Why You’ll Love Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
This Bang Bang Chicken delivers the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The chicken is lightly battered and fried until crispy on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside. The sauce combines creaminess, sweetness, tanginess, and heat for a bold coating that clings to every bite.
It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for guests. The recipe uses pantry-friendly ingredients and comes together in just 30 minutes. You can also adjust the spice level to suit your taste, making it family-friendly and versatile.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 egg
1/4 cup milk
Vegetable oil for frying
For the sauce:
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust to desired spice level)
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
Directions
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
In a separate bowl, beat the egg with the milk until smooth.
Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat thoroughly in the flour mixture. Shake off any excess flour and set aside.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the chicken in batches for about 5 to 6 minutes per batch, turning occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked through.
Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth and creamy.
Place the crispy chicken in a large bowl and pour the prepared sauce over the top. Toss gently until each piece is evenly coated.
Serve immediately, optionally garnished with sliced green onions or sesame seeds.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories: Approximately 350 kcal per serving
Variations
For a lighter version, bake the coated chicken pieces at 400°F (200°C) for about 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.
You can also air fry the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway for even browning.
Swap chicken breast for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness and flavor.
Add a splash of lime juice to the sauce for a brighter, tangy twist, or increase the honey for a sweeter profile.
For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a bit more sriracha to the sauce.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For best results, reheat the chicken in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5–8 minutes to help restore crispiness. Microwaving is convenient but may result in softer coating.
If possible, store the sauce separately from the fried chicken and toss together just before serving to maintain maximum crunch.
FAQs
Can I make Bang Bang Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can fry the chicken ahead of time and store it separately from the sauce. Toss them together just before serving for the best texture.
How spicy is this recipe?
The spice level is moderate, but you can easily adjust it by reducing or increasing the amount of sriracha.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely. Chicken thighs are slightly more flavorful and stay very juicy after frying.
What oil is best for frying?
Neutral oils with a high smoke point such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil work well.
Can I freeze Bang Bang Chicken?
It’s best to freeze the fried chicken without the sauce. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 months and reheat in the oven before adding fresh sauce.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C), and the outside should be golden brown and crispy.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your sauces are certified gluten-free.
What can I serve with Bang Bang Chicken?
It pairs well with steamed rice, fried rice, noodles, or a crisp green salad.
Why is my chicken not crispy?
Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying and avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature.
Can I use store-bought Bang Bang sauce?
Yes, but making it from scratch allows you to control the sweetness and spice to suit your taste.
Conclusion
Bang Bang Chicken is the perfect combination of crispy texture and bold, creamy heat. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a dish that feels indulgent yet easy enough for any night of the week. Whether served as a main course, appetizer, or party favorite, this sweet and spicy chicken is sure to become a repeat recipe in your kitchen.
