Bang Bang Chicken Recipe: Crispy, Creamy, and Totally Irresistible

If you’re anything like me, sometimes you just want a meal that’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and a total crowd-pleaser. Enter Bang Bang Chicken. This crispy, creamy, spicy dish is the ultimate comfort food with a little kick.

After making it for my family on multiple occasions, I can confidently say it’s become a regular in our dinner rotation. Whether it’s a weeknight or a casual get-together, this recipe always gets rave reviews.

So, what’s the big deal about Bang Bang Chicken? The secret lies in the crispy chicken combined with a creamy, tangy sauce that brings everything together. It’s got that perfect balance of flavors, and the best part is that it’s so easy to whip up. Trust me, you’ll love this dish just as much as my family does!

What is Bang Bang Chicken?

If you’ve never tried Bang Bang Chicken, you’re in for a treat. This dish gets its name from the “bang bang” sauce, which is the real star here. The sauce is a sweet, creamy, and slightly spicy mixture that coats the crispy chicken perfectly. It’s like the grown-up version of chicken nuggets, with a little more sophistication and a whole lot of flavor.

I first discovered Bang Bang Chicken while searching for something new to make during one of those evenings when I was tired of the usual chicken recipes. I wanted something fast, flavorful, and with a bit of a twist. The crunchy chicken, combined with the creamy and spicy sauce, was an immediate hit with my family. Since then, I’ve been perfecting the recipe, and I’m excited to share it with you today!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we jump into the recipe, let’s talk about the ingredients. You probably already have most of these in your pantry. I love recipes like this that don’t require a ton of special ingredients. They’re simple but come together to create something amazing. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces): You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer, but I like chicken breasts for this recipe because they cook up nice and juicy.
• 1 cup cornstarch: This helps to make the chicken extra crispy.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour: Combined with the cornstarch, this creates the perfect coating for the chicken.
• 1 tsp garlic powder: Adds a savory depth to the coating.
• 1 tsp onion powder: This gives the chicken an extra layer of flavor.
• 1/2 tsp paprika: For a little smoky flavor and color.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Always season well! Don’t skip this step.
• Vegetable oil for frying: You’ll need about 1-2 inches of oil in your pan to fry the chicken properly.

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise: The creamy base for the sauce. If you prefer a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt instead.
• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce: This is what gives the sauce its sweetness and just a bit of heat.
• 1-2 tbsp sriracha: Adjust this depending on how spicy you like it. A little goes a long way, but feel free to add more if you like a serious kick.
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar: Adds a nice tang to balance out the sweetness of the chili sauce.
• 1 tsp honey (optional): If you prefer a sweeter sauce, a teaspoon of honey will do the trick. I sometimes add a little extra when I want the sweetness to stand out more.

For Garnish (optional but recommended):

• Chopped green onions: Adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
• Sesame seeds: These are optional, but they give a nice crunch and add a bit of texture.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken

Now that you’ve got everything ready, let’s get cooking! This recipe is really easy to make, and it comes together in no time. It’s the perfect weeknight meal, but it’s fancy enough to serve when you have guests over too.

1. Prep the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. I usually aim for pieces that are about 1 to 2 inches in size. You don’t want them too big because they’ll take longer to cook, and you don’t want them too small because they might burn while frying. The goal is to make them the perfect size for dipping and popping in your mouth.

In a large bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together so it’s evenly distributed. This dry mixture is what will give your chicken its crispiness. Make sure each piece of chicken is coated well. You might want to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the chicken.

2. Coat the Chicken

Now that your chicken is cut and your flour mixture is ready, it’s time to coat the chicken. Toss each piece of chicken into the flour mixture and make sure it’s evenly coated. Gently shake off any excess flour. This will give you that crispy coating that everyone loves. If you want extra crispy chicken, you can double coat the chicken by dipping it into a little beaten egg before dredging it in the flour mixture. Totally up to you, though—I usually skip this extra step for simplicity.

3. Fry the Chicken

Next, it’s time to fry the chicken! Heat about 1 to 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. You’ll know it’s ready when you drop a small piece of chicken in, and it sizzles right away.

Carefully add the chicken pieces to the pan, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. If you add too many pieces at once, they won’t cook evenly, and you’ll lose that crispy texture. Fry the chicken in batches, if necessary. Let each batch cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and crispy on all sides.

Once the chicken is done, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain off any excess oil. This will help keep the chicken crispy and prevent it from becoming greasy.

4. Make the Bang Bang Sauce

While the chicken is frying, it’s time to make the sauce. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and honey. Stir everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. Taste the sauce, and feel free to adjust it to your liking. Want more heat? Add a bit more sriracha. Like it sweeter? A little extra honey will do the trick.

The sauce is where all the magic happens. It’s creamy, tangy, and with just the right amount of spice. Once you’ve got the sauce just right, set it aside.

5. Toss the Chicken in the Sauce

Once all the chicken is fried and crispy, it’s time to toss it in the Bang Bang sauce. You can either place the chicken in a large bowl and pour the sauce over it, or if you’re feeling extra lazy (which, let’s be honest, we all are sometimes), you can just pour the sauce directly over the chicken on the plate. Use a spoon or tongs to gently toss the chicken so that each piece is generously coated in that creamy, spicy goodness.

6. Garnish and Serve

Now comes the fun part—garnishing! Sprinkle some chopped green onions on top of the chicken for a pop of color and a little bit of fresh flavor. You can also add a sprinkle of sesame seeds if you want a little extra crunch.

Serve the Bang Bang Chicken immediately. You can serve it over a bed of rice or alongside some roasted veggies, or just enjoy it as is. Either way, you’re in for a real treat.

Why This Bang Bang Chicken Is a Winner

I can honestly say that this recipe has been a hit in our house from day one. My kids love it, my husband loves it, and I love how simple it is to make. It’s one of those dishes that’s perfect for busy nights when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen but still want something flavorful and satisfying.

The best part? The versatility. You can adjust the spice level, add extra sweetness, or even experiment with different types of chicken. I’ve made this with chicken thighs before, and it’s just as delicious. Plus, it’s a great dish to make ahead of time. The crispy chicken stays crispy for a while, and the sauce keeps for a few days in the fridge, so it’s perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

A Few Tips for Success

• Frying the chicken: Make sure the oil is hot enough before you add the chicken. If it’s not hot enough, the chicken will soak up too much oil and won’t get crispy. If it’s too hot, the chicken will burn on the outside before it’s fully cooked on the inside.
• Adjust the sauce: You can always adjust the amount of sriracha if you like more or less heat. If you’re serving kids or anyone who isn’t a fan of spice, feel free to dial it back.
• Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store the sauce and chicken separately. Reheat the chicken in the oven to get it crispy again, then toss it with the sauce right before serving.

Final Thoughts

Bang Bang Chicken is the perfect meal when you’re craving something crispy, creamy, and full of flavor. It’s a quick, easy recipe that’s sure to impress, and it’s adaptable enough for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner or serving it at a casual gathering with friends, it’s bound to be a hit.

I hope you enjoy making and eating this dish as much as I do. It’s one of those recipes that just feels like home. Try it out and let me know how it turns out! I’d love to hear what you think.