Some foods have the power to stop you in your tracks, leaving you momentarily speechless as you take that first bite. Bang Bang Chicken is one of them. It’s crispy, golden, and drenched in a sauce so good, you’ll want to put it on everything.
Imagine juicy, tender chicken wrapped in an ultra-crispy, golden-brown crust, then smothered in a sweet, spicy, creamy sauce that clings to every bite. It’s the perfect mix of heat, crunch, and rich flavor, and once you try it, you’ll be hooked for life.
And the best part? You don’t need a fancy deep-fryer, special ingredients, or culinary school training to make it. Whether you deep-fry, air-fry, or bake, this recipe guarantees restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen.
What Makes Bang Bang Chicken Special?
With a million fried chicken recipes out there, why should Bang Bang Chicken be the one you make?
- The Perfect Crunch – Thanks to panko breadcrumbs, the coating is light, airy, and shatteringly crisp.
- That Legendary Sauce – A mix of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha creates the ultimate sweet-spicy-creamy flavor bomb.
- Versatile & Easy – Serve it as an appetizer, a meal, or even in a wrap—you really can’t go wrong.
- Customizable Heat – Love spice? Add more Sriracha. Prefer mild? Tone it down. This sauce works for everyone.
- Crispy No Matter How You Cook It – Deep-fry, air-fry, or bake—this chicken always turns out crunchy and flavorful.
The Origin of the Name “Bang Bang”
Despite the explosive flavor, Bang Bang Chicken isn’t named after its spicy kick. The name actually comes from a traditional Chinese dish, where street vendors would tenderize cooked chicken by repeatedly pounding it with a wooden mallet—hence the “bang bang.”
Originally, it was served cold with a nutty, spicy sauce, but when it made its way into Western kitchens, it evolved into the deep-fried, sauce-drenched masterpiece we know today.
It might not involve a mallet anymore, but trust me, the flavor still hits like a hammer.
How It Compares to Bang Bang Shrimp
If you’ve had Bang Bang Shrimp, you might be wondering if this is just the chicken version of that dish. The short answer? Sort of, but better.
Both dishes share the same famous sauce, but the difference is all in the texture:
- Shrimp is light and delicate, absorbing flavors quickly.
- Chicken is hearty, juicy, and holds up beautifully to the crispy coating.
If you love that crunchy, saucy goodness, Bang Bang Chicken delivers more bite, more texture, and more satisfaction.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Takes Less Than 30 Minutes – Quick, easy, and way better than takeout.
- Perfect as an Appetizer, Snack, or Meal – Whether you’re serving it as finger food at a party or piling it over rice for dinner, this dish is always a hit.
- Kid-Friendly (or Not) – Adjust the heat level to suit your spice tolerance.
- Crispy No Matter How You Cook It – Fried, baked, or air-fried, this chicken always turns out incredible.
Key Ingredients & Best Substitutions
Chicken Selection – What Works Best?
The best Bang Bang Chicken starts with the right cut of chicken:
- Best choice: Chicken tenderloins – Naturally soft and cook quickly.
- Good alternative: Chicken breasts – Just slice them into thin, even strips for quicker, more even cooking.
- Can you use frozen chicken? Yes! Just thaw it completely before breading so the coating sticks properly.
Bang Bang Sauce – The Secret to Flavor
This sauce is the real star of the dish. It’s creamy, spicy, sweet, and tangy—basically, everything you want in a sauce.
What You’ll Need:
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or swap for Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust based on your spice tolerance)
- 1 teaspoon honey (for that perfect hint of sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (adds brightness and balances the heat)
Want to take it to the next level? Add a splash of soy sauce or a dash of garlic powder for extra depth.
Breading & Coating for Maximum Crispiness
A crispy crust is non-negotiable, and here’s how to get it just right:
- Buttermilk Soak – Keeps the chicken extra juicy and helps the breading stick.
- Panko Breadcrumbs – The secret to light, airy, extra-crunchy coating.
- Alternative Coatings: If you’re out of panko, try crushed cornflakes or crackers—they create a similar crispy texture.
