If you’re craving a dinner that’s crunchy, saucy, and downright addictive, you’re in for a treat with Crispy Bang Bang Chicken. These bite-sized morsels of chicken boast a golden, ultra-crispy exterior that snaps delightfully as you bite into it, revealing a juicy, tender interior. Coated in a luscious blend of mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and a splash of rice vinegar, every piece packs a perfect balance of sweet heat and tang. Whether you’re whipping this up for a laid-back weeknight dinner or serving it as the star appetizer at your next gathering, this recipe promises minimal fuss and maximum flavor—an absolute winner in any home cook’s arsenal.
This beginner-friendly dish takes just 20 minutes to prep and about 25 minutes to cook, so you’ll have a show-stopping meal on the table in under an hour. I still remember the first time I made this for friends: the room filled with laughter and that irresistible sizzle from the skillet, and before I knew it, platters were empty and everyone was asking for seconds. The homemade Bang Bang sauce is crazy simple to whip up but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen crafting it. With about 680 calories per serving, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and practicality, especially when you pair it with steamed rice or a crisp salad. Get ready to discover your new favorite go-to recipe that’ll make your taste buds dance!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CRISPY BANG BANG CHICKEN
Before you dive into cooking, let’s break down the star players in this recipe. Each ingredient serves a crucial role, creating that golden crust, tender chicken, and sauce that brings it all together in a sweet-spicy symphony.
- Chicken Breast or Thighs
Provides a tender, juicy base for the recipe. Thighs add extra richness and moisture, while breasts keep things lean.
- All-Purpose Flour
Creates the foundational coating that, when fried, turns golden brown and crispy.
- Cornstarch
Boosts crispiness by absorbing excess moisture and forming a light, crackly crust.
- Baking Powder
Helps the coating puff up and crisp evenly, giving you that irresistible crunch.
- Garlic Powder
Infuses the breading with savory depth and aromatic warmth.
- Onion Powder
Adds subtle sweetness and layers of flavor to the coating mix.
- Salt
Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and seasoning blend.
- Black Pepper
Delivers a gentle kick of heat and balances the flavor profile.
- Eggs
Act as a binding agent, helping the flour mixture adhere evenly to each chicken piece.
- Buttermilk
Tenderizes the chicken and ensures the coating sticks, adding tangy richness.
- Vegetable Oil
Provides the frying medium to achieve that perfectly crisp exterior without burning.
- Mayonnaise
Forms the creamy base of the Bang Bang sauce, giving it smooth texture and richness.
- Sweet Chili Sauce
Contributes sweet, tangy heat, building the signature flavor foundation.
- Sriracha Sauce
Adds bold spiciness; you can adjust the amount to suit your heat preference.
- Honey
Balances the sauce with natural sweetness and a glossy finish.
- Rice Vinegar
Brightens the sauce with subtle acidity, rounding out the sweet-spicy notes.
HOW TO MAKE CRISPY BANG BANG CHICKEN
Let’s roll up our sleeves and get cooking! Follow these detailed steps to transform simple ingredients into a crunchy, saucy masterpiece.
1. Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces and setting them aside on a plate or cutting board.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until everything is evenly distributed.
3. Whisk Wet Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk until the mixture is smooth and uniform in color.
4. Heat the Oil
Pour the vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat over medium-high heat. You want the oil to coat the bottom of the pan and shimmer before you start frying.
5. Coat the Chicken
Dip each piece of chicken into the egg-and-buttermilk mixture, ensuring full coverage, then dredge it in the flour mixture. Shake off any excess flour for a light, even coating.
6. Fry to Perfection
Fry the chicken in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook each piece for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
7. Make the Bang Bang Sauce
While the chicken is frying, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar in a small bowl. Whisk until the sauce is smooth and fully combined.
8. Toss in Sauce
Once all the chicken pieces are cooked and drained, place them in a large bowl. Pour the Bang Bang sauce over the top and toss gently to ensure each piece is coated.
9. Serve Immediately
Transfer the sauced chicken to a serving platter and garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy while it’s hot and crispy!
