Bang Bang Chicken Recipe: Crispy, Creamy, and Totally Irresistible

What is Bang Bang Chicken?

Bang Bang Chicken is a dish that’s as fun to eat as it is to say. But why the quirky name? Originally, the dish was served in China, where street vendors would tenderize chicken by banging it with a mallet. The sound of the “bang bang” quickly became synonymous with the meal itself.

Today, Bang Bang Chicken typically features crispy, golden-brown chicken pieces tossed in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce. It’s the ultimate comfort food, and trust me — one bite is all it takes to understand why people can’t get enough of it. After all, the way to a heart is through the stomach, right?

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

What to Serve Bang Bang Chicken With:

• Steamed Jasmine Rice – A simple side to soak up all the sauce.
• Garlic Butter Noodles – For a heartier, more indulgent option.
• Crisp Green Salad – A fresh, crunchy contrast to the creamy chicken.
• Tacos or Lettuce Wraps – Turn this dish into a handheld treat.

Tips and Tricks:

• Double Fry for Extra Crispiness: Fry the chicken a second time for an even crunchier bite.
• Control the Heat: Adjust the amount of sriracha to match your spice tolerance.
• Air Fryer Alternative: Air fry the chicken at 375°F for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Fry the chicken and store it separately from the sauce. Reheat in the oven to crisp it up before tossing in the sauce.

Q: Is there a healthier version?
You can bake or air-fry the chicken instead of frying it in oil.

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Thighs add extra juiciness to the dish.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Chicken is the ultimate quick and easy meal that delivers huge flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re making it for a cozy date night, a family dinner, or even a game-day snack, this dish is guaranteed to impress. And the best part? You made it from scratch — no takeout needed!

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, whip up a batch, and let me know in the comments how your Bang Bang Chicken turned out!