Bang Bang Chicken

If you love crispy, saucy, flavor-packed chicken, you’re going to obsess over this Bang Bang Chicken! Tender bites of chicken are marinated, fried to golden perfection, and tossed in a creamy, sweet-and-spicy sauce that’s downright addictive.

It’s the perfect mix of crunchy, creamy, and a little bit spicy—just like the restaurant favorite, but even better made right at home. Serve it as an appetizer, over rice, or tucked into lettuce wraps for a meal that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold and flavorful sauce.
The bang bang sauce is where this recipe shines—it’s creamy with a nice spicy sweetness that wakes up your taste buds without punching you in the face. Plus, it’s super versatile, so you can tweak the heat level easily to your liking.

Crunchy texture with tender chicken.
The chicken gets lightly breaded and fried to a golden crisp, providing a satisfying crunch every time. But underneath all that crunch is juicy, tender chicken that keeps you coming back for more.

Quick and fuss-free.
You don’t need tons of ingredients or hours in the kitchen. This recipe is straightforward enough for a weeknight meal but still feels a little special, making it perfect for casual dinners or impressing your friends with minimal effort.

Quick Weeknight Dinner. Whether you are a busy mom, empty nesters, or just starting out cooking and making meals for the first time – this Bang Bang chicken recipe is perfect all the time. Easy to make, quick cooking time, and just the right amount of heat. I can’t get enough.

Ingredient Notes

• Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless): Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick frying and even cooking. You can also use chicken thighs for a juicier option.
• Buttermilk: Helps tenderize the chicken and adds a light, tangy flavor. It also helps the coating stick better.
• Cornstarch: Creates a light, crispy coating when combined with flour.
• All-purpose flour: Adds structure to the breading for that perfect crunch.
• Salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and the coating.
• Paprika: Adds a touch of warmth and color to the breading.
• Oil (for frying): Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like canola, vegetable, or peanut oil.
• Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the bang bang sauce—choose a good-quality mayo for the best flavor.
• Sweet chili sauce: Adds sweetness and mild heat to the sauce.
• Sriracha: Brings the signature spicy kick—adjust to your preferred heat level.
• Honey: Balances out the spice with a touch of sweetness and gives the sauce a glossy finish.

Kitchen Equipment

• Large Skillet or Frying Pan
• Mixing Bowls
• Tongs or Fork
• Paper Towels
• Serving Plate or Platter

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken

1. Start by adding the diced chicken to a large bowl with the buttermilk. Give it a good toss so everything’s coated, then let it marinate for about 15 minutes to soak up that flavor.
2. In a separate small bowl, mix together the cornstarch, flour, salt, pepper, and paprika. This is your crispy coating mix!
3. Heat the oil in a deep skillet to about 350°F. While it’s warming up, take each piece of chicken out of the buttermilk and coat it well in the flour mixture—make sure every piece is nicely covered.
4. Carefully drop the chicken into the hot oil, working in batches so you don’t crowd the pan. Fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 4 to 5 minutes per batch.
5. Once done, transfer the chicken to a paper towel–lined plate to drain off any extra oil.
6. In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth and creamy. Add the crispy chicken and toss it all together until every piece is coated in that irresistible bang bang sauce.
7. Serve right away with a little extra drizzle of sauce on top if you’d like—because why not?

Variations & Substitutions

Skip the Breaded Coat:
Try this recipe with grilled or baked chicken breast for a lighter version that still tastes great with the Bang Bang sauce.

Veggie Bang Bang:
Use crispy tofu, cauliflower, or shrimp instead of chicken to mix things up and add variety.

Spicy Level Tweaks:
If you’re not super into heat, dial back the sriracha or sweet chili sauce, or swap with a mild hot sauce for just a hint of spice.

Serve with Rice or Noodles:
Make it a meal by serving the chicken over jasmine rice, brown rice, or cold noodles for a complete plate.

Add Some Crunch:
Top with chopped peanuts or scallions for extra texture and a little nutty contrast that pairs perfectly with the sauce.

Flavor Boosters

Add Lime Juice – A squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving brightens everything up and adds a little citrus zing that lifts the richness of the sauce.

Toast Your Sesame Seeds – Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top for that nutty flavor and crunchy element that’s subtle but adds a cool layer.

Fresh Herbs – A handful of chopped cilantro or green onions works wonders to add a vibrant, fresh note that contrasts nicely with the creamy sauce.

Mix in a Dash of Fish Sauce – A tiny splash of fish sauce in the sauce intensifies the umami and takes the flavor from good to wow without making it taste fishy.

Blend in Some Honey – If you want a sweeter twist, stir in a bit more honey, especially if your chili sauce isn’t super sweet already.

