Easy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Bang Bang Chicken Recipe: The Only Recipe You’ll Ever Need

Imagine coming home after a long day, craving a spicy chicken recipe that’s crispy on the outside, tender inside, and coated in an irresistible sauce that hits all the right notes. That’s exactly what our Bang Bang Chicken recipe delivers—a quick chicken recipe perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With its extra creamy Bang Bang sauce as the star, this easy chicken dinner elevates the classic Chinese-American favorite to new heights of flavor and texture. Originating from Chef Sally’s innovative twist, this version ensures every bite is a perfect balance of heat and creaminess that’s hard to resist.

This Bang Bang Chicken recipe bursts with bold flavors: the fiery kick from hot sauce mingles with the sweetness of honey and the tang of sweet chili sauce, creating a symphony in your mouth. The chicken itself boasts a shatteringly crispy exterior from the panko breadcrumbs, contrasting beautifully with the juicy, succulent meat beneath. As it fries, the aroma of golden-brown chicken fills the kitchen, making your mouth water and setting the stage for a meal that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. It’s not just a spicy chicken recipe; it’s an experience that combines crunch, creaminess, and a hint of smokiness for an unforgettable easy chicken dinner.

What sets this Bang Bang Chicken recipe apart on exorecipes.com is our commitment to providing the single best resource for home cooks, drawing from Chef Sally’s expertise and rigorous testing. You’ll discover our Chef’s Secret for achieving an extra creamy sauce that clings perfectly to each piece, along with step-by-step guidance that builds confidence in the kitchen. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, this quick chicken recipe promises foolproof results, complete with tips to customize and avoid common pitfalls. Stick around to uncover ingredient spotlights, serving ideas, and FAQs that make this the ultimate guide to mastering Bang Bang Chicken.

Why This Bang Bang Chicken Recipe is a Game-Changer

The Chef’s Secret lies in perfecting an extra creamy Bang Bang sauce that transforms this spicy chicken recipe into something truly exceptional. By whisking in a precise ratio of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, and honey, we achieve a velvety texture that coats the chicken without overpowering its natural flavors. This unique angle—focusing on the creaminess—ensures the sauce isn’t just tangy but luxuriously smooth, elevating a simple quick chicken recipe to restaurant-quality status. Chef Sally’s technique involves chilling the sauce briefly before tossing, which helps it adhere better and enhances the overall mouthfeel.

Unbeatable Texture comes from the science of breading and frying. The panko breadcrumbs create an airy, golden crust because they absorb less oil than traditional breadcrumbs, resulting in a lighter, crispier bite. When fried at the optimal 350°F, the chicken’s exterior achieves a perfect Maillard reaction—browning and caramelizing for that irresistible crunch—while the inside stays moist and tender. This method, tested multiple times, prevents sogginess and guarantees a satisfying contrast in every piece of this easy chicken dinner.

Foolproof for a Reason, this Bang Bang Chicken recipe has been refined through extensive kitchen trials to ensure success every time. It’s designed with clear instructions and timings, making it accessible for all skill levels, and we’ve incorporated adjustments for common variables like altitude or ingredient swaps. As the best resource on the web, it builds trust by delivering consistent results, turning even novice cooks into confident creators of this spicy chicken recipe.

Ingredient Spotlight: Quality Makes the Difference

When preparing this Bang Bang Chicken recipe, selecting high-quality ingredients is key to achieving that extra creamy sauce and crispy texture. Start with 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts—opt for fresh, organic cuts as they ensure tender, juicy pieces that absorb flavors beautifully. Their role is to provide a protein base, and quality matters because farm-fresh chicken cooks evenly without drying out. For a substitution, try chicken thighs for added moisture, but adjust cooking time to avoid overcooking.

All-purpose flour, at 1 cup, acts as the first layer in the breading process, helping the eggs and breadcrumbs adhere for that signature crunch. Choose unbleached flour for better texture and purity, as it doesn’t contain additives that could alter the taste. If you’re gluten-sensitive, swap it with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to maintain the structure without compromising the easy chicken dinner’s integrity.

Beaten eggs, using 2 large ones, serve as the binding agent that locks in the breadcrumbs, creating a barrier for extra crispiness. Fresh, free-range eggs offer richer yolks, enhancing the golden color and flavor. For a vegan twist, substitute with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) to keep the recipe accessible while preserving the quick chicken recipe’s appeal.

