If you’re a fan of bold flavors and crave a meal that hits all the right notes of sweet, spicy, and crispy, then this Bang Bang Chicken recipe is going to be your new go-to. I first tried this dish at a local restaurant and was immediately hooked by the combination of crunchy chicken with that irresistible creamy, spicy sauce. It’s the perfect balance of flavors that leave you wanting more with every bite.
This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you’re craving comfort food with a bit of a kick, or as an appetizer for your next gathering. The beauty of Bang Bang Chicken lies not just in the flavor, but in its simplicity. You can have it ready in under 30 minutes, making it an easy and quick solution for satisfying your hunger. Whether served on its own, tossed in a salad, or paired with some steamed rice, Bang Bang Chicken is a versatile dish that’s sure to impress.
Ready to bring that same mouthwatering dish into your kitchen? Let’s dive in!
Table of contents
Why this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe Works
What makes this Bang Bang Chicken recipe stand out is the combination of textures and flavors. The chicken is coated in a light, crispy batter that complements the creamy, spicy sauce perfectly. Unlike other chicken dishes that can feel greasy, the crispy chicken in this recipe stays light, thanks to the simple batter made from cornstarch and seasonings.
The real star here is the sauce. A blend of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha, it’s creamy with a little heat and just the right amount of sweetness. This perfect harmony of flavors makes every bite of chicken addictive. Plus, it’s versatile, you can adjust the level of spice depending on your preference, and the sauce can easily be made dairy-free or gluten-free if necessary.
Another reason this recipe works is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that’s packed with flavor without spending hours in the kitchen. And if you’re looking for customization, there are plenty of ways to switch things up, whether it’s swapping the chicken for shrimp, adding more veggies, or adjusting the sauce to be milder or spicier. This recipe serves as a perfect base for experimentation.
Recipe Card
Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Cuisine: American, AsianDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes20
minutes450
kcalThis Bang Bang chicken recipe features crispy, tender chicken pieces coated in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce. With just the right balance of tanginess and heat, it’s a crowd-pleasing dish that works perfectly as an appetizer or main course. Quick and easy to make, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners or parties!
Ingredients
- For the Chicken
500 g chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup buttermilk
Salt and pepper, to taste
Oil, for frying
- For the Sauce
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
2 tbsp sriracha
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp rice vinegar (optional for tanginess)
- Optional Garnish
Chopped green onions
Sesame seeds
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt.
- Dip the chicken in buttermilk, then coat with the flour mixture. Repeat to double coat for extra crispiness.
- Fry the chicken
- Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth.
- Drizzle the sauce over the fried chicken or toss them together in a large bowl for an even coating. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- Adjust Spice Level: Reduce or increase the sriracha depending on your spice tolerance.
- Lighter Version: Air-fry or bake the chicken instead of frying for a healthier option.
Tips for the perfect Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
- Double Dip for Extra Crispiness: For the crispiest chicken, dip the pieces twice in the batter. This gives the chicken a thicker, crunchier coating that holds up well against the creamy sauce.
- Use Fresh Chicken: Fresh chicken breasts or thighs work best for this recipe. If you’re using frozen chicken, make sure it’s thoroughly thawed and patted dry to ensure the batter sticks properly.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When frying the chicken, avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry the chicken in batches if necessary. This ensures that each piece has enough room to get crispy and evenly cooked without steaming.
- Adjust Spice to Your Taste: The sauce is meant to have a kick, but you can adjust the heat level by adding more or less sriracha. For a milder version, use less sriracha and more sweet chili sauce. For an extra kick, feel free to add a bit of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the mix.
Recipe Variants
Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
For seafood lovers, swapping chicken for shrimp gives you a lighter, yet equally satisfying, dish. The shrimp can be coated in the same batter and fried to a perfect crisp before being tossed in the same creamy sauce. The sweet and spicy sauce pairs beautifully with shrimp, creating a deliciously addictive flavor.
Bang Bang Tofu
If you’re following a plant-based diet, tofu is a great substitute for chicken. Make sure to press and drain the tofu well to remove excess moisture before frying. Tofu can be coated in the same crispy batter and fried just like the chicken. Once tossed in the Bang Bang sauce, it becomes a crispy, crunchy, and flavorful treat that’s satisfying and full of texture.
Bang Bang Cauliflower
For a veggie-packed twist, cauliflower florets make a great substitute. After coating the cauliflower in batter and frying it, toss them in the same sauce. The cauliflower provides a satisfying crunch, and the creamy, spicy sauce makes each bite an exciting burst of flavor. This variant is perfect for those looking for a vegetarian or lower-carb option.
Bang Bang Chicken Salad
If you want a lighter version of the dish, serve the crispy chicken over a bed of fresh greens. The sauce can be drizzled over the top, or you can serve it on the side as a dipping sauce. Adding a bit of avocado or cucumber can make the salad even more refreshing and balanced.
FAQs
Yes, Greek yogurt can be a healthier substitute, though it will alter the taste slightly, making it less creamy but still delicious.
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour, and make sure the sauces you use are gluten-free too.
Serve it with steamed rice, a side salad, or even over noodles for a full meal.
Store the chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers. Reheat the chicken in the oven or air fryer to keep it crispy.
Final Thoughts
The Bang Bang Chicken is the perfect recipe for anyone looking to add some excitement to their dinner rotation. With its crispy chicken, creamy sauce, and just the right amount of heat, it’s sure to become a household favorite. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight meal, a fun weekend snack, or even a gathering with friends, this dish will impress every time. The versatility of the recipe allows you to make it your own, whether you want to spice it up or go for a milder version. The great thing about Bang Bang Chicken is that it doesn’t take much time to prepare, and the flavors are out of this world.
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