If you have a craving for a dish that combines crispy, tender chicken with a luscious, spicy-sweet sauce, you are going to absolutely love this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that brings together the perfect balance of bold flavors and delightful textures, making every bite simply unforgettable. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or treating yourself, this dish delivers a mouthwatering experience that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Bang Bang Chicken Recipe uses a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that come together to create a vibrant and crave-worthy dish. Each component plays a key role: the crispy coatings add irresistible crunch, the seasoning layers depth, and the sauce brings that signature bang of flavor.
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for perfect frying and easy snacking.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The first step in the breading process, helping the coating stick to each piece.
- 2 large eggs beaten: Acts as the glue between flour and breadcrumbs.
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs: Gives the chicken that coveted light and crispy texture.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the chicken and coatings.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and aromatic depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses subtle savory notes throughout.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Offers earthiness and a mild smoky flair.
- Vegetable oil for frying: The essential medium for crisping the chicken to golden perfection.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: The creamy base of the sauce, balancing spice and sweetness.
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce: Brings a fruity, tangy heat that defines the bang bang flavor.
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce: Adds that essential kick, adjustable to your preferred spiciness.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Sweetens and rounds out the sauce perfectly.
- Sliced green onions for garnish: Adds freshness, color, and a mild onion bite as a finishing touch.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season and Prepare Your Chicken
Start by tossing your chicken pieces in salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This simple seasoning boost ensures each bite bursts with flavor even before the coating goes on. It’s a small step that sets the stage for something truly delicious.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
Create three shallow bowls: one with the flour, the second with beaten eggs, and the third with the panko breadcrumbs. This assembly line method makes breading the chicken both easy and efficient. The flour provides a dry base layer, the egg acts as a sticky middle layer, and the panko is the star of the show with its crispy crunch.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken Pieces
One by one, dredge each chicken piece first in flour, then dip it into the egg, and finally coat it generously with panko crumbs. Don’t rush this step because thorough coating means you’ll get that perfect golden crust in the pan.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken Until Golden
Pour about an inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat it over medium heat. Fry chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding, about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the cooked chicken onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil, keeping the texture crisp and light.
Step 5: Whisk the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey. Whisk until you get a smooth, glossy sauce that is perfectly balanced between spicy, sweet, and creamy. This sauce truly elevates the dish—it’s the heart of the “bang bang” sensation.
Step 6: Toss or Drizzle and Garnish
While the chicken is still warm, toss it gently with the sauce until every piece is lovingly coated. Alternatively, if you prefer to control the sauce amount per bite, drizzle it on just before serving. Finish off by sprinkling sliced green onions on top for a fresh, peppery crunch and a pop of color.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Sliced green onions are a classic garnish to cut through the richness with their mild sharpness, but feel free to add sesame seeds or freshly chopped cilantro for an extra burst of flavor and texture. These little touches make your dish look as fantastic as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Bang Bang Chicken pairs beautifully with simple sides that complement its bold flavor. Steamed jasmine rice or fluffy coconut rice provide a neutral canvas, while a crunchy Asian-style slaw with cabbage and carrots can add a refreshing contrast. For something heartier, try pairing it with garlic noodles or roasted vegetables that soak up the delicious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, serve this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe in lettuce wraps for a fun, handheld option. Alternatively, pile the sauced chicken atop a vibrant salad or crunchy noodles for a colorful and satisfying meal. Presentation is part of the experience, so don’t hesitate to get creative and make the dish your own!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Bang Bang Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To preserve the crispiness as much as possible, keep the chicken and sauce separate until ready to serve again.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken pieces (without sauce) in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag once frozen solid. This allows you to enjoy your favorite Bang Bang Chicken Recipe anytime—just thaw and reheat.
Reheating
To reheat, place the chicken pieces on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated 375°F oven for about 10 minutes to regain their crunch. Add the sauce fresh after reheating so your Bang Bang Chicken stays as flavorful and crispy as when first made.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring extra juiciness and flavor, and their slightly higher fat content pairs wonderfully with the Bang Bang sauce. Just adjust cooking times as thighs might take a bit longer to cook through.
How spicy is this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe?
The recipe has a balanced heat thanks to sriracha, but you can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less sriracha or sweet chili sauce. It’s flexible to suit your personal taste preferences.
Is it possible to bake instead of frying?
Yes! For a lighter version, bake the breaded chicken at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes until crispy. Air frying is also a fantastic alternative if you want less oil without sacrificing crunch.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Just give it a good stir before tossing with the chicken. The flavors tend to meld nicely when given a bit of time.
What can I serve instead of rice?
Noodles, quinoa, or steamed vegetables are all excellent alternatives to rice. You might also enjoy this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe atop a fresh green salad for a lighter meal.
Final Thoughts
This Bang Bang Chicken Recipe is one of those delightful dishes that brings excitement to the dinner table with every crunchy, saucy bite. It’s approachable, versatile, and irresistibly tasty—perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike. I truly can’t recommend it enough, so grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to fall in love with this fantastic take on Asian-inspired comfort food.
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-Inspired
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
Bang Bang Chicken is a crispy, flavorful Asian-inspired dish featuring bite-sized pieces of battered and fried chicken tossed in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce. This recipe combines a crunchy panko coating with a tangy blend of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey, garnished with fresh green onions for an irresistible appetizer or main course.
Ingredients
Chicken and Breading
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Vegetable oil for frying (about 1 inch in skillet)
Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
Garnish
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, season the bite-sized chicken pieces evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to enhance flavor.
- Set Up Breading Station: Arrange three shallow bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs for dredging the chicken.
- Bread the Chicken: Coat each chicken piece first in flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs to ensure a crispy crust.
- Heat Oil and Fry: In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat. Fry the chicken pieces in batches for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth and well combined for a creamy, spicy glaze.
- Toss Chicken with Sauce: While the chicken is still warm, toss it with the prepared sauce until evenly coated or optionally drizzle the sauce on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sliced green onions over the sauced chicken for a fresh, mild onion flavor and serve immediately while crispy.
Notes
- For a lighter version, bake the breaded chicken at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes or air fry until crispy instead of frying.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha sauce in the sauce to control the level of spiciness according to your preference.
- Ensure the oil temperature is medium to prevent burning and to cook chicken thoroughly without sogginess.
- Use fresh panko breadcrumbs for best crispiness.
- This recipe can be doubled to serve more people.
