If you’re craving a dish that bursts with flavor, crunch, and a little bit of a spicy kick, this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet thanks to its signature sauce that wraps crispy, tender chicken pieces in a way that’s absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a friendly get-together, this recipe brings plate-licking satisfaction every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe lies not just in the way you cook it but the quality and harmony of the ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role: from the crunchy coating that offers that satisfying bite, to the creamy, spicy sauce that makes every mouthful memorable.
- Mayonnaise: Creates a rich and creamy base for the sauce that balances out the heat.
- Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: Adds a sweet and mildly spicy note that gives the dish its iconic flavor.
- Sriracha Sauce: Brings a punch of heat that keeps things lively without overpowering.
- Honey: Infuses natural sweetness for a perfect flavor balance in the sauce.
- Lemon Juice: Adds a fresh, zesty brightness that cuts through the richness.
- Chicken Breasts: The star protein, cut into bite-sized pieces for easy frying and eating.
- All-Purpose Flour: Helps form the crispy crust when combined with other dry ingredients.
- Cornstarch: Enhances crunchiness by absorbing moisture and creating a light coating.
- Garlic Powder: Deepens the savory flavor with a subtle aromatic note.
- Onion Powder: Adds a gentle sweetness that complements the garlic perfectly.
- Paprika: Gives a mild smoky flavor and beautiful color to the chicken crust.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out all the other flavors.
- Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and helps the coating stick beautifully.
- Egg: Binds the panko breadcrumbs to the chicken for that ultimate crunch.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: The secret to achieving an ultra-crispy, light crust.
- Vegetable Oil: For frying, creating that golden, crispy exterior we all adore.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
Start by combining mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, honey, and lemon juice in a bowl. Whisk everything together until smooth and creamy. This sauce is the soul of your Bang Bang Chicken Recipe, so take a moment to adjust the spice or sweetness to suit your taste. Set it aside as the flavors blend.
Step 2: Season and Marinate the Chicken
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces to ensure every piece gets perfectly cooked and coated. In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, an egg, and a tablespoon of sriracha sauce. Submerge the chicken pieces in this marinade for about 10 minutes. This step enhances juiciness and infuses a subtle kick directly into the chicken.
Step 3: Prepare the Dry Coating Mix
In another bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will give you that irresistible crispy crust, delivering taste and texture in every bite of your Bang Bang Chicken Recipe.
Step 4: Bread the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade and dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture. Dip back into the buttermilk mix briefly, then press gently into panko breadcrumbs. This double-coating process is the key to creating a crunchy, flavorful shell.
Step 5: Fried to Golden Perfection
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan to about 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken pieces in batches, avoiding overcrowding to maintain oil temperature. Cook for 4-5 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 6: Toss Chicken in Sauce
Once all the chicken pieces are fried and drained, gently toss them in the prepared Bang Bang sauce. Make sure each piece is well-coated but not drenched to keep the perfect balance of crunch and creaminess.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the dish visually and flavor-wise with fresh green onions sliced finely or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. They add a lovely freshness and just the right crunch, making your Bang Bang Chicken Recipe look as amazing as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple steamed jasmine rice or fluffy cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist. Crisp cucumber slices or a light Asian slaw can add a refreshing contrast to the rich and spicy chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Bang Bang Chicken Recipe on a bed of butter lettuce leaves for a handheld wrap version, perfect for parties. Alternatively, pile it over a crunchy salad or even use it as a topping for loaded fries to delight family and friends with a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will remain delicious for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy its delightful flavors without any loss in quality.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, flash freeze the fried chicken pieces separately on a baking sheet before transferring them into a freezer-safe bag. This prevents clumping and keeps your chicken crispy when reheated later, lasting up to 2 months in the freezer.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat leftover or frozen Bang Bang Chicken in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes. This method restores the crispiness far better than microwaving, keeping your chicken tasting just as amazing as fresh.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs have more fat and tend to stay juicier, which makes them an excellent alternative. Just keep an eye on cooking time since thighs might cook slightly faster or slower depending on size.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free flour blends and gluten-free breadcrumbs. This change won’t compromise the crispy texture, just be sure to choose gluten-free labeled options.
How spicy is this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe?
The recipe offers a moderate heat level thanks to sriracha and Thai sweet chili sauce. You can easily adjust the spiciness by reducing sriracha or adding more if you like it fiery. The creamy sauce helps balance out the heat.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes, baking is an option for a healthier dish, though it won’t be quite as crispy. Bake at 425°F (220°C) on a greased baking sheet for about 20-25 minutes, flipping once halfway through for even cooking.
What makes this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe stand out from other chicken dishes?
It’s the perfect marriage of crunchy, creamy, sweet, and spicy all in one bite, along with the ease of preparation. This recipe brings Asian-inspired flavors into a popular comfort food format that pleases kids and adults alike.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe enough for those times you want something quick but unforgettable. It’s one of those dishes that feels a bit special but actually comes together with surprisingly simple steps and ingredients. Give it a go, and watch everyone fall in love bite by crunchy bite.
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
Bang Bang Chicken is a flavorful and crispy fried chicken dish coated in a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce that balances heat and tang perfectly. This recipe features bite-sized pieces of chicken battered with a seasoned flour and cornstarch mixture, then fried until golden and tossed in a delectable Bang Bang sauce made with mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lemon juice. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners or parties.
Ingredients
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup Thai Sweet Chili Sauce
- 2 tablespoons Sriracha Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Honey
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
For the Chicken
- 3–4 Chicken Breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1/4 cup Cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 3/4 cup Buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha Sauce
- 1 Egg
- 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
- Vegetable Oil, for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, 2 tablespoons of sriracha, honey, and lemon juice until smooth. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Mix the dry coating: In a separate large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure even seasoning.
- Make the wet batter: In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, 1 tablespoon sriracha, and egg until fully combined.
- Coat the chicken: Dip the bite-sized chicken pieces first into the dry flour mixture, then into the wet batter, and finally coat them with the panko breadcrumbs. Ensure each piece is evenly coated for maximum crispiness.
- Heat the oil: Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet or deep frying pan to about 1 inch depth. Heat over medium-high until the oil reaches 350°F (175°C) or until a small piece of bread sizzles and turns golden quickly.
- Fry the chicken: Fry the coated chicken pieces in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Toss with sauce: Place the fried chicken in a large bowl and pour the prepared Bang Bang sauce over it. Toss gently to coat all the pieces evenly.
- Serve immediately: Serve the Bang Bang Chicken hot, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired, alongside rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can adjust the spiciness of the sauce by varying the amount of sriracha.
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to get a crispy crust without absorbing too much oil.
- Leftover Bang Bang Chicken can be reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour and panko crumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
- Buttermilk can be substituted with milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar if unavailable.
