This crispy Bang Bang Chicken recipe is an absolute game-changer when you’re craving a harmony of crunchy, sweet, and spicy flavors all on the same plate. Coated in a creamy, zesty sauce built from velvety mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce, each bite bursts with just the right amount of heat thanks to a dash of sriracha and a drizzle of honey. The subtle tang from rice vinegar and soy sauce dances beautifully with minced garlic, creating that mouthwatering interplay that makes modern Asian cuisine so irresistible. When the chicken pieces are lightly dusted in cornstarch and pan-fried until golden brown, they develop a satisfying crunch that perfectly balances the smooth, luxurious sauce. I love serving this dish over a fluffy bed of steamed rice or alongside crisp, colorful vegetables for a complete meal. It’s a surefire hit at social gatherings, family dinners, or any night when you want something fast, fun, and utterly delicious. You can adjust the spice level by adding more sriracha or keeping it mild for a kid-friendly twist. The sauce also doubles as a dipping option, so you can keep extra on the side for dunking fresh veggies or crispy wonton chips. Every time I whip this up, I’m reminded why Bang Bang Chicken has become a beloved favorite: it’s quick enough for weeknight chaos and fancy enough to impress guests.
Whether you’re a beginner cook dipping your toes into Asian-inspired flavors or a seasoned culinary fanatic hunting for a new quick dinner idea, this Bang Bang Chicken recipe has got you covered. With prep time clocked at just 15 minutes, cooking time at 15 minutes, and a brief 5-minute rest for flavors to meld, you can have dinner on the table in under 40 minutes. At around 450 calories per serving, it’s a guilt-conscious indulgence, perfect as a hearty main course or a sharable appetizer to kick off a party spread. This dish showcases a modern twist on traditional Sichuan techniques, marrying the signature sweet-and-spicy combo in a way that feels fresh, balanced, and utterly crave-worthy. Whether you’re plating it for a casual family meal or spreading it out buffet-style for friends, this recipe delivers that crispy, saucy goodness that guests adore. So grab your skillet and let’s get ready to spice up tonight’s menu!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN BANG BANG CHICKEN
To bring this Bang Bang Chicken together, we rely on a handful of star ingredients that each play a vital role in creating that perfect balance of crisp texture, creamy coating, and sweet-heat flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken breast
Provides lean protein and a tender, juicy base once cut into bite-sized pieces and fried to golden perfection.
- Cornstarch
Acts as a light, crisp coating that gives the chicken its signature crunchy exterior.
- Vegetable oil
The neutral frying medium that delivers a high smoke point for evenly cooked, crispy chicken.
- Mayonnaise
Forms the creamy backbone of the sauce, ensuring a rich, silky coating that clings to each piece.
- Sweet chili sauce
Adds a sweet, tangy zing and a hint of chili heat, deepening the overall flavor profile.
- Sriracha sauce
Boosts the spiciness level with its distinct chili-garlic punch—adjust to taste.
- Honey
Balances the heat with natural sweetness and contributes to a glossy sauce sheen.
- Rice vinegar
Gives the sauce a subtle tang that cuts through the richness for a balanced finish.
- Soy sauce
Provides savory umami depth and saltiness to round out the creamy, spicy blend.
- Garlic (minced)
Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth and a classic savory note.
- Salt and pepper
Essential seasonings for perfectly seasoned chicken before coating.
- Green onions (chopped)
Offer a fresh, mild onion bite and pop of color as a garnish.
- Sesame seeds
Deliver a subtle nuttiness and visual appeal when sprinkled on top.
- Cooked rice
Serves as the ideal bed for catching any extra sauce and completing the meal.
HOW TO MAKE BANG BANG CHICKEN
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s walk through the simple steps to transform them into that irresistible Bang Bang Chicken. This straightforward process balances seasoning, frying, and tossing in a luscious sauce to achieve a dish that’s both crispy and creamy.
1. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then coat them evenly with cornstarch. Use your hands or a shallow dish to ensure each piece is fully dusted. Shake off any excess cornstarch so the coating stays light and crunchy during frying.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding—this keeps the oil temperature steady and ensures even crisping. Cook until golden brown and crispy, about 5–7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and let it drain on paper towels to absorb any extra oil.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, honey, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Use a whisk to blend until the sauce is smooth, cohesive, and free of lumps.
