When I made this Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich for the first time, I knew it was going to be a hit in my household. With its crispy chicken tenders, zesty homemade slaw, and a sweet yet spicy bang bang sauce, it was a flavor explosion in every bite.

I couldn’t stop marveling at how the vibrant red cabbage, crunchy carrots, and toasted buns came together with such harmony. Making it wasn’t just easy; it was fun! If you love bold flavors and crave a touch of indulgence, this is going to be your new favorite sandwich.

Ingredients for the Perfect Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this delicious recipe to life.

2 cups thinly sliced red cabbage
Gives the sandwich a vibrant color and satisfying crunch.
1 large carrot, julienned
Adds sweetness to balance the spice.
¼ cup freshly chopped cilantro
For a refreshing herbal flavor; skip if you’re not a cilantro fan.
½ cup bang bang sauce, divided
A mix of tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors. Homemade is always better!
4 pieces of bang bang chicken (breaded crispy tenders)
Use your favorite recipe or pre-made chicken tenders tossed in bang bang sauce.
4 hamburger buns, toasted
Toast them lightly for a sturdy yet soft base for all those fillings.

Note: This recipe makes four servings, but it’s easy to double or halve based on your needs.

Variations

This recipe is adaptable to suit your dietary preferences or flavor ideas. Here are some tweaks you can try:

Grilled chicken instead of fried for a healthier option. Use chicken breasts, seasoned and grilled to perfection.
Gluten-free? Choose gluten-free buns and use gluten-free bread crumbs for your chicken.
Spice things up: Add extra sriracha to the bang bang sauce if you love heat!
Take it dairy-free: Skip buttery toasted buns or opt for dairy-free versions. Many brands make excellent dairy-free milk-based breads.
Add a tropical twist by topping the sandwich with pineapple slices or mango slaw.

If you love skillet recipes, you might enjoy this Skillet Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Cheddar Orzo Recipe for another quick and flavorful option.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 6 minutes
Total Time: 31 minutes

Equipment You Need

To make this sandwich, you’ll need just a few essential tools.

Mixing bowls – For tossing the slaw and mixing the bang bang sauce.
Serrated knife – Perfect for slicing burger buns evenly.
Skillet or toaster – To toast the hamburger buns.
Tongs – Great for flipping and assembling the chicken tenders.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich?

This recipe is as fun to make as it is to eat. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown.

Step 1: Prepare the Slaw

First, combine the red cabbage, carrots, and cilantro in a mixing bowl. Pour in about ¼ cup of the bang bang sauce and toss it all together until evenly coated. If you’re preparing ahead of time, wait to add the sauce until just before assembly to keep the slaw crisp and fresh.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Whether you’re frying your chicken from scratch or reheating frozen tenders, ensure they’re perfectly crispy. If making fresh, coat chicken pieces in breading, fry them until golden, and immediately toss them in a generous amount of bang bang sauce.

Step 3: Toast the Buns

The buns need just a minute or two in a hot skillet, cut side down, or in a toaster. Buttering them lightly before toasting enhances the flavor and gives them a golden crisp edge.

Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich

Start with the bottom half of a toasted bun. Stack two warm pieces of bang bang chicken on it, making sure they’re coated in sauce. Add a scoop of the prepared slaw right over the chicken, then drizzle everything with more bang bang sauce for extra flavor. Place the top bun, press gently, and you’re ready to serve!

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

Here are some personal tips that helped elevate this recipe for me.

Use fresh vegetables for the slaw. Bagged ones often lack the crisp texture we need here.
Make the sauce from scratch. Store-bought versions work, but homemade will always give the sandwich a fresher, more flavorful finish.
Don’t skip the step of toasting the buns. It keeps them from getting soggy once the sauce and slaw are added.
If you’re low on time, air fry your frozen tenders to achieve that crispy exterior without frying in oil.

You can also enjoy similar recipes like Easy Smothered Chicken Recipe for more comforting chicken dishes.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich?

Presentation is half the fun! Serve these sandwiches on a plate lined with parchment or a wooden board for a casual, rustic vibe. Add a few sprigs of cilantro to the top bun for a pop of green, and serve alongside crispy fries or a light salad. You can even add a side of extra bang bang sauce for dipping.

For a party tray, cut the sandwiches in half and arrange them on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick snapshot of what’s inside one Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich.

Calories: 696
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 60g
Fat: 28g

This sandwich is indulgence done right!

Make Ahead and Storage

Restoring freshness: Store all components separately to maintain crispness and flavor. Combine just before serving.
Freezing: You can freeze the cooked, breaded chicken tenders for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat in an oven or air fryer.
Reheating: For the best results, warm up the chicken in the oven at 375°F for 10 minutes. This keeps the chicken crispy without making it oily.
Shelf life: Store the prepared slaw (without the sauce) in the fridge for up to 2-3 days, the bang bang sauce for one week, and the cooked chicken for 3-4 days.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

You’ll fall in love with this recipe for many reasons!

Easy to prepare: Each step is simple, and it comes together in under half an hour.
Versatile: Perfect for weeknight dinners, parties, or even a quick lunch.
Packed with flavor: The mix of sweet, spicy, crunchy, and creamy is irresistible.
Customizable: Easily adapt it to suit your dietary needs or preferred spice level.
Great for sharing: Your friends and family will rave about this sandwich!

Common Mistakes to Avoid for Better Results

When I made this for the first time, I learned a few lessons the hard way. Avoid these pitfalls for a flawless sandwich.

Skipping the slaw prep: If the slaw isn’t seasoned properly, it won’t complement the chicken or sauce. Mix it well with the sauce for the best flavor.
Overusing the sauce: While delicious, too much sauce can overpower the sandwich and make it too messy to eat. A light drizzle goes a long way.
Not letting the chicken cool slightly before tossing in sauce: Toss freshly fried chicken into the sauce while it’s still piping hot, and you’ll risk soggy breading.

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll nail this recipe every single time. For more inspiration, check out these Chicken Recipes that are equally versatile and delicious.

Ash Tyrrell