If you’re looking for a dish that’s crispy, spicy, sweet, and absolutely addictive, look no further than this Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe. It’s a crowd-pleasing favorite that brings together the satisfying crunch of perfectly fried chicken with a luscious, tangy-sweet bang bang sauce that makes every bite unforgettable.
In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know—from ingredients and preparation techniques to expert tips, variations, and serving ideas. Whether you’re a home cook experimenting for the first time or a seasoned kitchen pro, this recipe will leave a lasting impression on your taste buds and your guests.
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: The combo of juicy chicken, crispy coating, and a creamy, spicy sauce is unbeatable.
- Versatile: Serve it as an appetizer, party snack, or main dish with rice or salad.
- Better Than Takeout: Skip the mystery ingredients and control the heat and sweetness to your liking.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The sauce and chicken can be prepped ahead for quick assembly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of the core ingredients in this Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe, along with helpful notes to elevate your cooking game.
For the Chicken
- 500 g chicken breast, boneless, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
For the Breading
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise (Kewpie mayo preferred)
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- Pinch of salt
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped scallions
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Thinly sliced red chili
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Combine chicken cubes with buttermilk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a mixing bowl. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours for best flavor.
Tip: The longer the marination, the more tender and flavorful the chicken.
Step 2: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Adjust heat and sweetness to taste.
Pro Tip: This sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
In a separate bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and cayenne. Dredge each marinated chicken piece in the flour mixture, pressing to adhere. Shake off any excess.
Optional: For an extra crispy coating, double-dip the chicken by returning it to the buttermilk and dredging again in the flour mixture.
Step 4: Fry Until Golden
Heat oil to 180°C (356°F) in a deep pan. Fry the chicken in batches for 3–4 minutes until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels or a wire rack.
Note: Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain oil temperature and crispiness.
Step 5: Toss and Serve
Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes, then either toss in the sauce or serve with the sauce drizzled on top to preserve maximum crunch.
How to Serve Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
This dish is incredibly flexible and fits into almost any meal setting:
- Main Dish: Serve over steamed jasmine rice, garlic noodles, or quinoa.
- Appetizer: Present on a platter with toothpicks for dipping at parties.
- Tacos: Wrap in soft tortillas with cabbage slaw and avocado for fusion tacos.
- Salad Topper: Add to a crunchy salad or Asian slaw with a light vinaigrette.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls (various sizes)
- Whisk
- Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot
- Tongs or slotted spoon
- Meat thermometer
- Paper towels or wire rack for draining
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use cornstarch for the coating: It creates a lighter, crispier crust than flour alone.
- Let fried chicken rest briefly before saucing: This helps avoid sogginess.
- Customize your heat level: Adjust the amount of sriracha and chili sauce.
- Use chicken thighs for juicier bites: They’re more forgiving than chicken breast.
- Double-fry for crunchier results: Let the chicken cool after the first fry, then refry briefly at high heat.
Variations to Try
- Bang Bang Shrimp: Swap chicken for shrimp and reduce frying time to 1–2 minutes.
- Vegetarian Version: Use tofu or cauliflower instead of chicken.
- Air-Fried Option: Coat chicken lightly with oil spray and air-fry at 200°C (392°F) for 16–20 minutes.
- Keto/Low-Carb: Use almond flour or crushed pork rinds for breading and a yogurt-based sauce.
Storage and Reheating
- Fridge: Store chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Use an oven or air fryer to restore crispiness; avoid microwaving.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked breaded chicken on a tray, then store in bags. Fry straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
Conclusion
This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe is everything you could want in a comfort dish: crispy, juicy, spicy, sweet, and full of flavor. It’s surprisingly easy to make at home with simple ingredients, yet impressive enough to serve at gatherings, game nights, or casual dinners. Whether you stick to the classic version or try one of the variations, this dish delivers satisfaction in every bite.
By understanding each step and incorporating the tips and tricks outlined above, you’ll get perfect results every time. The balance of texture and flavor is what truly sets this recipe apart.
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Description
This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken recipe features golden-fried chicken bites coated in a creamy, spicy-sweet bang bang sauce that’s absolutely addictive. Perfect as a party snack, weeknight dinner, or meal prep option, this dish offers the perfect balance of crunch and flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
For the Breading:
For Frying:
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
For Garnish:
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
- Place the chicken cubes in a bowl. Add buttermilk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well, cover, and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or refrigerate up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).
Prepare the Breading Mixture
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and cayenne pepper. This combo ensures an ultra-crispy coating.
Bread the Chicken
- Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess buttermilk drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure full coating. Place breaded pieces on a tray and let them rest for 10 minutes—this helps the breading stick during frying.
Fry the Chicken
- Heat oil in a deep pan to 180°C. Fry chicken in batches, without overcrowding the pan, until golden brown and crispy (about 4–5 minutes per batch). Drain on a wire rack or paper towel.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce
- In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar (optional). Whisk until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust spice or sweetness as desired.
Toss and Garnish
- Once the chicken has slightly cooled, toss it gently with the sauce until evenly coated. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately for the best crunch and flavor.
Note
- Storage: Store leftover chicken separately from the sauce to retain crispiness. Reheat in an air fryer or oven at 180°C until hot.
- Spice Level: Adjust sriracha according to your heat preference.
- Baking Option: For a healthier version, spray breaded chicken with oil and bake at 200°C for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Air Fryer Option: Air fry at 200°C for 12–15 minutes.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute flour with gluten-free flour mix and double-check other ingredients.
