If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances crispy, spicy, and sweet flavors, this Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender chicken pieces soaked in buttermilk, fried to golden perfection, then coated in a luscious bang bang sauce that hits all the right notes with a hint of heat and a touch of sweetness. It’s a dish that’s fun to make, irresistibly delicious, and bound to impress family and friends at your next meal or gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe relies on simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together beautifully to create incredible taste and texture. Each ingredient plays its role as a building block to the recipe’s irresistible flavor and crunch.
- Chicken (1 pound boneless, skinless): Bite-sized pieces ensure quick, even cooking and maximum crispiness.
- Buttermilk (1 cup): Tenderizes the chicken for juicy, flavorful bites.
- Cornstarch (1 cup): Provides the essential light, crispy coating that sets this recipe apart.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Contributes to a perfectly balanced dredge for crisp texture.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds subtle, savory aroma to the coating.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Brings mild warmth and a lovely color to the crust.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors in this dish.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Provides a hint of spice and depth.
- Vegetable oil: Used for frying to achieve that golden, crispy exterior.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Forms the creamy base of the bang bang sauce.
- Sweet chili sauce (1/4 cup): Adds the signature sweet heat kick.
- Sriracha (1 tablespoon): Adjustable for your preferred spice level.
- Honey (1 tablespoon): Balances the heat with natural sweetness.
- Rice vinegar (1 teaspoon): Adds a bright, tangy note to brighten the sauce.
How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining the chicken pieces with buttermilk in a bowl. This step is a game changer for juicy chicken because the acidity gently breaks down the proteins, resulting in tender bites. Pop the bowl in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let those flavors meld perfectly.
Step 2: Prepare the Dredge
While the chicken marinates, whisk together cornstarch, flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a separate bowl. This combination is what gives the chicken its unbeatable crunch and flavor, creating a coating that crisps up beautifully once fried.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off, then dredge each piece thoroughly in the dry coating mixture. Make sure every piece is well covered to ensure maximum crispiness.
Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat 1 to 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches, turning occasionally, for 4 to 5 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess oil and keep the pieces from becoming greasy.
Step 5: Mix the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth. This creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce is where the magic happens, perfectly complementing the crispy chicken.
Step 6: Toss or Drizzle and Serve
Either drizzle the bang bang sauce over the chicken pieces or toss them together gently to coat every bite. Serve immediately for the ultimate crispy experience with that addictive sweet-spicy kick.
How to Serve Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Top your crispy bang bang chicken with finely chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or even a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a fragrant and colorful finish. These garnishes add extra texture and a vibrant pop that makes the dish look as amazing as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple, fresh sides like steamed jasmine rice or crunchy lettuce wraps to balance the rich sauce. A crisp cucumber salad or lightly sautéed greens also provide a refreshing counterpoint, rounding out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Fancy something different? Serve the crispy bang bang chicken bites in mini taco shells or atop a bed of noodles for a fun fusion twist. You could also create a shareable platter with veggies, dipping sauces, and even sticky rice balls for parties or casual get-togethers. The possibilities are endless and always delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover crispy bang bang chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, perfect for a quick snack or repurposed into a flavorful lunch the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the fried chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This prevents sticking and keeps their crispiness intact. Frozen chicken can last up to 2 months.
Reheating
To maintain the crispy texture when reheating, pop the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10–12 minutes, turning once halfway through. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that satisfying crunch.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even juicier and more forgiving during frying, making them a fantastic choice for this Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe.
How spicy is the bang bang sauce?
The sauce has a pleasant kick from the Sriracha, but the honey and sweet chili sauce balance the heat nicely. You can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less Sriracha based on your taste.
Is there a healthier way to make this recipe?
Yes! Try air frying the coated chicken pieces at 400°F for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through to get that crisp texture with less oil.
Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge for maximum freshness and flavor.
What if I don’t have sweet chili sauce?
No worries! You can substitute with a mix of honey and a bit of chili garlic sauce to mimic the sweet and spicy profile.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. It’s crispy, flavorful, and utterly addictive with that bang bang sauce pulling everything together beautifully. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and enjoy it as much as I do – trust me, it will soon become a staple in your recipe collection!
Print
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken features tender, bite-sized pieces of chicken marinated in buttermilk, coated with a flavorful spiced flour and cornstarch mixture, then fried to golden perfection. Tossed in a creamy, sweet, and spicy Bang Bang sauce, this Asian-inspired dish is perfect as a main course or appetizer for any occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying (1–2 inches deep)
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces with buttermilk. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Prepare Coating: In a separate bowl, whisk together cornstarch, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to ensure an even and flavorful coating mixture.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk marinade, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge thoroughly in the flour-cornstarch mixture until well-coated on all sides.
- Heat Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or pot to a depth of 1–2 inches and heat over medium-high heat until the oil reaches 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying temperature.
- Fry Chicken: Carefully fry the coated chicken pieces in batches, avoiding overcrowding, for 4–5 minutes each batch. Turn pieces occasionally for even browning until golden and cooked through. Use a thermometer if needed to confirm an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Drain Excess Oil: Transfer fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and maintain crispiness.
- Make Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar. Mix until smooth and well blended.
- Toss or Drizzle: Either drizzle the sauce over the crispy chicken or toss the chicken in the sauce until fully coated for maximum flavor.
- Serve: Serve immediately, optionally garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal.
Notes
- For a lighter alternative, air fry the chicken at 400°F for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice, in lettuce wraps, or served as a spicy and crispy appetizer.
- Adjust the Sriracha quantity in the sauce to modify the spiciness according to preference.
