If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances crispy, spicy, and sweet flavors, you absolutely cannot miss out on Bang Bang Chicken. This vibrant recipe brings together tender chicken coated in a crunchy batter, then generously tossed in a luscious sauce with that signature kick. Bang Bang Chicken is not just a meal; it’s an experience that delivers a satisfying punch of flavor in every bite, making it an instant favorite for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but essential to nailing the authentic taste and crispy texture of Bang Bang Chicken. Each one plays a key role in delivering the perfect harmony of flavor, crunch, and color that makes this dish truly unforgettable.

Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and helps create the luscious sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.
Sweet chili sauce: Brings a perfect balance of sweetness and mild heat that makes the sauce sing.
Hot sauce (Sriracha recommended): Injects bright heat to give the dish its signature spicy kick.
Honey: Introduces a touch of natural sweetness that smooths out the spice.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance all the flavors.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, cut small for maximum crispiness and quick cooking.
All-purpose flour and cornstarch: Combine to create a light, crispy batter that clings perfectly to the chicken.
Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and helps form the smooth batter.
Garlic powder and smoked paprika: Add depth and a subtle smoky warmth to the batter.
Large egg: Acts as a binder in the batter to coat the chicken evenly.
Panko breadcrumbs: Give the chicken that irresistible crunch with a light, airy texture.
Vegetable oil: Needed for frying to golden perfection without overpowering the flavors.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce

Start by whisking together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, honey, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This sauce is where all the magic happens, combining creamy, sweet, and spicy elements into one unforgettable coating. Pop it into the fridge to let the flavors meld while you work on the chicken.

Step 2: Make the Crispy Batter

In a medium bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Then add in the hot sauce, egg, and buttermilk. Whisk it all until you have a smooth, slightly thick batter that’s perfect for clinging onto the chicken pieces. This batter is crucial for achieving that show-stopping crunch.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken in Batter and Breadcrumbs

Add your cut chicken pieces to the batter, making sure each one is well-coated. Then, move each piece into a bowl of panko breadcrumbs and press firmly to cover every inch. This double-coating method ensures a crispy exterior that’s light yet packed with texture.

Step 4: Fry to Crispy Perfection

Heat about half an inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces in batches, avoiding overcrowding, for approximately 3 minutes per side or until golden and cooked through. Once done, drain on paper towels to soak up excess oil – this step keeps the chicken deliciously crispy instead of greasy.

Step 5: Toss in the Bang Bang Sauce

While the chicken is still warm, drizzle with the chilled Bang Bang sauce or gently toss them together so every bite is coated in that creamy, spicy, sweet goodness. This finishing touch turns crispy chicken into the vibrant, irresistible dish known as Bang Bang Chicken.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes like chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or even a sprinkle of cilantro add an extra pop of color and freshness. These little touches brighten the look and lift the flavor profile perfectly.

Side Dishes

Bang Bang Chicken pairs wonderfully with simple sides that balance its bold flavors. Think fluffy jasmine rice, crunchy cucumber salad, or even some steamed broccoli. These keep the meal well-rounded without competing with the star dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve Bang Bang Chicken as a filling for lettuce wraps or tucked inside a soft taco shell. Another exciting idea is to pile it atop a bed of creamy coleslaw or add it as a protein boost on a vibrant noodle bowl. Each approach amplifies its appeal and turns dinner into a creative feast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Bang Bang Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate if you want to preserve the chicken’s crunchiness – simply add it fresh before serving.

Freezing

While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked chicken pieces (without the sauce) for up to one month. Use a freezer-safe bag or container and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, reheat the chicken in a hot oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. This helps restore the crisp exterior that microwaving often ruins. Add the Bang Bang sauce afterward for that burst of flavor.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will offer more juiciness and a richer flavor, though they may require slightly longer cooking times. Just be sure to cut them into similar bite-sized pieces for even frying.

Is there a vegetarian version of Bang Bang Chicken?

You can swap chicken for crispy tofu or cauliflower florets. Coat and fry them the same way to enjoy the bold Bang Bang sauce while keeping it meat-free.

How spicy is Bang Bang Chicken?

It strikes a nice balance between sweet and spicy, with a mild to moderate heat level thanks to the combination of sweet chili sauce and Sriracha. You can always adjust the hot sauce amounts to suit your spice preference.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes, for a lighter option, bake the coated chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 425°F (220°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. It won’t be quite as crispy but will still taste fantastic.

What’s the best way to make the sauce ahead of time?

The Bang Bang sauce actually tastes better after resting in the fridge for a few hours. Mix it up and refrigerate until ready to use, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Bang Bang Chicken is a dish that excites the senses and comforts the soul all at once. This recipe is approachable, versatile, and bursting with flavor, making it a wonderful addition to your culinary repertoire. Trust me, once you try making this at home, Bang Bang Chicken will quickly become one of your go-to favorites to share with loved ones.

Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 26 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

Print Recipe

Description

Bang Bang Chicken is a crispy, spicy, and sweet fried chicken dish coated in a zesty hot sauce mayo blend. Perfect as an appetizer or main course, this dish combines crunchy texture with a creamy, fiery sauce for irresistible flavor.

Instructions

Make the sauce. In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, honey, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth. Refrigerate the sauce until ready to serve to allow flavors to meld.
Prepare the batter and coat chicken. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add hot sauce, egg, and buttermilk. Whisk until you get a smooth, thick batter. Add chicken pieces and toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly. Set aside.
Dredge chicken in breadcrumbs. Pour Panko breadcrumbs into another bowl. Using tongs or hands, coat each batter-covered chicken piece with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere. Add more breadcrumbs as needed to get an even coating.
Fry the chicken. Pour about ½ inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat over medium-high heat. When oil is hot, carefully add chicken pieces without overcrowding. Fry for about 3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat with remaining chicken pieces.
Toss chicken with sauce. Once all chicken pieces are fried, drizzle generously with the prepared sauce or toss gently to coat. Serve immediately for the best crispy and saucy experience.

Notes

Ensure oil temperature is hot enough before frying to get a crisp coating and avoid sogginess.
Do not overcrowd the skillet while frying chicken pieces; cook in batches for best results.
Use fresh buttermilk for best batter texture or substitute with milk and a teaspoon of vinegar if unavailable.
Adjust hot sauce quantity in batter and sauce to your preferred spice level.
Leftover chicken is best reheated in an oven to maintain crispiness rather than a microwave.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course, Appetizer
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American, Asian Fusion