There is something irresistibly fun about the crispy texture paired with a bold, spicy-sweet sauce that makes the Bang Bang Chicken Recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. This dish perfectly balances crunchy, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors, creating an appetizer or main course that’s as exciting to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends, this recipe brings vibrant flavors and a delightful crisp that invites everyone to dig in and savor every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe plays an essential role, from crafting the perfect crispy coating to mixing that signature creamy, spicy sauce. You’ll find that these simple items come together beautifully to deliver a dish bursting with flavor, texture, and color.
- Chicken thighs or breasts, 1 ½ pounds: Choose your cut depending on preference; thighs stay juicy, breasts are leaner but still delicious.
- Buttermilk, 1 cup: Tenderizes the chicken and adds a subtle tang that enhances flavor penetration.
- Large egg, 1: Helps bind the marinade and coating for extra crispiness.
- All-purpose flour, 1 cup: The base for the crunchy breading, providing a crispy crust.
- Cornstarch, ½ cup: Adds an extra crunch to the outer layer, making every bite satisfyingly crisp.
- Garlic powder, 1 teaspoon: Brings a warm, savory depth to the coating mix.
- Paprika, 1 teaspoon: Adds subtle smokiness and enhances the color of the crust.
- Salt, ½ teaspoon: Essential seasoning to elevate all the flavors.
- Black pepper, ½ teaspoon: Adds just the right amount of mild heat and sharpness.
- Oil for frying: Use canola or vegetable oil for a neutral taste and high smoke point to fry to golden perfection.
- Mayonnaise, ½ cup: Creamy base for the signature bang bang sauce, balancing spice with richness.
- Sweet chili sauce, ¼ cup: Adds sweetness with a gentle kick of heat to the sauce.
- Sriracha, 1 tablespoon: The spicy heart of the sauce, adjustable to your preferred heat level.
- Honey, 1 tablespoon: Adds a hint of natural sweetness to round out the flavors in the sauce.
- Chopped chives or green onions: Optional garnish that adds fresh color and a mild oniony crunch.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Marinate the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces, which helps with even cooking and makes them perfect for dipping or tossing in sauce. Whisk together the buttermilk, egg, salt, and pepper in a bowl and let the chicken soak in this mixture for at least 30 minutes, or ideally overnight for maximum tenderness and flavor infusion.
Step 2: Mix the Coating
While the chicken is marinating, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, and salt in a separate bowl. This dry mix will give the chicken its signature crunchy texture and vibrant flavor.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken Pieces
Remove each piece of chicken from the marinade and dredge it in the flour mixture, pressing down firmly so the coating sticks well. This creates that irresistible crispy crust everyone loves about the Bang Bang Chicken Recipe.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches for 5 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally so each piece gets evenly golden and thoroughly cooked. Once done, place the chicken on a wire rack or paper towels to drain any excess oil, maintaining the crispiness.
Step 5: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey in a bowl. This creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce is what sets this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe apart, creating a perfect balance of flavors that make you want to keep coming back for more.
Step 6: Toss and Garnish
Toss the crispy chicken pieces gently in the bang bang sauce for an even coating, or serve the sauce on the side as a dip if you prefer. Top with chopped chives or green onions to add a fresh pop of color and subtle onion flavor.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling chopped chives or green onions over the finished dish really brings freshness and a nice textural contrast to the crispy chicken. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lime or some toasted sesame seeds to elevate your presentation and flavor profile.
Side Dishes
Bang Bang Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or a crisp cucumber salad to balance the heat. For a heartier meal, creamy coleslaw or roasted vegetables make excellent companions, adding both crunch and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe in lettuce wraps for a light, finger-food experience or pile it onto a bed of noodles for a flavorful twist. For gatherings, presenting the chicken in individual mini bowls with sauce on the side makes it easy for guests to enjoy without any fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. The chicken will keep well for up to 3 days, retaining much of its delicious flavor and texture.
Freezing
If you want to save Bang Bang Chicken Recipe for later, freeze the cooked chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring it to a freezer-safe bag or container. This helps maintain its crispiness somewhat and keeps it fresh for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, place the chicken on a baking sheet and warm it in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that lovely crunch intact.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs in this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well and create a leaner version, but be mindful not to overcook since breasts can dry out faster than thighs.
How spicy is the Bang Bang Chicken Recipe?
The spice level largely depends on the amount of sriracha you use. Start with one tablespoon, and adjust up or down to suit your taste buds.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
You can bake the chicken pieces at 400°F (200°C) for around 25 minutes, flipping halfway, for a healthier alternative, though the frying method gives the crispiest texture.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes before using—it’s a great homemade substitute.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes! The chicken can be marinated in advance and cooked just before serving, and the sauce stores well separately, making it a perfect option for preparing meals ahead.
Final Thoughts
This Bang Bang Chicken Recipe is a wonderful blend of crispy, creamy, spicy, and sweet that promises to delight your taste buds and brighten any meal. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for entertaining. Give it a try and share the joy of this flavorful dish — I’m sure it will become a new favorite in your recipe collection!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Bang Bang Chicken is a crispy, flavorful dish featuring tender fried chicken pieces coated in a spicy, sweet, and creamy sauce. This popular appetizer or main course is quick to prepare and perfect for serving at gatherings or family dinners. The chicken is marinated, dredged in a seasoned flour mixture, deep-fried to golden perfection, and coated with a vibrant bang bang sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1 ½ pounds chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Oil, for frying (canola or vegetable)
Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey
Garnish
- Chopped chives or green onions, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into evenly sized chunks or strips to ensure even cooking.
- Marinate: In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces and marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator to tenderize and flavor the meat.
- Mix Coating: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, and salt, creating a seasoned dry mixture for dredging.
- Dredge the Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing firmly so the coating sticks well.
- Heat Oil: Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C), ensuring the oil is hot enough for frying.
- Fry the Chicken: Fry the chicken pieces in batches for 5 to 6 minutes or until they are golden brown and fully cooked through. Drain the cooked chicken on a wire rack or paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Prepare Bang Bang Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth and well combined.
- Toss or Serve: Toss the fried chicken with the prepared bang bang sauce to coat evenly, or serve the sauce on the side for dipping according to preference.
- Garnish: Garnish with chopped chives or green onions if desired for added flavor and color.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances flavor and tenderness, but 30 minutes is sufficient if short on time.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce to control the spice level.
- To keep the chicken crispy, drain excess oil by placing fried pieces on a wire rack instead of paper towels.
- Can substitute chicken breasts or thighs based on preference; thighs tend to be juicier.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
