Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is a fun and flavorful dish that’s both crunchy and creamy at the same time. It features crispy fried chicken pieces tossed in a spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce that makes every bite exciting. The sauce usually blends mayo, sweet chili sauce, and a little bit of sriracha to bring that bang bang punch.
I love making this recipe when I want something quick but impressive. The chicken stays super crunchy even after coating it in the sauce, which I think is the best part. A helpful tip is to use bite-sized pieces so the sauce gets on every bit, making each mouthful really tasty without losing that satisfying crispiness.
My favorite way to enjoy Bang Bang Chicken is piled on top of a bed of steamed rice or alongside some fresh veggies for a nice balance. It’s always a hit with friends and family because it’s playful and full of flavor but doesn’t take forever in the kitchen. Whenever I make it, I find myself coming back for seconds—and sometimes thirds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts keeps this dish tender and juicy. You can substitute with chicken thighs for more flavor and moisture.
Panko breadcrumbs: These are great for an extra-crispy crust. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes work too.
Sweet chili sauce: It adds the perfect balance of sweet and spicy to the sauce. You can use a mixture of honey and hot sauce if you don’t have sweet chili sauce on hand.
Sriracha: This is the heat in the bang bang sauce. Adjust the amount to your spice level or substitute with any hot sauce you prefer.
Mayonnaise: Provides creaminess to the sauce. For a lighter option, try Greek yogurt or a veg-based mayo.
How Do You Keep the Chicken Crispy After Adding the Sauce?
Keeping the chicken crispy even after adding the creamy bang bang sauce is key! Here’s how I do it:
- Use panko breadcrumbs—they fry up crispier and stay crunchier.
- Fry in hot oil (around 350°F) so the crust seals quickly and doesn’t absorb oil.
- Drain the chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil before saucing.
- Instead of mixing chicken into the sauce, drizzle or toss just before serving. This avoids sogginess.
- Serve immediately after saucing, so the chicken stays crisp and the sauce is fresh.
These tips help you enjoy that perfect crisp with every bite—crispy outside, tender inside, and coated in tasty sauce!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Deep frying pan or heavy skillet – perfect for frying chicken evenly and safely with enough oil depth.
- Cooking thermometer – helps you keep the oil at the right temperature (about 350°F) for crispy chicken.
- Three medium bowls – set up your breading station easily with separate bowls for flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs.
- Slotted spoon or tongs – lets you safely remove chicken from hot oil and drain excess oil.
- Paper towels – essential for draining fried chicken to keep it crispy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu to suit your preference or make a pescatarian version.
- Add garlic powder or smoked paprika to the flour for a subtle smoky or garlicky flavor boost.
- Mix chopped cilantro or basil into the sauce for a fresh herbal twist.
- Toss in diced cucumber or shredded carrots for extra crunch and freshness alongside the dish.
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For The Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar (optional; for slight sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon lime juice (optional for freshness)
For Garnish:
- 1-2 red Thai chilies, finely chopped (or substitute with red chili flakes)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and about 15 minutes for frying and assembly. So, you’ll be enjoying your crispy Bang Bang Chicken in roughly 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, then pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick better and keeps the chicken crispy.
2. Set Up Your Breading Station:
In one bowl, mix the flour with salt and pepper. Beat the eggs in a second bowl. Put the panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl. This way, you can easily coat the chicken in three simple steps.
3. Coat the Chicken Pieces:
First, dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally press it into the panko breadcrumbs until well-coated. Make sure the crumbs stick nicely.
4. Fry the Chicken:
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium-high heat, until it reaches around 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken pieces in batches to avoid crowding them. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes each batch until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken to paper towels to drain excess oil.
5. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
Combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (or sugar), and lime juice in a small bowl. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. Adjust the spiciness by adding more or less sriracha to your liking.
6. Assemble the Dish:
Place the fried chicken pieces in a serving bowl. Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce generously over the top.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle the finely chopped red chilies and sliced green onions over the chicken for a fresh, colorful, and spicy finishing touch. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect crunch and flavor combination.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure the chicken is fully thawed before cutting and breading to ensure even cooking. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the cold water method for quicker thawing.
How Do I Keep the Chicken Crispy After Adding the Sauce?
To keep your chicken crispy, drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the chicken right before serving instead of tossing it in the sauce. Using panko breadcrumbs also helps maintain that crispy texture.
Can I Bake Instead of Frying the Chicken?
Absolutely! For a healthier version, bake the breaded chicken pieces at 425°F (220°C) on a greased baking sheet for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and cooked through.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in the oven or air fryer to help restore its crispiness before adding fresh sauce.
