The crunch of perfectly golden chicken paired with a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce—can you picture it? This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken recipe is the ultimate combination of comfort food and restaurant-quality flavor, and the best part? You can make it right in your own kitchen! The first time I made this, my family couldn’t stop raving about the crispy, addictive coating and the bold flavor of the sauce. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to pull off. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Bang Bang Chicken is inspired by the classic dish served at Asian-American fusion restaurants, but this homemade version allows you to customize the spice levels and ingredients to suit your taste. Plus, you’ll love the satisfying crunch and the way the sauce ties everything together. I’ve tested this recipe multiple times to make sure each bite is pure perfection—trust me, you’ll want to make this again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely already have most of the pantry staples needed for the sauce and breading.
- Unbelievably Delicious: The crispy chicken is paired with a sauce that’s equal parts creamy, sweet, and spicy—it’s flavor-packed in every bite.
- Versatile: Great as an appetizer, main dish, or even over a salad for a lighter option.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice levels or swap out ingredients to cater to your preferences.
Unlike other crispy chicken recipes, this one stands out because of the unique Bang Bang sauce. It’s perfectly balanced—sweet and creamy with just the right kick of heat. Plus, the crispy coating stays crunchy even after it’s drenched in sauce. This dish is sure to become a staple in your rotation!
What Ingredients You Will Need
This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken recipe uses simple ingredients to deliver bold flavors and a satisfying texture. Here’s what you’ll need:
- For the chicken:
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil works great)
- For the Bang Bang sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust for heat)
- 1 tbsp honey (adds sweetness)
- 1 tsp lime juice
Most of these ingredients are pantry staples, and you can easily substitute based on your dietary needs. For example, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour if needed, or swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce.
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowls for breading the chicken
- Whisk for mixing the sauce
- Deep frying pan or skillet
- Tongs for flipping the chicken
- Wire rack or paper towels for draining excess oil
If you don’t have a deep frying pan, a heavy-bottomed pot works just as well. For those who prefer not to fry, an air fryer or oven baking method can be used for crispy results with less oil. Just be sure to keep an eye on cooking times!
Preparation Method
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
- Set up the breading station: In one bowl, place the flour. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs. In a third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bread the chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the flour, then the beaten eggs, and finally coat it in the panko mixture. Press gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick.
- Heat the oil: In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the chicken: Working in batches, fry the chicken pieces for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Transfer cooked chicken to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Make the Bang Bang sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth.
- Toss and serve: Drizzle the sauce over the crispy chicken or serve it on the side for dipping. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
If you’re baking or air frying the chicken, cook at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken should be golden and crispy on the outside.
Cooking Tips & Techniques
- Keep your oil hot: Maintaining a steady temperature prevents the chicken from becoming greasy.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry the chicken in batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Double-breading trick: For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating process.
- Adjust the sauce spice: Add more sriracha if you love heat, or reduce it for a milder flavor.
- Air fryer hack: Spray the breaded chicken with oil before air frying for maximum crispiness.
I once made the mistake of overcrowding my frying pan, and the chicken ended up soggy—lesson learned! Give each piece plenty of space to crisp up beautifully.
Variations & Adaptations
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
- Baked Bang Bang Chicken: Skip the frying and bake the chicken on a parchment-lined tray at 400°F (200°C) for crispy results.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with cauliflower florets or tofu and follow the same breading and frying steps.
- Seasonal Twist: Add a splash of pineapple juice to the sauce for a tropical vibe.
Personally, I love making a vegetarian Bang Bang Cauliflower variation—it’s just as crispy and delicious, and my vegetarian friends always rave about it!
Serving & Storage Suggestions
Serve Crispy Bang Bang Chicken warm and fresh for the best texture. Arrange it on a platter and drizzle with extra sauce for a stunning presentation. Pair it with steamed rice, a fresh green salad, or roasted veggies to round out the meal.
To store leftovers, place the chicken and sauce in separate airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in an oven or air fryer to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the breading soggy.
Pro tip: The flavors in the sauce intensify after resting, so save any extra for dipping veggies or spreading on sandwiches!
Nutritional Information & Benefits
Per serving (approx. 4 oz chicken + 2 tbsp sauce):
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
This recipe is packed with protein, making it a filling and satisfying meal. The Bang Bang sauce can be adjusted to suit various dietary needs, and using an air fryer or baking method reduces oil content for a lighter option.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a flavorful, crispy, and downright irresistible dish, Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is the recipe for you. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re craving something indulgent or want to impress your guests, this recipe delivers every time.
Give it a try, and let me know how you customize it to make it your own! Leave a comment below or share your version—it’s always fun to see how others adapt their favorite recipes. Happy cooking!
FAQs
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
What can I use instead of chicken?
Cauliflower florets or firm tofu work wonderfully as substitutes.
How can I make the sauce less spicy?
Simply reduce the amount of sriracha or omit it entirely for a milder flavor.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Absolutely! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How do I store leftovers?
Store chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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