Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich
When you need a sandwich that goes beyond the ordinary, the Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich is here to fire up your lunch or dinner routine. Crispy, golden chicken meets a creamy, spicy sauce all nestled into a soft bun for the perfect balance of heat, crunch, and comfort. It’s the kind of sandwich that makes you pause after the first bite, just to savor how all the bold flavors hit at once.
This sandwich takes a little extra effort compared to a standard chicken sandwich, but it’s worth every step. The bang bang sauce alone is enough to elevate the whole experience, bringing together sweetness, spice, and tang in one addictive drizzle. It’s a must-try if you’re into fusion flavors or love your meals with a spicy kick.
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich
This sandwich is perfect for those days when you want something exciting but still totally comforting. The contrast between the crunchy chicken and the creamy spicy sauce is just magic. It also makes an incredible party sandwich, great for game days, BBQs, or weekend lunches that feel a little extra special. And let’s be real — bang bang sauce could make just about anything taste amazing.
What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully for this sandwich because they stay juicy and flavorful during frying. However, you can also use chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option. Just make sure they’re evenly pounded for even cooking. For best results, marinate the chicken in buttermilk or seasoned yogurt to help it stay tender and soak up even more flavor before breading.
Ingredients for the Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich
To make this sandwich shine, every ingredient plays a role in building flavor and texture.
- Chicken thighs
- Buttermilk
- All-purpose flour
- Cornstarch
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Eggs
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Oil for frying
- Mayonnaise
- Sweet chili sauce
- Sriracha
- Honey
- Rice vinegar
- Soft sandwich buns
- Lettuce
- Pickles

How To Make the Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Let the chicken thighs soak in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (up to overnight). This step helps tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading
Mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in one bowl. In a second bowl, beat the eggs. In a third, add panko breadcrumbs.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Take the marinated chicken and dredge each piece in the flour mixture, then dip into the egg, and finally coat in panko breadcrumbs. Press to adhere well.
Step 4: Fry Until Golden
Heat oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken until crispy and golden brown on each side, about 3-4 minutes per side depending on thickness.
Step 5: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
Combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar in a bowl. Whisk until smooth.
Step 6: Assemble the Sandwich
Toast the sandwich buns. Layer with lettuce, crispy chicken, a generous spoonful of bang bang sauce, and pickles. Top with the bun and serve immediately.
Serving and Storing the Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich
This sandwich is best served fresh, right after assembling so the chicken stays crispy and the sauce is creamy and bold. It feeds about four people, depending on the size of your chicken pieces and buns. If you have leftovers, store the components separately. The fried chicken can be reheated in an oven or air fryer to maintain some of its crispiness, but the assembled sandwich won’t hold up well in the fridge.
What to Serve With Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich?
Classic French Fries
Crispy fries are the obvious and beloved pairing with any fried chicken sandwich.
Sweet Potato Fries
The sweetness contrasts the spicy sauce beautifully and brings out the chili-honey flavor in the bang bang.
Coleslaw
Creamy, tangy coleslaw offers crunch and a cooling effect that balances the heat.
Macaroni Salad
Try it with Mom’s Signature Macaroni Salad for a comfort food classic that adds a creamy side.
Cajun Potato Soup
For a cozy pairing, the Cajun Potato Soup makes a hearty and flavorful addition.
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Add a sprinkle of chili powder or lime zest to match the sandwich’s flavor.
Pickle Spears
The acidity helps cleanse the palate between spicy bites.
Watermelon Salad
Something light and refreshing to cool things down.
Want More Chicken Sandwich Ideas?
If you love this spicy sandwich, check out these other irresistible options:
- Cheeseburger Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls when you’re craving something meaty but sweet and bite-sized.
- Creamy Chicken and Broccoli for a comforting skillet-style dinner.
- Crispy Buttered Ranch Chicken if you love crunchy chicken with herby flavor.
- Chicken Shawarma in a Loaf Pan for a bold twist on classic Mediterranean street food.
- Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken when you want set-it-and-forget-it barbecue-style chicken.
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so it’s right there next time a craving for something spicy and crispy strikes.
And if you made this Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich, let me know in the comments! Did you go all in on the spice or keep it mellow? Did you sneak in extra pickles?
I always love hearing your twists on these recipes. And if you have questions, feel free to ask!
Explore more recipes that turn up the heat and dial up the flavor by visiting Zoe Recipes on Pinterest.

Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
Description
This Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich recipe features crispy fried chicken thighs coated in a sweet and spicy bang bang sauce, all served on toasted buns with pickles and lettuce. Perfect for lunch or dinner, it’s an easy yet bold twist on the classic chicken sandwich with Asian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken thighs
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
Oil for frying
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
2 tbsp sriracha
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp rice vinegar
4 soft sandwich buns
Lettuce leaves
Pickles
Instructions
1. Marinate chicken thighs in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
2. In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. In a third, add panko breadcrumbs.
4. Dredge chicken in flour mixture, dip in egg, then coat with panko. Press to adhere.
5. Heat oil in a skillet and fry chicken until golden and crispy, about 3–4 minutes per side.
6. Mix mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and vinegar to make bang bang sauce.
7. Toast buns. Layer lettuce, fried chicken, bang bang sauce, and pickles. Serve immediately.
Notes
Use chicken thighs for juicier results.
Marinate longer for extra flavor.
Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American-Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 27g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 135mg


