Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich

Sometimes, you need a sandwich that packs a punch, both in flavor and texture. Enter the Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich a deliciously crispy fried chicken breast, slathered in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce, all nestled between soft buns with fresh toppings. It’s a flavor explosion that hits all the right notes: crunchy, juicy, spicy, and just a little sweet.

Perfect for a weekend lunch, a casual dinner, or when you’re craving some serious comfort food, this sandwich is bound to become a regular in your meal rotation.

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Why You’ll Love This Sandwich

• Crispy and Juicy: The chicken is coated in a triple-layered breading of flour, egg, and panko breadcrumbs, creating a crunchy exterior while staying juicy inside.
• Bang Bang Sauce: This signature sauce brings the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy. It’s the star of the show and takes this sandwich from good to amazing.
• Simple to Make: While it may sound gourmet, the recipe is easy and comes together in about 35 minutes.
• Customizable: You can adjust the spice level, swap out toppings, or even bake the chicken for a lighter version.

Ingredients Breakdown 🛒

Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need to whip up this delicious Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich.

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb chicken breasts: Sliced into thin cutlets for even cooking and easier assembly.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour: The first layer of the breading, helping the egg stick to the chicken.
• 1 tsp paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavor.
• 1 tsp garlic powder: Infuses the chicken with savory goodness.
• 1 tsp onion powder: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
• 1/2 tsp salt & 1/2 tsp black pepper: For seasoning the chicken and bringing out the flavors.
• 2 large eggs, beaten: Acts as the glue between the flour and the breadcrumbs.
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs: Provides that light, crispy texture.
• Vegetable oil: For frying the chicken to golden perfection.

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise: The creamy base of the sauce.
• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce: Adds sweetness and a mild heat.
• 1 tbsp sriracha: Brings the heat; adjust to your spice preference.
• 1 tbsp honey: Balances the spice with a touch of sweetness.

For Assembly:

• 4 hamburger buns: Soft buns that complement the crunchy chicken.
• Lettuce leaves: Adds freshness and crunch.
• Tomato slices: Juicy and slightly sweet, perfect for balance.
• Pickles (optional): For a tangy bite that cuts through the richness of the sauce.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Sandwiches 🥪

Follow these simple steps to create the ultimate crispy chicken sandwich with a bang!

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by prepping the chicken for breading. In a shallow dish, combine the dry ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

In a second shallow dish, place the beaten eggs, and in a third dish, add the panko breadcrumbs.

Step 2: Dredge the Chicken

Now it’s time to coat the chicken:

1. Coat each chicken cutlet in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s evenly covered.
2. Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off.
3. Press the chicken into the panko breadcrumbs, making sure it’s fully coated for maximum crunch.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot (around 350°F or 175°C), carefully place the chicken cutlets in the skillet.

• Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked.
• Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 4: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

While the chicken is frying, let’s whip up the signature Bang Bang Sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
• 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 tbsp honey

Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness or heat as needed. This sauce is creamy, sweet, and spicy all in one!

Step 5: Assemble the Sandwiches

Now comes the fun part—assembling your sandwiches!

1. Spread a generous amount of Bang Bang sauce on the bottom half of each hamburger bun.
2. Place a crispy fried chicken cutlet on top of the sauce.
3. Add a few lettuce leaves for crunch and freshness.
4. Top with sliced tomatoes and pickles if you like a tangy kick.
5. Spread a little more sauce on the top bun, then place it over the sandwich.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Bang Bang Chicken Sandwiches immediately while the chicken is still hot and crispy. Pair them with fries, a side salad, or even some coleslaw for a complete meal.

Tips for the Best Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich

1. Thin Chicken Cutlets: Slicing the chicken breasts into thin cutlets ensures they cook evenly and quickly.
2. Don’t Skip the Panko: Panko breadcrumbs give the chicken that light, airy crunch that regular breadcrumbs just can’t match.
3. Adjust the Spice: Love heat? Add more sriracha! Prefer it milder? Reduce the sriracha or increase the honey for more sweetness.
4. Serve Immediately: For the crispiest texture, serve the sandwiches as soon as they’re assembled.
5. Make It Healthier: For a lighter version, bake the breaded chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden and crispy.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of crispy fried chicken, fresh toppings, and a flavorful sauce is simply irresistible. The Bang Bang sauce, with its perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy, ties everything together and makes this sandwich stand out from the crowd.

Serving Suggestions

While the sandwich is a meal in itself, here are a few side dishes that pair perfectly with it:

• Sweet Potato Fries: Their natural sweetness complements the spicy sauce.
• Coleslaw: Adds a cool, crunchy contrast to the crispy chicken.
• Potato Salad: A creamy side dish that balances the spice.
• Pickled Veggies: For a tangy, refreshing bite.

Final Thoughts

The Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich is more than just a meal it’s an experience. With crispy, golden chicken and a sauce that’s equal parts sweet and spicy, this sandwich is guaranteed to be a hit with your family and friends.

Whether you’re making it for a casual dinner or a weekend treat, it’s sure to satisfy those cravings for something crunchy, spicy, and downright delicious. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!