Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Cooking at home has its perks—you get to customize every bite to your liking, and nothing beats the satisfaction of whipping up something amazing in your own kitchen. Today, I’m sharing my take on Bang Bang Chicken, a quick and easy recipe that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or some friends, this dish is guaranteed to impress without breaking a sweat.

Bang Bang Chicken has become one of my go-to recipes when I’m in the mood for something flavorful and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of crispy chicken and a creamy, slightly spicy sauce is pure magic. If you’ve never tried it, you’re in for a treat. Let me walk you through how to make this mouthwatering dish!

What Is Bang Bang Chicken?

If you’re wondering about the name, Bang Bang Chicken is a dish that packs a punch (pun intended). Traditionally, it’s a Chinese street food dish featuring shredded chicken with a flavorful sauce. The “bang bang” refers to the sound of chefs pounding the chicken to tenderize it. However, the version we’re making today is a Western twist that’s fried, crispy, and coated in a creamy, spicy sauce. Think of it as the perfect blend of crunchy and saucy goodness—it’s a flavor explosion you’ll love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make Bang Bang Chicken. Don’t worry; most of these ingredients are pantry staples or easy to find at your local grocery store.

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil works great)

For the Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
• 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 tbsp lime juice

Optional Garnishes:

• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Lime wedges

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken

This recipe comes together in a few simple steps that even a beginner cook can handle. Let’s get started:

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces. This helps the chicken cook quickly and evenly. In one bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. Finally, pour the panko breadcrumbs into a third bowl. Having this assembly line ready will make breading the chicken a breeze.

Step 2: Bread the Chicken

Dip each piece of chicken into the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Next, dip it into the egg, letting any excess drip off, and finally roll it in the panko breadcrumbs. Make sure each piece is fully coated for maximum crunch. I like to set the breaded chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper while I finish the rest.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Heat about an inch of oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. To check if the oil is ready, drop in a small piece of bread; if it sizzles and turns golden, you’re good to go. Fry the chicken in batches for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan—this keeps the oil temperature steady and ensures crispier chicken. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

While the chicken is frying, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a medium bowl. Taste and adjust the spice level if needed. The sauce should be creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy—basically the star of the show!

Step 5: Toss and Serve

Once all the chicken is cooked and drained, toss it in the sauce until it’s evenly coated. This step is where the magic happens. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for a little extra flair. Pro tip: Don’t forget a squeeze of fresh lime over the top for an added zing.

Tips for Success

• Use Fresh Oil: Clean oil makes a huge difference in the flavor and texture of your fried chicken. If the oil looks too dark after a few batches, swap it out for fresh oil.
• Keep It Crispy: If you’re frying multiple batches, keep the cooked chicken warm in a 200°F oven while you finish the rest.
• Adjust the Spice: Not a fan of heat? Reduce the sriracha or substitute it with a little ketchup for a milder sauce. If you’re a spice lover, sprinkle some cayenne pepper into the sauce or the flour mixture.
• Prep Ahead: You can bread the chicken ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for up to an hour before frying. This is especially handy if you’re cooking for a crowd.

What to Serve with Bang Bang Chicken

Bang Bang Chicken is versatile enough to pair with just about anything. Here are a few ideas:

• Steamed Rice: The perfect base to soak up that amazing sauce.
• Mixed Greens: A fresh salad balances out the richness of the dish and adds a healthy touch.
• Fries or Wedges: For a comfort food combo that hits the spot.
• Vegetable Stir-Fry: Keep it light and colorful with a mix of your favorite veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli.
• Sliders: Serve the chicken in small buns with some slaw for a fun twist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Bang Bang Chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, casual get-togethers, or even as a game-day snack. It’s quick to make, and the results are absolutely worth it. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will enjoy. The combination of crispy chicken and tangy sauce is just too good to pass up. Trust me, once you’ve made this, it’ll earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.

My Personal Twist

Sometimes, I like to add a handful of shredded coconut to the breadcrumbs for a hint of sweetness. It’s a small tweak, but it makes the dish feel extra special. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could also try adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the sauce for a smoky kick. Let your creativity shine—there’s no wrong way to make this dish your own!

Pro Tip

Make extra sauce! Trust me, you’ll want it for dipping veggies, drizzling over rice, or even as a spread on sandwiches the next day. The sauce is so good, you might find yourself licking the spoon (no judgment here!).

Final Thoughts

Bang Bang Chicken is a recipe that brings a little excitement to the dinner table. Whether you’re making it for your family, a dinner party, or just treating yourself, it’s bound to be a hit. The crispy, golden chicken paired with the creamy, zesty sauce is a combination you’ll keep coming back to.

Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out. Don’t forget to share your creations—I’d love to see your version of Bang Bang Chicken! Snap a photo, tag me, and let’s keep the fun going in the kitchen.

Happy cooking!