Bang Bang Chicken: Crispy, Spicy, and Sweet Perfection
Bang Bang Chicken is a flavorful dish that’s crispy, tender, and coated in a sweet and spicy sauce that’s absolutely irresistible. Inspired by Asian flavors, this dish has gained popularity for its crunchy texture and bold, creamy sauce. Perfect as an appetizer, main dish, or even a party snack, Bang Bang Chicken is surprisingly simple to make at home. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe and learn how to create this crispy, saucy delight in your own kitchen.

Ingredients Overview
Key Ingredients for Bang Bang Chicken
- Chicken (2 pounds, cut into bite-sized pieces): Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work well for their tenderness and ease of cooking.
- Cornstarch (1 cup): Creates a light, crispy coating for the chicken.
- Eggs (2, beaten): Helps the cornstarch adhere to the chicken pieces.
- Oil (for frying): Vegetable or canola oil is ideal for frying due to its high smoke point.
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Adds creaminess to the sauce.
- Sweet Chili Sauce (1/4 cup): Provides sweetness with a mild tang.
- Sriracha (2 tablespoons): Brings the signature kick of heat. Adjust to taste.
- Honey (1 tablespoon): Balances the heat and adds a touch of sweetness.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Frying Pan or Deep Fryer: For cooking the chicken to crispy perfection.
- Mixing Bowls: To prepare the breading and sauce.
- Tongs or Slotted Spoon: For handling the chicken while frying.
- Paper Towels: To drain excess oil from the chicken.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- In a bowl, whisk the eggs. In another bowl, add the cornstarch.
- Dip each chicken piece into the beaten eggs, then coat it thoroughly with cornstarch. Shake off any excess and set aside on a plate.
2. Heat the Oil
- Heat about 2 inches of oil in a frying pan or deep fryer over medium heat. The oil is ready when it reaches 350°F (175°C), or when a small piece of chicken sizzles when dropped in.
3. Fry the Chicken
- Fry the chicken in small batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each batch for 4-5 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove the chicken from the oil and place it on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
4. Make the Bang Bang Sauce
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust the heat level by adding more Sriracha if desired.
5. Toss and Serve
- Place the fried chicken in a large bowl and drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the top. Toss gently to coat every piece evenly.
- Serve immediately while the chicken is hot and crispy.
Tips and Tricks
Perfecting the Texture
- For an extra-crispy coating, double-dip the chicken by repeating the egg and cornstarch steps.
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to prevent the chicken from absorbing too much oil and becoming greasy.
Customizing the Heat
- If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount of Sriracha or replace it with ketchup for a milder flavor.
- For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or drizzle additional Sriracha over the chicken before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Bang Bang Chicken pairs perfectly with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a fresh side salad. You can also serve it as an appetizer with toothpicks or alongside dipping sauces for a party platter.
Storage and Leftovers
Storing Bang Bang Chicken
- Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the fried chicken pieces (without the sauce) in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 2 months.
Reheating Tips
Reheat the chicken in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes to restore its crispiness. Add fresh sauce after reheating to maintain the texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Greasy or Soggy Chicken
- Avoid overcrowding the pan, which lowers the oil temperature and results in greasy chicken.
- Drain the chicken on paper towels immediately after frying to remove excess oil.
Unbalanced Sauce Flavor
- Taste the sauce as you mix and adjust the sweetness or heat according to your preference.
Variations
Make It Healthier
- Baked Version: Bake the breaded chicken on a greased baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Air Fryer Version: Air fry the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes until crispy and cooked through.
Try Different Proteins
- Replace chicken with shrimp or tofu for a delicious twist on this classic dish.
Dairy-Free Option
- Use a vegan mayonnaise alternative to make the sauce dairy-free.
FAQs
Q: Can I make Bang Bang Chicken in advance?
A: Yes, you can fry the chicken ahead of time and store it without the sauce. Reheat it before tossing in the sauce for best results.
Q: Is there a way to make the sauce lighter?
A: Swap regular mayonnaise with a light or reduced-fat version for fewer calories.
Q: Can I make Bang Bang Chicken gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free cornstarch and ensure your sweet chili sauce and Sriracha are gluten-free.
Conclusion
Bang Bang Chicken is the perfect blend of crispy, spicy, and sweet flavors that are sure to become a hit at your table. Whether you’re making it for dinner, as a party snack, or just indulging in comfort food, this recipe is simple to prepare and endlessly satisfying.
Give this recipe a try, and let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to share your experience and subscribe to our blog for more delicious and easy-to-follow recipes.
Print
Bang Bang Chicken: Crispy, Spicy, and Sweet Perfection
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Make Bang Bang Chicken at home in just 35 minutes! Crispy chicken coated in a sweet and spicy sauce everyone will love.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 2 pounds (bite-sized pieces, boneless, skinless)
- Cornstarch: 1 cup
- Eggs: 2 (beaten)
- Oil: For frying
- Mayonnaise: ½ cup
- Sweet Chili Sauce: ¼ cup
- Sriracha: 2 tablespoons (adjustable)
- Honey: 1 tablespoon
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Cut chicken into pieces. Dip in beaten eggs and coat with cornstarch.
- Heat Oil: Warm oil in a pan at medium heat (350°F/175°C).
- Fry Chicken: Fry chicken until golden (4–5 minutes per batch). Drain on paper towels.
- Make Sauce: Whisk mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Adjust spice.
- Combine: Toss fried chicken with sauce. Serve immediately.