Bang Bang Chicken Recipe: Crispy, Spicy, and Irresistibly Delicious

Bang Bang Chicken is a dish that has captured the hearts of food lovers everywhere. With its crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce, it’s no surprise that this dish is a favorite for dinners, appetizers, or even parties. Whether you’ve enjoyed it at a restaurant or are curious about the hype, this guide will show you how to make Bang Bang Chicken at home, step by step.

This recipe is not only easy to follow but also highly customizable, with tips for variations and serving suggestions. If you’re ready to dive into a world of flavor and crunch, let’s get started!

For more chicken inspiration, explore our Easy Chicken Recipes with Few Ingredients.

What Is Bang Bang Chicken?

Bang Bang Chicken is a dish with roots in Chinese street food but has since gained global popularity. It’s best known for its bold flavor profile, combining crispy fried chicken with a tangy, spicy, and creamy sauce. This dish is often served as an appetizer or snack, but it can also be the star of a meal when paired with rice, noodles, or vegetables.

Why It’s So Popular

• Perfect Balance of Flavors: The sauce is a delightful mix of spicy, sweet, tangy, and creamy.
• Crispy Texture: The chicken’s crunchy coating holds up beautifully under the sauce.
• Versatility: Bang Bang Chicken can be served in a variety of ways, making it perfect for any occasion.

Key Ingredients for Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Crafting the perfect Bang Bang Chicken begins with the right ingredients. While the list is straightforward, each component plays an important role in achieving the desired flavor and texture. For instance, using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs ensures the chicken stays extra crispy. Moreover, the sauce ingredients combine to create a balanced mix of spicy, tangy, and sweet flavors.

Chicken is, of course, the star of the dish. If you prefer a juicier texture, boneless thighs are the ideal choice. On the other hand, chicken breasts are leaner and work equally well for those seeking a lighter option. Additionally, cutting the chicken into uniform pieces ensures even cooking.

The coating is what gives the chicken its signature crunch. First, a mix of flour and cornstarch helps seal in the moisture. Then, panko breadcrumbs add an extra layer of crispiness. In contrast, regular breadcrumbs may not achieve the same golden, crunchy exterior. As a result, choosing panko breadcrumbs is highly recommended.

Moving on to the sauce, each ingredient serves a specific purpose. For example, mayonnaise provides a creamy base, while sweet chili sauce contributes a tangy sweetness. Meanwhile, sriracha adds the heat, which can be adjusted to suit your taste. Finally, a touch of honey or sugar balances out the spice, making the sauce irresistible.

By carefully selecting and preparing these ingredients, you can create a Bang Bang Chicken recipe that rivals any restaurant version. Furthermore, the simplicity of the ingredient list means you can make this dish with items you likely already have at home.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken at Home

Here’s how you can recreate this restaurant-style dish in your own kitchen. Follow these steps for a flavorful and crispy result.

1. Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Make sure each piece is uniform in size to ensure even cooking. Once prepared, pat the pieces dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. If you like, marinate the chicken with a touch of soy sauce, salt, and pepper for extra flavor.

2. Set Up the Coating Station
To achieve the perfect crunch, set up three bowls for breading. In the first bowl, mix flour with a pinch of salt and pepper. The second bowl should contain whisked eggs, which will help the coating stick. Finally, fill the third bowl with panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy finish. Coat the chicken in flour first, dip it into the egg mixture, and roll it in breadcrumbs until fully coated.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

1. Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
2. Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
3. Remove and drain on a wire rack or paper towels.

For a healthier option, try our Air Fryer Dinner Recipes.

Step 4: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together:
   • ½ cup mayonnaise
   • ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
   • 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust based on spice preference)
   • 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
2. Taste and adjust flavors as needed. Add lime juice for tanginess or garlic powder for a savory kick.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

1. Toss the crispy chicken in the Bang Bang sauce until evenly coated, or serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
2. Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, or green onions for a pop of color and flavor.

Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Chicken

1. Double-Fry for Extra Crispiness

Fry the chicken once, let it cool slightly, and fry again for an even crunchier coating.

2. Adjust the Spice Level

• Prefer it mild? Use less sriracha.
• Love the heat? Add extra sriracha or even a pinch of cayenne pepper.

3. Use the Right Oil

Neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil work best for frying.

4. Air Fryer Alternative

For a healthier option, air fry the chicken at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Variations of Bang Bang Chicken

1. Grilled Bang Bang Chicken: Marinate chicken pieces, grill them, and drizzle with the sauce for a lighter version.
2. Bang Bang Shrimp: Swap out chicken for shrimp, using the same batter and sauce.
3. Vegan Bang Bang: Use crispy cauliflower or tofu instead of chicken for a plant-based option.
4. Low-Carb Bang Bang Chicken: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds and use a sugar-free sweet chili sauce.

