If you have ever craved a dish with crispy, tender chicken bathed in a spicy, creamy sauce that hits all the right notes, then you absolutely need to try this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe. It brings together perfectly seasoned fried chicken with a luscious, sweet, and slightly fiery sauce that makes every bite an explosion of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or need a crowd-pleasing appetizer for your next party, this recipe delivers irresistible textures and tastes that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients sets the foundation for the perfect balance of crunch, flavor, and heat in your Bang Bang Chicken Recipe. Each element plays a vital role, from tenderizing the chicken to creating that crave-worthy crispy coating and silky sauce.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and easy dipping.
- ½ cup buttermilk: helps tenderize and add moisture to the chicken while enhancing the coating’s adherence.
- ½ cup cornstarch: key for a light, crispy crust that isn’t heavy or greasy.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour: combined with cornstarch to create the perfect balance of crunch and chew.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: adds that subtle savory depth and warmth.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: brings a mild smokiness and vibrant color to the coating mix.
- ½ teaspoon salt: enhances all the flavors without overpowering the dish.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: adds just the right amount of spice in the crust.
- Vegetable oil for frying: chosen for its high smoke point, ensuring a perfectly golden, crispy exterior.
- For the Bang Bang sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise: provides the creamy base that balances the heat beautifully.
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce: delivers sweetness with a hint of tangy spice that defines the dish.
- 1 tablespoon honey: adds natural sweetness and a lovely shine to the sauce.
- 1–2 teaspoons Sriracha (to taste): gives the sauce its signature kick, adjustable to your preferred heat level.
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar: offers a slight tang that brightens all the flavors.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by placing the bite-sized chicken pieces in a large bowl and pouring the buttermilk over them. Let this marinate for 15 to 30 minutes, which helps to tenderize the chicken and infuses it with slight tanginess that complements the rich coating and sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating Mix
While the chicken marinates, combine the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in another bowl. This mixture will give your chicken a beautifully crispy and flavorful crust once fried to golden perfection.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or pot and heat it to 350°F. It’s important to get the oil hot enough so the chicken crisps quickly without soaking up excess oil, keeping that coveted crunch.
Step 4: Coat and Fry the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour and cornstarch mixture until evenly coated. Fry the chicken in batches for 4 to 5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, turning as necessary. Transfer to paper towels to drain any excess oil and keep the pieces crisp.
Step 5: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a fresh bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, Sriracha, and rice vinegar until the sauce is smooth and well combined. This velvety sauce is the star partner to the crispy chicken, marrying sweetness, creaminess, and heat in every bite.
Step 6: Toss or Drizzle with Sauce
For maximum flavor, toss the hot chicken pieces directly in the Bang Bang sauce so each morsel is coated evenly. Alternatively, serve the sauce on the side for dipping if you prefer to control how much sauce you enjoy with each bite.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes elevate the dish and introduce refreshing flavor contrasts. Try sprinkling chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or finely sliced fresh cilantro on top. These small touches add a pop of color and enhance the overall presentation and taste.
Side Dishes
Bang Bang Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, depending on the occasion. Steamed jasmine rice or fluffy coconut rice offers a neutral base to soak up the sauce. For a lighter option, toss some crisp Asian-style slaw or steamed broccoli to balance the richness of the chicken. Even simple noodles drizzled with a bit of soy sauce or sesame oil make a lovely accompaniment.
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking outside the bowl? Serve your Bang Bang Chicken Recipe wrapped in crisp lettuce cups with shredded carrots and cucumbers for handheld freshness. Or stack the chicken over crispy wonton chips as a shareable appetizer at your next gathering. Its versatility means you can get creative and make it your own.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, cool the Bang Bang Chicken completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, letting you enjoy the flavors without any rush.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Properly stored, they’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. To enjoy later, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To bring back the crispy texture, reheat leftovers in a hot oven at 375°F for 10 to 12 minutes or until warmed through and crisp. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve that perfect crunch. You can then toss the reheated chicken in fresh Bang Bang sauce or drizzle it on top as before.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer a juicier, slightly richer taste. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces similar to the breasts, and cook as directed. They might take a minute or two longer to fry depending on thickness.
How spicy is the Bang Bang sauce in this recipe?
The spiciness largely depends on your Sriracha amount. Start with 1 teaspoon if you prefer mild heat, or increase to 2 teaspoons for more of a kick. The honey and sweet chili sauce help balance out the spiciness beautifully.
Is it necessary to deep fry the chicken?
While deep frying produces the crispiest chicken, you can bake or air-fry the pieces for a lighter version. Just coat the chicken as usual and bake at 425°F or air fry at 400°F until golden and cooked through, usually about 15–20 minutes.
Can I make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The sauce can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Give it a quick stir before tossing with chicken, as ingredients may settle or thicken slightly.
What can I serve with Bang Bang Chicken Recipe for a complete meal?
Pair it with steamed vegetables like bok choy or snap peas, a simple cucumber salad, or coconut rice to round out the meal. Adding crunchy slaw or fresh herbs also brightens the plate and adds variety in texture.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely believe this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe is one of those special dishes you’ll turn to again and again. It’s fun to make, packed with bold flavors, and perfect for sharing with friends or family. So go ahead and dive into making this easily to enjoy an amazing meal that truly delights every craving for crispy, spicy, and creamy goodness.
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-American
Description
Bang Bang Chicken is a deliciously crispy, bite-sized chicken dish coated in a flavorful spicy-sweet sauce. This Asian-American favorite features tender chicken pieces marinated in buttermilk, coated in a seasoned flour blend, and deep-fried to golden perfection before being tossed in a creamy, tangy Bang Bang sauce. Ideal as a main course or party appetizer, it’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to satisfy cravings for crispy, spicy chicken.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1–2 teaspoons Sriracha, to taste
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces with the buttermilk, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Let marinate for 15 to 30 minutes to tenderize and add moisture.
- Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful breading mixture.
- Heat the Oil: Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or pot and heat it to 350°F (175°C), preparing for deep-frying.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk one at a time, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture until fully coated.
- Fry the Chicken: Working in batches, carefully place the coated chicken in the hot oil. Fry for 4 to 5 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown, crispy, and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding.
- Drain Excess Oil: Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried chicken and set it on paper towels to drain excess oil and maintain crispiness.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a clean bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, Sriracha (adjust for heat preference), and rice vinegar until smooth and creamy.
- Combine and Serve: Toss the hot fried chicken pieces in the Bang Bang sauce until well coated or drizzle the sauce over the chicken. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of Sriracha in the sauce to suit your preferred spice level.
- This dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice, noodles, or can be served as a tasty party appetizer.
- For a lighter version, you can bake or air-fry the chicken instead of deep-frying, reducing the fat content.
- Ensure oil temperature is maintained at 350°F to achieve crispy, non-greasy chicken.
- Use paper towels to drain chicken well to keep it crispy.
