If you crave sweet, spicy, utterly addictive chicken, Bang Bang Chicken deserves a spot at the very top of your dinner bucket list. This crowd-pleasing dish features crispy, tender fried chicken bites tossed in a creamy, chili-kissed sauce that delivers a pop of heat, tang, and just the right touch of sweetness. Whether you’re planning an easy weeknight meal or want a show-stopping appetizer, Bang Bang Chicken checks every box — and once you’ve had your first bite, it’s guaranteed to become a repeat favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in Bang Bang Chicken serves a distinct purpose, balancing flavor and crunch for irresistible results. You’ll find the lineup delightfully straightforward — but it’s the harmony of these elements that makes the final dish so memorable!
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Use fresh, juicy chicken to ensure bite-sized pieces stay moist and succulent in every mouthful.
- Buttermilk: This tangy marinade tenderizes the chicken and helps the crispy coating cling beautifully.
- Cornstarch: Combines with flour for that signature light, crunchy crust.
- All-purpose flour: Gives the batter structure so each piece fries up golden and crisp.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the chicken with a warm, savory undertone.
- Paprika: Adds subtle color and a pop of smoky depth.
- Salt: Balances the flavors and brings out the seasoning in the crust.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground for a little zip and character.
- Vegetable oil: Use a neutral oil for deep frying with a high smoke point.
- Mayonnaise: The rich base for Bang Bang Chicken’s creamy, crave-worthy sauce.
- Sweet chili sauce: Delivers sweetness, mild heat, and a touch of Asian-inspired flavor.
- Sriracha: Kicks up the spice — add more or less to suit your heat preference!
- Honey: Balances out the spice and acid in the sauce with a silky sweetness.
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds (optional): Sprinkle for a fresh, colorful presentation and an extra layer of flavor.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by soaking your chicken pieces in cool, tangy buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This not only infuses the chicken with subtle flavor but ensures the meat stays beautifully tender and juicy even after frying. A longer soak is great if you have time, but even a short marinade makes a difference!
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
While your chicken marinates, combine the cornstarch, flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. This flour blend is the secret behind Bang Bang Chicken’s signature crispy coating, packing it with just enough flavor and irresistible crunch.
Step 3: Dredge and Coat
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting any extra drip off. Give each piece a thorough roll in the seasoned flour mixture. Don’t rush — pressing the coating onto each morsel helps it stick while frying, so you get that golden, satisfying snap in every bite.
Step 4: Fry to Perfection
Heat about two inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Once shimmering (test with a single piece — it should sizzle instantly), fry the chicken in batches. Cook each batch for about 4 to 5 minutes, making sure you don’t overcrowd the pan, until golden brown and cooked through. Drain the cooked chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Step 5: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until perfectly smooth. This sauce is what transforms simple crispy chicken into Bang Bang Chicken magic, lending creamy heat and big personality to the dish!
Step 6: Toss and Serve
Place the fried chicken bites in a large bowl, pour the creamy sauce over the top, and toss gently to coat each piece. Serve immediately, fast and hot, for maximum crispiness and flavor.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken
Garnishes
For that extra pop, sprinkle your Bang Bang Chicken with a shower of bright green onions and a scatter of sesame seeds just before serving. Not only do these add visual flair, but they contribute fresh, nutty notes that balance the rich sauce and crunchy chicken.
Side Dishes
Bang Bang Chicken is a chameleon — it shines as a main course with steamed jasmine rice, fluffy white rice, or even over simple noodles. Pair it with a crisp Asian-style slaw or lightly stir-fried veggies for brightness and color. It also makes a killer appetizer with a side of cooling cucumber sticks or lettuce leaves for wrapping.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to make your Bang Bang Chicken party-ready? Try serving it skewered for a finger-friendly appetizer, or nestled in lettuce cups with extra sauce on the side. For a family dinner, pile it high on a platter and let everyone help themselves, or even serve inside soft bao buns for an irresistible sandwich twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To keep the chicken and sauce at their best, consider storing them separately if possible; this way, your crispy coating doesn’t get soggy before you’re ready to eat.
Freezing
If you want to freeze Bang Bang Chicken, hold off on saucing the chicken until after reheating. Freeze the cooled, cooked chicken pieces on a sheet pan, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to two months. When you’re ready, reheat and toss with fresh sauce before serving for that just-made taste.
Reheating
Reheat Bang Bang Chicken in a 375°F oven or air fryer for 8-10 minutes until warmed through and crispy. Microwaving works in a pinch but tends to soften the crust — the oven or air fryer method is your gold standard for reviving leftovers.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic alternative, offering extra juiciness and a bit more flavor. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces and follow the recipe as written for perfect results.
Is there a way to make Bang Bang Chicken without frying?
Totally. For a lighter version, you can bake the coated chicken on a rack at 425°F for about 20-25 minutes, or use your air fryer for a similar crunch with less oil. The texture is a little different but still delicious!
How spicy is Bang Bang Chicken?
It’s pleasantly spicy but not overpowering. The sriracha brings heat which you can dial up or down to your liking. Add a little extra for chili lovers, or reduce it for a milder dish.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes. It’s a quick, easy substitute that works beautifully in the marinade.
Can I make Bang Bang Chicken ahead for a party?
Yes! Prep the chicken and sauce in advance, keeping them separate. Reheat the chicken right before serving to keep it crispy, then toss with the sauce just before it hits the table.
Final Thoughts
Bursting with flavor, texture, and pure fun, Bang Bang Chicken is the dish you’ll want to share with everyone you know. Give it a try and see just how quickly it disappears — and how often you find yourself craving another batch. Don’t wait for a special occasion; treat yourself to this sensational recipe tonight!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Bang Bang Chicken is a popular Asian-inspired dish featuring crispy, spicy chicken bites coated in a sweet chili and sriracha sauce. This recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a favorite for those who enjoy a bit of heat with their meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- vegetable oil for frying
For the Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 tablespoon honey
For Garnish:
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken in buttermilk, marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare Coating: Mix cornstarch, flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Fry the Chicken: Dredge marinated chicken in flour mixture, fry until golden brown.
- Make the Sauce: Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey.
- Coat the Chicken: Toss fried chicken in the sauce until well coated.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, serve immediately.
Notes
- You can bake or air-fry the chicken for a lighter version.
- Adjust the level of sriracha to your preferred spice level.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 23g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
