Irresistible Bang Bang Chicken Recipe: Spicy-Sweet Magic

Crispy, zesty bang bang chicken brings a thrilling explosion of flavors right to your plate.

Chili sauce and mayo create a creamy, spicy coating that makes every bite irresistible.

Originating from Chinese street food culture, this dish packs serious punch with its tangy profile.

Kitchen adventures await when you mix together simple ingredients for maximum impact.

Perfectly balanced between heat and coolness, the sauce transforms ordinary chicken into something extraordinary.

Tender meat meets crunchy exterior in a delightful dance of textures.

Hunger calling?

This recipe promises to become your new favorite quick meal.

Storing Bang Bang Chicken with Care

• Store leftover bang bang chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the chicken separate from the sauce to maintain its crispiness.
• Wrap individual pieces of fried chicken tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Warm the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes to restore its crispy texture. Avoid using the microwave, which can make the chicken soggy.
• Keep the bang bang sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Stir well before using and add fresh sauce if needed when reheating the chicken.

FAQs

• What does Bang Bang Chicken taste like?

The dish offers a perfect balance of crispy chicken with a creamy, spicy sauce that’s tangy and slightly sweet, combining crunchy texture with bold flavor.

• Is Bang Bang Chicken very spicy?

The spice level is mild to moderate, depending on how much sriracha you add. You can easily adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the amount of hot sauce.

• What's the origin of Bang Bang Chicken?

While it sounds like an Asian dish, Bang Bang Chicken is actually an American creation, popularized by restaurants like Bonefish Grill, featuring a unique sauce and crispy coating.

• Can I make Bang Bang Chicken healthier?

Yes, you can bake the chicken instead of frying, use Greek yogurt in the sauce to reduce calories, and choose whole wheat breadcrumbs for added nutrition.

Why Bang Bang Chicken Brings the Heat

• Dive into Simplicity: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned chefs.
• Savor Quick Preparation: Mix ingredients in one bowl, spread on chicken, and bake – creating a delicious meal without complex techniques or long cooking processes.
• Transform Ordinary Chicken: The creamy Parmesan coating transforms basic chicken breasts into a mouth-watering dish bursting with rich, tangy flavors that elevate a standard protein.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Guaranteed to satisfy picky eaters and please family members with its familiar yet delectable taste profile, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients for Bang Bang Chicken at Home

• Chicken Breasts: Tender and lean meat that serves as the main protein for this crispy dish.

• Flour: Helps create a smooth base for the breading and ensures the egg mixture adheres well.
• Eggs: Provides a sticky layer that helps the breadcrumbs cling to the chicken.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Light and crispy Japanese-style breadcrumbs that give the chicken a crunchy exterior.

• Mayonnaise: Creamy base that adds richness to the bang bang sauce.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: Provides a sweet and slightly spicy flavor to the sauce.
• Sriracha: Adds heat and tanginess to the bang bang sauce.
• Green Onions: Fresh garnish that brings a mild onion flavor and bright color to the dish.

• Cooking Oil: Allows the chicken to be deep-fried until golden and crispy.

• Paper Towels: Used to drain excess oil from the fried chicken.

Preparing Bang Bang Chicken Step-by-Step

Step 1: Slice Chicken into Bite-Sized Morsels

Use a sharp knife to transform chicken breasts into small, uniform pieces that will cook evenly and provide perfect bite-sized goodness.

Step 2: Create Crispy Coating Station

• All-purpose flour
• Beaten eggs
• Panko breadcrumbs

Step 3: Bread the Chicken Pieces

Dredge each chicken piece through the stations: first dust with flour, then dip in egg, and finally roll generously in panko breadcrumbs to create a crunchy exterior.

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer until it reaches a sizzling temperature. Carefully place breaded chicken pieces into the hot oil and fry until they turn a beautiful golden brown and become wonderfully crisp.

Step 5: Drain Excess Oil

Transfer fried chicken pieces onto a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil and maintain their crispiness.

Step 6: Whip Up Bang Bang Sauce

• Mayonnaise
• Sweet chili sauce
• Sriracha

Stir until the sauce is smooth and well-blended.

Step 7: Coat Chicken in Signature Sauce

Toss the crispy chicken pieces in the bang bang sauce, ensuring each piece is generously and evenly covered with the spicy, creamy mixture.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions over the sauced chicken for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Great Tips for Bang Bang Chicken Lovers

• Pat chicken dry before coating to ensure crispy texture and better breading adhesion.
• Use room temperature eggs for smoother, more even coating on the chicken pieces.
• Control oil temperature between 350-375°F to prevent burning and achieve golden, crispy exterior.
• Adjust bang bang sauce spiciness by increasing or decreasing sriracha amount to suit personal heat preference.
• Let fried chicken rest on paper towels for a few minutes to absorb excess oil and maintain crunchiness.

Bang Bang Chicken: Fun Ways to Mix It Up

• Spicy Thai Remix: Replace sriracha with red curry paste for an authentic Thai flavor profile, adding a deeper heat and aromatic complexity.
• Honey Garlic Crunch: Swap bang bang sauce with a homemade honey garlic glaze, incorporating minced garlic and a touch of soy sauce for umami richness.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Use Italian breadcrumbs and coat with dried oregano, thyme, and parmesan cheese, serving with a tzatziki dipping sauce for a Greek-inspired version.
• Korean Gochujang Kick: Create a sauce using gochujang, honey, and rice vinegar, garnishing with toasted sesame seeds and green onions for a Korean street food experience.

Sharing Bang Bang Chicken for Dinner Parties

• Crispy Party Platter: Arrange bang bang chicken pieces on a large wooden board with small dipping bowls. Scatter green onions across the top for a colorful presentation that encourages shared snacking.
• Asian-Inspired Wrap: Wrap the saucy chicken in soft flour tortillas with shredded lettuce and extra bang bang sauce. Roll tightly and slice diagonally for a portable lunch option that's packed with flavor.
• Loaded Bang Bang Rice Bowl: Serve chicken over steamed white rice, drizzle with extra sauce, and top with sliced cucumber, green onions, and sesame seeds. Create layers of texture and taste that make this dish feel restaurant-worthy.

Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sichuan’s bang bang chicken delivers a spicy, tangy explosion of flavor across tender shredded meat. Crisp cucumber and bold chili oil complement the zesty sauce, creating a memorable dish that will excite your palate with authentic Chinese culinary tradition.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
• 2 tbsps sriracha
• 2 green onions
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

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Instructions

1. Transform chicken breasts into uniform, compact morsels ensuring consistent cooking and crispy texture.
2. Create a three-stage coating process: dust chicken pieces thoroughly with flour, immerse in whisked egg mixture, then generously roll in panko breadcrumbs for maximum crunch.
3. Heat oil to 350°F in a deep skillet, carefully fry chicken pieces until exterior turns golden brown and interior reaches 165°F, approximately 3-4 minutes per batch.
4. Remove chicken using slotted spoon and place on wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil and maintain crispiness.
5. Whisk mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha in a separate bowl until smooth and well-integrated, creating a vibrant, tangy bang bang sauce.
6. Transfer hot chicken pieces into sauce, gently tossing to ensure complete and even coating without compromising the crisp exterior.
7. Plate the sauced chicken, sprinkling finely chopped green onions across the top for fresh flavor and visual appeal.
8. Serve immediately while chicken remains hot and crispy, accompanied by additional sauce on the side if desired.

Notes

• Ensure chicken pieces are uniform in size for even cooking and consistent crispiness.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting panko with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Keep oil temperature consistent around 350°F to prevent soggy or burnt chicken pieces.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg