Bold Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Sizzling Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe: Hot & Spicy Fun

Saucy and irresistible, this bang bang chicken recipe delivers a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more.

Tender chicken pieces coated in a creamy, spicy sauce bring restaurant-quality magic to your dinner table.

The crispy exterior gives way to juicy meat, creating a perfect balance of textures and tastes.

Every bite packs a delightful punch of tangy and sweet notes that dance across your palate.

Simple ingredients come together to create something truly extraordinary.

Each serving promises a delectable experience that transforms an ordinary meal into a memorable feast.

Dive into this mouthwatering dish and discover why everyone can’t stop talking about bang bang chicken.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15-20 minutes

Total Time: 30-35 minutes

Calories: 569 kcal

Servings: 3

What You’ll Need For Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

For Sauce Creation:
  • Mayonnaise: Creamy base that provides silky texture and rich flavor for the coating.
  • Sweet Chili Sauce: Adds tangy sweetness and mild heat to balance the dish's overall taste.
  • Sriracha: Introduces vibrant spiciness and depth to the sauce for those who love a kick.
  • Honey: Brings natural sweetness and helps create a glossy, clingy sauce consistency.
For Coating and Breading:
  • Buttermilk: Tenderizes chicken and helps breading adhere perfectly with its slightly acidic nature.
  • Egg: Acts as a binding agent to ensure the flour mixture sticks to the chicken.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Creates the primary crispy layer with a light, even coating.
  • Cornstarch: Guarantees extra crispiness and helps achieve a golden, crunchy exterior.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the chicken's natural flavor profile.
  • Panko Breadcrumbs: Provides ultimate crunch and light, airy texture to the chicken.
For Cooking and Finishing:
  • Chicken: Choose boneless, skinless pieces for even cooking and maximum crispiness.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ideal for deep-frying with a high smoke point and neutral flavor.

Kitchen Gear To Fry Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

  • Large Skillet or Deep Fryer: Essential for achieving that golden, crispy exterior on the chicken.
  • Mixing Bowls: Two separate bowls needed for buttermilk mixture and flour coating.
  • Whisk: Perfect for blending buttermilk, egg, and creating smooth flour mixture.
  • Tongs: Helpful for safely turning and removing chicken from hot oil.
  • Small Bowl: Ideal for mixing bang bang sauce ingredients.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures precise sauce and coating measurements.
  • Paper Towel-Lined Plate: Helps drain excess oil from fried chicken.

Foolproof Guide To Make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

  • Sauce Preparation

Create a zesty bang bang sauce by blending smooth mayonnaise with sweet chili sauce, spicy sriracha, and golden honey. Mix until perfectly combined, then chill in the refrigerator to let flavors mingle.

  • Chicken Coating

Set up a delicious dredging station with tangy buttermilk and whisked egg. In another container, blend flour, cornstarch, and seasonings. Dunk chicken pieces into the creamy buttermilk mixture, then generously coat with the seasoned flour blend. Roll each piece through crunchy panko breadcrumbs for an irresistible exterior.

  • Crispy Frying

Heat oil to a sizzling 350F. Carefully lower chicken pieces into the hot oil, cooking in small batches. Fry until each piece turns a beautiful golden brown and develops a super crispy texture. Remove and let excess oil drain on paper towels.

  • Saucy Finish

Gently toss the hot, crispy chicken pieces in the chilled bang bang sauce, ensuring every inch gets a delicious coating. Serve immediately while the chicken remains wonderfully crunchy and warm.

Flavor Boost Ideas For Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

  • Perfect Oil Temperature Trick: Use a digital thermometer to maintain consistent 350F oil temperature, ensuring evenly crispy chicken without burning or undercooking. Fluctuating temperatures can ruin the golden exterior.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace wheat flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. This simple swap makes the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities without compromising crunchiness.
  • Healthier Baking Option: For a lighter version, bake chicken pieces on a wire rack at 425F for 20-25 minutes, spraying with cooking oil to achieve similar crispiness. This method significantly reduces oil content while maintaining delicious flavor.
  • Spice Level Control: Adjust sriracha and chili sauce quantities to create mild, medium, or fiery hot versions. For heat-sensitive eaters, start with minimal spicy ingredients and gradually increase according to individual preferences.
  • Make-Ahead Meal Prep: Prepare breaded chicken pieces and sauce separately, storing them refrigerated. Fry or bake just before serving to maintain maximum crispiness and prevent soggy texture. Chicken can be breaded up to 24 hours in advance for convenient planning.

