Bang Bang Chicken Sandwiches

Get ready to fall in love with these Bang Bang Chicken Sandwiches! Crispy, juicy chicken is coated in a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce and served on toasted buns with crunchy slaw for the ultimate bite. This is not your average sandwich—it’s a flavor explosion that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or any casual gathering.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bold & Addictive – Sweet, spicy, and creamy bang bang sauce is truly irresistible.
Crispy Perfection – Golden fried chicken delivers the ultimate crunch.
Great for Meal Prep – Prep the chicken and sauce ahead of time for quick assembly.
Customizable – Swap in grilled chicken or adjust the spice level to your taste.
Crowd-Pleaser – A fun, handheld meal everyone will devour.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:
2 large chicken breasts, cut in half horizontally
1 cup buttermilk
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup cornstarch
Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Bang Bang Sauce:
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sweet chili sauce
1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
1 tsp honey
1 tsp rice vinegar
Pinch of salt

For the Slaw:
2 cups shredded green cabbage
½ cup shredded carrots
2 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
½ tsp sugar
Salt & pepper to taste

For Assembly:
4 brioche or hamburger buns
Butter for toasting
Pickles (optional)
Fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped (optional)

Tools You’ll Need
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Tongs
Large skillet or deep fryer
Paper towels
Cutting board and knife
Toaster or skillet for buns

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken breast cutlets in a large bowl.
Pour in the buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Toss to coat, cover, and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours for more flavor and tenderness).

Step 2: Prepare the Slaw
In a mixing bowl, combine cabbage, carrots, mayo, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
Mix well, then cover and chill until ready to use. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and a pinch of salt.
Taste and adjust the heat by adding more sriracha if desired. Set aside.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken
In a shallow dish, mix flour and cornstarch.
Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off, and dredge in the flour mixture until well coated.
Place coated chicken on a plate and let it rest for 10 minutes. This helps the crust set and stick during frying.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (about 350°F/175°C).
Carefully add chicken and fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 6: Toast the Buns
Butter the insides of the buns and toast them in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown.
This step adds flavor and keeps the bun from getting soggy.

Step 7: Assemble the Sandwiches
Spread a generous layer of bang bang sauce on the bottom bun.
Place the crispy chicken cutlet on top.
Add a scoop of creamy slaw, more bang bang sauce, and top with optional pickles or herbs.
Close with the top bun and serve hot.

Tips for the Best Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich
Double Coat for Extra Crunch – Dip chicken in buttermilk and flour mixture twice for an extra crispy crust.
Drain Well – Always drain fried chicken on paper towels to avoid sogginess.
Chill the Sauce – A cool bang bang sauce makes for a great contrast with the hot chicken.
Toast the Buns – Adds texture and keeps the sandwich structurally sound.
Keep It Fresh – Add cucumber slices or fresh lettuce for a crisp contrast.

Serving Suggestions
Sweet Potato Fries – A perfect sweet and savory combo.
Corn on the Cob – Charred or boiled, it pairs perfectly.
Fruit Salad – Lightens the richness of the sandwich.
Lemonade or Iced Tea – Refreshing drinks to complement the spice.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken, slaw, and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Fried chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven.

Reheating:
Oven: Reheat chicken in a 375°F oven for 10-12 minutes until crispy.
Air Fryer: 350°F for 5-7 minutes works great.
Microwave: Not recommended for fried chicken, as it can become soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this sandwich less spicy?
   Yes, just reduce the amount of sriracha in the bang bang sauce or skip it altogether for a milder taste.
2. Can I use grilled chicken instead of fried?
   Absolutely! Marinate the chicken and grill it over medium heat until cooked through.
3. Is there a dairy-free option for buttermilk?
   You can use unsweetened almond milk with a splash of lemon juice as a substitute.
4. What other toppings can I add?
   Try avocado slices, red onion, jalapeños, or shredded lettuce for extra texture and flavor.
5. Can I prepare the components ahead of time?
   Yes! The slaw and sauce can be made a day in advance, and the chicken can be fried and reheated right before serving.

Final Thoughts
These Bang Bang Chicken Sandwiches bring restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen. With a crispy chicken base, a spicy-sweet sauce, and creamy slaw, it’s a sandwich you’ll want to make again and again. Great for casual dinners, backyard gatherings, or a weekend treat.

Try them out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your sandwich photos on Pinterest! I’d love to see your take on it.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 610 | Protein: 32g | Carbohydrates: 42g | Fat: 34g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 780mg

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