Bang Bang Chicken is a crispy, tender delight that packs a flavorful punch. With a blend of creamy, spicy, and sweet elements, this dish is perfect for anyone craving a bold appetizer or a delicious meal. Coated in a crispy exterior and tossed in a tantalizing Bang Bang sauce, this chicken is sure to become a household favorite.

Easy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What I love about this Bang Bang Chicken recipe is its perfect combination of textures and flavors. The crispy, golden-brown chicken pairs wonderfully with the creamy yet spicy Bang Bang sauce. Plus, the sauce can be adjusted to your spice level, making it customizable for all taste preferences. It’s easy to make, and the recipe uses simple ingredients, but the result is always impressive. Whether I’m serving it as an appetizer for a party or as a main dish for dinner, it’s a hit every time.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

Chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
Buttermilk
All-purpose flour
Garlic powder
Paprika
Salt
Black pepper
Vegetable oil for frying

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sweet chili sauce
2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon rice vinegar

For the Garnish:

Sliced green onions
Sesame seeds
Fresh cilantro (optional)

(Herе’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Chicken:
Start by cutting the chicken breasts into uniform 1-inch pieces. This helps ensure even cooking. Then, marinate the chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours, to keep it tender.
Coat the Chicken:
In a shallow dish, mix together flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. After the chicken has marinated, remove it from the buttermilk and dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a medium-sized bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, honey, and rice vinegar. Whisk everything together until the sauce is smooth and well-mixed. Refrigerate until ready to toss with the chicken.
Fry the Chicken:
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken pieces in batches for about 4-5 minutes, until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Drain the fried chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Assemble:
Toss the crispy chicken pieces in the prepared Bang Bang sauce until fully coated. Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro if desired. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
Preparation Time: 30 minutes (plus marinating time).
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes.
Total Time: Around 1 hour (including marinating).

Variations

For a spicier kick: Adjust the amount of sriracha in the Bang Bang sauce according to your taste.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for the chicken coating.
Crispier Chicken: Double-dip the chicken pieces (dipping in buttermilk and then in flour) for an extra crunchy coating.
For a healthier version: Try baking the chicken in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, instead of frying it.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: If you have leftovers, store the fried chicken separately from the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes to restore its crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the chicken soggy.

FAQs

How do I make the Bang Bang sauce less spicy?

To make the sauce less spicy, reduce the amount of sriracha sauce and use more sweet chili sauce. You can also add a little more honey to balance out the heat.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the chicken and marinate it in the buttermilk up to 4 hours ahead. The sauce can also be made in advance and stored in the fridge.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs will work well for this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly as they may take a little longer to cook through.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Yes! You can bake the chicken at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, to make it healthier. It may not be as crispy as fried chicken, but it still tastes delicious.

What should I serve with Bang Bang Chicken?

Bang Bang Chicken is great on its own, but I love pairing it with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad to balance out the richness of the dish.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Chicken is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor. The crispy chicken combined with the creamy, spicy sauce makes for a deliciously addictive dish. Whether you serve it for a family dinner, a party appetizer, or just because, it’s guaranteed to impress. Try it out, and I’m sure it will quickly become one of your favorites too!