If you are looking for a dish that brings together crispy, spicy, and sweet flavors in perfect harmony, this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s one of those recipes that instantly elevates any meal with its crunchy coating enveloping tender chicken, all smothered in a creamy, tangy sauce that wakes up every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just indulging yourself, this dish delivers that satisfying combination of heat and sweetness that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the spicy kick of hot sauce to the crunchy panko breadcrumbs, every component is simple yet essential.
- Mayonnaise: Provides creaminess that forms the base of the luscious Bang Bang sauce.
- Sweet chili sauce: Adds sweetness and a mild kick, balancing the heat beautifully.
- Hot sauce (Sriracha): Brings bold spice to both the sauce and the chicken marinade.
- Honey: Enhances sweetness and adds a glossy finish to the sauce.
- Salt and pepper: The foundational seasoning that brings out all other flavors.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, cut bite-sized for perfect frying and saucing.
- All-purpose flour and cornstarch: Combine to create a light, crispy coating on the chicken.
- Buttermilk: Tenderizes chicken while helping the coating adhere beautifully.
- Garlic powder: Adds savory depth to the seasoning.
- Smoked paprika: Imparts a subtle smoky aroma that complements the fried crust.
- Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the coating together.
- Panko breadcrumbs: The secret to that irresistible crunch that defines Bang Bang chicken.
- Vegetable oil: For frying to golden perfection.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
Start by whisking together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, and honey in a bowl. Season it lightly with salt and pepper. This sauce is the heart of the recipe, offering a creamy, spicy, and sweet profile that you’ll want to drizzle generously over the chicken once cooked. Pop it in the refrigerator to chill and let the flavors meld while you get the chicken ready.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, hot sauce, egg, and buttermilk until you have a smooth batter. Toss the bite-sized chicken pieces into this mixture, ensuring every piece is thoroughly coated. This step tenderizes the chicken and sets the stage for a crust that locks in moisture and flavor.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
Transfer the panko breadcrumbs to a separate bowl. One by one, dredge each coated chicken piece into the breadcrumbs, pressing gently so the crumbs cling well. This panko layer is crucial for achieving that signature crispiness that makes this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe stand out.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Heat about half an inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the breaded chicken pieces in batches—avoid overcrowding the pan to keep the oil hot enough for crispiness. Cook each side for approximately three minutes or until the chicken turns golden brown and is fully cooked through. Remove the chicken and place it on paper towels to drain excess oil, keeping it perfectly crunchy.
Step 5: Toss and Serve
The moment you’ve been waiting for: drizzle the chilled Bang Bang sauce generously over the fried chicken pieces while they are still hot. The warmth will slightly soften the sauce, creating a beautiful glaze that clings to the crispy exterior. Serve immediately and watch everyone dig in enthusiastically.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds are classic garnishes that add a pop of color and texture to the dish. A light squeeze of lime can also brighten the flavors with a subtle citrusy tang. These simple touches make the chicken look as delightful as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This Bang Bang Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice to soak up every bit of that creamy sauce. Crisp, lightly dressed cucumber salad or crunchy slaw offer refreshing contrasts that keep the meal balanced and exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not get a bit adventurous? Serve the Bang Bang chicken on a bed of mixed greens for a salad-style meal or stuff it into soft bao buns for a fun twist. Wrapping it in lettuce leaves with a little extra sauce can also turn it into an impressive finger food for gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Bang Bang chicken keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain the crispiness, store the sauce separately and add just before serving.
Freezing
Although it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to one month. For best texture, freeze without the sauce and add it fresh after reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place the chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to preserve crispiness. Avoid microwaving, which can make the coating soggy. Add freshly made or chilled Bang Bang sauce just before serving again.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving to cook; just cut them into similar bite-sized pieces and follow the same process for equally delicious results.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with firm tofu or cauliflower florets. Make sure to adjust cooking times and breading techniques accordingly to achieve a similar crispy texture.
How spicy is the Bang Bang Chicken Recipe?
The heat level can be easily adjusted by varying the amount of hot sauce used in both the marinade and the sauce. If you prefer mild, reduce the Sriracha or choose a milder chili sauce.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
For a lighter option, absolutely! Bake the breaded chicken on a greased sheet at 425°F (220°C) for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through until golden and cooked. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
How long does it take to prepare and cook?
The whole Bang Bang Chicken Recipe comes together quite quickly—about 20 minutes to prep and another 20 minutes to cook, making it perfect for a tasty weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser for guests.
Final Thoughts
There’s something wonderfully satisfying about making this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe at home. It’s crispy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to customize to your taste buds. Once you try it, this perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and crunchy will likely become a new favorite in your meal rotation. So grab those ingredients, dive in, and enjoy every bite—with plenty of sauce left for dipping, of course!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
A crispy and flavorful Bang Bang Chicken recipe featuring tender bite-sized pieces of chicken, coated in a seasoned batter and panko breadcrumbs, fried to golden perfection, and drizzled with a creamy, spicy, and sweet Bang Bang sauce. Perfect for an appetizer or main dish that delivers a delightful combination of textures and bold flavors.
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 Coating and Batter
- 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)
Breading and Frying
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, one tablespoon of hot sauce, and honey until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Make the Batter and Coat the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, one tablespoon of hot sauce, egg, and buttermilk. Whisk until the batter is smooth. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and toss until they are fully coated in the batter.
- Bread the Chicken: Place the panko breadcrumbs in a separate bowl. Dredge each battered chicken piece thoroughly into the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring an even coating on all sides.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Carefully add the breaded chicken pieces in batches, avoiding overcrowding the pan. Fry each piece for about 3 minutes per side or until they turn golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried chicken to paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve: Arrange the fried chicken pieces on a serving platter and drizzle generously with the prepared Bang Bang sauce. Serve immediately while hot to enjoy the crispy texture and flavorful sauce.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce in the batter and sauce to suit your preferred spice level.
- For extra crispiness, double dredge the chicken by repeating the batter and breadcrumb coating.
- If you prefer a lighter version, oven-baking is possible but will yield less crispiness.
- Make sure the oil is at the correct temperature for frying (around 350°F/175°C) to prevent greasy chicken.
- Leftover Bang Bang sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
