There’s something magical about a dish that perfectly balances crunch, spice, and a touch of sweetness. Bang Bang Chicken is one of those irresistible meals that combines crispy, golden-fried chicken with a creamy, slightly spicy sauce that keeps you coming back for more. Originally inspired by the popular dish served at restaurants like Bonefish Grill, this homemade version is even better—fresh, flavorful, and easy to make in your own kitchen.
This dish has roots in Sichuan cuisine, where traditional Bang Bang Chicken is a shredded chicken dish with a spicy peanut sauce. However, the modern Americanized version takes a different approach, featuring crispy fried chicken tossed in a creamy, tangy, and mildly spicy sauce. It’s a perfect appetizer, party snack, or even a main dish when paired with rice or a fresh salad.
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that’s both crunchy and saucy, this Bang Bang Chicken recipe is exactly what you need!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Perfection – The chicken is coated in a light, crispy batter that stays crunchy even after being tossed in the sauce.
- Bold Flavor – A little sweet, a little spicy, and perfectly creamy, the Bang Bang sauce is what makes this dish unforgettable.
- Easy to Make – No complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. Just simple cooking techniques for amazing results.
- Great for Any Occasion – Serve it as an appetizer, snack, or even a main dish with rice, noodles, or veggies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup cornstarch
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 large egg
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by placing the bite-sized chicken pieces in a bowl and pouring the buttermilk over them. This step helps tenderize the chicken and gives it a juicy texture after frying. Let it soak for at least 20 minutes while you prepare the coating and sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, soy sauce, and lemon juice. This sauce is creamy, slightly sweet, and has just the right amount of spice. Taste it and adjust the spice level by adding more sriracha if you like extra heat. Set aside.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
In a separate bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. This mixture will create a crispy, flavorful coating for the chicken.
Take each piece of chicken out of the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off. Dip the chicken into the seasoned flour mixture, making sure it’s well coated. For extra crispiness, you can double-dip by going back into the buttermilk and then the flour mixture again.
Step 4: Fry Until Golden and Crispy
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium-high heat. To check if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of batter in—it should sizzle immediately.
Carefully add the coated chicken pieces in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Toss in the Sauce
Once all the chicken is fried and slightly cooled, toss it in the prepared Bang Bang sauce. You can lightly coat it or fully drench it, depending on your preference. For extra crispiness, drizzle the sauce over the top instead of tossing.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for a fresh and flavorful touch. Serve immediately for the best texture and taste. Bang Bang Chicken pairs perfectly with steamed rice, crispy fries, or even in a wrap!
Helpful Tips
- For Extra Crispy Chicken: Use a cornstarch-flour mixture in the coating, and don’t skip the buttermilk soak—it helps create a crispy crust.
- Adjusting Spice Level: Add more or less sriracha depending on how spicy you like your sauce.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in small batches to maintain the oil temperature and keep the chicken crispy.
- For a Healthier Version: Air-fry or bake the chicken instead of deep-frying. Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American, Asian Fusion
- Diet: Halal
Notes
- If you want a thicker sauce, add an extra tablespoon of mayo.
- Leftover Bang Bang sauce can be used as a dip for fries, shrimp, or even drizzled over tacos.
- You can use chicken thighs instead of breast for a juicier result.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~450
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 6g
(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on exact ingredients used.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Bang Bang Chicken in the air fryer?
Yes! To air-fry, coat the chicken as usual, then spray lightly with oil. Air-fry at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.
Can I use a different protein?
Absolutely! This recipe works great with shrimp, tofu, or even cauliflower for a vegetarian version.
How spicy is Bang Bang Chicken?
It has a mild kick from the sriracha, but it’s not overly spicy. You can always adjust the heat level by adding more or less sriracha.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before using.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To keep it crispy, reheat in the oven at 375°F for 10 minutes or air-fry at 350°F for 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy.
- Freezing: You can freeze the fried chicken before adding the sauce. Reheat in the oven before tossing with fresh sauce.
Related Recipes
If you loved this Bang Bang Chicken, you might also enjoy:
Conclusion
Bang Bang Chicken is a true winner—crispy, flavorful, and smothered in an addictive sauce. Whether you serve it as a party appetizer or a weeknight meal, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. Now that you know how easy it is to make at home, why not give it a try? You’ll love every crunchy, saucy bite!
Let me know in the comments how it turned out, and don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family!
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Bang Bang Chicken – Crispy, Spicy, and Irresistible
Description
There’s something magical about a dish that perfectly balances crunch, spice, and a touch of sweetness. Bang Bang Chicken is one of those irresistible meals that combines crispy, golden-fried chicken with a creamy, slightly spicy sauce that keeps you coming back for more. Originally inspired by the popular dish served at restaurants like Bonefish Grill, this homemade version is even better—fresh, flavorful, and easy to make in your own kitchen.
This dish has roots in Sichuan cuisine, where traditional Bang Bang Chicken is a shredded chicken dish with a spicy peanut sauce. However, the modern Americanized version takes a different approach, featuring crispy fried chicken tossed in a creamy, tangy, and mildly spicy sauce. It’s a perfect appetizer, party snack, or even a main dish when paired with rice or a fresh salad.
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that’s both crunchy and saucy, this Bang Bang Chicken recipe is exactly what you need!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup cornstarch
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 large egg
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by placing the bite-sized chicken pieces in a bowl and pouring the buttermilk over them. This step helps tenderize the chicken and gives it a juicy texture after frying. Let it soak for at least 20 minutes while you prepare the coating and sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, soy sauce, and lemon juice. This sauce is creamy, slightly sweet, and has just the right amount of spice. Taste it and adjust the spice level by adding more sriracha if you like extra heat. Set aside.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
In a separate bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. This mixture will create a crispy, flavorful coating for the chicken.
Take each piece of chicken out of the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off. Dip the chicken into the seasoned flour mixture, making sure it’s well coated. For extra crispiness, you can double-dip by going back into the buttermilk and then the flour mixture again.
Step 4: Fry Until Golden and Crispy
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium-high heat. To check if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of batter in—it should sizzle immediately.
Carefully add the coated chicken pieces in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Toss in the Sauce
Once all the chicken is fried and slightly cooled, toss it in the prepared Bang Bang sauce. You can lightly coat it or fully drench it, depending on your preference. For extra crispiness, drizzle the sauce over the top instead of tossing.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for a fresh and flavorful touch. Serve immediately for the best texture and taste. Bang Bang Chicken pairs perfectly with steamed rice, crispy fries, or even in a wrap!
Notes
- If you want a thicker sauce, add an extra tablespoon of mayo.
- Leftover Bang Bang sauce can be used as a dip for fries, shrimp, or even drizzled over tacos.
- You can use chicken thighs instead of breast for a juicier result.