Name: Bang Bang Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup cornstarch; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; Vegetable oil, for frying; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce; 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to heat preference); 1 tablespoon honey; 1 teaspoon rice vinegar; Optional: Sliced green onions; Optional: Toasted sesame seeds

Bang Bang Chicken is a crave-worthy dish featuring crispy, golden chicken bites tossed in a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce. With its crunchy texture and bold, addictive flavor, I find it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whether I’m serving it as a game-day appetizer, a main course for dinner, or finger food for parties. It brings together the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and creaminess.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken:

1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup cornstarch

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to heat preference)

1 tablespoon honey

1/4 cup sweet chili sauce

1 teaspoon rice vinegar

Optional Garnish:

Sliced green onions

Toasted sesame seeds

Directions

I start by marinating the chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes in the fridge. This helps tenderize the chicken and adds flavor.

While the chicken marinates, I mix the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl to create the breading mixture.

I heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).

I remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk and dredge them in the flour mixture, making sure each piece is well-coated.

Next I fry the chicken in batches for 4–5 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked, then let them drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

To make the sauce, I whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar in a small bowl until smooth.

I toss the hot, crispy chicken in the bang bang sauce to coat evenly.

I serve it immediately, topped with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for an extra pop of flavor and texture.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: Approximately 420 kcal per serving

Variations

Make it lighter: I sometimes bake or air fry the chicken instead of deep frying to reduce oil without sacrificing too much crispiness.

Swap the protein: Shrimp or tofu make great alternatives for a pescatarian or vegetarian version.

Adjust the heat: I like it spicier, so I add extra sriracha or a dash of crushed red pepper to the sauce.

Try different coatings: For an extra-crispy version, I swap some of the flour for panko breadcrumbs.

Use it as a wrap filling: I love using leftovers to fill lettuce wraps or tortillas for a quick lunch.

Storage/Reheating

When I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the chicken crispy, I reheat it in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes. I keep the sauce separate, if possible, and toss the reheated chicken with the sauce right before serving. I don’t recommend microwaving, as it makes the coating soggy.

FAQs

How spicy is Bang Bang Chicken?

The heat level depends on how much sriracha I add. I usually start with one tablespoon for a mild kick, but I can easily turn up the heat by adding more or using a spicier chili sauce.

Can I make Bang Bang Chicken ahead of time?

I prefer to fry the chicken fresh for the best texture, but I sometimes prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken a day ahead to save time. I also pre-measure the dredging ingredients so everything’s ready to go.

Is Bang Bang Chicken gluten-free?

Not by default, since it uses all-purpose flour. However, I can substitute a gluten-free flour blend and make sure my other ingredients (like sweet chili sauce) are certified gluten-free.

What can I serve with Bang Bang Chicken?

I like to serve it with steamed rice, a fresh salad, or even as a filling in tacos or sliders. It pairs really well with crunchy veggies and cooling dips like ranch or yogurt sauce.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

I don’t recommend it for this recipe since the crispy coating and hot, fresh chicken are key to its appeal. Pre-cooked chicken won’t hold the coating well or absorb the sauce the same way.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Chicken is one of those recipes I keep coming back to because it’s easy, incredibly flavorful, and always satisfies my craving for something crispy and saucy. It’s adaptable, quick to make, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or just treating myself. Once I try it, it’s hard not to put it on repeat.

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