Bang Bang Chicken Sandwiches

If you love bold, spicy, and creamy flavors, these Bang Bang Chicken Sandwiches are about to become your new favorite! Crispy chicken is slathered in a sweet and spicy bang bang sauce, then tucked into a toasted bun with crunchy slaw for the ultimate sandwich experience. They’re perfect for weeknight dinners, game day eats, or anytime you want a sandwich that really packs a punch.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy & Saucy – Juicy chicken with a golden crunch and irresistible bang bang sauce.
Sweet, Spicy & Tangy – The signature sauce is perfectly balanced.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for dinner, lunch, or party platters.
Easy to Customize – Swap proteins or toppings to suit your taste.
Restaurant-Quality at Home – Save money and enjoy a gourmet-style sandwich from your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to even thickness)
1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice)
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup cornstarch
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
Oil for frying (or spray for air frying)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sweet chili sauce
1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp rice vinegar or lime juice (for brightness)

For the Slaw:
1½ cups shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
¼ cup shredded carrots
1 tbsp mayo or Greek yogurt
1 tsp lime juice
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Sandwich Assembly:
4 brioche or sandwich buns
Butter or oil (for toasting buns)
Fresh cilantro or green onions (optional, for garnish)
Pickles (optional)

Tools You’ll Need
Mixing bowls
Skillet or air fryer
Tongs
Paper towels
Whisk or fork
Baking sheet (if air frying)
Meat mallet (for pounding chicken evenly)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a bowl or zip-top bag, combine chicken breasts and buttermilk.
2. Let marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours for extra tenderness.

Step 2: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar.
2. Adjust heat and sweetness to your liking. Set aside in the fridge until ready to use.

Step 3: Prep the Slaw

1. In another bowl, toss cabbage, carrots, mayo, and lime juice.
2. Season with salt and pepper and mix well.
3. Chill until ready to assemble the sandwiches.

Step 4: Bread and Cook the Chicken

1. In a shallow dish, mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Remove chicken from marinade and let excess drip off.
3. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing to coat thoroughly.

Frying Option:

1. Heat about ½ inch of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Fry chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temp).
3. Drain on paper towels.

Air Fryer Option:

1. Spray chicken pieces with oil and place in a preheated air fryer at 400°F.
2. Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and fully cooked.

Step 5: Toast the Buns

1. Lightly butter the inside of the buns and toast in a skillet or oven until golden brown.

Step 6: Assemble the Sandwiches

1. Spread bang bang sauce on the bottom bun.
2. Add crispy chicken, a generous scoop of slaw, and a drizzle more sauce.
3. Top with pickles or fresh herbs if desired, then add the top bun and serve.

Tips for the Best Bang Bang Chicken Sandwiches
Double Dip for Extra Crunch – Dredge, dip back in milk, and dredge again for extra crispy coating.
Make It Healthier – Use an air fryer and opt for Greek yogurt in the sauce or slaw.
Control the Heat – Adjust the sriracha to your spice preference.
Prep Ahead – Marinate the chicken and make the sauce/slaw ahead of time.
Use Chicken Thighs – For juicier meat, boneless thighs work wonderfully.

Serving Suggestions
Serve with fries, sweet potato wedges, or a side salad.
Pair with a chilled lemonade, iced tea, or a citrusy sparkling water.
Add a fruit salad or corn on the cob for a fun summer meal.
Make mini sliders for parties or game day snacks.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Store leftover chicken separately from the buns and slaw to keep it crispy. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Reheating:
Air Fryer/Oven: Reheat at 375°F until warmed through and crispy again.
Microwave: Only if needed—crispiness will be lost.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken tenders or nuggets?
   Yes! It’s a great shortcut and perfect for sliders or smaller sandwiches.
2. What’s a good mayo substitute?
   Use plain Greek yogurt or a blend of mayo and sour cream for a lighter twist.
3. Can I bake the chicken?
   Yes, bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes on a wire rack for crispy results.
4. Is this spicy?
   It has a mild kick, but you can reduce the sriracha or add more honey to mellow the heat.
5. Can I make this gluten-free?
   Use gluten-free flour and buns. Always check your sauce ingredients too.

Final Thoughts
These Bang Bang Chicken Sandwiches are bold, crispy, and absolutely crave-worthy. From the crunchy chicken to the creamy, spicy sauce and cool slaw, every bite is a flavor explosion. They’re simple enough for a casual dinner but impressive enough to serve guests—and once you try them, you’ll want to make them again and again.

Let me know how your sandwiches turn out! Don’t forget to share your creations online—I’d love to see your bang bang masterpiece!

Preparation Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating)
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: Asian-American Fusion

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 520 | Protein: 32g | Carbohydrates: 38g | Fat: 28g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 670mg

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