If you’re craving something crispy, saucy, and absolutely addictive, look no further than Bang Bang Chicken! This dish takes tender bites of chicken, gives them an ultra-crunchy coating, and bathes them in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce that just begs for seconds. Whether you’re serving it as a fun appetizer for friends or a satisfying dinner for your family, Bang Bang Chicken is always the star of the table. The combination of bold flavors and satisfying crunch wins everyone over—don’t be surprised if it disappears almost as fast as you can make it!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how it uses a handful of simple ingredients to deliver maximum flavor. Each item on this list plays a vital role in creating that perfect texture and punchy taste Bang Bang Chicken is so loved for.

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless, and cut into bite-sized pieces for juicy, tender bites that are easy to eat.
Buttermilk: This not only tenderizes the chicken but helps the coating stick beautifully.
Cornstarch: Delivers extra crunch when fried—don’t skip this if you love that satisfying crisp!
All-purpose flour: Balances out the cornstarch for a light yet sturdy coating.
Salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors in both the chicken and the coating.
Black pepper: Adds just the right touch of warmth to the breading.
Vegetable oil: Use enough for deep frying for even, golden results every time.
Mayonnaise: The base of the Bang Bang sauce, giving it a creamy, luscious texture.
Sweet chili sauce: Adds sweetness and a mild, tangy heat that makes the sauce pop.
Sriracha: Use as much or little as you like to put your preferred level of spice in the spotlight.
Honey: Just a hint helps balance the spicy and tangy notes in the sauce.
Rice vinegar: A splash of acidity keeps the Bang Bang Chicken sauce fresh and vibrant.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by placing your chicken pieces in a bowl with the buttermilk. Let them hang out in this tangy bath for at least 30 minutes—the longer, the better! This not only ensures your chicken stays juicy but also helps the breading adhere perfectly once it’s time to dredge.

Step 2: Prep the Breading

While the chicken marinates, combine the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper in a separate bowl. This blend gives you that signature crispy coating Bang Bang Chicken is famous for. Mix it up well so that every piece gets an even covering of seasoning and crunch.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

Pour the vegetable oil into a large skillet or deep fryer and heat it to 350°F (175°C). Getting the oil to the right temperature is key for perfectly golden chicken; if it’s too cool, you’ll end up with a soggier finish, so use a thermometer if possible.

Step 4: Dredge the Chicken

Take the marinated chicken pieces out of the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off, and toss them right into the flour mixture. Make sure they’re well coated on all sides for maximum crunch—press the coating onto each piece for the best result.

Step 5: Fry Until Golden

Carefully fry the chicken in batches. You don’t want to overcrowd the pan (that drops the oil temperature), so work in a few batches if needed. Each batch should take about 4–5 minutes, turning the pieces for even coloring. Once golden and crisp, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate so any excess oil drains off.

Step 6: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

While the chicken rests, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar in a bowl until totally smooth and creamy. This Bang Bang sauce is silky, sweet, spicy, and completely irresistible—it’s where all the flavor magic happens!

Step 7: Dress the Chicken

Now for the best part: either gently toss the hot, crispy chicken in the Bang Bang sauce so every bite is coated, or arrange the chicken on your platter and generously drizzle the sauce over the top. Either way, you’re just a few steps from a brilliant meal.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken

Garnishes

Sprinkle your Bang Bang Chicken with sliced green onions, a handful of toasted sesame seeds, or even some chopped cilantro right before serving. These fresh garnishes aren’t just for looks—they brighten the flavors and add a hint of color that makes the dish even more inviting.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, tender noodles, or tucked into crisp lettuce leaves for a hand-held treat. You can also serve it alongside a simple cucumber salad or quick-pickled veggies to offset the richness of the sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful! Serve Bang Bang Chicken in sliders as a party snack, pile it on top of a big salad for a satisfying lunch, or even wrap it in tortillas with crunchy slaw for an Asian-inspired taco night. However you present it, those spicy-sweet flavors shine through.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra Bang Bang Chicken, let it cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for up to 3 days, and is just as good for lunch the next day—maybe even tossed in a salad or rice bowl!

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken bites (before saucing) for longer storage. Lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months, ready for a quick dinner anytime.

Reheating

For best crispiness, reheat leftover Bang Bang Chicken in a 375°F oven for about 10–12 minutes, or until hot and crunchy again. Avoid microwaving if you can, as that tends to soften the coating—but the flavor will still be fabulous!

FAQs

Can I make Bang Bang Chicken gluten free?

Absolutely! Just swap out the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend. The cornstarch is naturally gluten free, so you’ll still get a deliciously crispy coating.

Is there a lighter way to cook Bang Bang Chicken?

Yes! For a lighter twist, you can bake the chicken on a rack in a hot oven or use an air fryer. You’ll get a great crunch without so much oil, and you can still finish it with the amazing Bang Bang sauce.

How spicy is the traditional Bang Bang sauce?

The heat level really depends on how much Sriracha you add. The recipe as written is mildly spicy, but you can adjust up or down to suit your taste. It’s easy to tweak, so make your Bang Bang Chicken as hot (or mild) as you like.

What other proteins can I use?

This recipe also works wonders with shrimp, tofu, or even cauliflower florets for a fun vegetarian spin! Just use the same marinade, breading, and sauce steps for equally great results.

Can I prepare Bang Bang Chicken sauce in advance?

Definitely! You can whisk up the sauce and keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week. It actually tastes even better after a day, once the flavors meld together—just give it a quick stir before serving.

Final Thoughts

Bang Bang Chicken is one of those dishes that truly delivers on every level—crunchy, saucy, sweet, spicy, and downright irresistible. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s such a crowd-pleaser. Don’t hesitate to put your own spin on this delicious recipe, and share it with friends and family… because trust me, there won’t be any leftovers!

Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Delight your taste buds with this irresistible Bang Bang Chicken recipe. Crispy, spicy, and packed with flavor, these chicken bites are sure to be a hit at any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
vegetable oil for frying

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon Sriracha
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon rice vinegar

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Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, marinate chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare Coating: Combine cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper in another bowl.
Fry the Chicken: Heat oil, dredge chicken in flour mixture, and fry until golden and crispy.
Make the Sauce: Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar.
Toss and Serve: Toss chicken in the sauce or drizzle over before serving.