If you’re craving a bold and flavorful dish that’s both crispy and creamy, look no further than Bang Bang Chicken! This mouthwatering recipe combines crispy fried chicken with a creamy, spicy sauce that’s so addictive, you’ll be coming back for seconds. Whether you’re preparing it as an appetizer, a main dish, or something to wow your guests, Bang Bang Chicken is sure to be a hit. Keep reading for the full recipe, detailed cooking instructions, and tips for perfecting this dish at home.
What is Bang Bang Chicken?
Bang Bang Chicken is a popular dish that originated in the Sichuan province of China but has since gained massive popularity worldwide. The name comes from the sound created when the chicken is tenderized by being pounded or banged with a wooden mallet. Traditionally, Bang Bang Chicken is poached, shredded, and served cold with a spicy peanut sauce, but in Western cuisine, it’s often served with crispy fried chicken and a creamy, spicy mayonnaise-based sauce. This recipe will focus on the more popular, Westernized version that has become a favorite in restaurants and home kitchens alike.
Ingredients List for Bang Bang Chicken
Before diving into the cooking instructions, you’ll need to gather the following ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Vegetable oil for frying (about 2 cups)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Substitutions and Variations
While the ingredients listed above provide the classic flavor profile for Bang Bang Chicken, you can always tweak the recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some substitution and variation ideas:
- Chicken Thighs: If you prefer dark meat, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts for a juicier and more flavorful result.
- Air Fryer Option: Instead of deep frying, try using an air fryer for a healthier, less greasy alternative. Simply coat the chicken and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Gluten-Free Version: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly dish.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken with cauliflower florets for a delicious vegetarian option. You can follow the same breading and frying process to achieve that signature crispy texture.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to get started? Follow these steps to cook perfect Bang Bang Chicken:
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Cut your chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes, roughly 1 to 1.5 inches in size. This allows for even cooking and ensures the chicken pieces stay juicy.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Toss to evenly coat all pieces.
2. Set Up Breading Station
- In one bowl, add the flour. In a second bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Dredge each piece of seasoned chicken in the flour first, then dip into the beaten egg, and finally roll in the panko breadcrumbs to coat thoroughly.
3. Fry the Chicken
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a small piece of bread into the oil—if it sizzles and browns quickly, it’s ready.
- Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer the fried chicken pieces to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
How to Cook Bang Bang Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking Bang Bang Chicken requires precise steps to achieve the perfect balance of crispy texture and creamy flavor. Here’s a guide to ensure your dish turns out just right:
- Cut the Chicken Properly: Cutting the chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces helps with even cooking and makes the dish more presentable.
- Breading for Crispiness: The three-step breading process—flour, egg, and panko—ensures the chicken is fully coated and gives you that signature crunch when fried.
- Frying at the Right Temperature: Maintaining a consistent oil temperature is key. If the oil is too hot, the outside will burn before the inside is cooked. If it’s too cool, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
- Making the Bang Bang Sauce: Whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth. Adjust the heat by adding more or less sriracha, depending on your preference.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Pan: Frying too many chicken pieces at once will lower the oil’s temperature, resulting in soggy, greasy chicken. Always fry in batches to maintain the oil's temperature.
- Skipping the Breading Steps: Don’t rush through the breading process. Each layer—flour, egg, and breadcrumbs—serves an essential role in creating that perfect crunchy exterior.
- Saucing Too Early: Wait until the chicken has drained and cooled slightly before tossing it in the Bang Bang sauce. If you toss the chicken in sauce immediately, the crispy coating will become soggy.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Presentation matters just as much as flavor when serving Bang Bang Chicken! Here are some serving tips to elevate your dish:
- Crisp, Fresh Lettuce: Serve Bang Bang Chicken on a bed of crisp lettuce or shredded cabbage to add freshness and crunch.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of chopped green onions or cilantro adds color and a burst of fresh flavor.
- Side Dishes: Pair your Bang Bang Chicken with rice, steamed vegetables, or a light cucumber salad to balance out the richness of the dish.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken
Bang Bang Chicken is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways depending on the occasion. Here are a few serving ideas:
- As an Appetizer: Arrange the crispy chicken pieces on a platter and serve with extra Bang Bang sauce for dipping. This is a great option for parties or gatherings.
- As a Main Dish: Serve the chicken over jasmine rice or alongside a simple vegetable stir-fry for a full meal. You can also add the Bang Bang Chicken to tacos or wraps for a fun twist.
Presentation Ideas for Bang Bang Chicken
- Colorful Garnishes: Add vibrancy to your plate by garnishing with red chili flakes, lime wedges, or thinly sliced radishes.
- Serve in Lettuce Cups: For a lighter, handheld option, serve the Bang Bang Chicken in large lettuce leaves like iceberg or butter lettuce. It adds a fun, interactive element to the meal.
Bang Bang Chicken Recipe Tips
- Marinate for Extra Flavor: If you have time, marinate the chicken in buttermilk and spices for 30 minutes before breading. This helps tenderize the chicken and infuses extra flavor.
- Make the Sauce in Advance: You can prepare the Bang Bang sauce a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together even more.
- Double-Coat for Extra Crispiness: If you want your chicken to be extra crispy, try double-coating the chicken by repeating the flour and panko steps before frying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
A: Yes! To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the breaded chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. You won’t get the same crispiness as frying, but it’s a healthier option.
Q: How spicy is Bang Bang Chicken?
A: The heat level depends on how much sriracha you add to the sauce. You can adjust the spiciness by reducing the sriracha or adding more if you prefer a kick.
Q: Can I use shrimp instead of chicken?
A: Absolutely! Bang Bang Shrimp is a popular variation of this dish. Simply swap the chicken for peeled, deveined shrimp, and follow the same breading and frying instructions.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftover chicken and sauce separately. Keep the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness, then toss with the sauce.
Conclusion
Bang Bang Chicken is a flavor-packed dish that’s easy to make at home and sure to impress family and friends. The combination of crispy fried chicken and a creamy, spicy sauce is a match made in heaven, and with the right tips and techniques, you can perfect this dish in your own kitchen. Whether you're serving it as an appetizer, main course, or part of a creative fusion meal, this recipe is a winner. Ready to take your cooking skills to the next level? Try this Bang Bang Chicken recipe today and prepare to wow your taste buds!
PrintBang Bang Chicken Recipe
This Bang Bang Chicken recipe delivers crispy fried chicken coated in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce made with mayo, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha. It's a crowd-pleasing dish that's perfect for a quick dinner or as a fun appetizer for parties. Ready in under 30 minutes, it's a simple yet flavorful meal with a delightful crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American, Asian Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together cornstarch, flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Dip the chicken pieces into buttermilk, then dredge them in the flour mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces in batches for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- In a separate bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey to make the bang bang sauce.
- Toss the crispy chicken in the sauce until well coated, or drizzle the sauce on top if you prefer.
- Serve immediately with rice or as an appetizer with fresh herbs for garnish.
Notes
- For a healthier option, air-fry or bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- You can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less Sriracha.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 700mg
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