If you’ve been craving a dish that combines crispy, juicy chicken with a spicy-sweet kick, then you’re going to adore this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe. It’s that perfect balance of heat, crunch, and creamy sauce that transforms simple chicken bites into a mouthwatering masterpiece. Every bite bursts with flavor, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whether for weeknight dinners, parties, or anytime you want a little zesty indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a special role in creating that irresistible combination of flavors and textures. From the crispy coating to the tangy, spicy sauce, these essentials come together seamlessly to make something truly special.
- Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and richness, essential for that classic Bang Bang sauce texture.
- Sweet chili sauce: Brings a perfect blend of sweetness and gentle heat to the sauce.
- Hot sauce (Sriracha recommended): Provides a spicy punch that wakes up your taste buds.
- Honey: Balances out the heat with a natural sweetness and sticky texture.
- Salt and pepper: Key for seasoning to bring out all the flavors harmoniously.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender and juicy, cut into bite-sized pieces for easy frying and eating.
- All-purpose flour: Part of the coating mixture that helps achieve that crispy exterior.
- Cornstarch: Works alongside flour for extra crunch and lightness in the coating.
- Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and helps the coating adhere perfectly.
- Garlic powder: Adds a savory depth to the coating seasoning.
- Smoked paprika: Brings a subtle smoky hint and lovely color to the crust.
- Egg: Binds the coating ingredients to the chicken.
- Panko breadcrumbs: For that irresistible, airy crunch in the fried chicken.
- Vegetable oil: Necessary for frying the chicken to golden, crispy perfection.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Signature Bang Bang Sauce
Start by whisking together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, and honey in a bowl—a combo that instantly excites your taste buds with its blend of creamy, spicy, and sweet flavors. Season it with salt and pepper to balance everything out, then pop it in the fridge while you work on the chicken. Trust me, chilling the sauce makes it taste even more refreshing and lets the flavors mingle beautifully.
Step 2: Marinate and Coat the Chicken
In another bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, hot sauce, egg, and buttermilk until you get a silky batter. This step is magical because the batter not only seasons the chicken but also locks in moisture, keeping every bite tender. Toss your chicken pieces in this batter until fully coated—this is the base for that irresistible crunchy exterior.
Step 3: Add the Crunch with Panko Breadcrumbs
Transfer your battered chicken into a bowl filled with panko breadcrumbs. Panko’s light, flaky texture is essential here—it’s what makes this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe stand out with its crispiness. Make sure each piece is thoroughly covered for that perfect crunch when fried.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat about half an inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat—this depth is just right for frying without making the chicken greasy. Fry the breaded chicken pieces in batches so they don’t crowd the pan and lose crispness. Each side should take around 3 minutes until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Drain the chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil and keep them delightfully crispy.
Step 5: Drizzle and Serve
Finally, the moment we’ve all been waiting for: drizzle that tangy, sweet, and spicy Bang Bang sauce over your golden chicken pieces while they’re still hot. This layering of textures and flavors is what truly defines the Bang Bang Chicken Recipe experience. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of crunchy chicken coated in creamy, zesty sauce.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped green onions or fresh cilantro adds a burst of color and brightness that cuts through the richness of the sauce. Toasted sesame seeds on top bring a subtle nuttiness and an extra textural delight. These small touches turn your dish into a feast for both the eyes and palate.
Side Dishes
This Bang Bang Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with simple steamed jasmine rice or fluffy coconut rice, which soak up the flavorful sauce perfectly. For something fresh, a crisp Asian slaw dressed lightly with lime juice adds a refreshing crunch. You might also love serving it alongside sautéed greens or edamame for a wholesome meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress friends or family? Turn this dish into a lettuce wrap feast—place a few sauced chicken pieces inside crisp butter lettuce leaves topped with shredded carrots and chopped peanuts for a fun handheld bite. Another idea is to pile the Bang Bang chicken over a bed of noodles or in a bao bun for a trendy twist that’s sure to wow everyone.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be tough because this recipe is so addictive), keep the chicken and sauce separate in airtight containers in the fridge. This prevents the chicken from going soggy and ensures a fresh taste when you’re ready to enjoy it again the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken pieces before drizzling on the sauce. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, making them perfect for quick meal prep or future cravings.
Reheating
To reheat, avoid the microwave as it can soften the crunchy coating. Instead, warm the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. Once hot, drizzle the chilled Bang Bang sauce over and serve for that fresh-out-the-kitchen excitement.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and can add a richer flavor to the Bang Bang Chicken Recipe. Just make sure to cut them into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Is there a healthier way to prepare this recipe?
If you prefer baking over frying, you can bake the breaded chicken pieces at 425°F (220°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. While it won’t be quite as crispy, it’s still delicious when topped with the Bang Bang sauce.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the Bang Bang sauce actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours or overnight—the flavors meld together more deeply. Just keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No problem! You can make a simple buttermilk substitute by adding one tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to one cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then use as called for in the recipe.
How spicy is this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe?
The heat level is moderate and can be adjusted easily. If you love it spicier, feel free to add extra hot sauce to the sauce or batter. For a milder version, tone down the hot sauce and balance with a little more honey.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about making and sharing this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe. The incredible mix of crunchy chicken, luscious spicy-sweet sauce, and endless serving possibilities make it a new favorite in any kitchen. I truly hope you take the plunge and whip up a batch yourself—it’s one of those dishes that tastes like a warm hug and never fails to bring smiles to the table.
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Bang Bang Chicken is a crispy and spicy fried chicken dish featuring bite-sized chicken pieces coated in a flavorful batter and panko breadcrumbs, fried to golden perfection, and tossed with a creamy, tangy, and sweet Bang Bang sauce. This dish offers a delightful combination of crunchy texture and bold flavors, perfect as an appetizer or main course.
Ingredients
Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Sriracha)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Chicken and Coating
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Sriracha)
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup buttermilk (or more, as needed)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, and honey. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the sauce until you are ready to serve to enhance the flavors.
- Make the Batter and Coat Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and hot sauce. Add the egg and buttermilk, whisking until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and toss them thoroughly to ensure they are evenly coated with the batter.
- Bread the Chicken Pieces: Place the panko breadcrumbs in a separate bowl. Take each battered chicken piece and dredge it in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to make sure the breadcrumbs adhere fully for maximum crispiness after frying.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully add the breaded chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each piece for approximately 3 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Serve with Sauce: Drizzle the crispy fried chicken generously with the prepared Bang Bang sauce. Serve immediately for the best crunch and flavor experience.
Notes
- Ensure the oil is hot before frying to prevent the chicken from absorbing too much oil and becoming greasy.
- You can adjust the heat level by increasing or reducing the amount of hot sauce in both the batter and the sauce.
- For extra crispiness, double dredge the chicken by repeating the batter and breadcrumb steps before frying.
- Leftover Bang Bang sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Serve with steamed rice or fresh vegetables for a complete meal.
