If you’ve been hunting for the ultimate balance of crunch, flavor, and a creamy, sweet-heat sauce, look no further than this Crispy Bang Bang Chicken. It’s everything I crave in a superstar chicken dish: golden bites that shatter when you bite into them, coated in a luscious, punchy sauce that’s both inviting and addictive. Whether it’s game day, a treat-yourself weeknight dinner, or you’re simply in the mood for restaurant-quality finger food, Crispy Bang Bang Chicken brings playful spice and pure comfort straight to your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Trust me, the ingredient list for Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is refreshingly straightforward. Each component is a building block—some layering in crunch, others infusing those crave-worthy tangy and spicy flavors, all working together like magic for that irresistible finish.
- Chicken Breasts: Go for boneless, skinless and cut into bite-sized pieces for the juiciest, most tender result.
- Buttermilk: Marinating in buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and adds a subtle tang that wakes up all the flavors.
- All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the crispy coating, flour gives structure and perfect fry color.
- Cornstarch: This is the secret weapon for airy, super-crunchy crust—don’t skip it!
- Garlic Powder: A touch of garlicky depth that shines through every bite.
- Onion Powder: Layers in savory flavor so the coating never tastes bland.
- Paprika: Adds color and a whisper of smokiness.
- Salt: Brings all the flavors to life without overpowering the chicken.
- Black Pepper: A little warmth and kick to punch up the flavor even more.
- Vegetable Oil: Choose a neutral, high-heat oil for golden, crispy frying.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base for the bang bang sauce; use Greek yogurt for a tangy, lighter option.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: Essential for that signature sweet-spicy Asian-inspired flavor.
- Sriracha: Adjust the amount to match your spice mood—it adds zing and color.
- Honey: A drizzle of honey rounds out the heat and acidity with a touch of sweet glossiness.
- Green Onions & Sesame Seeds (optional): For garnish—they make everything pop visually and flavor-wise.
How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by placing your chicken pieces in a bowl and pouring that rich, tangy buttermilk all over them. Allow the chicken to soak up those flavors for at least 30 minutes—or, if you’ve got a bit more time, leave it up to four hours in the fridge. This acts like a flavor spa for your chicken, ensuring every nugget is juicy and tender inside.
Step 2: Prepare the Dredging Mixture
While the chicken marinates, grab another bowl and whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This dynamic dry blend will soon cloak the chicken in an irresistible, crunchy shell. Always combine dry ingredients thoroughly for an even, flavorful crust.
Step 3: Heat Your Oil
Pour about two inches of vegetable oil into a heavy deep skillet or saucepan and start heating over medium-high. You’re aiming for 350°F (175°C)—a temperature that fries evenly and creates golden, crisp results without burning. A thermometer makes this foolproof, but you can also test with a pinch of flour; it should bubble and sizzle immediately.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
When ready, lift each piece of buttermilk-marinated chicken, letting excess marinade drip off, and dredge it thoroughly in the flour mixture. Press gently so the coating adheres—this extra step is the trick for maximum crunch! Don’t rush; work in batches to keep everything well-crusted.
Step 5: Fry to Crisp Perfection
Carefully add chicken pieces to the hot oil, making sure not to crowd the pan. Fry for about 5 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally, until each bite is golden brown and perfectly cooked through. Transfer finished chicken to a wire rack or paper towel–lined plate to drain—this keeps your Crispy Bang Bang Chicken crunchy instead of soggy.
Step 6: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey. This sauce is the heart of the dish: creamy, sweet, spicy, and totally craveable. Taste and tweak the heat or sweetness until it’s your dream magic sauce.
Step 7: Toss and Garnish
For the signature touch, either toss your hot chicken pieces in the sauce right before serving or drizzle the sauce on top for a stunning finish. Scatter sliced green onions and sesame seeds for extra color and crunch if you like—and there you have it: truly unforgettable Crispy Bang Bang Chicken!
How to Serve Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
Garnishes
Garnishing is where your Crispy Bang Bang Chicken truly shines—think finely chopped green onions for brightness, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for subtle nuttiness, or even thinly sliced fresh red chili for a little visual flair and extra heat.
Side Dishes
This bold, saucy chicken is unbeatable next to a bowl of fluffy steamed jasmine rice, a crisp Asian slaw with lots of fresh herbs, or even simple steamed broccoli. For a party, serve them with crunchy lettuce cups—wrap, dip, and devour!
Creative Ways to Present
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is a party favorite, so pile it high on a platter with skewers for dipping, or serve in mini slider buns for a playful twist. Turn leftovers into a loaded salad, or serve tacos filled with the saucy chicken, shredded cabbage, and a lime wedge for a fresh, fusion vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crispy Bang Bang Chicken keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just pop the cooled chicken pieces into an airtight container, saving the bang bang sauce separately. This keeps the coating nice and crisp until you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Freezing
To freeze, let the cooked, unsauced chicken cool completely and arrange it in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When cravings strike, you’ve got homemade crispy chicken ready for speedy meals—just store the sauce separately to toss on after reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the chicken in a 400°F oven or air fryer for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through, until heated through and crispy again. Skip the microwave if you want to keep that crackly crust! Warm the sauce gently and toss or drizzle just before eating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely—chicken thighs will add an extra-rich, juicy bite to your Crispy Bang Bang Chicken. Just keep the pieces similar in size for even frying, and adjust cook time as needed.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! You can swap the buttermilk for a non-dairy milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Use vegan mayo for the sauce, and you’ve got a dairy-free version ready to go.
How spicy is Crispy Bang Bang Chicken?
It all depends on how much sriracha and chili sauce you use in the sauce. The base recipe is warmly spicy, but you can easily dial up or down the heat to suit your taste—just add sriracha gradually and taste as you go.
Is it possible to bake or air fry the chicken?
Yes! For a lighter option, cook your coated chicken at 400°F in the air fryer for 12–15 minutes (flip and spray lightly with oil halfway for the crispiest results). Baking works too—just arrange pieces on a wire rack over a sheet pan and bake until golden and cooked through.
What do I do if I’m short on time?
If you’re in a hurry, even a 15-minute marinate in buttermilk will help, and you can mix up the sauce while the chicken fries. Prep your garnishes ahead, and you’ll have piping hot Crispy Bang Bang Chicken on the table in a snap!
Final Thoughts
There’s just something about crunching into a saucy, spicy piece of Crispy Bang Bang Chicken that makes any meal feel like a celebration. Whether you follow the recipe to the letter or put your own spin on it, I can’t wait for you to taste just how fun and delicious homemade can be. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked from the very first bite!
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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: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the perfect blend of crunchy, flavorful chicken with a spicy kick in this delicious Crispy Bang Bang Chicken recipe. Coated in a crispy batter and smothered in a sweet and tangy Bang Bang sauce, this Asian-inspired dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 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
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken in buttermilk, marinate for 30 minutes to 4 hours.
- Prepare the Coating: Mix flour, cornstarch, and seasonings in a bowl.
- Fry the Chicken: Dredge marinated chicken in flour mixture, fry until golden brown.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey.
- Toss and Serve: Coat fried chicken in sauce, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- You can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter sauce.
- Adjust sriracha to control the spiciness.
- For air fryer preparation, cook dredged chicken at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups chicken
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 740 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
