The sizzle of chicken frying fills the kitchen, and the aroma instantly beckons everyone to the table. Let’s talk about Bang Bang Chicken—a dish that transforms ordinary evenings into memorable dining experiences, featuring crispy, tender chicken paired with a spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce. This easy recipe brings a delightful twist to your weeknight meals while impressing guests at gatherings. Not only is it quick to make, but the versatility of the Bang Bang Chicken sauce means you can enjoy it on everything from shrimp to crunchy vegetables. Ready to elevate your cooking game and satisfy those cravings? Join me in preparing this utterly delightful dish that’s bound to become a favorite in your home!

Why is Bang Bang Chicken a Must-Try?

Crispy Texture: The fried chicken pieces are coated to perfection, delivering a satisfying crunch with each bite, ensuring a delightful eating experience.

Spicy-Sweet Balance: The sauce marries bold sriracha with sweet chili and creamy mayonnaise, creating a flavor sensation that tantalizes your taste buds.

Versatile Sauce: Not just for chicken, this Bang Bang sauce effortlessly enhances shrimp or fresh veggies, making it a go-to for any dish in your kitchen.

Easy to Prepare: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or an impressive last-minute dinner with friends.

Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a family dinner or a party, this dish will have everyone asking for seconds, just like when you serve it with Lemon Chicken Tangy or Garlic Parmesan Chicken.

Indulging in Bang Bang Chicken is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors that everyone will love!

Bang Bang Chicken Sauce Ingredients

• You’ll love this easy recipe!

For the Sauce

Mayonnaise – Acts as a creamy base for the sauce, bringing smoothness to the spicy blend.
Sweet Chili Sauce – Imparts the perfect amount of sweetness, balancing the bold flavors of the sauce.
Sriracha – Adds heat and a depth of flavor; adjust according to your spice preference.
Lime Juice – Provides acidity to brighten the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor profile; lemon juice can be a great substitute.
Honey – Optional for extra sweetness; feel free to adjust or omit based on your taste preferences.

This Bang Bang Chicken sauce is the perfect creamy, spicy topping that will transform your dish into a flavor sensation!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Bang Bang Chicken Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by cutting chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a bowl and pour in buttermilk, ensuring all pieces are coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb moisture and flavor while becoming tender.

Step 2: Make the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful dry batter. Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge and dredge each piece in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Place the coated chicken on a wire rack and let it rest for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Create the Bang Bang Sauce
In a medium-sized bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, and optional honey. Whisk together until smooth and well blended. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings, adding more sriracha for heat or honey for sweetness, depending on your preference.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully add chicken pieces in batches, frying them for about 4-5 minutes on each side. They should be golden brown and have an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) when fully cooked. Drain the fried chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish
On a serving platter, arrange the crispy Bang Bang chicken pieces. Generously drizzle the prepared Bang Bang sauce over the chicken, ensuring every piece is coated with that creamy, spicy goodness. For a finishing touch, garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds and serve with extra sauce on the side for dipping.

How to Store and Freeze Bang Bang Chicken

Fridge: Store leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezer: If you want to store for a longer period, freeze the chicken in a single layer, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, for up to 3 months.

Reheating: Reheat the chicken in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and crisp, preserving that delightful crunch.

Sauce Storage: Keep the Bang Bang sauce in the fridge for up to a week. It also makes a fabulous dip for veggies or a topping for grilled proteins!

Expert Tips for Bang Bang Chicken

Hot Oil: Ensure your oil reaches 350°F (175°C) before frying. This temperature is crucial for achieving that crispy texture that makes Bang Bang chicken irresistible.
Batch Frying: Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying chicken. Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature, which ensures even cooking and prevents greasy chicken.
Flavor Adjustments: Feel free to tweak the sriracha level in your Bang Bang sauce. If your guests are spice-sensitive, start with less heat and let everyone customize their portion.
Coating Rest Time: Allow the dredged chicken pieces to rest for 10 minutes before frying. This helps the batter adhere better, leading to an extra crunchy coating.
Storage Tips: Store leftover Bang Bang sauce in the refrigerator for up to a week. It’s perfect for dipping veggies or drizzling over grilled proteins, keeping that delicious flavor in your meal rotation.

Make Ahead Options

Bang Bang Chicken is an ideal candidate for meal prep, making those busy evenings a breeze! You can marinate the chicken in buttermilk up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring it stays tender and flavorful. Prepare the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 1 week—just remember to mix it well before serving to maintain its creamy consistency. When you’re ready to enjoy, dredge the marinated chicken in the seasoned flour mixture and fry it fresh for that satisfying crispiness. Simply drizzle the prepared Bang Bang sauce over the crispy chicken right before serving, and you’ll have a delectable dish that tastes just as amazing as when it’s freshly made!

