If you are craving a dish that brings together crunch, spice, and a touch of sweetness all in one bite, this Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe is going to be your new favorite. It’s all about golden, crispy chicken pieces coated in a perfectly balanced sauce that’s tangy, spicy, and just a little bit sweet. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a casual get-together, this recipe combines simplicity and flavor in a way that feels special every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe lies in the simplicity of its ingredients. Each one plays a vital role—from the buttermilk’s tenderizing power to the crisping combo of flour and cornstarch, right through to the kick of sriracha in the sauce. You really don’t need fancy ingredients to nail this dish, just the right ones.
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and maximum crispness.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Helps tenderize the chicken and keeps it juicy inside.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing all other flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick of warmth and depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a gentle savory note without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Brings a subtle smokiness plus a gorgeous color.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The main coating ingredient for that crispy crust.
- 1/2 cup cornstarch: Works alongside the flour to create an irresistible crunch.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the coating puff and crisp while frying.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Enough for deep frying, ensuring even cooking and that perfect golden sheen.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the bang bang sauce.
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce: Balances spice with sweet notes in the signature sauce.
- 1 to 2 tablespoons sriracha: Adjustable heat factor to suit your spice preferences.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Adds a natural sweetness to round out the sauce flavors.
- Chopped green onions for garnish: Freshens the dish with a pop of color and mild onion flavor.
How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by tossing those tender chicken pieces in a flavorful bath of buttermilk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This marinade is your secret weapon for moist, tasty chicken that’s bursting with flavor from the very first bite. Let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to soak in all those seasonings.
Step 2: Prepare the Crispy Coating
While your chicken is marinating, mix together the flour, cornstarch, and baking powder. This trifecta of dry ingredients is what makes the coating light yet incredibly crispy when fried. Make sure they’re well combined so every piece of chicken gets an even, irresistible crust.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Pour vegetable oil into a deep pot to reach about 2 inches high and heat it up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Maintaining the right temperature is key so the chicken cooks through perfectly while achieving that golden crunch without absorbing too much oil.
Step 4: Dredge and Fry the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off (you want good coverage without sogginess). Dredge each piece thoroughly in your flour mixture, pressing gently to form a thick, crispy coating. Fry the chicken in batches so the oil temperature stays steady, cooking each batch for about 4 to 5 minutes, turning occasionally until the coating is golden brown and the chicken reaches an internal temp of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 5: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until creamy and smooth. This sauce is the heart of the Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe, striking a perfect balance between creamy sweetness and spicy heat that keeps you coming back for more.
Step 6: Toss and Garnish
Once the chicken is fried and drained on paper towels, either toss it gently with the bang bang sauce or drizzle the sauce generously over the top. Finish with a scattering of fresh chopped green onions for a burst of freshness and color that really makes the dish pop.
How to Serve Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped green onions are classic, but feel free to experiment. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds nutty crunch, and thinly sliced red chili peppers can boost the heat and visual appeal. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil also bring a fresh contrast to the richness.
Side Dishes
This dish truly shines with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or a crisp Asian slaw. For something lighter, serve it in butter lettuce wraps with shredded carrots and cucumber for a fun, hand-held experience. The key is to balance the rich, crispy chicken with fresh, bright accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting, consider serving the Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe as an appetizer by skewering the chicken bites and serving the sauce on the side for dipping. Alternatively, pile the chicken over a bed of sticky rice and drizzle more bang bang sauce on top for a casual, satisfying main dish that everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop leftover chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To keep the crust crispy, it’s best to store the chicken and sauce separately and combine them just before serving.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this dish later, freeze the fried chicken pieces on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 1 month. Freeze the sauce separately in a small container to pour fresh after reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10-12 minutes to restore the crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the coating soggy. After warming, toss with bang bang sauce and garnish for that freshly made flavor.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit juicier and can add extra flavor. Just cut them into similar sized pieces and follow the same marinating and frying steps.
How spicy is this Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe?
The spiciness is adjustable thanks to the sriracha in the sauce. Start with one tablespoon and add more if you like a bigger kick. The sweet chili sauce helps mellow out the heat as well.
Is there a healthier way to prepare this dish?
Yes! For a lighter take, bake the coated chicken at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 18 to 22 minutes or use an air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 to 14 minutes, flipping halfway through. It won’t have the exact same deep-fried crunch, but it’s still delicious and crispy.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Definitely. The bang bang sauce can be mixed and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a quick stir before drizzling or tossing with the chicken.
What should I serve with Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe?
Rice or salad-based sides work wonderfully. Try simple steamed rice, Asian-style slaw, or lettuce wraps for fresh texture and balance with the crispy, flavorful chicken.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe, it will quickly become one of those dishes you turn to again and again. Its perfect balance of crunchy chicken and creamy, spicy-sweet sauce is truly irresistible. So grab your ingredients and start cooking—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as fun to make as it is tasty to eat!
Print
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American-Asian
Description
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is a delicious, crunchy fried chicken dish coated in a flavorful bang bang sauce made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey. Perfectly spiced and tender on the inside, this recipe is great for a quick weeknight dinner or a party appetizer.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Coating
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Vegetable oil for frying (about 2 inches deep in pot)
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 to 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey
Garnish
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces with buttermilk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir to coat evenly, then cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and infuse the flavors.
- Prepare the Coating: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and baking powder until well combined. This dry mixture will create a light and crispy crust when fried.
- Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep pot to a depth of about 2 inches and heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain consistent frying temperature for even cooking.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove chicken pieces from the buttermilk marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure a crisp and even coating.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully add the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Fry for 4 to 5 minutes per batch, turning occasionally to brown evenly, until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Drain Excess Oil: Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and maintain crispness.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth and well combined. Adjust sriracha to control spice level.
- Combine and Serve: Toss the crispy fried chicken pieces with the bang bang sauce until coated evenly, or drizzle the sauce on top. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Adjust sriracha quantity in the sauce to control the spice level to your preference.
- For a lighter alternative, bake the coated chicken at 425°F for 18 to 22 minutes or air fry at 400°F for 12 to 14 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve crispy bang bang chicken over steamed rice or in fresh lettuce wraps for a complete meal.
