If you’re a fan of bold, spicy flavors, this Irresistible Bang Bang Chicken is going to be your new favorite recipe. Crispy, golden fried chicken tossed in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce—what’s not to love? This dish is the perfect combination of heat, crunch, and irresistible flavor. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, main dish, or party favorite, this Bang Bang Chicken is guaranteed to impress your taste buds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Bang Bang Chicken is a crowd-pleasing dish that delivers all the flavors you crave—crispiness, spice, and creaminess—in one bite. The chicken is perfectly fried until golden brown and crunchy, then tossed in a sweet, spicy, and tangy sauce that makes it utterly addictive.
This recipe is quick enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for entertaining guests. With just the right amount of heat and flavor, it’s perfect for spicy food lovers and comfort food enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this Bang Bang Chicken. Full ingredient quantities can be found at the end of the post.
For the chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Bang Bang sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon honey
Optional garnish:
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken
Cut your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season them with a pinch of salt and black pepper. - Make the Batter
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, baking powder, and a little more salt and pepper. - Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken piece into the buttermilk, then coat them in the seasoned flour mixture. Shake off any excess flour. - Fry the Chicken
Heat oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat (around 350°F). Fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and crispy on the outside (about 4-5 minutes per batch). Remove them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. - Make the Sauce
While the chicken is frying, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey in a large mixing bowl until smooth and creamy. Adjust the spice by adding more sriracha if desired. - Toss the Chicken
Add the fried chicken to the bowl with the sauce and toss everything together until the chicken is fully coated. - Garnish and Serve
Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Adjust the spice level: Bang Bang Chicken can be as spicy as you like! If you’re not a big fan of heat, reduce the sriracha or omit it entirely.
- Use a thermometer for frying: Keeping your oil at 350°F will ensure the chicken cooks evenly and stays crispy without becoming greasy.
- Prep ahead for parties: If you’re making this for a gathering, fry the chicken ahead of time and reheat in a 350°F oven just before serving to ensure it stays crispy.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Make it baked instead of fried: If you prefer a lighter option, bake the chicken pieces at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Add veggies: Toss in crispy fried veggies like broccoli, green beans, or even fried cabbage with the sauce for a unique twist.
- Gluten-free option: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or almond flour for those with dietary restrictions.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This Bang Bang Chicken pairs perfectly with:
- Steamed white or brown rice to balance out the spice.
- A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
- Crisp coleslaw or pickled vegetables for added crunch and flavor.
- A cold beer or a refreshing lemonade to wash down the heat.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To maintain the chicken’s crunch, reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes instead of microwaving.
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken and sauce separately ahead of time and combine them when you’re ready to serve.
2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs are great in this recipe because they’re juicy and tender. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces and follow the same steps.
3. How can I reduce the spice if it’s too hot?
Reduce the amount of sriracha or add a bit more honey to balance the heat.
4. Can I freeze Bang Bang Chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the fried chicken pieces before tossing them with sauce. Thaw them and reheat in the oven before adding the sauce.
Conclusion
This Irresistible Bang Bang Chicken is a dream come true for anyone who loves sweet, spicy, and flavorful dishes. Crispy fried chicken tossed in the perfect sweet and spicy sauce is an irresistible combination that will have you and your guests coming back for seconds.
Whether you’re serving it at a party, a casual weeknight dinner, or a game day feast, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So grab your ingredients and get ready to experience the ultimate flavor explosion!
PrintIrresistible Bang Bang Chicken Recipe for Spicy Food Lovers
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-American
Description
Irresistible Bang Bang Chicken is a crispy and flavorful dish that’s perfect for spicy food lovers! Tender chicken pieces are coated in a crispy batter, then drizzled with a creamy, spicy sauce that’s sweet, tangy, and full of heat. This recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves a bit of spice with their food!
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha sauce (or more, depending on spice preference)
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and buttermilk.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Dip the chicken pieces first into the egg mixture, then coat them in the flour mixture, making sure each piece is well-coated.
- Fry the Chicken:
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per batch.
- Remove the chicken from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, rice vinegar, and honey until smooth and well combined.
- Coat the Chicken in Sauce:
- Place the fried chicken in a large bowl and drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the top. Toss gently to coat each piece of chicken in the sauce.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the Bang Bang Chicken with extra sauce on the side, if desired. Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro for added flavor.
Notes
- If you want to increase the heat, add more sriracha or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- This dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice, vegetables, or a simple salad for a complete meal.
- For a lighter version, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: ~450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg