Crispy Bang Bang Chicken – The Ultimate Sweet & Spicy Delight!

If you’re a fan of crispy, flavorful, and irresistibly saucy chicken, then Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is about to become your new favorite dish! This dish features golden-fried, crunchy chicken bites coated in a sweet, spicy, and creamy Bang Bang sauce that’s bursting with bold flavors.

Originating from Asian-fusion cuisine, Bang Bang Chicken is easy to make, packed with crunch, and smothered in an addictive sauce that makes it a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Ultra-Crispy – The perfect golden crunch in every bite.
✔️ Bold & Flavorful – A mix of sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors.
✔️ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients, big results!
✔️ Versatile – Serve it as an appetizer, over rice, or in tacos!

Let’s dive into the history, ingredients, step-by-step guide, pro tips, variations, serving suggestions, and FAQs to help you master this irresistible Crispy Bang Bang Chicken! 🍗✨


What is Bang Bang Chicken?

Bang Bang Chicken originally comes from Sichuan, China, where it was a spicy, shredded chicken dish drizzled with a nutty sesame sauce. However, the modern, Westernized version has evolved into a crispy-fried chicken dish tossed in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce, making it similar to a fusion of Asian and Southern-style fried chicken.

The “Bang Bang” name refers to the explosion of flavors—sweet, spicy, tangy, and creamy—all in one bite!


Key Ingredients & Their Roles

1. Chicken (The Crispy Base) 🍗

  • Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs.
  • Thighs are juicier, but breasts give a firmer texture.

2. Bang Bang Sauce (The Flavor Bomb) 🔥

  • Mayonnaise – Creates a creamy base.
  • Sweet chili sauce – Adds a sweet, tangy kick.
  • Sriracha – Brings the heat!
  • Honey or sugar – Balances the spice.
  • Lime juice or rice vinegar – Adds zesty freshness.

3. Crispy Coating (The Crunch Factor) 🍞

  • Flour + cornstarch – The perfect blend for extra crispiness.
  • Eggs & buttermilk – Helps the breading stick.
  • Panko breadcrumbs – Creates an ultra-crunchy texture.

4. Seasonings (For Bold Flavor) 🌿

  • Garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper – Enhances the crispy coating.

5. Oil (For Frying) 🛢️

  • Vegetable or peanut oil for a light, crispy fry.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

  • Cut 2 large chicken breasts or 4 thighs into bite-sized cubes.
  • Pat dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

  • In a bowl, whisk together:
    ½ cup mayonnaise
    ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
    1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to spice level)
    1 tbsp honey or sugar
    1 tbsp lime juice or rice vinegar
  • Set aside for later.

Step 3: Prepare the Crispy Coating

  • In one bowl, whisk:
    2 eggs
    ¼ cup buttermilk

  • In another bowl, mix:
    ½ cup all-purpose flour
    ½ cup cornstarch
    1 cup panko breadcrumbs
    1 tsp garlic powder
    ½ tsp paprika
    Salt & black pepper to taste


Step 4: Coat the Chicken

  • Dip chicken pieces into the egg mixture, then coat them in the breadcrumb mixture.
  • Press the coating to fully cover the chicken.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken

  • Heat 2 inches of oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
  • Fry chicken in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown & crispy.
  • Remove and drain on paper towels.

Step 6: Toss in Bang Bang Sauce

  • In a bowl, toss the crispy chicken pieces with Bang Bang sauce until evenly coated.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!

  • Garnish with chopped green onions & sesame seeds.
  • Serve immediately & enjoy! 🍗🔥

Pro Tips for the Best Bang Bang Chicken

✔️ Use panko breadcrumbs – They create extra crunch.
✔️ Don’t overcrowd the pan – Fry in batches for even crispiness.
✔️ Let the chicken rest before frying – This helps the coating stick better.
✔️ Double-fry for extra crispiness – A second fry makes it even crunchier.
✔️ Toss in sauce just before serving – This keeps the chicken crispy.


Flavor Variations & Customizations

1. Spicy Bang Bang Chicken 🔥

  • Add extra sriracha or red pepper flakes.
  • Top with chopped jalapeños.

2. Air-Fryer Bang Bang Chicken 🍽️

  • Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  • Spray chicken with cooking spray and air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.

3. Baked Bang Bang Chicken 🍗

  • Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.

4. Low-Carb Bang Bang Chicken 🥑

  • Swap breadcrumbs for crushed pork rinds.
  • Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo in the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

As an Appetizer 🍽️

  • Serve with extra Bang Bang sauce for dipping.
  • Add a side of crunchy coleslaw.

As a Rice Bowl 🍚

  • Serve over jasmine or cilantro-lime rice.
  • Top with avocado & fresh lime.

As a Bang Bang Chicken Taco 🌮

  • Fill warm tortillas with crispy chicken.
  • Add slaw, guacamole, and extra sauce.

As a Salad Topping 🥗

  • Serve on a fresh green salad with ranch or lime dressing.

FAQs – Everything You Need to Know

1. Can I make Bang Bang Chicken ahead of time?

Yes! Fry the chicken ahead of time and reheat in an air fryer or oven before tossing in sauce.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

3. Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but thaw completely and pat dry before coating.

4. What oil is best for frying?

Use vegetable, peanut, or canola oil for best results.

5. Can I make this dish healthier?

Yes! Try air-frying or baking instead of deep-frying.


Conclusion

Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is the perfect mix of crunchy, creamy, sweet, and spicy! Whether you serve it as an appetizer, in tacos, or over rice, this dish is sure to impress.

Try this easy, flavor-packed recipe today—you won’t regret it!

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Crispy Bang Bang Chicken – The Ultimate Sweet & Spicy Delight!

  • Author: Chef Emy

Description

Crispy, juicy, and coated in a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce, this Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is the ultimate flavor explosion! Perfect as an appetizer, game-day snack, or served over rice for a delicious meal.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
  • Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp lime juice

For Garnish:

  • Chopped green onions
  • Sesame seeds

Instructions

  • Marinate the Chicken:

    • In a bowl, combine chicken pieces and buttermilk. Let sit for 15-30 minutes to tenderize.
  • Prepare the Coating:

    • In another bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne (if using).
  • Heat the Oil:

    • In a deep skillet or pot, heat 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
  • Coat & Fry the Chicken:

    • Remove chicken from buttermilk and dredge in the flour mixture, pressing to coat well.
    • Fry in batches for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
    • Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  • Make the Bang Bang Sauce:

    • In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth.
  • Toss & Serve:

    • Drizzle or toss the crispy chicken in the Bang Bang sauce.
    • Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

Crispy, creamy, and packed with just the right amount of heat, this Bang Bang Chicken is absolutely irresistible! Serve with rice, in tacos, or as an appetizer with extra sauce for dipping.

#BangBangChicken #CrispyChicken #SpicySweet #EasyRecipes #FlavorExplosion

Keywords: #BangBangChicken #CrispyChicken #SpicySweet #EasyRecipes #FlavorExplosion

Emy Robert

Pro Chef & Blogger

HI! I’m Emy. Cookbook author,
Mother of 1 and cookie fan.
On my food blog you’ll find easy
and delicious recipes.

Emy Robert