Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

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If you’re looking for a dish that bursts with bold flavors and crispy, tender chicken in every bite, this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe is an absolute game-changer. It perfectly balances a spicy, sweet, and tangy sauce layered over golden-fried chicken that’s irresistibly crunchy and juicy. Whether serving it as a lively appetizer for friends or a satisfying main course, this recipe will quickly become a treasured staple in your cooking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Bang Bang Chicken Recipe relies on simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the crispy coating to the creamy, spicy sauce, every ingredient is essential to achieve that perfect harmony.

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Bite-sized pieces provide the perfect canvas for crispy frying and saucy coating.
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Creates a light base for the chicken’s crunchy exterior.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a savory depth to the coating mix.
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle sweetness.
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika: Offers a mild smokiness and vibrant color.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that boost all the other flavors.
• 1 large egg: Helps the coating stick to the chicken perfectly.
• 1/2 cup buttermilk (or regular milk): Keeps the chicken tender and moist inside while frying.
• 1/2 cup cornstarch: The secret to achieving that ultra-crispy finish.
• Vegetable oil (for frying): Choose a neutral oil that withstands high heat for frying.
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise: The creamy base of the bang bang sauce.
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce: Adds sweetness with a gentle kick of spice.
• 1 tablespoon sriracha: Provides the signature spicy heat, adjustable to your taste.
• 1 tablespoon honey: Balances out the heat with a lovely touch of sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (optional): Lends a subtle tang that brightens the sauce.
• Chopped green onions: Fresh, crunchy, and vibrant garnish.
• Sesame seeds: Adds a toasty crunch and visual appeal.
• Fresh cilantro leaves: Bright, herbal notes that make every bite pop.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces, perfect for a pop-in-your-mouth experience. Mix the flour with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in one bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg with buttermilk, and in a third bowl, place the cornstarch. This layering of dry and wet ingredients is key to the chicken’s crispy and flavorful coating.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

One piece at a time, dredge the chicken first in the seasoned flour mixture, then dip it into the egg and buttermilk mix, and finally coat it with cornstarch. Be gentle but thorough so every piece is evenly covered—this triple coating technique locks in moisture and crisps up beautifully when fried.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a pan to around 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop the coated chicken pieces in batches, making sure not to crowd the pan—this ensures each piece fries evenly and crisps up nicely. Fry for 4 to 6 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and let them drain on paper towels to shed excess oil.

Step 4: Whip Up the Bang Bang Sauce

While the chicken cools slightly, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar in a bowl. Whisk until smooth and taste to adjust the spice level to your liking. This luscious sauce is the soul of the Bang Bang Chicken Recipe—creamy, spicy, sweet, and tangy all at once.

Step 5: Toss Chicken in the Sauce

Place all the crispy chicken pieces in a large bowl and drizzle generously with the bang bang sauce. Toss gently until every bite is coated in that irresistibly flavorful sauce. The goal is a perfect balance where the crunch meets creamy spice without getting soggy.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro leaves for bursts of freshness and texture. Serve immediately so each piece remains crisp and saucy. Your Bang Bang Chicken Recipe is now ready to wow!

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

The little touches make a huge difference here. Chopped green onions bring a sharp, fresh crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce. Toasted sesame seeds add a nutty flavor and gorgeous visual appeal, while fresh cilantro adds bright herbal notes, lifting the whole dish.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonders with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or fried rice to mellow out the spice and soak up sauce. Crunchy cucumber salad or a fresh slaw adds refreshing brightness and crunch that balances the richness. Even a light vegetable stir-fry can complement those flavors effortlessly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun presentation, try serving your Bang Bang Chicken stacked over a bed of crispy lettuce or wrapped in soft lettuce cups for handheld bites bursting with flavor and freshness. You can also skewer the chicken pieces for a party-friendly finger food that’s just as messy and delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the coating as crisp as possible, separate the chicken from the sauce and toss just before serving again.

Freezing

If you want to save your Bang Bang Chicken for longer, freeze the fried chicken pieces (without sauce) in a single layer on a baking tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw fully before reheating and saucing for best results.

Reheating

Reheat leftover chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the coating soggy. Once hot, gently toss with freshly made bang bang sauce for that fresh-from-the-kitchen flavor.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great choice because they tend to stay juicier. Just cut them into similar bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and frying.

How spicy is this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe?

The spice level is moderate and very adjustable. You can easily reduce or increase the sriracha and sweet chili sauce to suit your preference without impacting the overall flavor balance.

Can I bake instead of frying the chicken?

While frying gives the iconic crispiness, you can bake the coated chicken on a greased sheet at 425°F (220°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, although the texture won’t be quite the same as frying.

Is there a vegetarian or vegan version of Bang Bang Chicken?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with crispy tofu or cauliflower florets. Just follow the same coating and sauce technique for a delicious plant-based alternative.

What can I do with leftover bang bang sauce?

This sauce is fantastic as a dip for veggies, a spread on sandwiches, or drizzled over grilled shrimp or crispy potatoes. It keeps really well in the fridge for up to a week.

Final Thoughts

This Bang Bang Chicken Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser with its deliciously crispy chicken and addictive sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. Don’t hesitate to make this at home—it’s easier than you think and endlessly satisfying. Grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy one of the most flavorful, fun chicken dishes you’ll ever make!

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Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

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4.2 from 38 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Bang Bang Chicken is a crispy, spicy, and sweet fried chicken dish coated in a creamy, tangy sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar. This flavorful dish is perfect as an appetizer or main course, garnished with fresh green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro for an added burst of freshness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

Bang Bang Sauce

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to desired spice level)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (optional, for tanginess)

Garnish

• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Fresh cilantro leaves

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, whisk together the egg and buttermilk. Place cornstarch in a third bowl.
2. 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 on all sides.
3. Fry the Chicken: Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a large pan or deep fryer over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop the chicken pieces into the hot oil in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Fry for 4-6 minutes or until chicken is golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
4. Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth. Taste and adjust the spice level by adding more sriracha or sweet chili sauce if desired.
5. Toss the Chicken in the Sauce: Place the fried chicken pieces in a large bowl. Drizzle the bang bang sauce over the chicken and toss gently to coat each piece evenly with the sauce.
6. Serve: Transfer the coated chicken to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro leaves for extra flavor and presentation. Serve immediately as a delicious appetizer or main course.

Notes

• For a lighter version, you can bake the coated chicken pieces, but frying yields the best crispy texture.
• If you don’t have buttermilk, regular milk or a milk and vinegar mixture can be used as a substitute.
• Adjust the spiciness of the bang bang sauce according to your preference by increasing or decreasing the sriracha.
• Make sure the oil is at the correct temperature before frying to ensure crispy chicken without absorbing too much oil.
• This recipe works well with both chicken breasts and thighs; thighs tend to be more juicy and flavorful.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American