Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bang Bang Chicken is a bold, crave-worthy dish that combines crispy chicken with a creamy, sweet-and-spicy sauce that coats every bite perfectly. Inspired by popular restaurant versions, this recipe delivers that signature balance of crunch, heat, and sweetness right at home. It is indulgent without being complicated and comes together faster than you might expect.
What truly makes Bang Bang Chicken shine is the sauce. The combination of creamy, tangy, and spicy flavors creates an addictive contrast to the crispy chicken. I tested this recipe with different coating methods and found that a light, crisp exterior works best to hold the sauce without becoming soggy. This dish works equally well as an appetizer, main course, or even tucked into wraps or bowls. If you enjoy dishes that are bold, comforting, and full of flavor, Bang Bang Chicken is a recipe you will want to make again and again.
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Bang Bang Chicken – Crispy, Creamy, and Perfectly Balanced
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Crispy, juicy chicken bites tossed in a creamy, sweet-and-spicy Bang Bang sauce that’s bold, addictive, and perfect as an appetizer or main dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar
- Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Season chicken pieces with salt and black pepper.
- Set up a breading station with cornstarch, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs.
- Dredge chicken in cornstarch, dip in eggs, then coat with panko.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet to 175°C (350°F).
- Fry chicken in batches for 3–4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain on paper towels.
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey.
- Toss fried chicken in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Garnish with green onions and serve immediately.
Notes
- Chicken can be air-fried at 190°C (375°F) for 12–15 minutes.
- Serve over rice or in tacos for a full meal.
- Sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken breast
Chicken breast provides a lean, tender base. Cut into evenly sized pieces, it cooks quickly and stays juicy inside the crispy coating.
All-purpose flour
Flour helps create the first layer of coating, allowing the batter to adhere evenly to the chicken.
Cornstarch
Cornstarch adds lightness and extra crispness to the coating.
Eggs
Eggs help bind the coating to the chicken and create an even crust.
Milk
Milk loosens the batter slightly, ensuring a smooth, even coating.
Salt
Salt enhances the flavor of the chicken and the coating.
Black pepper
Black pepper adds mild warmth and depth.
Garlic powder
Garlic powder brings savory flavor without overpowering the dish.
Oil
Oil is used for frying and helps the chicken become golden and crisp.
Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise forms the creamy base of the Bang Bang sauce.
Sweet chili sauce
Sweet chili sauce provides sweetness and mild heat.
Sriracha
Sriracha adds heat and balances the sweetness of the sauce.
Honey
Honey enhances sweetness and smooths out the spice.
Directions
Begin by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces and seasoning lightly with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. In a bowl, whisk together the flour and cornstarch. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and milk until smooth.
Dip each piece of chicken into the flour mixture, then into the egg mixture, and back into the flour mixture to coat evenly. Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and drain on paper towels.
To prepare the sauce, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth and well combined. Adjust the spice level to taste.
Once the chicken has cooled slightly, toss it gently with the sauce until evenly coated. Serve immediately.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves approximately 4 people. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, with a cooking time of 15 minutes. Total time required is roughly 30 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Bang Bang Chicken is best enjoyed fresh. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispness, then toss lightly with extra sauce if needed.
Variations and Customizations
Bang Bang Chicken is easy to customize. For a lighter version, the chicken can be baked or air-fried instead of deep-fried. The sauce remains just as flavorful and coats baked chicken well.
You can also adjust the heat level by increasing or reducing the sriracha. For extra texture, garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds. This dish also works well with shrimp or tofu using the same sauce and coating method.
For serving options, Bang Bang Chicken pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or a fresh slaw. It can also be used as a filling for tacos or wraps for a fun twist.
FAQs
Is Bang Bang Chicken very spicy?
It is mildly spicy, but heat can be adjusted easily.
Can I make this in an air fryer?
Yes, air-frying works very well for a lighter version.
What oil is best for frying?
Neutral oils with high smoke points work best.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes, thighs stay very juicy and flavorful.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be prepared and refrigerated in advance.
How do I keep the chicken crispy?
Do not overcrowd the pan and toss with sauce just before serving.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free flour and cornstarch.
What should I serve with Bang Bang Chicken?
Rice, noodles, or a crisp salad pair well.
Can I freeze Bang Bang Chicken?
Freezing is not recommended once sauced.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, reduce the sriracha for a milder version.
Conclusion
Bang Bang Chicken is a bold, satisfying dish that delivers crispy texture and irresistible creamy heat in every bite. Easy to prepare and endlessly adaptable, it is perfect for weeknight dinners, appetizers, or casual entertaining. With its iconic sauce and crunchy coating, this recipe brings restaurant-style flavor straight to your kitchen.
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