Bang Bang Chicken is the perfect balance of crispy, juicy, and creamy with just the right amount of spice. This dish is known for its crispy fried chicken bites tossed in a bold, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce. Originally inspired by Sichuan-style street food, this version brings a more approachable, crowd-pleasing flavor with a creamy, zesty sauce that makes every bite addictive.

Whether you’re making it for a fun family dinner, serving it as an appetizer at a party, or just treating yourself to a delicious homemade meal, this dish is always a hit. The combination of crispy fried chicken and a rich, flavorful sauce makes it a go-to recipe when you’re craving something indulgent but easy to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Perfection – Every bite is golden and crunchy on the outside while staying tender and juicy on the inside.
• Bold and Flavorful Sauce – The signature bang bang sauce is creamy, slightly sweet, with a hint of spice that keeps you coming back for more.
• Easy to Make – No fancy ingredients or complicated techniques required!
• Great for Any Occasion – Serve it as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, and watch it disappear in no time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup water (adjust as needed)
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon lime juice

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by placing the bite-sized chicken pieces in a bowl. Pour the buttermilk over the chicken and add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good mix, ensuring all the chicken pieces are well coated. Cover and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight for extra tenderness).

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a separate mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Slowly whisk in the water until you get a smooth, slightly thick batter. It should be thick enough to coat the chicken but not too heavy.

Step 3: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce

While the chicken is marinating, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, hot sauce, garlic powder, and lime juice in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and set aside.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).

Take each marinated chicken piece, dip it into the batter, and carefully lower it into the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook for about 4–5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Coat in Sauce and Serve

Once all the chicken is fried, place it in a large bowl. Drizzle the bang bang sauce over the crispy chicken and toss gently to coat each piece evenly.

Serve immediately, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an extra pop of flavor and texture.

Helpful Tips

• For Extra Crispiness: Double-fry the chicken by frying it once at 325°F (160°C) until lightly golden, then frying again at 375°F (190°C) for an ultra-crispy texture.
• Adjust the Spice Level: If you like it spicier, add more hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. If you prefer it milder, reduce the hot sauce and add a little more honey.
• Use an Air Fryer: If you want a lighter version, cook the chicken in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Spray lightly with oil to get a crispy texture.
• Make It Ahead: The sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a week. The chicken can also be prepped and marinated overnight for better flavor.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Appetizer, Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian-inspired
• Diet: Halal

Notes

• Marinate for Flavor: Let the chicken sit in the buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) for extra tenderness.
• Batter Consistency: It should be thick enough to coat the chicken but not too heavy—adjust with flour or water as needed.
• Fry at the Right Temperature: Keep the oil at 350°F (175°C) for crispy, evenly cooked chicken.
• Sauce Timing: Toss the chicken in the sauce just before serving to maintain crispiness.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
• Make Ahead: Prep the chicken and sauce in advance for a quicker meal.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigeration: Store leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes to keep it crispy.
• Freezing: You can freeze the fried chicken (before adding the sauce) for up to 2 months. Reheat in an air fryer or oven until crispy, then toss in the sauce.
• Make-Ahead Tip: The sauce can be stored separately in the fridge and added just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs will be even juicier and more flavorful. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces and follow the same steps.

What can I serve with Bang Bang Chicken?

This dish pairs well with steamed rice, a fresh salad, or even inside tacos for a fun twist. It’s also great as a party appetizer with extra sauce for dipping.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. For extra crispiness, spray the chicken with a little oil before baking.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for buttermilk?

Absolutely! Mix 1 cup of dairy-free milk (such as almond or soy) with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 10 minutes before using.

Related Recipes

If you loved this Bang Bang Chicken, you might also enjoy:

• Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
• Bang Bang Chicken Sliders: A Flavor-Packed Crowd-Pleaser
• Bang Bang Chicken
• Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs

Conclusion

Bang Bang Chicken is one of those dishes that you’ll want to make again and again. It’s crispy, saucy, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for family dinners, game nights, or just treating yourself to a delicious homemade meal. Once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why this dish is so loved!

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