Explore more creative meal ideas in our Easy Gluten-Free Dinner Recipes for Family.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken

This versatile dish can be served in many ways:

1. As an Appetizer: Serve on a platter with toothpicks for easy sharing.
2. Over Rice: Pair with jasmine or fried rice for a satisfying meal.
3. In Tacos: Wrap in tortillas with shredded cabbage and cilantro.
4. On a Salad: Add to a fresh green salad with extra sauce as dressing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

1. Can I bake Bang Bang Chicken instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake Bang Bang Chicken for a healthier alternative without sacrificing much of the crispiness. To bake:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Arrange the breaded chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a wire rack for even airflow.
• Spray the chicken lightly with cooking spray to enhance crispiness.
• Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked.

If you have an air fryer, it’s another excellent option to achieve a crispy texture without deep frying. Check out our Air Fryer Dinner Recipes for more tips.

2. What’s the best chicken cut for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs and breasts are both great options:

• Chicken Thighs: Juicier and more forgiving, making them ideal for frying.
• Chicken Breasts: Leaner and perfect if you’re looking for a healthier option.
• Alternative Options: For variety, you can use chicken tenders, drumsticks, or even chicken wings. Adjust cooking times based on the cut you choose.

3. How do I store leftovers?

To store Bang Bang Chicken:

1. Separate the Sauce and Chicken: This prevents the chicken from becoming soggy.
2. Refrigerate: Place chicken and sauce in separate airtight containers and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
3. Reheating Tips: Use an oven or air fryer to reheat the chicken and restore its crispiness. Microwave reheating can make the coating soft.

4. Can I make the sauce in advance?

Yes, the Bang Bang sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh:

• Store the sauce in an airtight container.
• Stir well before using, as the ingredients may separate slightly over time.

Making the sauce in advance can save time when preparing the dish for gatherings or busy weeknights.

5. How can I adjust the spice level?

The spice level in Bang Bang Chicken is customizable based on your taste preferences:

• Mild Version: Use less sriracha or replace it with ketchup for a tangy, non-spicy option.
• Extra Spicy Version: Add more sriracha, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. You can also sprinkle chili flakes on top for an added kick.

This flexibility makes it perfect for serving to both spice lovers and those who prefer milder flavors.

6. Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?

Absolutely! The Bang Bang sauce is versatile and pairs well with various proteins:

• Shrimp: Create Bang Bang Shrimp by following the same breading and frying method.
• Tofu: For a vegetarian option, use firm tofu. Coat it in cornstarch before frying to ensure a crispy texture.
• Cauliflower: Bread and fry cauliflower florets to make a delicious vegan version.

For more plant-based inspiration, visit our Tasty Vegetable Recipes for Healthy Sides.

7. Is Bang Bang Chicken gluten-free?

Bang Bang Chicken can be made gluten-free with a few substitutions:

• Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for the coating.
• Check the labels of your sweet chili sauce and sriracha to ensure they are gluten-free.

This version ensures everyone at the table can enjoy this flavorful dish.

8. Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for larger gatherings. To scale up:

• Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
• Keep cooked chicken warm in the oven (set at 200°F or 95°C) until ready to serve.
• Prepare extra sauce in a large batch and serve on the side for dipping.

9. How do I keep the chicken crispy after cooking?

To maintain crispiness:

1. Drain Properly: Place fried chicken on a wire rack instead of paper towels to prevent sogginess.
2. Serve Immediately: For best results, serve the chicken as soon as it’s cooked and tossed in the sauce.
3. Separate Storage: If storing leftovers, keep the sauce and chicken separate and combine them just before serving.

10. Can I freeze Bang Bang Chicken?

Yes, but it’s best to freeze the breaded chicken before frying:

• Arrange breaded chicken pieces on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months.
• When ready to cook, fry or bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Avoid freezing the sauce, as mayonnaise-based sauces can separate when thawed.

Conclusion: Why You’ll Love Bang Bang Chicken

Bang Bang Chicken is the ultimate combination of crispy, juicy chicken and bold, creamy sauce. It’s a dish that never fails to impress, whether served as an appetizer, main course, or party snack. With this easy recipe, you can bring the magic of Bang Bang Chicken into your own kitchen and customize it to suit your taste.

Ready to give it a try? Start cooking and discover why this dish has become a global favorite. For more delicious chicken recipes, check out our Easy Chicken Recipes for Dinner with Few Ingredients or explore Keto-Friendly Dinner Ideas.

Bang Bang Chicken will quickly become a go-to recipe in your repertoire!