Craving something crispy, flavorful, and just the right amount of spicy? Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is the ultimate crowd-pleaser! Coated in a perfectly crispy batter and tossed in a sweet and spicy bang bang sauce, this dish is the perfect combination of textures and flavors. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish, appetizer, or party snack, this chicken will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy, golden chicken with a sticky, flavorful sauce.
- Super easy to make at home—better than takeout!
- A hit at parties, game nights, or family dinners.
- Customizable for any spice level you want.
Ingredients for Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- In a bowl, season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Set up a dredging station:
- Bowl 1: Flour and cornstarch (mixed together).
- Bowl 2: Beaten eggs.
- Dip each chicken piece into the flour mixture, then the egg, and back into the flour mixture, ensuring an even coat.
2. Fry the Chicken
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or saucepan to 350°F.
- Fry the chicken in batches, avoiding overcrowding, for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
3. Make the Bang Bang Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, sriracha, and rice vinegar until smooth and creamy. Adjust the spice level to your preference.
4. Toss the Chicken
- In a large bowl, toss the crispy chicken pieces with the bang bang sauce until evenly coated.
5. Garnish and Serve
- Transfer the chicken to a serving plate and garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or fresh cilantro.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this crispy, flavorful treat!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Tips for the Best Bang Bang Chicken
- Double coat for extra crispiness: The flour-egg-flour dredge creates a thick, crunchy crust.
- Oil temperature matters: Keep the oil at 350°F for perfectly crispy chicken. Use a thermometer for accuracy.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in small batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature.
- Serve immediately: The sauce can soften the crispy coating, so enjoy it right after tossing.
Variations for Bang Bang Chicken
- Baked Version: Bake the breaded chicken pieces at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.
- Air Fryer Option: Air fry at 375°F for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway for even cooking.
- Low-Carb Swap: Use almond flour or crushed pork rinds for the coating.
- Shrimp Instead of Chicken: Swap the chicken for shrimp to make crispy Bang Bang Shrimp.
How to Store and Reheat
Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Oven: Reheat at 375°F for 10 minutes to regain some crispiness.
- Air Fryer: Heat at 375°F for 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave: Use short intervals, but note that the chicken will lose its crispiness.
10 FAQs About Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
1. What is Bang Bang Sauce?
It’s a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha.
2. Can I make it less spicy?
Absolutely! Reduce or omit the sriracha and add more honey for a sweeter flavor.
3. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, but it won’t be as crispy. Toss the pre-cooked chicken in the sauce and warm it in the oven or air fryer.
4. What sides go well with this dish?
Serve with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad to balance the flavors.
5. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and work perfectly for this recipe.
6. What type of oil is best for frying?
Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are great options for frying.
7. Is Bang Bang Chicken gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can use gluten-free flour or cornstarch for the coating and gluten-free mayonnaise in the sauce.
8. Can I freeze the chicken?
It’s best to freeze the chicken before tossing it in the sauce. Reheat in the oven or air fryer, then toss in fresh sauce.
9. How do I make the sauce thicker?
You can add a small amount of cornstarch to the sauce if needed, but the mayo already makes it thick and creamy.
10. What other proteins can I use?
Shrimp, tofu, or even cauliflower are great alternatives to chicken in this recipe!
Conclusion
Crispy, saucy, and bursting with flavor, Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is the ultimate recipe to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, this sweet and spicy chicken will be a hit every time. Try it with your favorite sides, and don’t forget to make extra sauce—it’s that good!
Save this recipe and bring the bang to your dinner table tonight! 🎉🍗
