Name: Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup mayonnaise; ¼ cup sweet chili sauce (I used Frank’s); 1 tablespoon hot sauce (I used Sriracha); 2 tablespoons honey; Salt and pepper to taste; 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small chunks; ½ cup all-purpose flour; ½ cup cornstarch; 1 cup buttermilk (use more if batter is too thick); 1 tablespoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon salt or to taste; ½ teaspoon pepper or to taste; 1 tablespoon hot sauce (I used Sriracha); 1 large egg; 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs; Vegetable oil for frying

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 1 review

If you are searching for a tantalizing meal that brings together crunch, spice, and a touch of sweetness, look no further than this Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe. It’s a delightful dish featuring tender chicken pieces enveloped in a perfectly crispy Panko coating, then generously coated with a creamy, spicy, and sweet bang bang sauce that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. This recipe strikes a fantastic balance between texture and flavor, making it a surefire hit whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself to something incredible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows five small white bowls placed on a white marbled surface. The top left bowl is round and filled with thick, creamy white mayo. To its right is a small square bowl filled with bright red ketchup. Below, from left to right, are three small square bowls; the first bowl holds a mix of black pepper and white salt, the second contains a chunky orange sauce with garlic pieces, and the third bowl has smooth honey colored liquid. The setup is clean and bright with all bowls neatly arranged photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays a special role in making this Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe an absolute flavor bomb. From the crunchy Panko to the rich and tangy sauce components, every element is essential in creating the perfect harmony of texture and taste.

Mayonnaise: Provides a creamy, rich base for the sauce that smooths out the spiciness.
Sweet chili sauce: Adds sweetness and a mild kick, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Hot sauce (Sriracha preferred): Brings the heat and depth to the bang bang sauce.
Honey: Offers a subtle natural sweetness that balances the spicy and tangy elements.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The tender protein star of the dish, cut into bite-sized pieces for optimal crisping.
All-purpose flour and cornstarch: The secret to a light, crispy batter that clings beautifully to the chicken.
Buttermilk: Keeps the chicken juicy and adds a subtle tang to the batter.
Garlic powder and smoked paprika: Infuse the batter with savory and smoky undertones.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance every other ingredient.
Egg: Acts as a binder, helping the batter adhere perfectly to the chicken.
Panko breadcrumbs: Create the famous crunch that gives this dish its irresistible texture.
Vegetable oil: Needed for frying to achieve the golden, crispy finish.

How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce

Start by whisking together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl. This sauce is the heart of the Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe, offering a luscious blend of sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors. Pop it into the fridge so it’s chilled and ready to drizzle over your crispy chicken later.

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a medium bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to combine dry ingredients that build flavor and crispiness. Then add the hot sauce, egg, and buttermilk, whisking everything until smooth. This batter is what gives each piece of chicken that light, flavorful coating before frying.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Toss your chicken pieces into the batter, making sure each chunk is evenly coated. Next, roll the battered chicken in a separate bowl filled with Panko breadcrumbs to seal in the crunch. Don’t rush this step—ensure every piece is well covered for maximum crispiness.

Step 4: Fry to Perfection

Heat about half an inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add a few chicken pieces, making sure not to overcrowd the pan so that the oil temperature stays consistent. Fry each piece about three minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Afterward, drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil and keep the crust delightfully crisp.

Step 5: Serve with Sauce

Finally, pile the fried chicken on a platter and drizzle generously with the homemade bang bang sauce. The creamy, sweet, and spicy dressing transforms these crispy bites into the unforgettable Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe we all love.

How to Serve Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

A round dark gray plate filled with many pieces of golden brown crispy fried nuggets stacked on top of each other. The nuggets have a crunchy texture with some darker brown edges. Light orange creamy sauce is drizzled over the nuggets in thin lines. Small sprigs of fresh green parsley are sprinkled evenly on top and around the plate. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with some parsley scattered nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle chopped green onions or fresh cilantro over your Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe to add a bright, herbal punch that contrasts nicely with the rich sauce. A few toasted sesame seeds can also add a lovely nutty finish and an extra layer of texture.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside crisp steamed vegetables or a light Asian slaw to bring refreshing crunch and balance to the rich chicken. Steamed jasmine rice or garlic fried rice also pairs wonderfully, soaking up any extra sauce and making it a complete, satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, turn this dish into tacos with crunchy slaw and avocado slices or serve it as a salad topper with mixed greens, cucumbers, and carrots. You can also skewer the crispy chicken for bite-sized appetizers, perfect for parties or casual gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To maintain crispiness, store the chicken separate from the sauce and combine just before reheating to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this dish later, freeze the cooked chicken pieces on a baking sheet in a single layer until solid, then transfer into a freezer-safe bag. The sauce freezes well in a sealed container, too. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To revive the crispy texture, reheat the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as that tends to soften the crust. Warm the sauce separately and drizzle just before serving.

FAQs

What can I substitute for buttermilk in this recipe?

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, mix 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice with 1 cup of milk and let it sit for five minutes. This homemade substitute will give you that essential tang and tenderizing effect.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free Panko breadcrumbs. Just make sure the hot sauce and other ingredients you use are gluten-free to keep it safe for those with sensitivities.

Is this recipe spicy?

This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe has a nice balance of spice thanks to the Sriracha and chili sauce, but it’s easily adjustable. You can reduce or increase the hot sauce according to your preferred heat level.

Can I bake instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake the coated chicken pieces at 400°F (205°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. While the texture won’t be quite as crispy as frying, it’s a healthier alternative that still delivers great flavor.

What is the best way to serve the sauce?

The sauce is best served drizzled over the crispy chicken just before eating to maintain the perfect contrast of crispy texture and creamy flavor. You can also serve extra sauce on the side for dipping.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about this Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe—the crispy exterior, tender chicken inside, and that sauce that walks the line perfectly between sweet and spicy. I guarantee this dish will quickly become one of your favorites, a new go-to whenever you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Give it a try and watch it disappear in no time!