Best Ways To Plate Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

  • Party Platter Perfection: Create a stunning appetizer spread by arranging crispy bang bang chicken pieces on a large wooden board with small dipping bowls of extra sauce scattered around. Garnish with fresh green onions and sesame seeds for a restaurant-quality presentation.
  • Meal Companion Magic: Pair the chicken with steamed jasmine rice, crunchy Asian slaw, or crisp cucumber salad to balance the spicy and creamy sauce. The side dishes will complement the chicken's bold flavors and add nutritional variety.
  • Picnic and Potluck Star: Pack these bite-sized chicken pieces in a portable container for outdoor gatherings. They're delicious served cold or at room temperature, making them a versatile and crowd-pleasing option for summer events and shared meals.
  • Quick Leftover Remix: Transform remaining bang bang chicken into a zesty wrap by adding shredded lettuce, extra sauce, and rolling in a soft tortilla. This quick lunch hack breathes new life into your delicious leftovers with minimal effort.

How To Store Crispy Bang Bang Chicken And Reheat

  • Meal Time Management: Prepare the bang bang sauce ahead and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days, making weeknight cooking faster and easier.
  • Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover crispy chicken in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350F for 10 minutes to maintain crispiness.
  • Freezing Hack: Freeze uncoated fried chicken pieces in a flat layer for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and quickly reheat in the oven before coating with sauce.
  • Batch Cooking Tip: Double the recipe and cook extra chicken for quick lunches or dinner shortcuts during busy weeks. Separate portions before adding sauce to keep crispy texture intact.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Bold Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Yield: 3 1x

Description

Delectable bang bang chicken brings zesty Sichuan-style flavors to home kitchens. Crispy, spicy, and irresistibly tangy, this dish promises a delightful culinary adventure you’ll savor with every bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (453 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 large egg
  • 0.75 cup all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cup cornstarch
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • Vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 0.5 cup mayonnaise
  • 0.25 cup sweet chili sauce
  • 1 to 1.5 tbsps sriracha
  • 1 tbsp honey

Instructions

  1. Sauce Preparation: Whisk mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey in a mixing bowl, adjusting spice intensity to taste. Refrigerate to allow flavor fusion.
  2. Coating Setup: Create two dredging stations. First, blend buttermilk and egg until smooth. Second, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper for comprehensive seasoning.
  3. Chicken Coating: Immerse each chicken piece in buttermilk-egg mixture, then thoroughly coat with seasoned flour blend, shaking off excess for an even, light covering.
  4. Crispy Exterior: Roll flour-coated chicken through panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to create a robust, textured crust that promises maximum crunch.
  5. Frying Technique: Heat oil to 350F in a deep skillet. Carefully introduce chicken pieces in small batches, maintaining oil temperature to prevent soggy results and ensure uniform golden-brown coloration.
  6. Cooking Process: Fry chicken 2-3 minutes per side, rotating once to guarantee even cooking and reaching safe internal temperature. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil and preserve crispiness.
  7. Final Touch: Lavishly coat hot chicken with prepared bang bang sauce, ensuring each piece is generously and uniformly glazed for maximum flavor impact.

Notes

  • Manage Oil Temperature: Keep oil consistently at 350F using a thermometer to prevent soggy or burnt chicken, ensuring perfect golden-brown crispiness every time.
  • Prevent Moisture Buildup: After coating chicken, let pieces rest briefly on a wire rack to help breadcrumbs adhere better and reduce excess moisture for maximum crunchiness.
  • Control Spice Levels: Adjust sriracha and chili sauce quantities to personalize heat intensity, catering to mild or spicy flavor preferences without compromising overall taste.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to make the recipe accessible for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3
  • Calories: 569
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 896 mg
  • Fat: 27 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 54 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Jessica Martin

Jessica Martin

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography​, Seasonal and Local Ingredients​, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine​, Culinary Education​

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles

Oregon Culinary Institute

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.​

Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking. 

Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes. 

Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star