Panko breadcrumbs, 1 cup, are essential for the light, airy coating that makes this spicy chicken recipe stand out. Their Japanese origin provides a flakier texture than regular breadcrumbs, and using high-quality, preservative-free panko ensures maximum crunch. If unavailable, substitute with regular breadcrumbs, but toast them first for a similar effect.

For the sauce, 1/2 cup of mayonnaise forms the creamy base, delivering that extra creamy angle we’re highlighting. Full-fat mayo from reputable brands yields the best results, as it emulsifies smoothly with other ingredients. Use Greek yogurt as a lighter substitute to reduce calories while maintaining creaminess in this Bang Bang Chicken recipe.

Sweet chili sauce (1/4 cup) adds sweetness and tang, balancing the heat and making the sauce irresistible. Opt for authentic Asian brands for genuine flavor; if you need a substitute, mix ketchup with a bit of sugar and vinegar, though it won’t replicate the exact depth.

Hot sauce (2 tablespoons) brings the spice that defines this quick chicken recipe. Choose fresh, high-quality options like Sriracha for controlled heat; for a milder version, use a milder hot sauce or reduce the amount, ensuring the extra creamy sauce still shines.

Honey (1 tablespoon) sweetens and thickens the sauce, enhancing its extra creamy texture. Raw, local honey is best for its natural flavors; substitute with agave syrup for a vegan option, keeping the Bang Bang Chicken recipe versatile.

Finally, salt and pepper to taste, and oil for frying (enough to submerge chicken) round out the list. Use sea salt for better seasoning control, and a neutral oil like vegetable or canola with a high smoke point to prevent greasy results. Always measure precisely for this easy chicken dinner to avoid imbalances.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavors and prepare them for breading. Cut 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

Pro Tip: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning to ensure the breading sticks better and results in an extra crispy finish for this Bang Bang Chicken recipe.

Step 2: Setting Up Breading Stations

Place 1 cup of all-purpose flour in one bowl, 2 beaten large eggs in another, and 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs in a third. This assembly line makes the process efficient and mess-free.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t overcrowd the bowls; keep them separate to prevent cross-contamination, which can make the breading soggy.

Step 3: Breading the Chicken

Dredge each chicken piece in flour, then dip in the beaten eggs, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs. This triple-layer method ensures a crunchy exterior.

Pro Tip: Use one hand for dry ingredients and the other for wet to keep things tidy and speed up the process for this quick chicken recipe.

Step 4: Frying the Chicken

Heat oil in a deep fryer or skillet to 350°F. Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per batch, then drain on paper towels.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Overcrowding the oil can lower the temperature, leading to greasy chicken—fry in small batches to maintain crispiness in this spicy chicken recipe.

Step 5: Making the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce, 2 tablespoons hot sauce, and 1 tablespoon honey until smooth and extra creamy.

Pro Tip: Let the sauce sit for a minute to thicken naturally, enhancing its clingy texture for the best Bang Bang Chicken.

Step 6: Tossing and Serving

Toss the fried chicken in the sauce until fully coated, then serve immediately for the ultimate fresh experience.

Pro Tip: Serve right away to preserve the crispiness, making this easy chicken dinner a hit at any table.

Serving & Presentation

To make your Bang Bang Chicken recipe truly shine, focus on creative plating that highlights its extra creamy sauce and crispy texture. Arrange the chicken pieces on a vibrant platter, perhaps garnished with fresh green onions or sesame seeds for a pop of color and crunch. This spicy chicken recipe pairs wonderfully as an appetizer with quick sides like steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables, absorbing the sauce’s flavors without overwhelming the dish. For a full meal, turn it into an easy chicken dinner by serving alongside quinoa salad or coleslaw to balance the heat with cool, refreshing elements. The key is portion control—aim for 4 servings to keep it satisfying yet light, encouraging guests to savor every bite of this quick chicken recipe masterpiece.

Make-Ahead & Storage Solutions

Make-Ahead Strategy: Prep the chicken and breading stations up to 3 days in advance by seasoning and breading the chicken, then storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. Prepare the sauce separately and refrigerate it, but wait to fry until just before serving to maintain crispiness in this Bang Bang Chicken recipe.

Storing Leftovers: Store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the fried chicken without sauce in freezer-safe bags for up to 1 month, ensuring to cool it completely first to preserve texture.

The Best Way to Reheat: To restore the original crunch and extra creamy sauce, reheat fried chicken in an oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes or in an air fryer for 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chicken soggy—toss with fresh sauce just before serving for that freshly made Bang Bang Chicken experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)