If you’re craving a dish that’s creamy, crispy, and irresistibly flavorful, this bang bang chicken recipe is a must-try! Originally inspired by Asian-American fusion cuisine, bang bang chicken combines crunchy fried chicken bites with a creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make at home with just a few pantry ingredients.
This dish gets its name from the “bang bang” sauce—a delicious mix of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha—that coats every piece of tender chicken. Perfect as an appetizer, main course, or party snack, this bang bang chicken recipe will quickly become one of your go-to favorites.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1–2 tbsp sriracha (adjust for spice level)
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
Cut chicken into bite-sized cubes. Place in a bowl and cover with buttermilk. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours for extra tenderness). - Make the Coating:
In a shallow dish, combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well. - Heat the Oil:
Pour oil into a deep pan or pot, about 1–2 inches deep. Heat to 350°F (175°C). - Dredge the Chicken:
Remove chicken pieces from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Coat evenly in the flour mixture, pressing lightly for a crispy crust. - Fry Until Golden:
Fry chicken in batches for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. - Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth. - Coat and Serve:
Toss fried chicken pieces in the bang bang sauce until fully coated. Serve immediately for the crispiest texture.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
Tips & Variations
- Air Fryer Option: Skip deep frying and cook the chicken in an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Healthier Sauce: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter version.
- Extra Crunch: Double-dip the chicken—dip once in buttermilk, then flour, then back in buttermilk and again in flour before frying.
- Spice Level: Adjust the sriracha to your liking. Add red pepper flakes for more heat.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute flour with rice flour or gluten-free all-purpose blend.
Serving Suggestions
This bang bang chicken recipe pairs beautifully with:
- Steamed jasmine rice or fried rice
- Fresh lettuce wraps for a low-carb option
- Asian-style slaw or cucumber salad
- A drizzle of extra sauce and sprinkle of green onions or sesame seeds
It’s also great for game nights or party platters—serve with toothpicks for easy snacking!
FAQs
Q1: Can I bake bang bang chicken instead of frying?
Yes! Bake the coated chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden and crispy. Then toss in the sauce.
Q2: What type of chicken works best?
Both chicken breasts and thighs work great. Thighs tend to be juicier, while breasts give a leaner texture.
Q3: How long does bang bang chicken last?
It’s best eaten fresh, but you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to keep it crispy.
Q4: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The sauce keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
Conclusion
This bang bang chicken recipe delivers the perfect balance of crispy, creamy, and spicy flavors in every bite. Whether you fry, bake, or air fry it, the result is always deliciously satisfying. Perfect for weeknight dinners or party appetizers, it’s a recipe that everyone will crave again and again.
Try it once, and this bang bang chicken recipe will definitely earn a permanent spot in your kitchen rotation!
