Bang Bang Chicken

Bang Bang Chicken is a crispy, juicy chicken dish coated in a creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce. It’s a flavor-packed favorite that brings a perfect balance of heat and tang. Whether you’re serving it as a party appetizer or a satisfying main course, this dish is always a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside
• The sauce is rich, spicy, and addictive
• Perfect as a main dish, snack, or party appetizer
• Easy to make with everyday ingredients
• Can be adapted for baking or air frying

Ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Buttermilk
• All-purpose flour
• Cornstarch
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Oil for frying

For the sauce:

• Mayonnaise
• Sweet chili sauce
• Sriracha or hot sauce
• Honey (optional for extra sweetness)

Directions

1. In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with buttermilk. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for extra tenderness).
2. In another bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
3. Remove chicken from the marinade, let the excess drip off, and coat each piece in the flour mixture.
4. Heat oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels.
5. In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth.
6. Toss the fried chicken pieces in the sauce until evenly coated.
7. Serve hot with a sprinkle of chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Marinate time (optional): 30 minutes
Total time: 35–65 minutes

Variations

• Baked Bang Bang Chicken: Bake the breaded chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Air Fryer Option: Air fry the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes.
• Spice it up: Add crushed red pepper or more sriracha to the sauce.
• Low-carb version: Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour.
• Sauce twist: Add lime juice or rice vinegar for tanginess.

Storage/reheating

Storage:
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:
Reheat in a 375°F oven or air fryer for 5–10 minutes to retain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the chicken soggy.

FAQs

What is Bang Bang Chicken?

Bang Bang Chicken is a dish of crispy fried chicken pieces tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and hot sauce.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, you can fry the chicken ahead of time and reheat it in the oven or air fryer before serving. Toss in sauce just before serving for best texture.

Is it very spicy?

It has a mild to moderate heat. You can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less sriracha.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Thighs are juicier and work great for this recipe.

What can I serve with Bang Bang Chicken?

It pairs well with rice, noodles, a fresh salad, or even stuffed into a wrap or sandwich.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just use gluten-free flour and check your sauces for any gluten-containing ingredients.

Can I bake instead of frying?

Yes. Bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes or until golden and cooked through.

Is the sauce dairy-free?

Yes, as long as your mayonnaise and chili sauce are dairy-free.

Can I freeze Bang Bang Chicken?

It’s best fresh, but you can freeze the fried chicken (without sauce) for up to 1 month. Reheat and toss in sauce before serving.

How do I make it extra crispy?

Double dip the chicken in the flour mixture (dip back into buttermilk and then again in flour) before frying.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Chicken is the ultimate comfort food that combines crunchy chicken with a bold, creamy sauce. It’s quick to make, full of flavor, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re serving it as a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

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