If you’re searching for a dish that perfectly balances crispy, creamy, sweet, and spicy all at once, this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe will totally delight your taste buds and impress anyone lucky enough to share the table with you. The crunchy fried chicken bites coated in a luscious sauce that dances between sweet chili, honey, and a gentle kick of heat make this recipe a sensational crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re aiming to spice up weeknight dinners or add a flavorful punch to your next get-together, this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe is an irresistible choice that’s bound to become your new favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Bang Bang Chicken Recipe lies in the simplicity and balance of its ingredients. Each one plays a key role: from creating a crisp, golden crust to adding layers of flavor in the sauce that bring everything together in perfect harmony.
- Mayonnaise: Provides a creamy base for the sauce that’s rich yet light.
- Sweet chili sauce: Adds a fruity sweetness and subtle heat to the dressing.
- Hot sauce (such as Sriracha): Brings a sharp, tangy spice that wakes up the palate.
- Honey: Balances the spice with a natural, mellow sweetness.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance every flavor note.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender and lean, perfect for bite-sized pieces.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the dry mix that helps the breading stick beautifully.
- Cornstarch: Adds extra crunch and lightness to the coating.
- Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken while giving the batter a smooth consistency.
- Garlic powder: Offers savory warmth to the seasoning blend.
- Smoked paprika: Contributes a subtle smoky depth without overpowering.
- Black pepper: Gives a gentle bite that complements the heat.
- Egg: Binds the batter and breadcrumbs for that perfect crispy finish.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Crisp and airy, enabling the chicken to fry up golden and crunchy.
- Vegetable oil: For frying, ensuring each piece cooks evenly and develops that classic texture.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Begin by whisking together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, and honey in a bowl. This magical mixture forms the signature Bang Bang sauce that melds creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors harmoniously. Season it gently with salt and pepper, then refrigerate while you prepare the chicken so the flavors can marry beautifully.
Step 2: Mix the Batter and Coat the Chicken
In another bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, hot sauce, egg, and buttermilk. Whisk until you achieve a smooth batter that’s thick enough to cling but not too heavy. Toss the bite-sized chicken pieces in this mixture until every inch is covered, ensuring the perfect base for your crispy coating.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
Place the panko breadcrumbs in a separate bowl. One by one, dredge the battered chicken pieces thoroughly through the breadcrumbs. This extra step guarantees maximum crunch and that delightful golden crust everyone loves in a Bang Bang Chicken Recipe.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken to Perfection
Heat approximately half an inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add the breaded chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which helps maintain temperature and crispiness. Fry each side for about three minutes until the chicken is cooked through and boasts a gorgeous golden-brown hue. Drain the fried chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Once your crispy chicken bites are ready, drizzle them generously with the prepared Bang Bang sauce. This final touch transforms simple fried chicken into an indulgent delight packed with flavor, texture, and just the right amount of zing.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing adds an appealing freshness and texture contrast. Sprinkle chopped scallions or fresh cilantro on top to brighten the flavors and add a pop of vibrant green. If you love a touch of crunch, toasted sesame seeds make a wonderful addition that echoes the dish’s Asian-inspired profile.
Side Dishes
For a well-rounded meal, serve this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe alongside fluffy jasmine rice or steamed white rice that absorbs the delicious sauce perfectly. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette helps cut through the richness, while roasted vegetables add earthiness and color to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to shake things up, try serving the chicken over a bed of crunchy slaw for added texture and freshness. Alternatively, pack it up in soft tortillas or lettuce wraps for a fun, hand-held meal. The versatility of this dish means you can tailor beautiful presentations to suit any occasion or craving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Bang Bang Chicken keeps well when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain crispness, keep fried chicken and sauce separate until ready to serve again.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked Bang Bang Chicken by spreading the cooled pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet, freezing until solid, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For the best texture upon reheating, bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving when possible, as it can make the breading soggy.
FAQs
Can I make Bang Bang Chicken Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like rice flour and gluten-free panko, and this recipe will still turn out crispy and delicious.
What can I use instead of buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5–10 minutes. This DIY buttermilk substitute works wonderfully in the batter.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The heat level is moderate and balanced by the sweet and creamy sauce, but you can adjust the amount of hot sauce to suit your spice tolerance.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. While it won’t be as crispy as frying, it’s a healthier alternative that still tastes fantastic.
How long does it take to prepare Bang Bang Chicken Recipe?
This recipe typically takes around 40 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and impressive option for any meal.
Final Thoughts
This Bang Bang Chicken Recipe truly combines the best elements of comfort food, Asian-inspired flavors, and crave-worthy crunch all in one fantastic dish. It’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again because it’s that good. So, don’t wait—grab your ingredients, and let this crispy, saucy, and utterly delicious chicken become a highlight in your kitchen rotation. Your future self and your guests will thank you!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Bang Bang Chicken recipe features crispy fried chicken bites coated in a spicy, creamy sauce combining mayonnaise, sweet chili, hot sauce, and honey for a perfect balance of heat and sweetness. Ideal as a flavorful appetizer or main dish, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare in under an hour.
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
- 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)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- Make Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, and honey. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate until ready to serve to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prepare Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, hot sauce, egg, and buttermilk. Whisk until smooth. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and toss until they are evenly coated with the batter.
- Bread Chicken: Place panko breadcrumbs in a separate bowl. Dredge each coated chicken piece thoroughly in the breadcrumbs, ensuring a full, even coating for a crispy texture.
- Fry Chicken: Heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the breaded chicken pieces carefully in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Fry the chicken for approximately 3 minutes on each side or until the exterior is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. Transfer the fried pieces to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve: Drizzle the crispy fried chicken pieces generously with the prepared Bang Bang sauce. Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
Notes
- To keep the chicken crispy, avoid overcrowding the pan while frying, which can lower the oil temperature.
- If buttermilk is unavailable, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to sour it.
- Adjust the heat level of the sauce by adding more or less hot sauce according to your preference.
- For a healthier alternative, consider baking the breaded chicken pieces at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve with steamed rice or a fresh salad to complement the rich flavors.