Storage

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Separate the chicken and sauce if you can to maintain texture. Reheat just before serving for the best flavor.

Freezing: Let the cooked chicken cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently to avoid drying out.

How To Reheat

Oven Method
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.

Microwave Method
Put the chicken on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking often to avoid drying out. The breading won’t stay crispy, but it’s quick.

Air Fryer Method
Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Reheat the chicken for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway to make sure it’s heating evenly. This method helps bring back some crispiness.

Stovetop Method
Warm a skillet over medium heat with a little oil. Add the chicken, cover loosely, and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until heated through and crispy.

Ways To Use Leftovers

• Bang Bang Chicken Wrap – Wrap diced leftover chicken with lettuce, shredded carrots, and extra bang bang sauce in a tortilla for a quick lunch.
• Bang Bang Salad – Top a bed of greens with chopped bang bang chicken, cucumbers, and sliced radishes. Drizzle with a little extra sauce for a spicy salad twist.
• Bang Bang Tacos – Stuff tortillas with the chicken, crunchy slaw, and a squeeze of lime for a fusion taco that’s anything but boring.
• Bang Bang Rice Bowl – Heat the chicken and serve it over steamed rice with steamed veggies and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an easy meal.
• Bang Bang Pizza – Slap some sauce, cheese, and chopped bang bang chicken on your favorite pizza dough for a fun take on pizza night.

Expert Tips

• Light breading is key: Don’t go crazy with the flour or cornstarch; just a light dusting will do the trick for crispiness. Too much coating can turn soggy quickly once the sauce hits.
• Mix your sauce well: Before drenching your chicken, stir the bang bang sauce thoroughly so the mayo and chili sauce combine perfectly. It keeps the flavors uniform and the texture smooth.
• Don’t over-sauce it: You want to taste that crunch under the sauce, so drizzle or toss gently rather than drowning the chicken. Saves the texture and keeps every bite interesting.
• Serve immediately: This dish is best eaten right away for max crispiness and that fresh zing from the sauce. If you wait too long, things get a bit soggy, and nobody wants that vibe.

What To Serve With Bang Bang Chicken

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: Classic and simple, jasmine rice soaks up all that sauce and balances the bold flavors.
• Cucumber Salad: Crisp, refreshing cucumber salad with a little rice vinegar keeps things light and cools down the spicy heat.
• Stir-Fried Greens: Whether bok choy, spinach, or kale, quickly stir-fried greens add a healthy, slightly bitter balance to the sweet and spicy chicken.
• Sweet Potato Fries: The natural sweetness of sweet potato fries pairs surprisingly well with the spicy sauce and adds a crispy, fun side.
• Pickled Carrots and Daikon: A tangy pickled veggie combo cuts through the richness and adds a nice crunch for some textural contrast.

Troubleshooting

Chicken Is Dry or Overcooked
Make sure to pound the chicken evenly so it cooks at a steady rate. Try not to overcook it in the pan; a quick fry on medium heat is better than a long scrimmage on high heat.

Breading Falls Off
Lightly pat the chicken dry before breading and don’t overload the flour/starch mixture. After coating, give it a few minutes on the counter so the layer sticks better before frying.

Sauce Is Too Runny
If your sauce feels watery, try reducing the sweet chili sauce a bit or mixing in a little more mayo to thicken it. Also, avoid adding too much liquid at once.

Chicken Gets Soggy Quickly
Serve the sauce on the side or toss the chicken quickly right before eating to keep that crunch longest. Also consider frying on medium heat to crisp it up well from the start.

Sauce Is Too Spicy
If you’ve added too much sriracha or hot sauce, balance it out with more mayo or a bit of honey to smooth the heat without losing flavor.

FAQ’s

Can I make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely, the sauce tastes even better after sitting for a few hours or overnight. Just keep it covered in the fridge and give it a quick stir before using.

Is Bang Bang chicken spicy?

It can be as mild or as spicy as you want, depending on how much sriracha or chili sauce you add. Feel free to adjust to your heat comfort zone.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes, baking at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes will crisp it up nicely, especially if you spray it lightly with oil before baking.

What’s the best way to store the chicken and sauce if I’m not eating right away?

Keep them separate in airtight containers to preserve the crunchy texture of the chicken. Combine just before serving or reheating.

Is there a vegetarian version of Bang Bang chicken?

Tofu or crispy cauliflower wings make excellent vegetarian alternatives that soak up the sauce just as well as chicken.

If you love this chicken recipe, you’re going to love these other great dinner recipes, too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!

More Great Chinese Food-Inspired Recipes

Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken – Copycat

Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

Vegetarian Dumplings

Air Fryer Crab Rangoon

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