Say hello to your new favorite weeknight dinner: Bang Bang Chicken. This dish brings together irresistibly crispy chicken with an addictively creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce that takes every bite over the top. Each piece is fried to golden perfection, then either tossed or drizzled with the famous Bang Bang sauce that’s equal parts luscious and zingy. If you love bold flavors and crave that perfect crunch, this Bang Bang Chicken recipe needs to be on your menu ASAP!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Bang Bang Chicken is how it takes simple, everyday ingredients and transforms them into something utterly crave-worthy. Every item plays a key role: the coating delivers maximum crunch, the marinade brings tenderness, and the sauce—oh, that sauce—is the vibrant, creamy finish that transforms this dish into a true sensation.
- Chicken: Use 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces for ultimate juiciness and ease of eating.
- Buttermilk: Marinating in 1/2 cup buttermilk makes the chicken incredibly tender and helps the coating stick.
- Cornstarch: 1/2 cup gives that signature ultra-crisp exterior when fried or air fried.
- All-purpose flour: 1/2 cup, for structure and a light, delicate crunch.
- Garlic powder: 1/2 teaspoon adds a punch of savory depth to the breading mix.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon is essential for bringing all the flavors to life.
- Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon, for just the right amount of background warmth.
- Vegetable oil: Used for frying, choose a neutral oil to let all the other flavors shine.
- Mayonnaise: 1/3 cup as the creamy backbone of the Bang Bang sauce.
- Sweet chili sauce: 2 tablespoons bring that addictive tangy sweetness.
- Sriracha: 1 tablespoon for the perfect level of heat—adjust to your spicy preference!
- Honey: 1 tablespoon smooths out the sauce and balances the flavors wonderfully.
- Rice vinegar: 1 teaspoon to brighten things up and cut through the richness.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining your chicken pieces and buttermilk in a medium bowl. Give it a quick toss to evenly coat, then let the chicken soak for at least 30 minutes. This marinade is the secret weapon for super juicy Bang Bang Chicken—even after frying, your chicken will remain moist and tender inside!
Step 2: Prepare the Dredging Mix
While the chicken marinates, whisk together the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a separate bowl. This combo ensures your chicken gets shatteringly crisp once fried and packs in a ton of flavor. Don’t skip or skimp—every component adds to that craveable crunch!
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Pour about 1 inch of vegetable oil into a deep skillet and heat it over medium-high. Patience is key: let it get to the right frying temperature (about 350°F if you have a thermometer). Hot oil means your Bang Bang Chicken gets nicely crispy instead of soggy.
Step 4: Dredge and Fry the Chicken
Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk, shake off the excess, then dredge in your flour mixture to coat thoroughly. Fry in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan, and cook each piece for 3 to 4 minutes per side until they’re golden and the centers are cooked through. Move the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate as you finish each batch so the crust stays crunchy.
Step 5: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth and creamy. This is where the magic happens—the combination is silky, spicy, sweet, and tangy. Taste and adjust the sriracha or honey if you want it hot or milder.
Step 6: Toss and Serve
When all the chicken is fried and still warm, you have two mouthwatering options: toss the chicken pieces directly in the Bang Bang sauce for full coverage, or drizzle the sauce generously over the top. Either way, you’ll be amazed at the explosion of flavor that makes Bang Bang Chicken so legendary.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken
Garnishes
Garnishing your Bang Bang Chicken is both about flavor and flair. Sprinkle with chopped green onions for a bright, fresh pop or shower sesame seeds for a little nutty contrast. Some people even like a squeeze of fresh lime for a little lift.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with fluffy jasmine or basmati rice to soak up any extra sauce, or with simple stir-fried noodles for a comforting main course. If you want something lighter, serve your Bang Bang Chicken in lettuce cups for a crunchy, hand-held option.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the bowl: pile Bang Bang Chicken into sliders or wraps for a party snack, or scatter over a salad with crisp veggies and extra sauce for a meal-prep superstar. This versatile dish shines in everything from grain bowls to quick lunchboxes—just bring your appetite!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have extras, let Bang Bang Chicken cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For best texture, store the chicken and sauce separately and combine just before eating.
Freezing
To freeze, skip the sauce and lay the cooked, cooled chicken pieces on a tray to flash-freeze. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag and keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw and reheat as needed, then whip up a fresh batch of sauce.
Reheating
Reheat Bang Bang Chicken in the oven at 375°F, or in an air fryer, until crispy and warmed through—about 8 to 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving for the crispiest results. Add the sauce just before serving to keep everything lively and delicious!
FAQs
Can I bake or air fry the chicken instead of frying?
Absolutely! For a lighter twist, bake at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes (flipping halfway), or air fry at 380°F for about 15 minutes. Both methods give a lovely crunch without all the oil!
Is Bang Bang Chicken very spicy?
The inherent kick comes from the sriracha in the sauce, but you’re in total control. Add more for heat lovers or reduce for a milder version—the balance is up to you.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Totally! Swap the buttermilk for a plant-based milk with a splash of lemon juice, and use a dairy-free or vegan mayo in the sauce. You’ll still get all the creamy, tangy flavor Bang Bang Chicken is known for.
What kind of chicken works best?
Both breasts and thighs are fantastic—thighs give a juicier bite, while breasts offer a leaner base. Feel free to use whichever you prefer or have on hand; just cut the pieces evenly for best cooking results.
How long does the sauce last in the fridge?
The Bang Bang sauce keeps beautifully in a closed jar for up to one week. Give it a little stir before using and enjoy as a dip for veggies, fries, or just about anything you fancy.
Final Thoughts
Bang Bang Chicken has that rare, magical quality of being both outrageously delicious and unbelievably easy. Whether you’re new to crispy chicken or banging out a feast for seasoned spice lovers, this is the kind of dish that’ll have everyone begging for seconds. Give it a try—you’re just a few steps away from making your own homemade takeout hero!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Bang Bang Chicken is a delicious Asian-inspired dish featuring crispy, spicy chicken bites coated in a creamy, sweet, and tangy sauce. Perfect for a quick and flavorful meal!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- vegetable oil for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Combine chicken pieces and buttermilk in a bowl. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Coating: Whisk together cornstarch, flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet. Dredge marinated chicken in the flour mixture and fry until golden brown.
- Make the Sauce: Mix all sauce ingredients until smooth.
- Toss in Sauce: Coat fried chicken in the Bang Bang sauce or drizzle the sauce on top.
- Serve: Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds and serve immediately.
Notes
- To bake or air fry the chicken for a healthier option.
- Adjust sriracha in the sauce for more heat.
- Serve with jasmine rice, noodles, or lettuce wraps.
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