If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances crispy, spicy, and creamy flavors, then you have to try this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe. It’s a delightful explosion of textures and tastes packed in every bite of golden fried chicken coated with a luscious, slightly sweet, and spicy sauce. Whether you’re entertaining friends or simply indulging your taste buds on a weeknight, this recipe brings together simple ingredients and turns them into something truly unforgettable. You’re about to discover just how easy and satisfying homemade Bang Bang Chicken can be!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that each play a vital role. From the tender chicken pieces to the crispy coating and the luscious sauce, every element enhances the overall experience in its own way.
- Chicken (1 lb boneless, skinless breasts or thighs): Use whichever you prefer—thighs add juiciness, while breasts offer lean meat perfect for crisping.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Provides the base for a flavorful, crunchy coating combined with complementary spices.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon) and onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Infuse the coating with savory depth, awakening your palate.
- Paprika (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle smoky warmth and beautiful color to the breading mix.
- Salt and pepper: Essential to season each bite just right, enhancing all other flavors.
- Egg (1 large): Helps bind the coating layers to the chicken, ensuring every morsel is perfectly crusted.
- Buttermilk (1/2 cup) or regular milk: Tenderizes the chicken and contributes to a moist inside under the crispy exterior.
- Cornstarch (1/2 cup): The secret to that ultra-crispy, light texture that makes Bang Bang Chicken so addictive.
- Vegetable oil: For frying, it ensures the chicken crisps up golden and irresistible.
- Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): Creates the creamy base for the sauce, helping balance the heat and sweetness.
- Sweet chili sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds a perfect blend of sweetness and mild spice, key to the bang bang sauce’s flavor profile.
- Sriracha (1 tablespoon, adjustable): Brings the kick and fiery punch that makes this recipe exciting.
- Honey (1 tablespoon): Sweetens and smooths the sauce, melding heat and creaminess harmoniously.
- Rice vinegar (1 teaspoon, optional): Introduces a subtle tang that brightens the overall taste.
- Chopped green onions, sesame seeds, fresh cilantro leaves: Perfect finishing garnishes that add freshness, crunch, and a pop of color.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces, which makes the chicken easy to eat and maximizes the crispy coating in every bite. Mixing the all-purpose flour with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper creates a flavorful flour blend that forms the foundation of the coating. Whisk together the egg and buttermilk; this mixture tenderizes the chicken and helps the cornstarch stick later. Set the cornstarch aside in a separate bowl—this triple-layer coating is going to make your chicken irresistibly crispy.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken Pieces
Now comes the fun part—dredging. First, coat each chicken piece with your seasoned flour mixture, then dip it into the egg and buttermilk bath, and finally press it into the cornstarch. This triple dip creates a crust that crisps up beautifully during frying. Don’t forget to press lightly so the coating sticks evenly, giving every nugget the perfect crunchy bite you want in a Bang Bang Chicken Recipe.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Heat about 2 to 3 inches of vegetable oil until it reaches a steady 350°F (175°C). Carefully add chicken in batches—overcrowding the pan will lower the oil temperature, resulting in less crispy chicken. Fry the pieces for 4 to 6 minutes until they’re golden brown and crackling with crispiness. When done, use a slotted spoon to lift the chicken pieces onto paper towels, letting excess oil drain so nothing dims that satisfying crunch.
Step 4: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
While the chicken fries, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and a splash of rice vinegar until your sauce is silky smooth. This combination brings together creamy, spicy, sweet, and tangy notes that define the iconic bang bang sauce and that will elevate this dish from delicious to unforgettable.
Step 5: Toss Chicken in the Sauce
Once your chicken has cooled slightly but is still warm and inviting, place it in a large bowl and drizzle the bang bang sauce over the top. Gently toss the chicken so every crispy piece is coated evenly in that luscious sauce. This step is key to ensuring each bite delivers the perfect balance of crunch and creamy zing that’s at the heart of a perfect Bang Bang Chicken Recipe.