Choosing the Right Oil for Frying
Your oil choice makes a big difference in how crispy and flavorful your chicken turns out.
- Best options: Canola oil, vegetable oil, or peanut oil—they all have a high smoke point and neutral flavor.
- Keeping oil clean for reuse: Strain it through a fine mesh sieve to remove crumbs, then store it in a sealed container for future frying.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Bang Bang Chicken
1: Prepping the Chicken
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces or strips.
- Soak in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes to keep it juicy.
2: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
- Whisk together mayo, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and lime juice.
- Taste and adjust spice levels if needed.
3: Coat the Chicken for Ultimate Crunch
- Dip chicken into flour, then egg, then panko breadcrumbs.
- Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken for extra crispiness.
4: Frying the Chicken to Perfection
Deep-Frying – The Crispiest Option
- Heat the oil to 350°F.
- Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Drain on a wire rack to keep crispy.
Air Fryer Method – The No-Mess Alternative
- Preheat to 400°F.
- Arrange chicken in a single layer and spray lightly with oil.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Oven-Baked – The Healthier Alternative
- Preheat to 425°F.
- Arrange chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 minutes, flipping halfway.
- For extra crispiness, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Like a Pro
Best Sides to Pair with Bang Bang Chicken
- Over Rice – A simple bed of steamed jasmine rice.
- With Fries or Onion Rings – Because crispy chicken + crispy fries = perfection.
- Inside a Wrap – Stuff into warm tortillas with shredded lettuce.
- Over a Salad – Toss over fresh greens for a lighter option.
Best Dipping Sauces & Garnishes
- Extra Bang Bang Sauce – Because one drizzle is never enough.
- Chopped Cilantro & Green Onions – Adds freshness.
- Sesame Seeds – Gives a little extra nutty crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! Swap all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free versions. Most stores carry gluten-free panko, which works beautifully.
Can I Use Different Proteins Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! Try it with:
- Shrimp – A Bang Bang Shrimp twist.
- Tofu or Cauliflower – A vegetarian-friendly version that still packs flavor.
What If My Chicken Isn’t Crispy?
Here’s how to fix it fast:
Check your oil temperature – If it’s too low, the chicken absorbs oil instead of crisping up.
Drain it properly – Always let fried chicken rest on a wire rack, not paper towels.
Double-coat with panko – More coating = more crunch.
Can I Make Bang Bang Chicken Ahead of Time?
Yes! Bread the chicken up to 6 hours in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready, just fry, bake, or air-fry and serve.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips
How to Store Leftovers
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat Without Losing Crispiness
- Oven or Air Fryer (Best Methods!) – Reheat at 375°F for 5-7 minutes.
- Avoid the Microwave – It makes the coating soggy!
More Delicious Chicken Recipes to Try
If you love Bang Bang Chicken, you’ll want to try these too:
Bang Bang Chicken
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins or chicken breast, sliced
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- Oil for frying canola, vegetable, or peanut oil
- For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a lighter option
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp Sriracha adjust for spice level
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tbsp lime juice
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces or strips. Soak in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes to keep it juicy.
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and lime juice. Set aside.
- Bread the Chicken:
- In one bowl, mix flour, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- In a second bowl, place the beaten eggs.
- In a third bowl, add panko breadcrumbs.
- Dip chicken in flour, then egg, then panko, pressing the coating firmly.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Deep Frying: Heat oil to 350°F and fry in small batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Air Frying: Preheat to 400°F, spray chicken with oil, and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Oven-Baking: Preheat to 425°F, bake on a wire rack for 15 minutes, flipping halfway. Broil for 2-3 minutes for extra crispiness.
- Serve: Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the crispy chicken or serve it on the side for dipping.
Notes
- For Extra Crispiness: Double-coat with panko or use crushed cornflakes instead.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating Tips: For the best results, reheat in an air fryer or oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes to retain crispiness.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour and panko breadcrumbs.
Bang Bang Chicken is crispy, juicy, saucy, and absolutely addictive. Whether you deep-fry, air-fry, or bake, this dish is a guaranteed hit.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, whip up a batch, and prepare to fall in love with crispy, saucy magic!
