Get ready to spice up your mealtime with Bang Bang Chicken, a vibrant and irresistible dish that perfectly balances creamy, spicy, and tangy flavors. This crowd-pleasing recipe features tender, juicy chicken coated in a luscious sauce made from mayo, sweet chili, and a kick of heat—often from Sriracha or chili flakes. Originating from Asian-inspired fusion cuisine, Bang Bang Chicken is as easy to prepare as it is addictive, making it the perfect way to transform a simple chicken dish into a flavor-packed experience. Whether served as a main course, appetizer, or salad topping, it’s guaranteed to bring excitement and a burst of bold flavor to your dinner table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Elevates any meal: Adds an exciting twist to your usual dinner rotation.
Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes without sacrificing flavor.
Perfect flavor balance: Creamy, sweet, tangy, and spicy all in one bite.
Tender chicken: Juicy, crispy, or shredded — adaptable to your favorite style.
Versatile serving options: Great as a main dish, in wraps, or over fresh greens.
Crowd favorite: Loved by kids and adults alike for its bold, fun taste.
Ingredients for Bang Bang Chicken
Tender chicken breasts, ready to soak up a spicy, creamy flavor explosion. Here’s what you’ll need:
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the show! Tender and juicy, they’re perfect for frying.
All-purpose flour: This helps create a crispy coating. You can substitute with gluten-free flour if needed.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the chicken’s flavor.
Garlic powder: Adds a savory depth that pairs beautifully with the sauce.
Paprika: For a hint of smokiness and a pop of color.
Large eggs: These act as a binding agent, helping the breadcrumbs stick.
Panko breadcrumbs: The secret to that irresistible crunch! They’re lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs.
Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the Bang Bang sauce, adding richness.
Sweet chili sauce: This brings a delightful sweetness and a touch of heat.
Sriracha: Adjust this to your spice preference; it adds a kick that elevates the dish.
Lime juice: A splash of acidity that brightens the flavors.
Green onions: For garnish, they add a fresh crunch and a pop of color.
For those looking to mix things up, consider adding sesame seeds for extra crunch or using chicken thighs for a juicier bite. You can find all the exact measurements at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making Bang Bang Chicken! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Aim for uniform sizes so they cook evenly. This is where the magic begins! The smaller pieces will soak up all that flavor and get crispy all around.
Step 2: Mix the Coating
In a shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This mixture is your secret weapon for a flavorful crust. Whisk it together until it’s well blended. The spices will give your chicken a tasty kick!
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
Set up a breading station with three bowls: one for the flour mixture, one for the beaten eggs, and one for the panko breadcrumbs. First, coat each chicken piece in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the eggs, letting the extra drip off. Finally, roll it in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they stick. This triple-dip method is what gives Bang Bang Chicken its signature crunch!
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Heat about half an inch of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot (you can test it by dropping in a breadcrumb; it should sizzle), add the chicken pieces in batches. Fry them for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Don’t overcrowd the pan; this ensures they fry evenly and get that perfect crispiness.
Step 5: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
While the chicken is frying, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice in a separate bowl. This sauce is the star of the show! Adjust the sriracha to your taste for the perfect balance of heat and sweetness. It’s creamy, tangy, and oh-so-delicious!
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it drain on paper towels. This helps keep it crispy. Now, drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the chicken or serve it on the side for dipping. Don’t forget to garnish with sliced green onions for that fresh crunch and a pop of color. Your Bang Bang Chicken is ready to impress!
Tips for Success
Ensure your oil is hot enough before frying to achieve that perfect crunch.
Don’t overcrowd the skillet; fry in batches for even cooking.
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the spices for 30 minutes before breading.
Use a thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature; it should reach 165°F.
Feel free to adjust the sauce ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
Equipment Needed
Large skillet: Essential for frying. A deep pot can work too if you prefer.
Three shallow bowls: For the breading station. Any bowls will do, just make sure they’re wide enough.
Meat thermometer: Useful for checking chicken doneness. A simple knife can also help cut into the chicken.
Paper towels: For draining excess oil. A wire rack works well too!
Variations of Bang Bang Chicken
Spicy Bang Bang Tofu: Swap out chicken for firm tofu for a vegetarian twist. Just press the tofu to remove excess moisture before breading.
Bang Bang Shrimp: Use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood version. Adjust cooking time to 2-3 minutes per side.
Bang Bang Cauliflower: For a gluten-free option, use cauliflower florets. Coat and fry them just like the chicken for a crispy, plant-based delight.
Honey Garlic Bang Bang: Replace sweet chili sauce with honey and add minced garlic for a sweeter, garlicky flavor.
Herbed Bang Bang Chicken: Mix fresh herbs like cilantro or basil into the breading for an aromatic twist.
Serving Suggestions for Bang Bang Chicken
Steamed Jasmine Rice: A perfect base to soak up the delicious Bang Bang sauce.
Fresh Salad: A crisp cucumber and carrot salad adds a refreshing crunch.
Cold Beer: Pair with a light lager or pale ale for a delightful contrast.
Presentation: Serve on a colorful platter, garnished with lime wedges and extra green onions.
FAQs about Bang Bang Chicken
Can I make Bang Bang Chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the chicken in the oven to maintain its crispiness, and drizzle with the sauce just before serving.
Is Bang Bang Chicken spicy?
The spice level is adjustable! The sriracha adds heat, but you can reduce the amount or omit it entirely if you prefer a milder flavor. The sweet chili sauce balances the heat, making it enjoyable for most palates.
Can I bake Bang Bang Chicken instead of frying it?
Yes, for a healthier option, you can bake the chicken. Preheat your oven to 400°F and place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
What can I serve with Bang Bang Chicken?
Bang Bang Chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, fresh salads, or even crispy fries. You can also serve it with a side of extra Bang Bang sauce for dipping!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the chicken crispy. Enjoy your delicious Bang Bang Chicken again!
Final Thoughts
Bang Bang Chicken is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings joy to the dinner table. The crispy chicken, paired with that irresistible sauce, creates a symphony of flavors that delights the senses. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish is sure to spark conversations and smiles. Plus, it’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for special occasions. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the cooking adventure, and enjoy every bite of this delicious creation. Trust me, once you serve it, you’ll be the hero of the kitchen!
Bang Bang Chicken is a crispy, flavorful dish featuring bite-sized pieces of chicken coated in a crunchy panko breadcrumb crust, served with a spicy and tangy sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
2 large eggs
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon lime juice
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
In another bowl, beat the eggs.
In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
Coat each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
Dip the chicken into the beaten eggs, then coat with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of oil over medium heat.
Once hot, add the chicken pieces in batches, cooking until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side.
Remove and drain on paper towels.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice until smooth.
Serve the crispy chicken drizzled with the bang bang sauce and garnish with sliced green onions.
Notes
For a healthier version, bake the chicken at 400°F for 20-25 minutes instead of frying.
Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top for extra crunch and flavor.
