If you are on the hunt for a dish that combines irresistible crunch with bold, creamy, and spicy flavors, look no further than this Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe. It’s one of those recipes that instantly becomes a crowd-pleaser, balancing a perfectly crispy bite with a luscious sauce that has just the right kick of heat and sweetness. Whether you’re whipping it up for a fun weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a casual gathering, this dish brings vibrant flavors and textures to the table with excitement and ease.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe uses simple yet essential ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the tender chicken pieces soaked in buttermilk to the dynamically spiced coating and that addictive bang bang sauce, everything combines for a harmonious taste and impeccable texture.
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and easy eating.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Adds moisture and tenderness by marinating the chicken before coating.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the crispy coating that locks in juiciness.
- 1 cup cornstarch: Keeps the crust ultra-light and crunchy when fried.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings savory depth and warmth to the breading.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Complements the garlic with a mild sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavor and beautiful color.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential to enhance all the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Gives a little gentle heat and sharpness.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Needed to achieve that golden, crispy exterior.
- ½ cup mayonnaise: The creamy base of the bang bang sauce that ties it all together.
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce: Provides sweetness and mild heat that’s signature to the dish.
- 1 tablespoon sriracha: Adds a spicy, tangy punch to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Balances the flavors with a touch of natural sweetness.
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds (optional): Perfect garnishes for a pop of color and extra crunch.
How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by placing your chicken pieces in a bowl and covering them thoroughly with buttermilk. This step is a game-changer, as the buttermilk’s acidity tenderizes the chicken, making it juicy and flavorful. Let it rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, though longer—up to 4 hours—means even more tender bites.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating Mix
While your chicken marinates, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This carefully balanced combo gives you that signature golden crust and infuses the chicken with a subtle but irresistible spice profile.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Fill a deep skillet or saucepan with about 2 inches of vegetable oil and bring it to 350°F (175°C). Maintaining the oil temperature is key for achieving that perfect crispy texture without absorbing too much oil or undercooking the chicken.
Step 4: Dredge and Fry the Chicken
Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk marinade, letting excess drip off, then dredge it thoroughly in your flour mixture. Press gently to ensure the coating adheres well. Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding, for 5 to 6 minutes until the crust is golden and the inside is perfectly cooked. After frying, drain on a wire rack or paper towels to keep it crisp.
Step 5: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey. This creamy, tangy, and sweet-spicy sauce is the heart of the Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe, turning each bite into a delightful explosion of flavor.
Step 6: Toss or Drizzle and Garnish
For maximum bang bang effect, toss the hot fried chicken pieces in the sauce so each piece is fully coated. Alternatively, you can drizzle sauce over the top for a lighter touch. Finish by sprinkling chopped green onions and sesame seeds, adding freshness and a subtle crunch.
How to Serve Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds is a classic choice that elevates both the look and flavor. The green onions bring a fresh, mild bite, while sesame seeds add a nutty crunch that complements the saucy chicken perfectly.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs beautifully with simple steamed jasmine rice or fluffy coconut rice to soak up every drop of sauce. For more vegetables, consider crunchy Asian slaw or stir-fried bok choy for a refreshing contrast. The balance of textures and flavors on the plate makes each meal memorable.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to surprise your guests, serve your Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe over a bed of crispy noodles or inside butter lettuce cups for a fun, handheld option. You can even build a colorful bowl layered with rice, fresh cucumber slices, shredded carrots, and a drizzle of extra bang bang sauce for a vibrant and customizable meal experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once the chicken cools completely, place it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the bang bang sauce separate if you want to maintain the crispiness of the coating; toss or drizzle fresh before serving.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken, but to get the best texture, freeze it without the sauce. Wrap pieces individually in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To reheat and preserve that glorious crisp, warm your chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving alone without a crisping method, as it can make the breading soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! While boneless skinless chicken breasts are ideal for their tender texture, you can also use chicken thighs cut into pieces for a juicier and slightly richer flavor. Just adjust frying time accordingly.
How spicy is this Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe?
The heat level is moderate thanks to the sriracha in the sauce. If you prefer a milder taste, simply reduce the sriracha or omit it. You can also add more for those who love a serious kick.
Is there a healthier way to make this recipe?
Yes! You can air fry the coated chicken pieces at 400°F for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway, for a lighter option that still delivers great crispiness and flavor.
Can I substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise in the sauce?
Definitely. Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute for mayonnaise if you want a tangier and lighter sauce without sacrificing creaminess. It pairs well with the sweet chili and sriracha components.
What’s the best type of oil for frying this chicken?
Use vegetable oil or any neutral oil with a high smoke point like canola or peanut oil. These oils ensure your chicken crisps perfectly without imparting unwanted flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that never fails to bring excitement and comfort to the table. Its satisfying crispiness paired with a luscious, spicy-sweet sauce creates a delightful flavor journey you’ll want to revisit time and again. So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to this vibrant, fun, and utterly delicious recipe — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Dairy-Free option available
Description
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken features tender bite-sized pieces of chicken breasts marinated in buttermilk, coated in a flavorful spiced flour and cornstarch mixture, then deep-fried to golden perfection. Tossed in a creamy, sweet, and spicy Bang Bang sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey, this Asian-inspired dish offers a perfect blend of crunchy texture and bold flavors, ideal for a satisfying main course.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying (about 2 inches deep)
Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 tablespoon honey
Garnish (optional)
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the bite-sized chicken pieces into a bowl and cover them with the buttermilk. Allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours, to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Prepare the Coating: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly combined. This mixture will provide a crispy, flavorful crust on the chicken.
- Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or saucepan to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat over medium-high heat until the oil reaches 350°F (175°C), ensuring it’s hot enough to fry the chicken properly and achieve a crispy exterior.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove chicken pieces from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour and cornstarch mixture, pressing gently to adhere a full coating over every piece.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Fry each batch for 5 to 6 minutes, or until the chicken turns golden brown and is cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth and well combined, balancing the sweetness and heat perfectly.
- Toss and Garnish: While the chicken is still hot, toss it gently in the Bang Bang sauce until evenly coated, or drizzle the sauce on top. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired for added color, texture, and flavor.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the crispy Bang Bang chicken hot for the best texture and taste experience.
Notes
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise to create a lighter and tangier sauce.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha to control the heat level according to your preference.
- For a healthier alternative, cook the dredged chicken in an air fryer at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying lightly with oil for crispiness.
