Crispy Bang Bang Chicken – Sweet, Spicy, and Totally Addictive

Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is the kind of dish that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort — golden, crunchy chicken bites tossed in a creamy, sweet-and-spicy sauce that’s so irresistible, you’ll find yourself licking the bowl clean.

Originating as a twist on the popular Bang Bang Shrimp made famous by Asian-fusion restaurants, this chicken version takes things up a notch with juicy chicken breast pieces, crisped to perfection and smothered in a punchy sauce made from mayo, chili garlic sauce, and a touch of sweetness.

Perfect as an appetizer, party bite, or main dish with rice or noodles, Bang Bang Chicken is beloved for its bold flavor and texture contrast — crispy on the outside, tender inside, and coated in a sauce that’s creamy, tangy, and fiery all at once.

Ingredients Overview

Here’s what you’ll need to make the ultimate Crispy Bang Bang Chicken:

For the Chicken:

• Chicken Breast or Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is most common, but thighs offer juicier bites. Cut into uniform, bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

• Buttermilk or Egg Wash: Helps tenderize the chicken and allows the breading to stick. Buttermilk adds a slight tang and tenderness; eggs work well if you prefer a lighter coat.

• Cornstarch and Flour: The ideal combo for a super crispy coating. Cornstarch makes the crust light and extra crunchy, while flour provides structure.

• Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder: Basic seasonings for the breading. You can also add paprika or cayenne for more heat.

• Oil for Frying: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or canola oil.

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the sauce. Use full-fat mayo for best results or a light version for a lower-calorie option.

• Sweet Chili Sauce: Adds sweetness and a mild tangy heat. Look for Thai-style sweet chili sauce.

• Sriracha or Chili Garlic Sauce: Brings that spicy punch. Adjust the amount to your heat tolerance.

• Honey or Sugar (optional): For a sweeter version of the sauce — completely optional depending on your taste.

Garnish (Optional):

• Chopped green onions

• Toasted sesame seeds

• Shredded cabbage or lettuce for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken
   Cut 1.5–2 lbs of chicken into 1-inch cubes. Pat dry with paper towels to help the coating stick.

2. Marinate or Dip
   In a bowl, combine chicken with 1/2 cup buttermilk (or 2 beaten eggs), 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the fridge.

3. Dredge the Chicken
   In another bowl, mix 1 cup all-purpose flour and 1 cup cornstarch with a little salt and garlic powder. Remove chicken from the buttermilk and coat thoroughly in the dry mixture. Shake off excess and place on a wire rack.

4. Fry Until Golden
   Heat 2–3 inches of oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches for 4–5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Don’t overcrowd the pan.

   Transfer cooked chicken to a wire rack or paper towel-lined tray to drain.

5. Make the Bang Bang Sauce
   In a small bowl, whisk together:

   • 1/2 cup mayonnaise

   • 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce

   • 1–2 tablespoons Sriracha or chili garlic sauce

   • 1 tsp honey or sugar (optional)

   Taste and adjust heat or sweetness as needed.

6. Toss and Serve
   Toss the hot, crispy chicken with the sauce just before serving to maintain texture. Alternatively, drizzle the sauce over the top if you want to keep the coating extra crisp.

7. Garnish
   Sprinkle with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or serve over shredded cabbage or rice.

Tips, Variations & Substitutions

Cooking Tips:

• Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature — too low and the chicken absorbs oil; too high and it burns.

• Don’t sauce the chicken too early or it will lose crispness.

• For extra crunch, double-dip in buttermilk and flour mixture.

Variations:

• Baked Version: Dredge as directed, then bake at 425°F on a greased rack for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway. Spray with oil for better crisping.

• Air Fryer Option: Lightly coat dredged chicken with oil spray and air fry at 400°F for 12–14 minutes, shaking halfway through.

• Bang Bang Tacos: Serve sauced chicken in warm tortillas with slaw and a drizzle of extra sauce.

Substitutions:

• Use Greek yogurt in place of mayo for a lighter sauce.

• Try tofu or cauliflower for a vegetarian twist.

• Swap sweet chili sauce with gochujang for a Korean-inspired version.

Serving Ideas & Occasions

Bang Bang Chicken is incredibly versatile and fits into many mealtime moments:

• Appetizer or Party Snack: Serve as bite-sized skewers or in a bowl with toothpicks for easy sharing.

• Main Dish: Serve over jasmine rice, fried rice, or noodles with stir-fried vegetables.

• Asian-Inspired Bowls: Build rice bowls with steamed edamame, cucumber ribbons, and pickled carrots.

• Taco Tuesday Twist: Use the chicken as a filling with shredded cabbage, cilantro, and lime.

Ideal for:

• Game nights

• Casual dinner parties

• Weeknight dinners with a spicy kick

Nutritional & Health Notes

Bang Bang Chicken is indulgent but can be adapted for lighter preferences:

• Protein: Chicken breast provides lean protein; thighs are more flavorful and moist.

• Fats: The mayo-based sauce and deep frying contribute to higher fat content. Swap mayo for Greek yogurt and bake for a lighter version.

• Carbs: The breading adds carbs — use almond flour for a low-carb coating.

• Gluten-Free Option: Use cornstarch only or a gluten-free flour blend for dredging.

A typical serving ranges from 450–600 calories depending on the cooking method and amount of sauce used.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make Bang Bang Chicken ahead of time?
A1: You can prep and fry the chicken in advance, then reheat in the oven or air fryer before tossing in sauce. Avoid saucing ahead — it softens the crust.

Q2: What’s the best oil for frying?
A2: Use neutral oils with a high smoke point like canola, vegetable, or peanut oil. Avoid olive oil for deep frying.

Q3: Is this the same as General Tso’s Chicken?
A3: No — Bang Bang Chicken uses a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce, while General Tso’s is soy-based with a sticky glaze.

Q4: How spicy is Bang Bang Chicken?
A4: It’s mildly spicy with sweetness balancing the heat. You can easily adjust the spiciness by adding more or less Sriracha or chili sauce.

Q5: Can I bake it instead of frying?
A5: Yes! Bake at 425°F for 25–30 minutes on a wire rack. Spray the coated chicken lightly with oil for a crispier result.

Q6: Can I make it gluten-free?
A6: Absolutely. Use a gluten-free flour blend or just cornstarch for the coating, and ensure your sauces are gluten-free.

Q7: What sides go best with this dish?
A7: Try it with steamed rice, cucumber salad, stir-fried veggies, or even fries for a fusion twist.

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