Step 6: Serve It Up
Transfer the coated chicken to a serving platter and get creative with your garnishes to make it look as delightful as it tastes. Sprinkle chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro over the top—they add vibrant flavor, texture, and a fresh pop of green that wakes up the dish.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes make all the difference. Chopped green onions inject a mild, fresh bite that contrasts beautifully with the rich sauce. Toasted sesame seeds bring a subtle nuttiness and delicate crunch, while fresh cilantro leaves add an herbaceous lift that cuts through the richness. Together, these little touches turn your Bang Bang Chicken into a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
Side Dishes
Bang Bang Chicken pairs wonderfully with simple, fresh sides that don’t overpower its vibrant flavors. Imagine serving it alongside fluffy steamed jasmine rice or fragrant coconut rice to soak up every last drop of that incredible sauce. Crisp Asian slaw or a cool cucumber salad offers a refreshing counterpoint, balancing the heat and richness perfectly. For heartier meals, roasted vegetables or garlic noodles make excellent companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving your Bang Bang Chicken Recipe over a bed of mixed greens or even wrapped in lettuce cups offers a fresh, lighter twist that’s perfect for a casual lunch or appetizer platter. You can also layer this crispy, sauced chicken on sliders or bao buns for a fun party snack. And don’t forget, a drizzle of extra bang bang sauce on the side lets everyone customize their heat and sauciness!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Bang Bang Chicken keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To help maintain some crispness, store the chicken separately from the sauce and toss them together just before serving again.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the chicken, keep the cooked chicken pieces separate from the sauce. Freeze the chicken in a single layer on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and saucing.
Reheating
The best way to reheat your Bang Bang Chicken is in an oven or air fryer at around 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and crispy again, usually 8 to 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the coating crunchy; the microwave tends to make fried foods soggy. Once heated, toss with fresh sauce and garnish as you like.
FAQs
Can I make Bang Bang Chicken Recipe with chicken wings?
Absolutely! Chicken wings are a fantastic alternative and offer more natural juiciness. You can follow the same coating and sauce steps, just adjust frying time to ensure they’re cooked through and crispy.
Is there a healthier way to make this recipe?
Yes, you can bake the coated chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispness. While it won’t be quite as crispy as deep-fried, it’s a great lighter option that still delivers on flavor.
How spicy is the Bang Bang sauce?
The heat level is very adjustable. The recipe includes sriracha which packs some punch, but you can easily dial it back or ramp it up based on your taste. Adding more honey balances the spice, making it friendly for all spice tolerances.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Definitely! The bang bang sauce can be whisked together ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week. Give it a quick stir before using, and toss your crispy chicken just before serving for the freshest flavor.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No worries! You can use regular milk with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar added to mimic buttermilk’s acidity, which helps tenderize the chicken and adds a slight tang needed for the perfect coating.
Final Thoughts
This Bang Bang Chicken Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that combines crispy, spicy, and creamy in one harmonious dish. It’s approachable for cooks of all levels and perfect for any occasion when you want something special yet simple. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how this recipe can become a fast favorite in your home. Trust me, once you get a taste, you’ll be hooked!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-American
Description
A flavorful and crispy Bang Bang Chicken recipe featuring tender bite-sized chicken pieces fried to golden perfection and tossed in a creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet Bang Bang sauce. Perfect as a main dish or appetizer, garnished with green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro for an extra burst of freshness.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- Vegetable oil for frying (about 2-3 inches)
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (optional, for tanginess)
Garnishes
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro leaves
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, whisk together the egg and buttermilk. Place cornstarch in a third bowl.
- Coat the Chicken: Dredge each piece of chicken first in the flour mixture, then dip it into the egg mixture, and finally coat it in cornstarch. Press gently to ensure an even coating.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a large pan or deep fryer over medium-high heat, reaching approximately 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop the chicken pieces into the hot oil in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 4-6 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth and well combined. Adjust spice level as desired.
- Toss the Chicken in the Sauce: Place the fried chicken pieces in a large bowl, drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over them, and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Serve: Transfer the coated chicken to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately as a main dish or appetizer.
Notes
- You can use chicken breasts or thighs depending on your preference; thighs offer a juicier texture.
- For a lighter version, try baking the coated chicken at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Adjust the sriracha amount to control the spice level in the sauce.
- Rice vinegar adds a nice tang but is optional if unavailable.
- Ensure oil temperature is maintained for even frying and a crispy crust.
