If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances crunch, spice, and a touch of sweetness, then look no further than this Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe. This recipe transforms simple chicken pieces into a golden, crispy delight coated in a luscious, creamy bang bang sauce that’s bursting with flavor. It’s the ideal meal to impress guests or to indulge in a cozy night at home. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just diving into the world of Asian-inspired dishes, this Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe delivers a memorable experience with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the tender chicken soaking in buttermilk to the crispy coating and the zesty bang bang sauce, each component is essential to the magic.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Bite-sized pieces soak up the marinade and cook evenly for that perfect crisp.
- Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken while adding a subtle tang that complements the spicy sauce.
- All-purpose flour: The base for the crispy coating, providing structure and crunch.
- Cornstarch: Adds extra crispiness to the fried chicken without heaviness.
- Garlic powder: Brings warmth and savory depth to the coating mix.
- Onion powder: Enhances the seasoning with subtle sweetness and aroma.
- Paprika: Adds mild smokiness and a beautiful golden hue.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning, bringing all the flavors together.
- Vegetable oil: Perfect for frying, ensuring a crispy exterior and juicy interior.
- Mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base for the bang bang sauce, balancing spice and sweetness.
- Sweet chili sauce: Adds a fragrant, sweet heat that’s signature to bang bang chicken.
- Sriracha: Provides bold spiciness, adjustable to your heat preference.
- Honey: Gives a natural sweetness that smooths out the kick of the spices.
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds: Optional garnishes that add a fresh, crunchy finish.
How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by placing your chicken pieces in a bowl and pouring the buttermilk over them. This simple step helps tenderize the chicken while infusing it with gentle acidity that keeps each bite moist and flavorful. Let the chicken soak for at least 30 minutes or pop it in the fridge for up to 4 hours if you want to prep ahead.
Step 2: Prepare the Crispy Coating
In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This mixture is the secret to the extra crispy and flavorful crust that will hug each juicy chicken piece. The cornstarch is key here; it makes the coating light and crackly instead of heavy and doughy.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or saucepan and heat it over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Maintaining the right oil temperature is essential for frying perfection – too hot and the chicken burns, too cool and it becomes greasy. A thermometer can be your best friend for this step.
Step 4: Coat and Fry the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off, then dredge each piece thoroughly in your flour mixture. Press the coating onto the chicken to ensure it sticks well. Fry the pieces in batches, so the oil temperature stays consistent, for about 5 to 6 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels to keep that crisp texture intact.
Step 5: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
While the chicken is frying, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey in a small bowl. This creamy, spicy, and sweet sauce is what elevates this dish to another level. Feel free to adjust the amount of sriracha depending on how much heat you crave.
Step 6: Toss and Serve
Once the chicken is hot and crispy, toss it gently in the bang bang sauce or drizzle the sauce on top for a more delicate coating. This step ensures every bite is coated in that irresistible flavor combo we all love.
How to Serve Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped green onions and sesame seeds not only adds a pop of color but also introduces a fresh crunch and nuttiness that perfectly complements the creamy sauce and crispy chicken. These little touches make the dish feel special and restaurant-quality.
Side Dishes
Pair this Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe with lightly steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice to soak up the sauce. Asian slaw with a tangy dressing, roasted veggies, or even crispy fries also make fantastic companions to balance the richness of the chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken over a bed of mixed greens like a bang bang chicken salad or stuff it into soft bao buns for a playful handheld treat. Alternatively, use the crispy pieces as a flavorful protein topping on ramen or poke bowls.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover bang bang chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, but be sure to separate the chicken from the sauce if possible to maintain the best texture.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the cooked, undressed fried chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. They’ll freeze well for up to a month. Freeze the bang bang sauce separately in a small container or freezer bag.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10–12 minutes to keep that crispy crust intact. Avoid microwaving as it can make the breading soggy. Warm the sauce gently on the stovetop or microwave before tossing with the reheated chicken.
FAQs
Can I use different cuts of chicken?
Absolutely! While this recipe uses boneless, skinless chicken breasts for uniformity, chicken thighs work wonderfully too. They offer more fat, which can add extra juiciness while still getting crispy.
Is there a healthier way to make this recipe?
You can switch to Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for the sauce to lighten it up. Also, using an air fryer to cook the chicken reduces oil use while still delivering crispiness, making this Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe a bit lighter but just as tasty.
How spicy is the bang bang sauce?
The sauce offers a nice kick thanks to sriracha, but the heat is very adjustable. If you prefer mild, reduce or omit the sriracha and compensate with extra sweet chili sauce. For a spicier version, add more sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Marinate the chicken a few hours ahead or even overnight for deeper flavor. The dry coating can be mixed and kept ready, and the bang bang sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge for convenience.
What’s the best oil for frying?
Vegetable oil is great because of its high smoke point and neutral flavor. You can also use canola or peanut oil. Avoid olive oil, as it smokes at lower temperatures and alters the flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe is a total winner for anyone seeking a delicious balance of crunchy textures, bold spices, and irresistible creamy sauce. It’s easy enough to make on a weeknight but impressive enough to share with friends and family. Give it a try—you’ll quickly understand why it’s such a loved classic with an exciting kick!
Print
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Dairy-Free option available
Description
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is a flavorful Asian-inspired main course featuring bite-sized pieces of buttermilk-marinated chicken, double-coated in a seasoned flour and cornstarch mixture, then fried to golden perfection. Tossed in a creamy, sweet, and spicy Bang Bang sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey, this dish offers a perfect balance of crispy texture and bold flavors, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds. It’s perfect for a satisfying meal that can be easily prepared on the stovetop or via air fryer for a lighter option.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 tablespoon honey
Garnish (Optional)
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: Place the bite-sized chicken pieces in a bowl and cover them with buttermilk. Allow them to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours, which helps tenderize the meat and adds moisture.
- Prepare the coating: In a separate large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly combined. This dry mixture creates the crispy exterior for the chicken.
- Heat the oil: Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or saucepan and heat it over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure precise temperature for optimal frying results.
- Coat the chicken: Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour and cornstarch mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres well.
- Fry the chicken: Fry the coated chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook each batch for 5 to 6 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken and place it on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Make the Bang Bang sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth and well combined, creating a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce.
- Toss chicken with sauce: While the chicken is still hot, either toss it directly in the Bang Bang sauce for full coverage or drizzle the sauce over the top, depending on your preference.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish the Bang Bang Chicken with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
- Optional air fryer method: For a lighter version, cook the dredged chicken in a preheated air fryer at 400°F for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying lightly with oil to maintain crispiness.
Notes
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise to create a lighter Bang Bang sauce.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha to control the heat level to your preference.
- For a healthier option, use the air fryer method described above.
- Ensure the oil temperature is maintained at 350°F for consistent frying results.
