A Crunchy, Flavor-Packed Delight
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is a tantalizing dish that combines a golden, crunchy coating with a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce. This dish is inspired by the popular Bang Bang Shrimp, but with juicy, tender chicken as the star. The secret to its irresistible texture lies in a perfectly seasoned batter, while the signature Bang Bang sauce—made with mayo, sweet chili sauce, and a hint of heat—adds a mouthwatering kick.
Whether served as an appetizer, main course, or even in tacos or rice bowls, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Crispy Texture: A light, golden-brown coating that stays crunchy.
- Bold & Creamy Flavor: The Bang Bang sauce brings the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and creaminess.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as an appetizer, in wraps, or over rice.
- Quick & Easy to Make: A restaurant-style dish that’s simple enough for home cooking.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust for spice level)
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
For Garnish
- 2 green onions (thinly sliced)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- Chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken pieces in a bowl with buttermilk and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for extra tenderness).
2. Prepare the Breading
In a shallow dish, whisk together flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. In another bowl, beat the egg.
3. Coat the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dip each piece into the beaten egg, then coat it in the flour mixture. Press lightly to ensure an even coating.
4. Fry to Perfection
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches for 4–5 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
5. Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey (if using), and lime juice. Stir until smooth and well combined.
6. Toss & Serve
Lightly toss the crispy chicken with the Bang Bang sauce or drizzle it on top. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro. Serve immediately.
Variations & Customizations
- Oven-Baked Version: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Air Fryer Option: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
- Extra Spicy: Add more Sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- Gluten-Free Alternative: Use a gluten-free flour blend and cornstarch for the coating.
Servings & Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Marinating Time: 30 minutes (optional)
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze fried chicken (without sauce) for up to 2 months. Reheat in an oven or air fryer.
- Reheating: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes or air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep the chicken crispy after frying?
Drain the chicken on a wire rack instead of paper towels to prevent sogginess. Avoid covering it while it cools.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and add extra juiciness.
What can I serve with Bang Bang Chicken?
Serve it with rice, in lettuce wraps, or alongside a fresh slaw for a balanced meal.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! Store the sauce in the fridge for up to a week and stir before using.
How can I make this dish healthier?
Opt for baking or air frying instead of deep frying, and use Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise for a lighter sauce.
Is Bang Bang Chicken very spicy?
The spice level is moderate, but you can adjust the Sriracha to taste.
What oil is best for frying?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just fry in batches to maintain crispy results.
Why is cornstarch used in the breading?
Cornstarch creates an ultra-crispy texture by reducing gluten formation.
Can I use this recipe for shrimp or tofu?
Definitely! Swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a delicious alternative.
Conclusion
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is the perfect combination of crunch and flavor, making it an irresistible dish for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, making a quick weeknight meal, or simply craving something indulgent, this recipe delivers big on taste. Try it today and enjoy restaurant-quality crispy chicken at home!
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Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is a crunchy, flavor-packed dish featuring golden-fried chicken bites tossed in a creamy, spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce. Perfect as an appetizer, main course, or in tacos and rice bowls. Quick, easy, and utterly delicious!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust for spice level)
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions (thinly sliced)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- Chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken in a bowl with buttermilk and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for extra tenderness).
- Prepare the Breading: In a shallow dish, whisk together flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. In another bowl, beat the egg.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove chicken from buttermilk, dip into the beaten egg, then coat in the flour mixture, pressing lightly for an even coating.
- Fry to Perfection: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches for 4–5 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a wire rack.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey (if using), and lime juice until smooth.
- Toss & Serve: Lightly toss crispy chicken in Bang Bang sauce or drizzle on top. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Oven-Baked: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Air Fryer: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway.
- Extra Spicy: Add more Sriracha or cayenne pepper.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend and cornstarch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- marinate time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: frying
- Cuisine: asian-american
Keywords: crispy chicken, Bang Bang sauce, fried chicken, spicy chicken, easy chicken recipe
