If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances crunchy texture with a zingy, sweet-spicy punch, the Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This recipe combines tender chicken pieces marinated to juicy perfection, coated in a crisply fried batter, and finished with a luscious homemade bang bang sauce that dances on your taste buds. It’s an irresistible appetizer or a vibrant main course that feels both indulgent and fresh. Trust me, once you try this Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe, it will become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, everyday ingredients makes this recipe a breeze to prepare while ensuring each component adds a vital layer of flavor, texture, and color to your dish. From the buttermilk marinade that tenderizes the chicken to the perfectly spiced flour coating, every element plays a delicious role.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (1 pound): Bite-sized pieces ensure quick, even cooking and maximum crispiness.
- Buttermilk (1 cup): Adds tang and tenderizes the chicken for juiciness.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Forms the base of the crispy coating with a light crunch.
- Cornstarch (1/2 cup): Gives the crust an extra crisp and delicate finish.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a subtle savory aroma that deepens the flavor.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Adds warmth and a beautiful hint of color to the coating.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for balancing the flavors and enhancing the chicken’s natural taste.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A touch of spice that brightens the overall profile.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): Neutral oils attain that perfect golden crust without overpowering flavor.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Forms the creamy base of the bang bang sauce, making it luscious.
- Sweet chili sauce (1/4 cup): Brings a sweet heat that’s signature to bang bang flavors.
- Sriracha (1 tablespoon, adjust to taste): Provides that essential kick of spice in the sauce.
- Honey (1 tablespoon): Balances heat with gentle sweetness for harmony.
- Rice vinegar (1 teaspoon): Adds acidity to brighten and cut through richness.
How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by soaking your chicken pieces in buttermilk, which not only tenderizes but also creates a moist, flavorful interior. Let your chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes in the fridge — if you have the time, a few hours really helps build incredible juiciness inside every bite.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating Mix
While the chicken is marinating, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. This blend is crucial since it forms the flavorful and ultra-crispy crust that makes this dish unforgettable.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken Pieces
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off before thoroughly dredging each piece in the seasoned flour mixture. Fully coat for the perfect crunchy shell that seals in the tender chicken within.
Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep skillet or pot. Fry the chicken in batches so the oil temperature stays consistent. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until every piece is glorious golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels—this removes excess oil and keeps things crisp.
Step 5: Whisk Together Bang Bang Sauce
While your chicken is frying, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar in a small bowl until smooth. This sauce is the heart and soul of the Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe, delivering creamy, tangy, spicy, and sweet notes.
Step 6: Toss and Serve
Drizzle the bang bang sauce over the fried chicken or toss the pieces gently to coat each bite. Serve immediately while the chicken is still crisp and the sauce is fresh, guaranteeing maximum flavor impact in every mouthful.
How to Serve Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Add some fresh chopped green onions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a pop of color, texture, and an elegant finishing touch. They brighten the dish visually while layering in a subtle nutty flavor.
Side Dishes
This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice to soak up the sauce. For a lighter option, toss up a vibrant Asian-inspired salad with crisp veggies and a citrusy dressing to contrast the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun appetizer, serve the chicken bites with toothpicks on a platter alongside extra bang bang sauce for dipping. Or pile them over a bed of lettuce and shredded carrots to create a bang bang chicken salad. Another crowd-pleaser is to load the chicken onto bao buns or slider rolls for playful finger-food sandwiches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the bang bang sauce separate to maintain its bright flavor and prevent the chicken from becoming soggy.
Freezing
Although freshly fried chicken tastes best, you can freeze uncooked coated chicken pieces on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready, fry from frozen—just add a couple extra minutes to cooking time for crispy results.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers and revive their crispiness, bake the chicken on a wire rack at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes or until hot and crunchy again. Avoid microwaving as it tends to create sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even juicier and offer great flavor. Just make sure to cut them into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
How spicy is the Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe?
The level of spice is adjustable! The sriracha adds a moderate heat, but you can dial it up or down based on your preference. For extra kick, add cayenne or more sriracha in the sauce.
Is it possible to bake instead of fry?
You can bake this chicken to make it lighter, but frying is key to achieving that signature crispy texture. If baking, use a high oven temperature and an oil spray to crisp the coating as much as possible.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The bang bang sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator, which actually helps deepen the flavors. Just give it a quick stir before using.
What can I serve with Crispy Bang Bang Chicken for a meal?
Serve it over steamed rice or alongside a crunchy Asian slaw for a complete meal that balances crunch, creaminess, and freshness in every bite.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe is the sort of dish that brings joy and vibrant flavor into your kitchen with minimal fuss. Whether you’re feeding friends, family, or just treating yourself, it delivers satisfying crunch and saucy goodness that never disappoints. Dive in and make this your next culinary triumph—you won’t regret it!
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Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 30 minutes to 4 hours marinating)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes (excluding marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-American
Description
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken features tender, marinated chicken pieces coated in a crunchy flour and cornstarch blend, then deep-fried to golden perfection. Tossed in a creamy, spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce, this Asian-American appetizer delivers a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and tang. Ideal as a snack or served over rice or salad for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying (about 2 inches)
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the bite-sized chicken pieces in a bowl and cover with buttermilk. Refrigerate and let marinate for at least 30 minutes to up to 4 hours to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to create an even seasoning blend for the chicken.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, ensuring they are fully and evenly coated for maximum crispiness.
- Heat the Oil and Fry: Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or pot and heat to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking each batch for 4–5 minutes. Turn occasionally until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth and well combined. Adjust sriracha for desired heat level.
- Toss and Serve: Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the hot crispy chicken or toss to coat evenly. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by adding extra sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the Bang Bang sauce.
- This dish works wonderfully as an appetizer or can be served over rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Marinating the chicken for longer than 30 minutes (up to 4 hours) enhances tenderness and flavor.
- Ensure the oil temperature remains steady at 350°F for optimal crispy texture and thorough cooking.
