Say hello to your new favorite chicken dish: Crispy Bang Bang Chicken. This crispy, golden-coated chicken is paired with a sweet, tangy, and spicy sauce that’s sure to make your taste buds dance.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a casual party snack, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this dish is a winner in every way.
Its irresistible combination of textures and flavors will leave everyone craving more.
The best part? You can make it easily at home with minimal effort, delivering restaurant-quality taste in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is a flavorful and addictive dish that combines tender, crispy chicken bites with a creamy, spicy, and tangy sauce. The chicken is coated in a light batter and fried to golden perfection, creating a satisfying crunch with every bite. The signature Bang Bang Sauce, made from a blend of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha, gives the dish its signature sweet and spicy kick.
Ingredients
- 1 Ib boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoons sriracha
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Start by cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces or strips. The smaller pieces help with the coating and ensure that every piece of chicken gets perfectly crispy and covered with sauce. Set the chicken aside for a moment while you prepare the breading station.
- Set Up the Breading Station: Set up two separate bowls for the breading process. In the first bowl, add your milk or buttermilk. The buttermilk will add an extra layer of tenderness to the chicken. In the second bowl, mix together cornstarch, flour, and seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, etc.). This mixture will give the chicken a crisp, golden exterior once it’s fried. Make sure to stir the flour mixture thoroughly to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the milk or buttermilk, allowing the excess liquid to drip off, then coat it thoroughly in the flour mixture. Press gently to make sure the flour sticks well to the chicken. Repeat the process with the remaining pieces.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat (about 375°F). You’ll want enough oil to submerge the chicken pieces halfway. Fry the chicken in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. If needed, adjust the heat to ensure the oil stays hot but not smoking. Once the chicken is done, drain it on paper towels to remove any excess oil.
- Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: While the chicken cools slightly, whisk together the ingredients for the Bang Bang Sauce. In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Taste the sauce and adjust the heat level to your liking by adding more sriracha if you want more spice. Stir the ingredients together until smooth and well combined. The result is a creamy, tangy, spicy sauce that pairs perfectly with the crispy chicken.
- Toss or Drizzle the Sauce: Once the chicken has cooled slightly and is still hot and crispy, toss it in the Bang Bang sauce until each piece is coated evenly. Alternatively, you can drizzle the sauce over the chicken just before serving for a visually appealing presentation.
Notes
To prepare, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are cut into bite-sized pieces, seasoned, and coated with a seasoned flour mixture before being deep-fried until crispy.
The sauce is then tossed with the hot chicken, enveloping each piece in a luscious, creamy coating with a hint of heat.
For extra flavor, a sprinkle of green onions and a handful of sesame seeds may be added as garnish.
Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is often served with a side of steamed rice or crispy vegetables.
It strikes a perfect balance between crunchy, creamy, sweet, and spicy flavors, making it an irresistible treat for anyone who enjoys bold, vibrant flavors in their food. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a party, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’ve ever tasted Bang Bang Chicken at a restaurant, you know how addictive it can be. The crispy chicken is perfectly complemented by the creamy, slightly spicy Bang Bang sauce, making it a flavor-packed dish that’s hard to forget. What makes this recipe so special is how quickly you can prepare it without sacrificing any flavor. The chicken stays moist on the inside, with a crisp, golden crust on the outside. The sauce—made from a combination of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha—provides the ideal balance of creamy, tangy, and spicy. Once you try it, this dish will become one of your go-to recipes for any occasion. Plus, it’s fully customizable, allowing you to adjust the spice level to suit your preferences.Cooking Tips
- Proper Oil Temperature: Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). A kitchen thermometer ensures the oil is hot enough to fry the chicken without it becoming greasy.
- Do Not Crowd the Pan: Fry chicken in small batches to maintain the oil temperature. Crowding can lower the heat and result in soggy chicken.
- Drain Properly: Place fried chicken on a wire rack rather than paper towels. This prevents the chicken from sitting in oil, keeping it crisp.
- Toss Quickly: Toss the hot chicken in the Bang Bang sauce just before serving. This ensures the chicken stays crispy while soaking up the sauce’s flavor.
Serving Tricks
- Drizzle Instead of Drenching: For an alternative method, serve the sauce on the side or drizzle it lightly over the chicken to maintain the maximum crunch factor.
- Garnish: Sprinkle finely chopped scallions, sesame seeds, or cilantro for a pop of freshness. A squeeze of fresh lime over the dish brightens the flavors.
- Base Options: Serve over a bed of shredded cabbage or mixed greens for a Bang Bang Chicken salad. For a heartier option, serve it over jasmine rice or rice noodles.
- Mini Bites: For parties, skewer smaller pieces of chicken on toothpicks, drizzle them with sauce, and serve as appetizers.
- Sauce Variations: While the traditional Bang Bang sauce is a mix of mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha, you can add a twist with honey, soy sauce, or a touch of lime zest.
Expert Tips and Tricks
Here are a few tips to help you make the crispiest, most flavorful Bang Bang Chicken:- Double Fry for Extra Crispiness: If you’re looking for an ultra-crispy coating, try double frying the chicken. After frying the chicken once and draining it, fry it again for about 1-2 minutes, or until it reaches your desired crispiness.
- Pat Dry the Chicken: Before breading the chicken, make sure to pat it dry with paper towels. This removes excess moisture and helps the coating stick better.
- Adjust the Spice: Not everyone enjoys the same level of heat. Start with the suggested amount of sriracha and taste the sauce. If you like things spicier, add more sriracha until you reach your desired spice level.
- Use a Thermometer: For perfect frying, keep a thermometer on hand to monitor the oil temperature. Ideally, the oil should stay between 350°F and 375°F for the crispiest results.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- Air-Fried Option: If you prefer a lighter version of the dish, skip the deep frying and use an air fryer. Coat the chicken pieces as usual, and cook them at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Gluten-Free Version: If you need a gluten-free version, swap the flour for a gluten-free flour blend or rice flour. This will give you a crispy coating without the gluten.
- Different Proteins: This recipe isn’t limited to chicken! You can easily swap the chicken for other proteins like shrimp, tofu, or even cauliflower for a vegetarian version of the dish.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is incredibly versatile and can be paired with many sides to make a complete meal. Here are some ideas for serving:- Serve over rice: A bed of steamed rice is the perfect base for Bang Bang Chicken, as it soaks up the sauce and balances the flavors.
- Pair with noodles: For a noodle-based meal, serve the chicken over noodles such as rice noodles, soba, or spaghetti.
- Fresh Veggies: Pair with steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, or a fresh salad to add a refreshing contrast to the crispy chicken.
- Appetizer Pairings: If serving as an appetizer, complement it with other delicious finger foods like spring rolls, dumplings, or crispy wontons.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers? No problem! You can store any leftover crispy Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, avoid using the microwave, as it can make the coating soggy. Instead, place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until the coating crisps up again.Leftover Ideas
If you have leftovers, reheat them in an air fryer to restore crispiness. Or, turn the chicken into wraps, tacos, or sandwiches by adding pickled veggies and a little extra sauce. With these tips, your Crispy Bang Bang Chicken will be a hit at every meal!Conclusion
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is a truly delightful dish that delivers the perfect balance of crispy and creamy, tangy and spicy. Whether you’re making it for dinner or serving it as an appetizer at your next gathering, this dish is sure to impress. Quick, easy, and customizable, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to time and time again. So go ahead—dig in and enjoy every crunchy, saucy bite!