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CRISPY BANG BANG CHICKEN
When it comes to serving Crispy Bang Bang Chicken, the possibilities are endless. You can plate this as a shareable appetizer or build a full meal around these flavorful bites. The key is to balance the rich, spicy-sweet chicken with fresh or soothing sides that let the crunch and sauce shine. Here are some of my favorite ways to present this crowd-pleaser:
- Steamed Jasmine Rice
Spoon hot, fluffy rice onto each plate and top with saucy chicken bites. The rice soaks up extra sauce, creating a comforting, saucy bed that complements the crunch perfectly.
- Crisp Garden Salad
Serve alongside a simple salad of mixed greens, cucumber ribbons, and cherry tomatoes. A light citrus vinaigrette cuts through the richness and adds a refreshing crunch.
- Lettuce Wraps
Place a few chicken pieces in crisp lettuce leaves (like butter or iceberg) and drizzle with extra sauce. These handheld wraps are perfect for casual entertaining.
- Mini Sandwich Sliders
Layer chicken and shredded cabbage in small slider buns or soft dinner rolls. Add a smear of extra bang bang sauce to both sides of the bun for an irresistible sandwich treat.
HOW TO STORE CRISPY BANG BANG CHICKEN
Storing your leftovers properly ensures you enjoy that delightful crunch and flavor even days after cooking. Whether you’re saving extra chicken or just want to keep the Bang Bang sauce at its best, these storage tips will help preserve texture and taste.
- Refrigerating Leftovers
Allow the chicken to cool completely, then place it in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a hot oven or air fryer to re-crisp the coating.
- Freezing for Later
Flash-freeze individual chicken pieces on a parchment-lined tray. Once solid, transfer to a zip-top freezer bag and store for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in a preheated oven at 375°F until heated through and crispy.
- Sauce Storage
Keep leftover Bang Bang sauce in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to one week. Stir well before using, as separation may occur.
- Reheating Tips
To revive the crisp texture, avoid the microwave if possible. Instead, spread chicken pieces on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until warmed and crunchy again.
CONCLUSION
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken checks all the boxes: it’s easy enough for busy weeknights, impressive enough for dinner guests, and adaptable enough to suit any spice preference. From that first crunch to the last saucy bite, this recipe delivers unbeatable flavor and texture—with a prep time of just 20 minutes and a total cooking time of around 25 minutes, making it a perfect option for both beginners and seasoned home cooks. The homemade Bang Bang sauce blends creamy mayonnaise, sweet chili, sriracha, honey, and a splash of rice vinegar into a luscious coating that’s both tangy and sweet-spicy, complementing the golden-fried chicken beautifully.
Feel free to print this article or save it in your recipe collection for easy reference whenever that craving for crispy, saucy chicken strikes. You’ll find a handy FAQ below to answer any lingering questions. If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out—leave a comment, share your tweaks, or ask for advice if you hit any snags. Your feedback helps make this recipe even better, and I’m always here to help you master the crunch and sauce that make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken a beloved favorite. Happy cooking!
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
Description
These golden-fried chicken pieces boast a crunchy exterior and juicy interior, all coated in a luscious blend of mayo, sweet chili, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar for the ultimate flavor kick.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Start by preparing the chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
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In a large bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk until fully combined.
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Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want enough oil to coat the bottom of the skillet and fry the chicken pieces.
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Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, ensuring it's fully coated, then dredge it in the flour mixture. Make sure to coat the chicken evenly and shake off any excess flour.
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Fry the chicken in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy. Remove from the skillet and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
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While the chicken is frying, prepare the Bang Bang sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth and combined.
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Once the chicken is cooked and drained, place it in a large bowl. Pour the Bang Bang sauce over the chicken and toss gently to coat the chicken pieces evenly.
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Serve immediately with your favorite side, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Note
- You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- For extra crunch, you can double dip the chicken (dunk it back into the egg mixture and flour mixture before frying).
- Adjust the heat level of the sauce by increasing or decreasing the amount of sriracha.
- Serve with steamed rice or a simple salad for a balanced meal.
- Leftover sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to a week and is great for dipping!