4. Add the cooked chicken pieces into the sauce bowl and toss them gently but thoroughly until they’re fully coated in that creamy, zesty mixture.
5. Serve the Bang Bang Chicken over a bed of cooked rice, then sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR BANG BANG CHICKEN
Once your Bang Bang Chicken is hot and saucy, it’s time to think about how to present and enjoy it. Serving goes beyond just plating—it’s about enhancing textures, colors, and flavors to create a memorable meal experience. Here are a few creative ideas to make your dinner spread stand out:
- Over a bed of fluffy steamed rice
Pile the chicken high on warm rice so each grain soaks up the luscious sauce. Garnish with a sprinkle of green onions for contrast.
- In crisp lettuce wraps
Scoop the saucy chicken into butter lettuce cups for a fresh, handheld bite that adds a bright crunch and lightness.
- Alongside steamed or roasted vegetables
Pair with broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers to introduce a colorful, healthy element. Drizzle any leftover sauce over the veg for extra flavor.
- As an appetizer platter
Arrange chicken pieces on a large board with small dipping bowls of extra sauce. Add carrot sticks, cucumber ribbons, and mini skewers for a fun party vibe.
HOW TO STORE BANG BANG CHICKEN
Proper storage ensures your Bang Bang Chicken stays fresh, flavorful, and ready for quick reheating or make-ahead convenience. Whether you’re planning leftovers or prepping sauce in advance, follow these tips to maintain taste and texture:
- Refrigerate in an airtight container
Allow the chicken to cool to room temperature, then seal it in a well-sealed container. It will stay juicy and crisp-on-the-inside for 2–3 days.
- Keep sauce separate
If you prepare the sauce ahead of time, store it in a small jar or sealed bowl. Toss with freshly fried chicken just before serving to preserve the crisp coating.
- Freeze for longer storage
Flash-freeze the cooked chicken pieces on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months—defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat to crisp up
Warm leftovers in a 350°F oven or toaster oven for 8–10 minutes to revive the crunchy exterior. For stove-top reheating, use a nonstick skillet over medium heat, flipping until heated through.
CONCLUSION
I hope you’ve enjoyed this deep dive into making the ultimate Bang Bang Chicken right at home. We’ve covered everything from gathering the key ingredients—like tender chicken breast, cornstarch for that coveted crunch, and a dreamy blend of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic—to step-by-step instructions for frying, saucing, and garnishing. With a total time commitment of under 40 minutes, this beginner-friendly recipe proves that fantastic Asian-inspired flavors don’t require hours of prep or hard-to-find ingredients. Don’t forget to print this article and save it for future meal planning—whether you’re hosting a party or simply want a quick weekday dinner, you’ll always have a foolproof guide on hand. Also, you can find a FAQ below for extra tips and troubleshooting advice.
If you give this Bang Bang Chicken a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Please leave your comments, questions, or feedback below, especially if you experimented with the spice level or served it in fun new ways. Your insights help build a vibrant cooking community, and I’m always here to help you perfect each crispy, saucy bite. Happy cooking, and may your dinner table be filled with flavor and conversation!
Bang Bang Chicken
Description
Experience the perfect balance of heat and sweetness in this crispy Bang Bang Chicken, coated in a creamy, zesty sauce. It's a flavor explosion on your plate!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then coat them evenly with cornstarch. Shake off any excess cornstarch.
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Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook until they are golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the cooked chicken and let them drain on paper towels.
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In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, honey, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Whisk until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
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Add the cooked chicken pieces into the sauce bowl and toss them until they are fully coated.
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Serve the Bang Bang Chicken over a bed of cooked rice, sprinkling green onions and sesame seeds as garnish for added flavor and visual appeal.
Note
- Bang Bang Chicken also tastes great with a side of steamed vegetables.
- You can adjust the level of spiciness by varying the amount of sriracha sauce.
- This dish is often enjoyed as an appetizer at social gatherings.
- The sauce can be prepared ahead of time for convenience.
- This dish is a modern twist on a traditional Sichuan dish known for its sweet and spicy flavors.
