce, sliced tomatoes: Freshness and crunch to balance the richness.
Pickles or coleslaw (optional): For an extra zing or creaminess, depending on your mood.
Butter (for toasting buns): Adds a golden, rich finish to each sandwich.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

Start by whisking together buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This marinade not only imparts vibrant flavor but also tenderizes the chicken, ensuring every bite is juicy and full of taste. Let your chicken cutlets soak up all those delicious notes for at least 30 minutes or better yet, overnight if you’re planning ahead.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken with a Crispy Flour Layer

Once marinated, carefully dredge each piece in all-purpose flour, making sure every inch is evenly coated. This step is essential to that crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce. Don’t be shy here—generous flour coverage results in that satisfying crispiness.

Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat about half an inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken cutlets for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they’re a gorgeous golden brown and cooked through. The sizzling sound here is music to your ears, and trust me, waiting for that perfect fry is worth every second. Once cooked, transfer them onto paper towels to drain excess oil, keeping your sandwich from becoming greasy.

Step 4: Whip Up the Irresistible Bang Bang Sauce

In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and a splash of rice vinegar. Stir until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and well blended. This sauce ties everything together, offering sweetness balanced by a spicy kick that dances on your tongue. It’s the heart and soul of your Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich Recipe.

Step 5: Toast and Assemble Your Sandwich

Butter your buns lightly and toast them in a skillet until golden and warm, adding a comforting, rich base for your layers. Spread a generous amount of Bang Bang sauce on both the top and bottom buns, then add crisp lettuce, fresh tomato slices, and your crispy chicken. Top with extra sauce if you like, and add pickles or coleslaw for that perfect finishing touch. Serve immediately for the freshest, most flavorful experience.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Garnishes

A few simple garnishes go a long way to elevate the sandwich appearance and flavor. Crisp lettuce and juicy tomato slices bring freshness that cuts through the rich sauce. If you enjoy a tangy crunch, layering pickles or a scoop of zesty coleslaw will create a delightful contrast. Fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or green onions can also add an unexpected and vibrant twist.

Side Dishes

Pair your Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich with crispy fries or sweet potato wedges for a classic combo everyone loves. A crunchy salad or steamed vegetables provide a lighter, balanced accompaniment to this indulgent sandwich. For an Asian-inspired meal, consider serving with a side of edamame or pickled cucumbers to complement those bold Bang Bang flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests? Try serving the sandwich with the Bang Bang sauce drizzled artistically on a plate or on the side as a dip. Stack multiple sandwiches in a mini slider format for parties, or swap out the lettuce for crunchy cabbage slaw to vary textures. You can even turn this into a wrap by swapping buns for large lettuce leaves for a low-carb twist that’s just as satisfying.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Bang Bang Chicken sandwiches, wrap them tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. The components stay fresh for up to 2 days, though the chicken is best enjoyed when freshly crispy. Keep sauce separate if possible to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze cooked chicken cutlets after frying but before assembling the sandwich. Wrap each piece well in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 1 month. The buns and fresh veggies don’t freeze well, so add those fresh upon thawing.

Reheating

To bring back that crispy texture, reheat the chicken cutlets in a skillet over medium heat rather than the microwave. This method revives the crunch without drying out the meat. Toast fresh buns and add cold veggie toppings and sauce right before serving to maintain freshness.

FAQs

Can I make the Bang Bang sauce less spicy?

Absolutely! Simply reduce the amount of sriracha or omit it altogether to suit your heat preference. You can also add a bit more honey or mayonnaise to mellow the sauce while keeping its signature flavor.

Is there a healthier way to prepare this sandwich?

Yes! Instead of frying, you can grill the marinated chicken for a lighter option. Skipping the breading reduces carbs and fats, while still allowing the Bang Bang sauce to shine and complement your sandwich.

Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?

While thin chicken breasts work best for even cooking and layering, you can also use chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat. Just make sure to pound them to an even thickness for consistent results.

How long can I marinate the chicken?

Marinating for at least 30 minutes is ideal to get that tender, flavorful bite. For an even deeper flavor, marinate overnight in the fridge. Just make sure to cover the chicken and keep it chilled.

What can I use instead of sandwich buns?

If you’re out of buns, try using brioche, ciabatta, or even sturdy lettuce leaves for a gluten-free alternative. Tortillas or flatbreads can also work if you want to turn the sandwich into a wrap.

Final Thoughts

This Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich Recipe is truly one of those dishes that brings joy with every bite. From the crispy chicken to the creamy, spicy sauce, it balances flavors and textures beautifully and comes together with approachable ingredients. I can’t wait for you to make it your own and share it with friends and family—it’s absolutely guaranteed to become a favorite in your recipe rotation!