Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

This Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich is the kind of meal that instantly feels crave-worthy. It brings together crispy chicken, a creamy sweet-heat bang bang sauce, cool crunchy slaw, and a soft toasted bun for a sandwich that tastes bold, messy, and completely satisfying.

It is perfect for lunch, dinner, or weekend comfort food when you want something with serious flavor. Every bite gives you crispy texture, spicy sauce, fresh crunch, and juicy chicken, making this an easy homemade sandwich that feels just as exciting as takeout.

---

What Makes a Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich So Good?

The magic of this sandwich is all about contrast. You get hot crispy chicken paired with a creamy spicy sauce, then balance it all with fresh slaw and soft bread. It is the mix of texture and flavor that makes this sandwich stand out from a basic fried chicken sandwich.

---

Ingredients for the Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich

Each ingredient has a job to do in this recipe, and together they create the signature sweet, spicy, crunchy bite.

Chicken tenders or chicken breast
Chicken is the heart of the sandwich. Tender pieces work best because they cook quickly and stay juicy inside while turning crisp on the outside.

Buttermilk
Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken and adds flavor. It also helps the coating stick better.

All-purpose flour
Flour creates the base of the crispy coating and gives the chicken that golden crust.

Cornstarch
Cornstarch lightens the breading and helps the exterior fry up extra crisp.

Paprika
Paprika adds color and a mild smoky warmth to the coating.

Garlic powder
Garlic powder builds savory flavor throughout the breading.

Onion powder
Onion powder rounds out the seasoning and adds depth to the chicken.

Cayenne pepper
Cayenne gives the chicken its extra kick and supports the spicy profile.

Salt
Salt brings out all the flavors in the breading and the chicken itself.

Black pepper
Black pepper adds a gentle bite and balances the richness.

Egg
Egg helps the breading cling to the chicken for a thicker, crispier crust.

Vegetable oil
Oil is needed for frying the chicken until golden and crunchy.

Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise forms the creamy base of the bang bang sauce.

Sweet chili sauce
Sweet chili sauce gives the bang bang sauce its signature sweet and tangy flavor.

Sriracha
Sriracha adds heat and a bold chili flavor to the sauce.

Honey
Honey smooths out the heat and helps the sauce taste glossy and balanced.

Shredded cabbage
Cabbage adds cool crunch and freshness that cuts through the rich chicken.

Shredded carrots
Carrots bring color, sweetness, and more texture to the slaw.

Lime juice
Lime juice brightens the slaw and keeps the sandwich from feeling too heavy.

Fresh cilantro
Cilantro adds freshness and a pop of herby flavor.

Jalapeño slices
Jalapeños give the sandwich extra heat and a fresh peppery crunch.

Sesame seeds
Sesame seeds add a subtle nutty finish and make the sandwich look even better.

Brioche buns
Brioche buns are soft, slightly sweet, and sturdy enough to hold all the filling.

---

How To Make the Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich

This sandwich comes together in simple steps, and each one helps build those layers of crunch, heat, and creamy flavor.

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken in a bowl with buttermilk and let it sit for at least 20 to 30 minutes. This helps keep the chicken tender and flavorful.

Step 2: Mix the Crispy Coating

In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. In a second bowl, beat the egg.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Lift each piece of chicken from the buttermilk, dip it in the egg, then press it into the flour mixture until fully coated. For an extra crunchy crust, press the coating firmly onto the chicken.

Step 4: Fry Until Golden

Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken in batches for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a wire rack or paper towel lined plate.

Step 5: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth. Taste and adjust with more sriracha if you want it hotter.

Step 6: Toss the Slaw

In another bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, lime juice, and cilantro. Toss until lightly coated and fresh.

Step 7: Toast the Buns

Lightly toast the brioche buns in a skillet or under the broiler for a minute or two. This keeps them from getting soggy.

Step 8: Build the Sandwiches

Spread bang bang sauce on the bottom bun, add crispy chicken, spoon over more sauce, then top with slaw, jalapeño slices, cilantro, and sesame seeds. Finish with the top bun and serve right away.

---

Best Ways to Serve and Store Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Sandwiches

Serve these sandwiches hot with fries, potato wedges, pickles, a fresh salad, or even corn on the cob. They also pair really well with simple sides because the sandwich already brings so much flavor.

For storing, keep the chicken, sauce, slaw, and buns separate whenever possible. Refrigerate the cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven or air fryer to bring back the crisp texture. The sauce can be refrigerated for up to 5 days, and the slaw is best enjoyed the same day for maximum crunch.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this sandwich less spicy?

Yes. Reduce the cayenne in the breading and use less sriracha in the sauce. You can also skip the jalapeños.

Can I air fry the chicken instead of frying it?

Yes. Spray the breaded chicken lightly with oil and air fry until crisp and cooked through, flipping halfway for even browning.

What cut of chicken works best?

Chicken tenders are the easiest option, but sliced chicken breast works very well too.

Can I make the bang bang sauce ahead of time?

Yes. The sauce can be mixed a day or two in advance and kept chilled until you are ready to assemble the sandwiches.

What kind of buns should I use?

Brioche buns are a great choice because they are soft and slightly sweet, but potato buns also work nicely.

Can I add cheese to this sandwich?

You can, although it is not necessary. Pepper jack can be a good option if you want even more heat.

---

Want More Chicken Ideas?

If you loved the bold flavor in this Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich, here are a few more savory chicken recipes to try next:

• Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Recipe for the same sweet-spicy flavor in an easy rice bowl.
• Crispy Buttered Ranch Chicken if you want another crunchy chicken dinner with tons of flavor.
• Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe for a sweet and smoky chicken meal with tropical flair.
• Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce when you are in the mood for bold seasoning and juicy chicken.
• Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe for a cheesy restaurant-style chicken dinner at home.

---

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know how yours turned out. Did you make it extra spicy? Did you pile on more slaw or keep it simple with just sauce and chicken?

I love hearing how these recipes turn out in your kitchen. For even more daily recipe inspiration, visit Life with Nina on Pinterest.

---

Print