Crunchy, creamy, and bursting with sweet heat!
Bang Bang Chicken is a deliciously crispy dish coated in a spicy, sweet, and creamy sauce that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Known for its perfect blend of textures and flavors, this dish takes crunchy chicken and bathes it in a mouth-watering sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a hint of Sriracha for heat. It’s incredibly easy to make and is perfect as an appetizer, a main dish, or even for parties. Ready to make your taste buds tingle? Let’s dive into this flavorful Bang Bang Chicken Recipe and discover all the tips you need to master it!
What is Bang Bang Chicken?
Bang Bang Chicken is a dish made famous by its irresistible combination of crunchy fried chicken and a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce. The name “Bang Bang” refers to the explosive flavor of the sauce, which balances sweetness from chili sauce, heat from Sriracha, and creaminess from mayonnaise. The chicken is usually battered, fried until golden brown, and then tossed in this signature sauce. It’s inspired by both Asian and American fusion flavors, and it’s a popular dish at many restaurants and as a fun, shareable appetizer for parties.
Ingredients List for Bang Bang Chicken
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this crispy, flavorful Bang Bang Chicken:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 cup buttermilk (for marinating the chicken)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha (or more to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (optional, for a tangy kick)
Substitutions and Variations
Here are a few ways to switch things up or adjust the recipe to your preferences:
- Baked instead of fried: If you want to make this dish a bit healthier, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it. Coat the chicken pieces in a little oil, place them on a baking sheet, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Use chicken thighs: For juicier and more flavorful bites, substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
- Spicier version: Add extra Sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a bigger kick.
- Healthier sauce: If you want to lighten up the sauce, swap the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or use a low-fat mayo.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free flour and cornstarch to make the chicken coating gluten-free.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s get into the details of how to make Bang Bang Chicken step by step!
1. Marinate the Chicken:
- Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
- Place the chicken pieces in a bowl with the buttermilk, covering all the chicken. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours. The buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken and adds a nice flavor.
2. Prepare the Coating:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and let the excess drip off.
- Coat each piece of chicken thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing the flour mixture onto the chicken to ensure an even coating.
3. Fry the Chicken:
- Heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat (around 350°F or 175°C).
- Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated chicken pieces in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
4. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
- While the chicken is frying, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey (if using), and rice vinegar (if using).
- Taste the sauce and adjust the heat by adding more Sriracha or sweetness by adding more honey if desired.
5. Toss the Chicken in the Sauce:
- Once all the chicken is fried, transfer it to a large bowl.
- Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the crispy chicken and gently toss until each piece is well coated in the creamy, spicy sauce.
How to Cook Bang Bang Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Marinate the chicken: Let the chicken soak in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes to tenderize.
- Prepare the crispy coating: Mix flour and cornstarch with spices for a crunchy, flavorful crust.
- Fry the chicken: Fry in batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Make the sauce: Whisk together mayo, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha for that classic "bang" flavor.
- Toss and serve: Coat the fried chicken in the sauce and enjoy immediately for the best crunch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the pan when frying: Make sure to fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause the chicken to steam instead of getting crispy.
- Not marinating the chicken long enough: The buttermilk tenderizes the chicken, so don’t skip or rush this step.
- Using too much sauce: You want just enough sauce to coat the chicken without making it soggy. Drizzle the sauce gradually and toss gently.
- Not using a thermometer: Use a kitchen thermometer to check that the oil is at the right temperature (around 350°F). If it’s too low, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Bang Bang Chicken is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, snack, or main course. Here are some great ways to serve it:
- As an appetizer: Serve Bang Bang Chicken with toothpicks and extra sauce on the side for dipping.
- Over rice: Serve the chicken over a bed of steamed white or jasmine rice, drizzling extra Bang Bang sauce on top.
- In tacos: Wrap the crispy chicken in soft tortillas with shredded lettuce and a drizzle of extra sauce for a fun and flavorful twist.
- On a salad: Toss the crispy chicken on top of a salad with mixed greens, avocado, cucumber, and carrots for a lighter meal.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken
Here are a few serving suggestions for your Bang Bang Chicken:
- Family-style: Pile the crispy chicken in a large serving bowl, drizzle with sauce, and let everyone serve themselves.
- As a side dish or snack: Serve alongside fried rice, lo mein, or with a side of veggies like steamed broccoli or roasted green beans.
- Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: Build a bowl with rice or quinoa, veggies like avocado, edamame, and cucumber, and top it with the crispy chicken for a balanced meal.
Presentation Ideas for Bang Bang Chicken
- Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle chopped cilantro or green onions over the top for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
- Top with sesame seeds: For added crunch and visual appeal, sprinkle some sesame seeds over the finished dish.
- Serve on a platter: Arrange the chicken on a platter with lime wedges and extra sauce in a small bowl on the side for dipping.
Bang Bang Chicken Recipe Tips
- Use cornstarch for extra crispiness: The combination of flour and cornstarch in the coating makes the chicken extra crispy.
- Make ahead tip: You can prepare the sauce in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to use it. Just give it a quick stir before tossing with the chicken.
- Double the sauce: If you love extra sauce, feel free to double the sauce ingredients for more drizzling or dipping!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
A: Yes, you can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. It won’t be as crispy as frying, but it’s a healthier alternative.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftover chicken and sauce separately. The chicken can be reheated in the oven or air fryer to regain some crispiness, while the sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I use a different protein?
A: Absolutely! You can make Bang Bang Shrimp or Bang Bang Tofu by substituting shrimp or tofu for the chicken. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q: How spicy is Bang Bang Chicken?
A: The spice level is adjustable. You can control the heat by reducing or increasing the amount of Sriracha in the sauce.
Conclusion
This Bang Bang Chicken recipe delivers an irresistible combination of crispy chicken coated in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce that will leave your taste buds dancing. Perfect for an appetizer, snack, or even a main course, it’s an easy-to-make dish that’s packed with flavor. Whether you serve it over rice, in tacos, or on its own, this recipe is sure to impress! Give it a try—you may just find yourself adding this to your list of go-to recipes for parties and family dinners alike.
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Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Bang Bang Chicken recipe delivers crispy fried chicken coated in a signature creamy, spicy sauce made from mayo, sweet chili, and Sriracha. It’s the perfect combination of crunch and heat, making it an ideal appetizer or main course for any occasion. Quick to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s a dish your family and friends will love.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- Cornstarch
- Eggs (beaten)
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Mayonnaise
- Sweet chili sauce
- Sriracha
- Green onions (for garnish)
- Salt
- Pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Dredge the chicken in cornstarch, dip in beaten eggs, then coat in panko breadcrumbs.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet and fry the chicken pieces until golden and crispy.
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha to make the bang bang sauce.
- Toss the crispy chicken in the sauce until well-coated.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust the Sriracha to control the spice level.
- For a healthier version, bake the chicken in the oven or air fry it instead of deep frying.
- Serve with rice or lettuce wraps for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 800mg
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