Bang Bang Chicken

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The moment I plated this Bang Bang Chicken, I knew I had something truly special on my hands. That golden, crispy crust kissed by just the right amount of spice, and then slathered in a creamy, sweet, and tangy sauce? It hits every craving imaginable. I’ve made this recipe more times than I can count, and it never disappoints. Whether it’s game day, a family dinner, or just a personal indulgence, it always delivers.

I remember the first time I tried Bang Bang Chicken at a restaurant. I couldn’t stop thinking about that contrast of textures and bold flavors. After plenty of experimentation in my own kitchen, I finally nailed the homemade version. This one’s even better than takeout because I can tweak the heat, balance the sweetness, and keep it fresh. The secret is all in the sauce and how you fry the chicken to crispy perfection.

If you’re craving something that feels a little indulgent yet completely doable at home, this is it. It’s the kind of dish that makes people look up mid-bite and ask for the recipe. And if you’re like me and love exploring bold flavors, you’ll want to pair it with other favorites like my Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts or the irresistible Marry Me Chicken Pasta.

Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Chicken

Bang Bang Chicken is a crunchy, creamy, spicy sensation. The crisp chicken pieces are coated in a flavorful batter, then tossed in a creamy, slightly sweet chili sauce that makes it impossible to stop at just one bite. It’s incredibly easy to make and customizable for your preferred spice level. It’s a perfect crowd-pleaser, great for dinner parties, potlucks, or just a fun family meal. If you enjoy dishes like my Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites, you’ll love how this recipe brings that same flavor excitement in chicken form.

Ingredients

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These are the star of the dish, diced into bite-sized pieces to ensure every chunk gets coated in that luscious sauce.

Cornstarch: It gives the chicken its signature crunch when fried, much lighter and crispier than flour alone.

Eggs: Act as a binder to help the cornstarch stick well to the chicken pieces.

Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken before frying, ensuring each bite is flavorful.

Vegetable oil: Perfect for deep frying thanks to its neutral flavor and high smoke point.

Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the bang bang sauce, giving it a rich and smooth texture.

Sweet chili sauce: Adds a sweet and tangy profile that defines the Bang Bang flavor.

Sriracha: Brings the heat to balance the sweetness and create a bold kick in the sauce.

Honey: Just a drizzle enhances the sweetness and balances the spice.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Dice the chicken breasts into uniform bite-sized pieces. Season them generously with salt and pepper, making sure each piece is coated. Set aside while you prepare the coating.

Step 2: Coat and Batter

In one bowl, beat the eggs. In another, add cornstarch. Dip each chicken piece first in the egg mixture, then dredge it in cornstarch. Press slightly to ensure a good coating that will fry up crispy.

Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the coated chicken pieces in batches, frying until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels.

Step 4: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth and creamy. Adjust the sriracha for more or less heat based on your preference.

Step 5: Toss and Serve

Place the fried chicken into a large bowl and pour the sauce over the top. Gently toss until every piece is evenly coated. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

If you’d like to lighten things up, you can swap the deep frying for an air fryer version—just like I did with my Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites. Simply spray the coated chicken with oil and cook at 400°F for 12-15 minutes until crispy. You can also substitute chicken thighs for a juicier result. For a dairy-free option, use a vegan mayo. Not a fan of heat? Dial back the sriracha or skip it entirely and rely on the sweet chili sauce alone.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Bang Bang Chicken shines as a main dish but also doubles as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. I love serving it over jasmine rice or a crunchy Asian slaw. Add a side of steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables for balance. You could even wrap it in lettuce leaves for a low-carb option. It pairs beautifully with dishes like my Cheesy Mexican Rice Casserole or a fresh Cucumber Salad.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For reheating, the best method is using the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness—bake at 375°F for 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the chicken soggy. If you’re storing the sauce separately, reheat gently and toss with the reheated chicken before serving.

FAQs

Can I make Bang Bang Chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the chicken and sauce in advance. Fry the chicken just before serving for best results, or reheat in the oven if made earlier.

What is Bang Bang Chicken sauce made of?

The signature Bang Bang sauce combines mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and a touch of honey—creamy, sweet, tangy, and spicy all at once.

Is Bang Bang Chicken spicy?

It can be! The heat level depends on how much sriracha you add. You can adjust it to your taste.

Can I bake Bang Bang Chicken instead of frying it?

Yes, for a healthier version, bake at 400°F on a wire rack for 20-25 minutes or until golden and crispy.

Related Recipe You’ll Like

If you love the bold, creamy-spicy flavor of Bang Bang Chicken, you have to try my Marry Me Chicken Pasta for a rich and comforting twist, or the Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites that bring that same delicious sauce to seafood. Another favorite that pairs beautifully with this dish is the Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts.

Save and Share This Recipe for Later

Loved this Bang Bang Chicken? Don’t forget to pin it to your favorite Pinterest board so you can come back to it anytime! Share it with your friends and family on Facebook or Instagram—nothing spreads joy like a plate full of crispy, saucy chicken. Whether it’s your first time making it or your tenth, this recipe is bound to earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.

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