Zesty Bang Bang Chicken Recipe Everyone Will Love

Bang bang chicken sparks culinary excitement with its vibrant, zesty flavor profile that dances across taste buds.

Southern Chinese cuisine birthed this delectable dish, blending crispy textures with tantalizing sauce elements.

Creamy, spicy condiments upgrade ordinary chicken into an extraordinary dining experience that awakens sensory memories.

Crunchy chicken pieces glazed in a signature sauce create a delightful contrast of temperatures and sensations.

Each bite promises a harmonious balance between heat, sweetness, and savory undertones that challenge traditional meal expectations.

Crisp coating and strategic seasoning elevate this recipe from simple protein to a memorable gastronomic adventure.

The magic lies in precise ingredient combinations and masterful technique that anyone can master at home.

Spice Up Your Dinner with Bang Bang Chicken

• Crave-Worthy Crunch: The panko breadcrumb coating creates an irresistibly crispy exterior that delivers a satisfying crackle with every bite, making this chicken utterly addictive.
• Flavor Explosion: The dynamic sauce blend of sweet chili, hot sauce, honey, and rice wine vinegar provides a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy notes that dance across your taste buds.
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: With just 35 minutes total preparation and cooking time, this recipe offers restaurant-quality flavor without spending hours in the kitchen, making it ideal for busy families seeking a delicious meal.
• Versatile Dipping Delight: The flexible sauce serving option- either drizzled or on the side- allows everyone to customize their spice and flavor intensity, ensuring crowd-pleasing satisfaction for different palate preferences.

Key Components for That Signature Bang Bang Sauce

• Chicken Breast: Lean meat that provides the main protein, best when fresh and free from tough spots.
• Egg: Helps bind the coating and adds richness to the chicken.

• Panko Breadcrumbs: Light and crispy Japanese-style breadcrumbs that create a crunchy exterior.
• All-Purpose Flour, Cornstarch: Provides a base for the crispy coating and helps achieve golden color.
• Onion Powder, Kosher Salt, Black Pepper, Chili Powder: Seasonings that add depth and subtle heat to the chicken's coating.

• Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and helps the coating stick.
• Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil perfect for deep frying at high temperatures.
• Mayonnaise, Sweet Chili Sauce, Hot Sauce, Honey, Rice Wine Vinegar: Create a tangy, sweet, and spicy dipping sauce with complex flavor profile.

Cooking Guide: From Marinating to Serving

Step 1: Prepare Zesty Sauce

• Mayonnaise
• Sweet chili sauce
• Hot sauce
• Honey
• Rice wine vinegar

Whisk all ingredients in a small bowl until silky smooth. Set aside while preparing other components.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Batter

• All-purpose flour
• Cornstarch
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Chili powder
• Buttermilk
• Egg
• Hot sauce

Combine dry ingredients in a medium bowl. Gradually mix in wet ingredients, whisking until the batter becomes perfectly smooth and lump-free.

Step 3: Coat Chicken Pieces

Dunk chicken chunks into the prepared batter, ensuring each piece is completely and evenly covered with the flavorful mixture.

Step 4: Set Up Frying Station

Heat vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet to 325°F (163°C). Use a deep-fry thermometer to check the precise temperature for perfect crispiness.

Step 5: Bread and Crisp Chicken

• Panko breadcrumbs

Pour breadcrumbs into a shallow dish. Remove battered chicken pieces, letting excess batter drip off. Roll each piece in breadcrumbs, creating a crunchy exterior.

Step 6: Fry to Golden Perfection

Carefully place breaded chicken into hot oil. Fry in small batches for 3-4 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown and become irresistibly crispy.

Step 7: Drain Excess Oil

Transfer fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate. Allow excess oil to drain, keeping the chicken wonderfully crisp.

Step 8: Serve with Spectacular Sauce

Drizzle the prepared sauce over the chicken or serve on the side for dipping. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Pro Chef Tips to Amp Up the Heat and Flavor

• Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep the oil consistently around 325°F for perfectly crispy chicken without burning the exterior.
• Drain Excess Batter: Shake off extra batter before coating with breadcrumbs to prevent soggy or clumpy chicken pieces.
• Use Fresh Buttermilk: Choose fresh buttermilk for a tangier, more tender chicken that absorbs flavors more effectively.
• Prevent Overcrowding: Fry chicken in small batches to ensure each piece gets crispy and cooks evenly without dropping the oil temperature.
• Rest Before Serving: Let fried chicken sit on paper towels for 2-3 minutes to allow excess oil to drain and maintain maximum crispiness.

Keeping Your Chicken Tender: Storage & Reheat Tips

• Refrigeration: Store cooled Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheating Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F. Place chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet to help retain crispiness. Warm for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even heating and restore original crunch.
• Microwave Alternative: While not ideal for maintaining crispiness, microwave chicken in 30-second intervals, checking temperature and texture. Add a paper towel to absorb moisture and prevent sogginess. Best used when you're short on time and want a quick meal.

Side Dishes and Drinks to Serve with Bang Bang Chicken

• Craft Crisp Beer Companions: Pair this spicy, crunchy chicken with a cold, hoppy IPA that cuts through the richness and complements the zesty sauce. Light, refreshing craft beers with citrus notes will balance the heat perfectly.
• Unleash Tangy Salad Sidekicks: Serve alongside a crisp cucumber and green apple slaw dressed with a light rice vinegar dressing. The cool, crunchy salad will provide a refreshing contrast to the hot, spicy chicken.
• Elevate with Asian-Inspired Sides: Create a complete meal with steamed jasmine rice or quick-pickled vegetables like daikon radish and carrots. These sides will enhance the bang bang chicken's flavor profile and add textural variety.
• Sip Bright White Wines: Choose a slightly sweet Riesling or Gewürztraminer that can handle the dish's spiciness. These wines offer a perfect sweet-tart balance that complements the chicken's bold flavors.

Experiment with Flavors: Bang Bang Chicken Variations

• Spicy Korean Kick: Replace hot sauce with gochujang for an authentic Korean flavor profile, adding extra red pepper flakes for more heat and depth.
• Mediterranean Herb Crunch: Swap breadcrumbs with crushed za'atar-seasoned crackers, incorporating fresh oregano and lemon zest into the batter for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.
• Coconut Caribbean Style: Substitute some flour with shredded coconut in the batter, mix pineapple juice into the sauce, and add a touch of rum for a tropical Caribbean flair.
• Gluten-Free Crispy Option: Use almond flour and gluten-free cornstarch for the batter, swap panko with crushed gluten-free rice crackers to create a celiac-friendly version that doesn't compromise on crunchiness.