Looking to spice up your burger night? These Bang Bang Chicken Burgers are just what you need! Juicy chicken patties infused with bold flavors and topped with creamy, sweet, and spicy bang bang sauce — they’re an absolute crowd-pleaser.
I love making these burgers when I want something a little lighter than a traditional beef burger, but still packed with flavor. The bang bang sauce is the real star here — it’s creamy, sweet, tangy, and spicy all at once. Pair that with fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and your favorite toppings, and you’ve got an irresistible burger everyone will love.
Whether you’re cooking on the stovetop or using your air fryer, this Bang Bang Chicken Burger recipe is simple, satisfying, and full of bold flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make – Ready in about 30 minutes.
- Bold and flavorful – The bang bang sauce makes these burgers unforgettable.
- Lighter than beef burgers – Made with lean ground chicken.
- Gluten-free friendly – Easily adaptable with gluten-free breadcrumbs and buns.
- Versatile – Cook on the stovetop or in the air fryer.
- Perfect for summer grilling – But great year-round too!
Ingredients You Will Need
For The Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Thai sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons Sriracha
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- ½ teaspoon honey (optional)
- Pinch salt (if needed)
For The Chicken Burgers:
- 1 pound ground chicken breast
(Preferably all white meat for a leaner, lighter burger.) - ¼ cup gluten-free panko or gluten-free breadcrumbs
(Or use regular panko if not gluten-free.) - 1 tablespoon bang bang sauce (from above)
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
- 1 clove garlic (optional), minced
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
To Serve:
- Gluten-free hamburger buns or lettuce cups
- Fresh lettuce
- Sliced tomato
- Sliced onion
- Your favorite burger toppings — think grilled pineapple, pickles, caramelized onions, etc.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. First, Make The Sauce
- In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, 1 tablespoon Sriracha, and honey.
- Whisk until smooth and well blended.
- Taste and adjust with more Sriracha, lime juice, honey, or a pinch of salt as needed.
- Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–5 days.
2. Make The Bang Bang Chicken Burgers
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon bang bang sauce, cilantro, green onion, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Use a fork or clean hands to gently mix until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the burgers tender.
3. Divide & Shape
- Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions.
- Gently shape each portion into a burger patty, slightly larger than your buns (they’ll shrink a bit as they cook).
4. Cook The Burgers
Option 1: Pan Cook
- Heat a drizzle of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the burgers for 5–7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Depending on your pan, you may need to flip more frequently to avoid burning.
Option 2: Air Fry
- Place burgers in an air fryer basket at 400°F.
- Cook for 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- (Air frying is my favorite method for quick, even cooking!)
5. Serve & Store
- Serve the burgers warm on gluten-free buns or in lettuce wraps.
- Top with more bang bang sauce and your favorite burger toppings.
- Store any leftover burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
Topping Ideas
The possibilities are endless when it comes to topping these Bang Bang Chicken Burgers! Here are some of my favorites:
- Lettuce, tomato, red onion — A classic combo.
- Grilled pineapple — For a tropical twist.
- Pickles or pickled red onions — Adds tang and crunch.
- Caramelized onions — For sweet depth of flavor.
- Avocado slices — Creamy and cooling.
- Extra bang bang sauce — Because why not?!
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Make ahead: You can mix and shape the burger patties up to 1 day in advance. Store covered in the fridge until ready to cook.
- Leftovers: Store cooked burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days, or freeze up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet or air fryer to keep them juicy.
Notes & Substitutions
- Ground Chicken Breast: I prefer using all-white meat ground chicken breast for a lighter burger. If you can’t find it, you can grind chicken breasts in a food processor.
- Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade version. Not gluten-free? Regular panko works perfectly.
- Bang Bang Sauce: The recipe makes plenty of sauce, so you’ll have extra for drizzling on top of the burgers or dipping!
- Heat Level: Adjust the amount of Sriracha to suit your spice tolerance. I recommend starting with the base amount and adding more to taste.
FAQs
Can I make these burgers with ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works great in this recipe — just be sure to use ground turkey breast for a leaner burger or a mix for extra juiciness.
Can I grill these burgers?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to oil your grill grates well and handle the burgers gently, as chicken burgers are more delicate than beef.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free buns (or lettuce wraps), the entire recipe is gluten-free.
Can I make the bang bang sauce ahead of time?
Definitely — the sauce keeps well in the fridge for 3–5 days, so feel free to prep it ahead.
Are these burgers spicy?
They have a gentle heat, but you can easily adjust the spice level by using more or less Sriracha.
Final Thoughts
These Bang Bang Chicken Burgers are a fun, flavorful way to switch up your burger game. The creamy, spicy bang bang sauce takes them to the next level, and the tender chicken patties are juicy and satisfying.
Serve them with a side of crispy fries, a fresh green salad, or even my Fresh Pineapple Coleslaw for a perfect meal. And if you’re looking for more bright, summery recipes, check out my Lava Flow Popsicles and Lemon Rose Mocktail for fun ways to round out your menu.
Enjoy every bite of your Bang Bang Chicken Burgers!