Craving something crispy, spicy, creamy, and downright addictive? Look no further than Bang Bang Chicken—a dish that has taken the food world by storm with its blend of crunch and bold, zesty flavor. Whether you’ve had it at a restaurant or spotted it online, making Bang Bang Chicken at home is easier (and more delicious) than you might think.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll cover everything from how to get that perfect golden crust to crafting a sauce that smacks with every bite. Let’s get cooking!
Table of Contents
- What Is Bang Bang Chicken?
- Why It’s So Popular
- Ingredients You’ll Need
- How to Make Bang Bang Sauce
- Best Chicken Cuts for This Recipe
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Air Fryer and Oven Variations
- Pro Tips for Crispy Chicken
- Ways to Serve Bang Bang Chicken
- Popular Variations
- Storage and Reheating Tips
- Nutrition Highlights
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
1. What Is Bang Bang Chicken?
Bang Bang Chicken is a dish featuring bite-sized pieces of fried or baked chicken, coated in a crispy crust and tossed in a creamy, spicy, sweet chili mayo sauce. Originating as a fusion of Asian and American flavors, it’s known for:
- Its crispy texture
- Its bold, spicy-sweet sauce
- Its highly addictive flavor profile
Often served as an appetizer, snack, or over rice or noodles, it’s a hit for casual dinners and game-day spreads alike.
2. Why It’s So Popular
- Big flavor payoff with minimal ingredients
- Customizable spice level
- Crispy on the outside, juicy inside
- Perfect as a snack, main dish, or party food
- Easily adapted for oven or air fryer
It’s comfort food meets finger food with just enough heat to keep things interesting.
3. Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk (for marinating)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar (optional for extra sweetness)
- 1 tsp rice vinegar or lime juice
Optional Toppings & Garnishes:
- Chopped green onions
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Shredded lettuce or cabbage (for serving)
- Cooked rice or noodles (as a base)
4. How to Make Bang Bang Sauce
- In a bowl, mix together:
- Mayonnaise
- Sweet chili sauce
- Sriracha
- Vinegar or lime juice
- Honey (optional)
- Whisk until smooth.
- Taste and adjust spice/sweetness.
- Refrigerate until ready to use.
Tip: Make the sauce in advance—it gets better as it sits.
5. Best Chicken Cuts for This Recipe
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs – Juicier, more flavorful
- Chicken breasts – Leaner and firmer texture
- Tenders – Great for bite-sized, quick-cooking pieces
Cut into 1 to 1.5-inch chunks for optimal crisp and saucing.
6. Steps:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl or zip-top bag, add chicken and buttermilk.
- Marinate at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours).
Step 2: Prepare Coating
- In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
- Remove chicken from marinade.
- Dip each piece into flour mix, then beaten eggs, then back into flour mix.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
- Heat 2 inches of oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
- Fry chicken in batches (don’t crowd the pan).
- Cook 4–5 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
- Drain on paper towels.
Step 6: Toss in Sauce
- Place hot chicken in a large bowl.
- Pour sauce over and toss to coat.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.
- Serve immediately with rice, salad, or as an appetizer.
7. Air Fryer and Oven Variations
Air Fryer:
- Spray breaded chicken with oil spray.
- Cook at 380°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.
Oven:
- Place on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
- Bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes until crispy.
Note: The crunch won’t match deep frying, but it’s lighter and still delicious.
8. Pro Tips for Crispy Chicken
- Pat chicken dry before breading
- Use cornstarch + flour for crisp texture
- Let breaded chicken rest 10 minutes before frying
- Fry in small batches to avoid soggy coating
- Toss in sauce just before serving
9. Ways to Serve Bang Bang Chicken
- Over steamed rice
- On lettuce wraps or taco shells
- With noodles and stir-fried veggies
- As an appetizer with toothpicks
- In a rice bowl with cucumbers, carrots, and sesame
The spicy sauce pairs well with cool, crunchy ingredients and fresh herbs.
10. Popular Variations
1. Bang Bang Shrimp
Swap chicken for shrimp—same coating and sauce.
2. Bang Bang Tofu
Use firm tofu for a vegetarian twist.
3. Keto Bang Bang Chicken
Use almond flour and sugar-free chili sauce.
4. Spicy Bang Bang Wings
Use bone-in wings, bake or fry, and toss in sauce.
5. Sweet & Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Sandwiches
Serve chicken on brioche buns with slaw.
11. Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage:
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat:
- Oven: 350°F for 10–12 minutes
- Air fryer: 375°F for 6–8 minutes
- Avoid microwave—makes coating soggy
Tip: Store sauce separately and toss just before serving for best texture.
12. Nutrition Highlights (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: ~460
- Protein: 30g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fat: 25g
- Sugar: 6g
To lighten it up: bake or air fry, and use Greek yogurt in place of mayo.
13. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes—store in the fridge up to 5 days.
Q: Is this really spicy?
It’s mildly spicy; adjust sriracha to your liking.
Q: Can I skip the cornstarch?
You can, but it helps with crispiness.
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes—just thaw and pat dry before marinating.
Q: How do I keep it crispy?
Serve immediately and avoid tossing too early.
14. Conclusion
Bang Bang Chicken is everything you want in one bite: crunchy, spicy, sweet, creamy, and just downright crave-worthy. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or piling it on a rice bowl, this dish brings restaurant-level flavor to your own kitchen.
With so many ways to customize it and easy prep methods like air frying or oven baking, you’ll find yourself making this again and again. Once you’ve tasted that signature sauce and crispy chicken combo, there’s no turning back.