Bang Bang Chicken

I still remember the first time I tried Bang Bang Chicken at a popular chain restaurant.
It was crispy, creamy, sweet, spicy — everything good wrapped up into one bite. I thought, “There’s no way I can recreate this magic at home.”

Fast forward a few months, and after a little experimenting (and quite a few delicious mistakes!), I finally nailed the perfect Bang Bang Chicken recipe.
Spoiler alert: it’s shockingly easy, totally customizable, and honestly? Way better than takeout.
Now it’s one of my go-to dishes for quick dinners, weekend appetizers, or when I just want to impress guests without spending all day in the kitchen.

Let’s get into it — because once you try homemade Bang Bang Chicken, you might never go back!

Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Chicken

1. Incredible Flavor Explosion: The combination of crispy fried chicken and the creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce creates a taste sensation that’s sweet, tangy, and fiery all at once.
2. Cost-Effective & Restaurant-Worthy: Why spend $15 at a restaurant when you can make this delicious dish at home for a fraction of the price? Plus, you control the spice level and portion size.
3. Versatile & Customizable: Whether served over rice, in tacos, or as a salad topping, this recipe adapts to whatever meal vibe you’re feeling. You can even try it with shrimp or cauliflower for a twist!

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken

Quick Overview

This recipe is all about simplicity. You’ll coat bite-sized chicken pieces in a seasoned flour mixture, fry them until crispy, and toss them in a homemade Bang Bang sauce. The result? A perfect balance of crunch and creaminess in every bite — all in just 30 minutes.

Key Ingredients for Bang Bang Chicken:

• Chicken breasts (2 large) – cut into bite-sized pieces
• Cornstarch (1/2 cup) – for extra crispiness
• All-purpose flour (1/2 cup)
• Eggs (2) – beaten
• Salt (1 tsp)
• Pepper (1/2 tsp)
• Garlic powder (1 tsp)
• Paprika (1/2 tsp)
• Vegetable oil – for frying

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• Mayonnaise (1/2 cup)
• Sweet chili sauce (1/4 cup)
• Sriracha (2 tbsp) – adjust to taste
• Honey (1 tbsp) – for sweetness
• Lime juice (1 tbsp) – optional, for a zesty kick

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prep the Chicken:
   • Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes.
2. Set Up the Breading Station:
   • In one bowl, whisk the eggs.
   • In another, mix the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
3. Coat the Chicken:
   • Dip each chicken piece in the egg, then coat it in the flour mixture. Shake off any excess.
4. Fry to Crispy Perfection:
   • Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Fry the chicken pieces for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden and cooked through.
   • Remove and drain on a paper towel.
5. Make the Sauce:
   • In a bowl, whisk together mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice.
6. Toss & Serve:
   • Toss the crispy chicken in the Bang Bang sauce until evenly coated.
   • Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired

Expert Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Chicken

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in batches so the oil stays hot and the chicken gets crispy.
• Use a thermometer: Keeping the oil around 350°F ensures a crunchy exterior without greasy chicken.
• Double breading: For ultra-crispy chicken, dip back into buttermilk and flour for a second coat before frying.
• Serve sauce on the side: If you’re making it for a crowd, serve sauce separately to keep the chicken crispy.

Variations and Substitutions

• Baked Bang Bang Chicken: Bake breaded chicken at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, then drizzle with sauce.
• Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken: Spray breaded chicken lightly with oil and air fry at 400°F for 12–15 minutes.
• Bang Bang Shrimp: Substitute shrimp for chicken and reduce frying time to 2–3 minutes.
• Vegetarian Version: Try crispy cauliflower bites instead of chicken!

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Serving Suggestions

• Over Rice: Turn it into a full meal with steamed jasmine or brown rice.
• In Wraps: Stuff into tortillas with slaw for a fun twist.
• On Salad: Top a crisp green salad for a spicy, crispy upgrade.
• As an Appetizer, serve with toothpicks at parties — guaranteed to disappear fast!

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Storage: Keep leftover chicken (without sauce) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F until crispy again — about 5–7 minutes.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken (before saucing) for up to 2 months. Re -heat from steady at 400°F until warm and crispy.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! Bang Bang Sauce can be made up to 5 days ahead and stored in the fridge.

Is Bang Bang Chicken really spicy?
It’s mildly spicy, but you can easily adjust by using less sriracha if you prefer it milder.

What oil is best for frying?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like canola, vegetable, or peanut oil.

Can I use chicken tenders instead of breast pieces?
Absolutely! Chicken tenders work beautifully and save you a little prep time.

Is there a healthier version of this dish?
Yes — bake or air fry the breaded chicken instead of deep frying, and use Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce.

(Optional) Approximate Nutrition Information (per serving):

• Sugar: 8g
• Calories: 520
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 28g
• Carbs: 40g
• Fiber: 2g

If you’ve been craving that crispy, saucy, spicy-sweet goodness from your favorite restaurant, this homemade Bang Bang Chicken will blow you away.
It’s easier than you think, totally customizable, and tastes even better made fresh in your own kitchen.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Drop a comment below, leave a rating, or share a pic and tag me — it makes my day every single time