If you’re craving a sandwich that packs a punch of flavor and an irresistible crunch, the Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich Recipe is exactly what you need to try next. This sandwich masterfully combines juicy, marinated chicken thighs fried to golden perfection, then drenched in a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce that sings with sweet chili and sriracha heat. Tucked inside a buttery toasted brioche bun and topped with crisp coleslaw and a sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds, this sandwich balances spice, creaminess, and crunch to create a memorable meal that’s surprisingly easy to put together. Trust me, once you make this Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich Recipe, it’ll become a go-to favorite for lunch or dinner!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each item plays a crucial role, from tenderizing the chicken and adding flavor, to creating that crispy coating and perfectly spicy sauce. Here’s what you’ll gather before the cooking fun begins:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs: These provide juicy, tender meat that soaks up the marinade beautifully.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Adds acidity to tenderize the chicken and helps the coating stick.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the chicken and seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon pepper: Brings just a hint of warmth and depth to the seasoning mix.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle, savory aroma to the chicken marinade.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Gives a mild smoky flavor and beautiful color to the chicken.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the crispy chicken coating.
- 1/2 cup cornstarch: Lightens the flour for extra crispiness in the fried chicken.
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce: Infuses the bang bang sauce with a perfect blend of sweet and spicy notes.
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise: Brings creaminess that balances the heat in the sauce.
- 1–2 tablespoons sriracha (to taste): Cranks up the spice level exactly how you like it.
- 4 brioche buns: Soft, buttery buns that hold all the goodness together without overpowering the flavors.
- 1 1/2 cups coleslaw mix: Adds a refreshing crunch and lightness to every bite.
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions: Provides a mild oniony bite and a splash of color.
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds: Adds a subtle nutty flavor and an appealing garnish.
- Oil for frying: Essential for that golden, crispy chicken exterior.
How to Make Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by placing your boneless chicken thighs in a bowl with buttermilk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This marinade is the unsung hero—allowing the chicken to soak up flavors and become wonderfully tender. While a quick 30-minute soak works, letting it rest overnight will make the flavors even more vibrant and the texture unbeatable.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
Mix the all-purpose flour and cornstarch in a shallow dish. The cornstarch helps achieve a light, crunchy crust that holds up perfectly against the spicy sauce. Once marinated, remove the chicken from the buttermilk and dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour and cornstarch mixture, ensuring every inch is coated.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Heat oil in a heavy skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the coated chicken for about 5 to 6 minutes per side, until the crust turns a gorgeous, golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. Cooking at the right temperature is key to locking in juiciness while achieving that coveted crunch. Drain on a wire rack to keep the crust crisp and prevent sogginess.
Step 4: Toss in Bang Bang Sauce
Whisk together sweet chili sauce, mayonnaise, and sriracha in a small bowl. The combination creates the signature bang bang sauce — creamy with a kick of spicy sweetness. Toss your hot fried chicken thighs in this sauce until every piece is coated with that vibrant, glossy glaze. The warm chicken soaks it up beautifully, giving you irresistible flavor in every bite.
Step 5: Toast the Buns
Lightly butter your brioche buns and toast them until golden brown on the surface. This step adds another layer of flavor and a slight crunch to the sandwich structure, complementing the tender chicken without overpowering it.
Step 6: Assemble the Sandwich
Start with the bottom half of the toasted bun, layer on a piece of your saucy chicken, then pile on the crisp coleslaw mix for a refreshing crunch. Sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top for just the right touch of zest and texture, then crown it with the top half of the bun. Serve immediately to enjoy the full experience of textures and flavors this Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich Recipe offers.
How to Serve Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Garnishes
Adding sliced green onions and sesame seeds is the perfect finishing touch. They brighten up the sandwich’s appearance with fresh color and provide subtle layers of flavor that cut through the richness of the chicken and sauce. Feel free to add a few fresh cilantro leaves if you want to experiment with an extra herbaceous note.
Side Dishes
This sandwich pairs wonderfully with simple sides like crispy fries, a light cucumber salad, or even some pickled vegetables. The key is to balance the spicy, creamy sandwich with something refreshing or mildly savory that complements without competing. Classic coleslaw on the side can also echo the crunch in the sandwich itself, making it a perfect crowd-pleaser combo.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich Recipe open-faced on a large wooden board with extra sauce drizzled artistically on top. You can also swap the brioche buns for sturdy lettuce wraps for a low-carb option while keeping all the flavors intact. Another idea is to chop the sandwich into sliders for parties or casual gatherings where finger foods steal the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the chicken thighs and buns separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps the bread from getting soggy and allows you to enjoy the chicken another day without losing its crispiness too much.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked, sauced chicken thighs in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, they freeze individually and don’t clump together, making it easy to thaw just what you need. Avoid freezing the buns with the chicken to maintain their quality.
Reheating
For reheating, pop the chicken in a toaster oven or air fryer at 350°F until warmed through and crispy again, usually about 5-7 minutes. Re-toast the buns lightly on a skillet or in your oven for best results. This method brings back that freshly-cooked crunch and keeps every bite as delightful as the first time.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work fine, though thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful when fried. If using breasts, consider slightly pounding them to an even thickness for the best cooking results.
How spicy is the Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich Recipe?
The heat level is adjustable to your liking. The sriracha adds a noticeable but pleasant kick, and you can easily reduce or increase the amount in the sauce to suit your spice preference without compromising on flavor.
Is there a way to make this sandwich healthier?
You can bake the coated chicken thighs instead of frying to cut down on oil. Using whole wheat or multigrain buns and lightening the sauce with Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise are other good options to boost nutrition without losing the essence of the sandwich.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The bang bang sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick stir before tossing with the chicken to keep the flavors perfectly melded.
What’s the best oil for frying the chicken?
A neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil works best. These oils ensure the chicken fries evenly and crisps up without imparting unwanted flavors.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about mastering the Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich Recipe. From the marinated, crispy chicken to the creamy, spicy sauce and crunchy coleslaw, this sandwich brings a wonderful combination of flavors and textures to your table. Whether you’re feeding family, impressing friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers satisfaction with every bite. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and dive into making this fantastic sandwich soon—you won’t regret it!
Print
Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich Recipe
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
A deliciously spicy and crispy Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich featuring marinated fried chicken thighs tossed in a creamy sweet chili sauce, served on toasted brioche buns with fresh coleslaw, green onions, and sesame seeds for a perfect blend of heat and crunch.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- Oil for frying (about 2 cups)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1–2 tablespoons sriracha (to taste)
For the Assembly:
- 4 brioche buns
- 1 1/2 cups coleslaw mix
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
- Butter for toasting buns
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken thighs with buttermilk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight for deeper flavor and tenderness.
- Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, mix together the all-purpose flour and cornstarch. Remove each chicken thigh from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge thoroughly in the flour mixture until fully coated. Set aside.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a heavy skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry each coated chicken thigh for 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Transfer the fried chicken onto a wire rack to drain excess oil and keep crispy.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, mayonnaise, and sriracha until well combined. Adjust sriracha amount based on your preferred spice level.
- Coat the Chicken with Sauce: While the chicken is still hot, toss each piece in the prepared Bang Bang sauce until evenly coated and glossy.
- Toast the Buns: Lightly butter the brioche buns and toast them in a skillet or toaster oven until golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Place the sauced chicken on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Top with a generous handful of coleslaw mix, sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, and finish with the top bun. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight intensifies flavor and tenderizes the meat.
- You can adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce to control the heat level.
- Use a thermometer to check that the oil stays at 350°F to ensure crispy, well-cooked chicken.
- For a lighter option, bake the chicken at 400°F for 25–30 minutes instead of frying, but frying gives the best crunch.
- The coleslaw mix adds fresh crunch but you can swap it for your favorite slaw or leafy greens.