Bang Bang Chicken Variations

Customize your Bang Bang Chicken experience with these delightful twists that will tantalize your taste buds and impress your loved ones!

Shrimp Substitute: Swap chicken for shrimp for a delicious seafood version. The Bang Bang sauce complements shrimp beautifully, offering a succulent twist.
Crispy Tofu Alternative: Enjoy a vegetarian option by using crispy tofu. This provides a plant-based delight that pairs perfectly with the creamy, spicy sauce.
Extra Crunch: Add crushed cornflakes or panko to the batter for an even crunchier texture. This will elevate the crispy coating to a whole new level.
Flavor Boost: Stir in fresh herbs like cilantro or basil into your Bang Bang sauce for a burst of freshness. This adds unexpected flavor notes that brighten every bite.
Spicy Kick: Increase the sriracha in your sauce for those who love a fiery kick. This can make the dish memorable for spice enthusiasts.
Sweet Variation: Replace honey with maple syrup for a unique sweetness in your sauce, offering a friendly twist on traditional flavors. The subtle sweetness will surprise and delight!
Dressing Dip: Use the Bang Bang sauce as a dip for fresh vegetable platters, creating a healthy appetizer option. This versatile sauce can elevate your veggie game!
Lemon Zest Addition: Grate in lemon zest to your sauce for a zingy brightness. This zesty addition will enhance the overall flavor profile, creating a refreshing finish.

Feel free to experiment with these variations, and if you’re up for trying more delightful chicken dishes, check out my recipe for Chicken Cordon Sauce or the vibrant flavors of Chicken Etouffee Savory. Enjoy cooking!

What to Serve with Bang Bang Chicken

When you bring Bang Bang Chicken to the table, the flavor adventure is just beginning; complement this dish with delightful sides that enhance its deliciousness.

Steamed Jasmine Rice: The fluffy texture of jasmine rice perfectly absorbs the spicy-sweet sauce, adding a satisfying base to each bite. It’s a classic pairing that balances the vibrant flavors.
Crispy Vegetable Spring Rolls: These crunchy, savory rolls add a wonderful contrast to the tender chicken. Filled with crisp vegetables, they’re great for an appetizer or side, perfect for dipping in extra Bang Bang sauce.
Fresh Garden Salad: A light salad with crunchy greens, fresh cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette brings brightness to the meal. It’s a refreshing complement that cuts through the richness of the sauce.
Stir-Fried Broccoli: Bright green broccoli, stir-fried with garlic and a splash of soy sauce, not only adds a splash of color to your plate but also enriches the meal with crunch and nutrition.
Creamy Coconut Coleslaw: The creamy texture and sweetness of coconut coleslaw will harmonize with the Bang Bang Chicken, providing a refreshing contrast that enhances the dish’s vibrant flavors.
Chilled Sipping Tea: A sweetened iced tea or refreshing herbal infusion can elevate the meal, cleansing the palate while complementing the spice of the chicken with its cooling effect.

Each of these pairings creates a symphony of flavors and textures that accompany the boldness of the Bang Bang Chicken beautifully!

Bang Bang Chicken Recipe FAQs

What kind of chicken should I use for Bang Bang Chicken?
For the best flavor and texture, I recommend using chicken breasts, but chicken thighs can also be a fantastic alternative as they have more moisture and richness. When preparing the chicken, ensure it’s cut into bite-sized pieces for an even cook.

How should I store leftover Bang Bang Chicken?
Absolutely! Store any leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh, try to consume it as quickly as possible, as the longer it sits, the less crispy it becomes.

Can I freeze Bang Bang Chicken and for how long?
Yes, you can freeze the Bang Bang Chicken! Just place the cooked chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze them individually before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and transferring to a freezer-safe bag. It will last up to 3 months. When you want to enjoy it again, reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and crispy.

What should I do if the breading falls off during frying?
If the breading falls off, don’t fret! This can happen if the chicken pieces were too wet or the oil wasn’t hot enough. Next time, make sure the chicken is well-drained from buttermilk before dredging in the flour mixture, and allow it to sit for about 10 minutes before frying to let the coating adhere better.

Is Bang Bang Chicken safe for pets?
While it’s tempting to share this delicious dish with your furry friends, it’s best to avoid giving Bang Bang Chicken to pets. The spices, especially sriracha, can irritate their stomachs. Instead, consider offering them plain cooked chicken without any seasonings as a treat!

Can I make Bang Bang sauce without mayonnaise?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, you can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. This will give you a similar creamy texture with less fat. Mix it well with the sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice for a tangy twist!