This Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich combines crispy, spicy chicken tenders with a flavorful slaw made from red cabbage, carrots, and cilantro. Topped with sweet and spicy bang bang sauce, this sandwich delivers a balance of heat, sweetness, and crunch in every bite, making it a perfect meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Slaw:
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2 cups (140g) thinly sliced red cabbage
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1 large carrot, julienned
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1/4 cup (15g) freshly chopped cilantro
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1/4 cup bang bang sauce (for mixing)
For the Chicken:
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1 recipe of bang bang chicken, prepared warm (or use store-bought breaded chicken tenders)
For the Sandwich:
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4 hamburger buns, toasted
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Additional bang bang sauce for drizzling
Directions
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Prepare the Slaw:
In a medium bowl, combine the red cabbage, julienned carrots, and chopped cilantro. Add 1/4 cup of the bang bang sauce and mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated. You can add more sauce if needed. -
Assemble the Sandwich:
Place 2-3 warm bang bang chicken tenders on the bottom half of each toasted hamburger bun.
Add about 1/4 cup of the slaw mixture on top of the chicken tenders.
Drizzle more bang bang sauce over the slaw.
Place the top half of the hamburger bun on each sandwich. -
Serve Immediately:
Enjoy your delicious sandwich while it’s hot!
Nutrients
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Calories: 696 kcal per serving (1 sandwich)
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Protein: Approximately 28g
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Fat: 30g
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Carbohydrates: 66g
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Sugar: 7g
The Slaw: A Fresh and Crunchy Contrast
A key component of this sandwich is the slaw, which provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, crispy chicken. The slaw is made from thinly sliced red cabbage, julienned carrots, and freshly chopped cilantro, all of which add freshness, crunch, and vibrant color. The red cabbage offers a mild, slightly peppery flavor that balances out the heat from the chicken and sauce, while the carrots bring a natural sweetness and additional crunch. Cilantro adds a bright, aromatic note that complements the other ingredients, making the slaw not only a textural contrast but also a flavorful addition to the sandwich.
The slaw is lightly dressed with a portion of the bang bang sauce, which helps to tie everything together with its creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet profile. The sauce adds depth and flavor, ensuring that the slaw is well-seasoned and perfect for layering on top of the crispy chicken tenders.
The Chicken: Crispy and Spicy Perfection
The star of the Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich is the crispy chicken tenders. These tenders can either be made at home using your favorite breading and frying technique or purchased as a convenient store-bought option. To create the bang bang chicken, the tenders are tossed in a flavorful batter, fried until golden brown, and then drizzled with the signature bang bang sauce.
Bang bang sauce is typically a mixture of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha, offering the perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and creamy flavors. The chicken tends to absorb the sauce, infusing each piece with bold flavor while maintaining its crispy, crunchy texture on the outside. The tender, juicy interior of the chicken creates a delightful contrast with the crispy coating, making each bite satisfying and flavorful.
Whether you make the chicken from scratch or use pre-made tenders, the key is ensuring that the chicken is hot and crispy when assembled into the sandwich. The hot chicken, combined with the cool slaw and sauce, creates a harmonious balance of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more.
The Buns: Toasted for Extra Flavor
The sandwich is built on toasted hamburger buns, which add a little extra flavor and texture to the overall bite. Toasting the buns ensures that they don’t become soggy when combined with the slaw and sauce, allowing them to provide a sturdy, flavorful base for the crispy chicken tenders. You can use any type of hamburger bun, but a soft, slightly sweet bun pairs perfectly with the spicy, savory elements of the chicken and sauce.
If you want to elevate the flavor even further, you can lightly butter the buns before toasting them for a richer taste. The toasted buns, combined with the hot chicken and tangy slaw, create a satisfying sandwich that holds together well, making it easy to enjoy with every bite.
The Bang Bang Sauce: Sweet, Spicy, and Creamy
The real secret to the deliciousness of the Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich lies in the bang bang sauce. This creamy, slightly spicy sauce is drizzled over the slaw and chicken, tying together the sandwich’s flavors with its sweet and spicy kick. The sauce is made with a base of mayonnaise, which gives it a rich, creamy texture, while sweet chili sauce adds a sugary sweetness and sriracha brings the heat.
The sauce isn’t overwhelming but instead adds a perfect balance of flavors that complement the chicken, slaw, and toasted buns. It’s versatile enough to be used in a variety of dishes, but in this sandwich, it brings the entire meal together, giving it that signature “bang” of flavor.
Assembling the Sandwich: Building Layers of Flavor
Assembling the Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich is simple, but layering the ingredients is key to ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. Start with the bottom half of the toasted hamburger bun, placing 2-3 warm bang bang chicken tenders on top. Next, generously add the slaw mixture on top of the chicken, ensuring the crunchy cabbage and carrots are evenly distributed. Drizzle more bang bang sauce over the slaw for an extra layer of creaminess and spice.
Finally, top the sandwich with the other half of the toasted bun and serve immediately while the chicken is still hot and crispy. The result is a perfectly balanced sandwich that offers heat, sweetness, crunch, and creaminess all in one bite.
Nutritional Profile of the Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich
Each serving of the Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich is packed with flavor and a balanced mix of nutrients. The sandwich contains approximately 696 calories, with around 28 grams of protein, 30 grams of fat, and 66 grams of carbohydrates per serving. The protein comes from the chicken tenders, while the fat content is contributed by the chicken, sauce, and toasted buns. The carbohydrates come from the buns and the vegetables in the slaw, providing a satisfying meal with plenty of energy.
While the sandwich contains a moderate amount of fat, it is a great source of protein and delivers a good mix of healthy fats from the sauce and any oil used for frying the chicken. The natural sugars from the carrots in the slaw and the sweetness of the bang bang sauce round out the flavors, ensuring that the sandwich isn’t too heavy but still indulgent.
Why You Should Try the Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich
The Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich is the perfect meal for anyone looking for a flavorful, satisfying dish that’s quick and easy to prepare. It combines crispy, spicy chicken with a cool, tangy slaw and a rich sauce that delivers a balance of heat and sweetness in every bite. Whether you’re serving it for a casual weeknight dinner or preparing it for a special occasion, this sandwich is sure to be a hit with anyone who loves bold flavors and textures.
The simplicity of the ingredients and the ease of preparation make this sandwich an ideal choice for anyone looking to impress without spending too much time in the kitchen. With its irresistible combination of crunch, spice, and sweetness, the Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich will undoubtedly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Conclusion
The Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich offers a unique and exciting flavor profile that will please a variety of palates. Crispy chicken tenders, a crunchy slaw, and a sweet-spicy bang bang sauce come together to create a sandwich that’s both satisfying and indulgent. Perfect for any occasion, this sandwich is sure to impress your family and guests with its bold flavors and satisfying textures. Whether you enjoy it as a quick weeknight meal or as a special treat, the Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich is a must-try dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor.
