Get ready to fall in love with this Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich Recipe that’s bursting with bold flavors and irresistible crunch. Imagine perfectly fried chicken cutlets soaked in a creamy, spicy, sweet sauce and nestled inside a buttery brioche bun with crisp lettuce and tangy pickles. This sandwich is an explosion of textures and tastes that will have you savoring every bite and craving more. Whether you’re making lunch for loved ones or impressing at a casual dinner, this recipe is your new secret weapon for quick, satisfying comfort food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich Recipe lies in its simple but impactful ingredients. Every item plays a vital role, from the tenderizing buttermilk marinade to the crispy flour coating, and the vibrant, creamy sauce that ties everything together with a zing.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Halved horizontally to create thin cutlets that cook evenly and quickly for a juicy interior.
- Buttermilk: Adds acidity to tenderize the chicken while infusing subtle tanginess.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: Essential seasoning that boosts the savory foundation.
- Salt and black pepper: Basics that highlight and balance flavor.
- All-purpose flour and cornstarch: The perfect blend for a light, crispy coating that holds up to frying.
- Vegetable oil: Critical for frying and achieving that golden crust.
- Brioche buns: Soft, buttery buns that complement the crispy chicken for the ultimate sandwich experience.
- Shredded lettuce or cabbage: Adds crunchy freshness and contrast to the rich chicken.
- Sliced pickles (optional): A tangy punch that elevates overall flavor.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base for the Bang Bang sauce that keeps everything luscious.
- Sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey: Perfect harmony of spicy heat and sweet warmth in the sauce.
- Rice vinegar: Introduces a mild tang that brightens the sauce’s flavor.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together the buttermilk with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a shallow bowl. This marinade not only infuses the chicken with flavor but also tenderizes it, ensuring every bite is juicy and flavorful. Submerge the chicken cutlets fully and let them soak for at least 30 minutes—overnight if you can plan ahead for an even deeper flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Dredging Mix and Oil
In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with cornstarch. This combination is what gives your chicken that coveted crispy texture while frying. Meanwhile, heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to about 350°F (175°C); getting the oil hot enough is essential to achieve that golden brown crust without absorbing excess grease.
Step 3: Coat and Fry the Chicken
Remove each chicken cutlet from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge it thoroughly in the flour-cornstarch mixture, pressing to ensure an even coating. Fry the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes per side until deeply golden and cooked through. Once fried, transfer the chicken to a wire rack or paper towels to drain any extra oil—this keeps the coating crisp and delicious.
Step 4: Whip Up the Bang Bang Sauce
Mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar in a small bowl until smooth and perfectly blended. This sauce is the heart of the Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich Recipe, combining heat, sweetness, and tang into one creamy delight.
Step 5: Assemble the Sandwiches
Lightly toast the brioche buns to add a pleasant crunch and warmth. Spread the Bang Bang sauce generously on both the top and bottom halves. Layer the fried chicken cutlet, shredded lettuce or cabbage for a fresh crunch, and optional pickles for an extra zing. Finish with a drizzle of more sauce on top before closing the sandwich and serving.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, sprinkle some sesame seeds over the sauce or add a few chopped scallions for a pop of color and mild onion freshness. A small handful of crushed peanuts can give a delightful crunch that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich Recipe pairs wonderfully with crispy sweet potato fries, a tangy coleslaw, or even a light cucumber salad to balance the richness of the sandwich. These sides add texture and flavor contrasts that make the meal more exciting and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the sandwich open-faced on a large wooden board with sauce drizzled artfully around it. Alternatively, slice the sandwich diagonally and secure each half with a colorful skewer for a fun presentation that’s perfect for sharing at gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover fried chicken separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to preserve its crispiness. Keep the sauce and sandwich buns stored separately for the freshest texture and flavor once you’re ready to assemble again.
Freezing
If you want to save some chicken for later, freeze the cooked chicken cutlets wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed inside a freezer-friendly bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Just avoid freezing the assembled sandwich, as the buns get soggy.
Reheating
Reheat the fried chicken cutlets in a hot oven or toaster oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to ensure the coating stays crispy and the chicken remains tender. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to soften the crust.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer a juicier, more flavorful alternative and work wonderfully for this Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich Recipe. Just adjust frying time slightly as thighs may take a minute or two longer to cook through.
Is there a healthier way to make this sandwich?
Yes! You can air-fry the chicken cutlets or bake them in the oven for a lighter option that still delivers on crunch and flavor without all the oil from frying.
How spicy is the Bang Bang sauce?
The sauce strikes a balanced heat with the sweetness from honey and chili sauce complementing the sriracha’s kick, making it pleasantly spicy but not overpowering. Feel free to adjust sriracha levels to suit your taste buds.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Definitely, the Bang Bang sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. This makes weeknight assembly quick and easy—just spread and enjoy!
What kind of buns work best for this sandwich?
Brioche buns are the top choice because their soft, buttery texture pairs so well with the crispy chicken and creamy sauce. However, potato buns or even sturdy sandwich rolls can be great substitutes.
Final Thoughts
This Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of bold flavors and irresistible textures that anyone can master in their own kitchen. Whether for a casual lunch or a weekend treat, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles to the table. So grab your ingredients, get frying, and enjoy the magic of this delicious sandwich with family and friends!
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Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Dairy-Free (with mayo substitute)
Description
This Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich features crispy fried chicken cutlets coated in a spicy, tangy Bang Bang sauce served on toasted brioche buns with crunchy shredded lettuce or cabbage and optional pickles. Marinated for extra flavor and fried to golden perfection, it’s a deliciously bold American-inspired main course perfect for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved horizontally for 4 thin cutlets)
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- Vegetable oil for frying
Sandwich Assembly
- 4 brioche buns
- 1 cup shredded lettuce or cabbage
- Sliced pickles (optional)
Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a shallow bowl, whisk together buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken cutlets to this mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged, and marinate for at least 30 minutes up to overnight for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour with cornstarch thoroughly. This mixture will give the chicken a crispy texture when fried.
- Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or pot and heat it to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature for consistent frying.
- Coat and Fry the Chicken: Remove chicken from the buttermilk marinade, dredge each cutlet in the flour mixture, pressing to coat evenly to ensure a crispy crust. Fry each piece for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Avoid crowding the pan. Once fried, place chicken on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar. Stir well until the sauce is smooth and slightly spicy with a balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
- Toast Buns and Assemble: Lightly toast the brioche buns. Spread a generous amount of the Bang Bang sauce on both the top and bottom halves. Layer the fried chicken cutlet, shredded lettuce or cabbage, and pickles if using. Drizzle more sauce over the assembled sandwich for extra flavor before serving immediately.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase the sriracha quantity in the Bang Bang sauce according to your taste.
- To reduce oil usage, the chicken can be air-fried or oven-baked as a lighter alternative to frying.
- Swap shredded lettuce with coleslaw for additional crunch and flavor complexity.
- Use a mayonnaise substitute like vegan mayo to make the recipe dairy-free.
