Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is an irresistible dish that’s become a personal go-to for parties, casual dinners, and just about any occasion where bold flavor is the star. Imagine juicy morsels of chicken wrapped in a shatteringly crisp coating, all drenched in a creamy-sweet-spicy bang bang sauce that’s honestly addictive. If you crave that perfect crunch with every bite, and the kind of sauce you’ll want to drizzle on everything, this recipe delivers in spades. Trust me, just one taste, and this easy yet showstopping appetizer will instantly make you the hero of your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is all about simplicity and maximum flavor. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether it’s creating the golden crunch, lending tenderness, or delivering that glorious sweet-and-spicy finish everyone loves.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless pieces are ideal for juicy bites that soak up all the flavor and stay nice and tender.
- Buttermilk: This is the marinade magic—tenderizing the chicken and infusing it with subtle tang.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of your crispy coating; it forms a crunchy outer shell when fried.
- Cornstarch: Adds extra lightness to the crust, ensuring every piece gets super-crunchy.
- Garlic powder: Brings a mellow, earthy depth to every bite.
- Paprika: Subtle warmth and a beautiful golden color for your chicken.
- Salt: Enhances every flavor and balances the sauce and seasonings.
- Black pepper: A hint of heat that perks up the coating.
- Vegetable oil: Perfect for frying—it gives a crisp finish without overpowering other flavors.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base for your signature bang bang sauce.
- Sweet chili sauce: Adds rich sweetness and a gentle kick, making the sauce totally crave-worthy.
- Sriracha: Turn up the heat level to suit your taste—this delivers spicy pizzazz.
- Honey: Brings a glossy finish and helps all the flavors meld in the sauce.
- Chopped green onions & sesame seeds (optional): These make pretty garnishes that add freshness and subtle nuttiness.
How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by giving your chicken a flavor and tenderness boost. Place the bite-sized chicken pieces in a bowl with the buttermilk, fully coating each piece. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes; this marinating time is the secret to turning ordinary chicken ultra-juicy and delicious.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
While the chicken is soaking up that buttermilk goodness, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a separate bowl. This mix guarantees that outrageously crisp exterior once it hits the oil.
Step 3: Dredge the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing lightly so the coating sticks firmly. The dual action of flour and cornstarch is what makes this version of Crispy Bang Bang Chicken incredibly light and crunchy.
Step 4: Fry Until Golden and Crispy
Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or Dutch oven and heat it to 350°F (you can use a kitchen thermometer for precision). Working in batches, fry the coated chicken pieces for about 4–5 minutes per batch, turning occasionally, until beautifully golden and cooked through. Drain them on a paper towel-lined plate so they stay crisp.
Step 5: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
Whisk up a dreamy blend of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey in a small bowl until smooth and glossy. Adjust the Sriracha for more or less heat, and marvel at how just a few ingredients make something so memorable!
Step 6: Toss and Serve
Either drizzle the sauce generously over the fried chicken or toss the pieces for maximum coverage. Pile everything onto a serving platter, and if you’re feeling fancy, finish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Now gather everyone because your Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is ready for the spotlight!
How to Serve Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
Garnishes
A flourish of chopped green onions and a scattering of sesame seeds are the classic finishing touches for Crispy Bang Bang Chicken. Not only do they look gorgeous, they also provide a fresh, light crunch and a nutty accent that complements the rich sauce perfectly.
Side Dishes
To round out your plate, pair Crispy Bang Bang Chicken with fluffy steamed rice, cooling cucumber salad, or simple roasted veggies. Soft bao buns or lettuce wraps are also fantastic for turning this appetizer into a main meal—plus, they’re super fun to assemble at the table!
Creative Ways to Present
Take your Crispy Bang Bang Chicken to party-platter status by serving in bite-sized skewers, or tuck them into sliders with slaw for a playful twist. For a crowd, arrange the chicken around a bowl of extra sauce for dunking, or place over a bed of crispy lettuce for a lighter, finger-friendly feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have extra crispy chicken, store it (without the sauce) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps preserve that crave-worthy crispness until you’re ready to reheat.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken (again, without sauce) by arranging in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. That way, Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is just a quick reheat away at all times!
Reheating
To reclaim maximum crunch, reheat the chicken in a 375°F oven or air fryer for 8–10 minutes. Skip the microwave if you want to keep that golden exterior. Once hot and crisp, toss with the bang bang sauce just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely—chicken thighs are a fantastic substitute. They’re often juicier and add an extra layer of flavor, so feel free to swap them in using the same prep and cook times.
Is there a way to make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken less spicy?
Definitely! Simply reduce the amount of Sriracha in the sauce, or skip it altogether for a milder version that still packs tons of flavor from the sweet chili sauce and honey.
Can I air fry or bake instead of deep-frying?
Yes, for a lighter spin, you can bake or air fry the chicken at 400°F for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through. The coating gets crispy, though you might not get quite the same deep-fried crunch—it’s still delicious!
What’s the best oil for frying?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. These guarantee beautiful crispness without affecting the flavor of your Crispy Bang Bang Chicken.
How do I make this dairy-free?
Substitute the buttermilk with your favorite dairy-free alternative and use dairy-free mayo in the sauce. This way, you can enjoy all the crispy, saucy goodness even with a dairy-free diet!
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably special about sharing Crispy Bang Bang Chicken—those golden bites, that tangy sauce, and the crowd-pleasing crunch. I can’t wait for you to try it and see why it’s earned a spot in my kitchen year after year. Gather your ingredients, invite a few hungry friends, and get ready for some serious flavor fireworks!
Print
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating time)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes (plus marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is a delicious Asian-American inspired dish featuring crispy chicken bites coated in a flavorful sweet and spicy mayo-based sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, this recipe is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- vegetable oil for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha
- 1 tablespoon honey
For Garnish (Optional):
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Combine chicken pieces and buttermilk in a bowl. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Coating: Mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl.
- Coat the Chicken: Dredge marinated chicken in the flour mixture.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet. Fry chicken until golden and crispy.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey.
- Toss the Chicken: Coat crispy chicken in the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter version, bake or air fry the chicken at 400°F for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Adjust Sriracha for more or less heat depending on your spice preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 23g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
