Bang Bang Chicken is crispy golden deep-fried chicken covered with creamy sweet spicy sauce. Adapting a popular dish at Asian-fusion restaurants, this recipe is simple to prepare at home and great as an appetizer, snack or main course. You can serve it with rice, on tacos, or as a party favorite!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast (diced into bite-sized chunks)
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 cup corn starch (or flour for a more regular crust)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- Sweet chili sauce (2 tablespoons)
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, coat the chicken pieces in buttermilk. Let sit as is for 15-30 minutes (this helps make it extra tender).
Step 2: Dredge & Fry the Chicken
- In a deep skillet, heat about 1 inch of oil to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika.
- Shake chicken off excess buttermilk, then coat each piece in cornstarch mixture.
- Fry in batches for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain on a plate lined with paper towels.
Step 3: Make the bang bang sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and garlic powder.
Step 4: Toss & Serve
- Plunge the crunchy chicken in the Bang Bang Sauce, or drizzle it on top to maintain the crunch.
- Top with green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve warm over rice or in tacos, or as an appetizer!
Tips & Variations
- Extra Crispy? Give the chicken a second dip in buttermilk, followed by a second coating in cornstarch.
- Air Fryer: 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway.
- A healthier option: Substitute baked or grilled chicken for fried.
- Light Version: Cut back on or skip the Sriracha for a milder sauce.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: For up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- To reheat: Crisp in an air fryer or oven set to 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Bang Bang Chicken | A delicious combination of crispy, creamy, sweet and spicy. It’s lovely for parties, family dinners or a playful takeout-style meal at home. Try it out yourself and tell us how you serve it!
Do you want a shrimp version or a low-carb one?