Bang Bang Chicken

Let me start by saying—thank you so much for being here! This recipe is one of my absolute weeknight go-tos, and I know you’re going to fall in love with it too. If you’ve never had Bang Bang Chicken, prepare yourself for crispy bites of tender chicken coated in the most addictive creamy, spicy, slightly sweet sauce ever. It’s fast, easy, and completely irresistible.

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Bang Bang Chicken

Bang Bang Chicken is all about big flavor without the big hassle. Bite-sized pieces of chicken are seasoned and lightly coated, pan-fried or air-fried until golden and crispy, then tossed in a creamy chili sauce that hits all the right notes: tangy, sweet, spicy, and rich.

You’ve probably seen this dish at popular chain restaurants, but once you make it at home, you’ll never go back. I promised you versatile, and here’s proof: serve it as an appetizer, a rice bowl, a salad topper, or even in tacos!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes
• Ultra crispy chicken – With just a light coating and minimal oil
• Addictive Bang Bang sauce – Creamy, spicy, sweet, and SO good
• Crowd-pleaser – Serve it up as a party appetizer or family dinner
• Great for weeknights – Simple ingredients, huge payoff

What Does Bang Bang Chicken Taste Like?

Each bite is juicy, crispy, creamy, and packed with bold flavor. The chicken itself is perfectly seasoned and golden brown, but that sauce—oh my. It’s creamy from the mayo, spicy from the sriracha, with just a kiss of sweetness from honey or sugar. It clings to the chicken beautifully and makes it seriously hard to stop eating.

Benefits of This Recipe

• Minimal ingredients – Pantry staples, easy to find
• Customizable heat level – Mild or spicy, it’s up to you
• Air fryer friendly – Less oil, same crunch
• Family favorite – Even picky eaters go for seconds
• Meal prep win – Sauce and chicken can be made ahead!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• ½ cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp vinegar)
• ½ cup cornstarch or all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Oil for frying (or spray if air frying)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
• 1–2 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp honey (optional)
• 1 tsp rice vinegar or lemon juice

Optional Garnishes:

• Chopped green onions
• Toasted sesame seeds
• Lime wedges

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Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Large skillet or air fryer
• Slotted spoon or tongs
• Paper towels
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk

Ingredient Swaps & Additions

• No buttermilk? Use milk + lemon juice or vinegar.
• Make it dairy-free: Use almond milk or any non-dairy alternative.
• Low-carb version: Swap cornstarch with almond flour or crushed pork rinds.
• Add crunch: Mix in shredded cabbage or coleslaw under the chicken for texture.
• Not a fan of heat? Reduce the sriracha and add more sweet chili sauce.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Toss chicken pieces with buttermilk and let sit for 10–15 minutes. This keeps the chicken juicy and tender.

Step 2: Coat and Cook

Mix cornstarch, salt, garlic powder, and pepper in a shallow dish. Dredge chicken pieces in the mixture, pressing lightly to coat. Fry in a skillet with hot oil until golden brown (about 3 minutes per side), or air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Whisk together mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (if using), and vinegar until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Toss and Serve

Toss the warm, crispy chicken with the bang bang sauce. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings and sides.

What to Serve with Bang Bang Chicken

• Jasmine or coconut rice
• Lettuce cups or Asian slaw
• Steamed broccoli or green beans
• Recipe for Tilapia – if you’re building a surf-and-turf-style weeknight dinner
• Tenderized Chicken Breast Recipes – explore more juicy chicken dinner ideas
• Chicken Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce – pair leftovers with this for an epic rice bowl remix

Tips for the Best Bang Bang Chicken

• Cut chicken evenly for uniform cooking
• Don’t overcrowd the pan if frying—work in batches for best results
• Want ultra crispy? Use cornstarch instead of flour
• Air fryer method: Spray lightly with oil for that golden finish
• Double the sauce if serving over rice or noodles!

Storage Instructions

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven or air fryer to keep the crispiness.
• Freeze: Freeze cooked, un-sauced chicken for up to 2 months. Reheat and toss in sauce before serving.

General Info About Bang Bang Chicken

Bang Bang Chicken has roots in Asian street food, but what we know today has taken on a creamy, Americanized twist thanks to restaurant chains. It’s beloved for its texture and bold flavor, and once you make it at home, you’ll see just how easy it is to bring restaurant-quality flavor to your table—no deep fryer needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes! Bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes. It won’t be quite as crispy but still delicious.

Is there a lighter sauce version?

Use Greek yogurt in place of half the mayo for a tangy, lower-calorie option.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes—just thaw fully and pat dry before coating.

What if I don’t have sweet chili sauce?

Mix honey with a little sriracha and rice vinegar as a quick substitute.

Conclusion

This Bang Bang Chicken recipe is everything you want in a crave-worthy dinner—crispy, creamy, spicy, and packed with flavor. It’s easy to make, totally customizable, and guaranteed to steal the show at your dinner table (or game-day spread!). Whether you’re serving it solo or making it part of a bigger meal, this recipe bangs every time.

Looking for more flavor-packed ideas to go with it? Try these:

• Recipe for Tilapia – a great light main to pair
• Tenderized Chicken Breast Recipes – for more ways to keep chicken exciting
• Chicken Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce – great base for your leftover Bang Bang Chicken

📌 Made this recipe? I’d love to see how you served your Bang Bang Chicken! Tag your spicy creations on Pinterest at TheKitchenJoyy! Let’s share the flavor! 🔥🍗

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