If you are craving a dish that dazzles with a perfect balance of crispy crunch and spicy-sweet flavor, this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe is your next go-to meal. Bursting with vibrant Asian-inspired flavors and an irresistibly creamy, tangy sauce, every bite is a little celebration of texture and taste. Whether you’re looking to impress at a dinner party or simply treat yourself to something extraordinary, this recipe combines simple ingredients into a knockout dish that’s both comforting and exciting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward yet essential for nailing the texture and flavor that make this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe so special. Each component plays a key role in creating that signature crispy chicken and luscious sauce combination.

Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces for perfect frying and eating ease.
Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and adds a subtle tang to the marinade.
Cornstarch and all-purpose flour: Combined for a crispy, golden crust that holds onto every drop of sauce.
Garlic powder and paprika: Provide warm undertones and a smoky depth in the coating.
Salt and black pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the natural flavors.
Vegetable oil: For frying, ensuring the chicken cooks evenly with a crunchy exterior.
Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the signature Bang Bang sauce.
Sweet chili sauce: Adds sweetness with a hint of spice and a beautiful sheen.
Sriracha: Brings a customizable kick of heat to the sauce.
Honey: Balances spicy elements with smooth natural sweetness.
Rice vinegar: Provides acidity that cuts through the richness and brightens the sauce.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by soaking your bite-sized chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 20 minutes. This simple step tenderizes the chicken beautifully and prepares it for a juicy, flavorful bite after frying.

Step 2: Prepare the Crispy Coating

While the chicken marinates, whisk together the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This flavorful blend is vital for that irresistible crispy coating everyone loves in Bang Bang Chicken Recipe.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Heat about one inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F. Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk, allowing excess drip off, then thoroughly coat each piece in the seasoned flour mixture. Fry in batches to avoid crowding, cooking each piece until golden brown and cooked through—about 4 to 5 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels to keep them crispy.

Step 4: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

While the chicken rests, whip up the sauce by combining mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar in a bowl. Stir until smooth and well blended—the sauce is where the magic really happens, offering a sweet, spicy, and tangy kick that perfectly complements the crunchy chicken.

Step 5: Toss or Drizzle and Serve

Toss the hot fried chicken gently in the sauce until every piece is coated or simply drizzle the sauce over the chicken just before serving for a lighter touch. This step ensures the chicken stays crisp with just the right amount of that signature creamy sauce.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes like chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds add a delightful crunch and a pop of color. They bring vibrancy and an extra layer of flavor that makes the dish feel festive and complete.

Side Dishes

Bang Bang Chicken tastes fantastic served over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or alongside cold noodles for an Asian fusion feast. Crisp lettuce wraps are another fun and healthy way to enjoy this dish, adding refreshing crunch with every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or appetizer option, serve the Bang Bang Chicken on skewers or as bite-sized sliders with creamy slaw. Layering the chicken on a vibrant salad or alongside grilled vegetables can turn this recipe into a balanced, colorful meal that’s as pretty as it is tasty.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate if possible to maintain the chicken’s crispiness. When ready to eat, mix the chicken and sauce fresh to enjoy the best texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken pieces (without sauce) by placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to one month. Thaw completely in the fridge before reheating and saucing to maintain that signature crunch.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10–12 minutes or until heated through. This method helps restore some of the crispiness lost in the fridge. Add the Bang Bang sauce fresh after reheating for the best flavor experience.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and can add extra flavor. Just be sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces and adjust frying time to ensure they are cooked through.

Is there a healthier way to make this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe?

Yes, you can bake or air fry the coated chicken pieces instead of deep frying. This reduces the oil content while still maintaining a lot of the texture and flavor.

How spicy is this recipe? Can I make it milder?

The heat primarily comes from the sriracha. You can reduce the amount or omit it entirely if you prefer a milder sauce. Adding more honey also helps balance the spice.

Can I make the sauce dairy-free?

Yes, using a dairy-free mayonnaise and substituting buttermilk with a plant-based blend (like almond milk plus lemon juice) will keep this dish dairy-free without sacrificing flavor.

What’s the best way to get the chicken extra crispy?

Double dipping the chicken in the flour mixture before frying or letting the coated chicken rest briefly before frying can help achieve a crunchier texture. Also, make sure your oil is hot enough and don’t overcrowd the pan.

Final Thoughts

This Bang Bang Chicken Recipe is a brilliant way to bring excitement to your dinner table with its crispy, saucy, and flavor-packed qualities. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests, and once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again. So grab your ingredients, get frying, and experience this addictive combination of crunch and creaminess that truly lives up to the “Bang Bang” name!