Name: Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds chicken breast, skinless, boneless, cut into 1-inch pieces; ½ cup buttermilk; ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs; ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons cornstarch; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon salt; Vegetable or sunflower oil, for frying; ½ cup mayonnaise; ¼ cup sweet chili sauce; 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce; Sliced green onions

Print Recipe·4 from 13 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances crispy, creamy, and spicy flavors, this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe is an absolute winner. It transforms simple chicken breast pieces into crispy nuggets coated in a crunchy panko crust, then smothered with a luscious, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce that hits all the right notes. This recipe is a fantastic way to impress family or friends without spending hours in the kitchen, and it’s fun to make whether it’s a weeknight dinner or weekend treat. Trust me, once you try this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe, it will become a go-to favorite in your recipe rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top view of twelve small white bowls placed on a white marbled surface, each bowl containing different cooking ingredients, arranged in a loose circular pattern. The largest bowl at the top right holds pink raw chicken chunks with a smooth texture. Surrounding it are various contents: a bright orange-red liquid sauce in a bowl at top center, white powdery salt in a bowl to the left, vibrant red chili powder below it, dry light yellow breadcrumbs in a bowl to the bottom left, and clear oil in a bowl near the center. To the right of the oil is a small bowl with smooth white mayonnaise, and below it a small bowl with dark red thick sauce. Other bowls contain fine beige powders and a light white powder, all evenly spaced on the white marbled texture background photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients come together to create a perfect balance of texture and flavor. Each one plays a crucial role: the buttermilk tenderizes the chicken while the panko crumb coating offers an irresistibly crispy crunch, and the sauce ingredients give the dish its signature creamy, sweet, and spicy kick.

Chicken breast (1.5 pounds): Skinless and boneless, cut into 1-inch pieces for easy, bite-sized cooking.
Buttermilk (½ cup): Helps keep the chicken moist and tender with a subtle tang.
Panko breadcrumbs (¾ cup): Adds an extra crispy texture that’s light and crunchy.
All-purpose flour (¼ cup + 2 tablespoons): Acts as a base for the breading mixture, helping it adhere well.
Cornstarch (¼ cup + 2 tablespoons): Ensures an ultra-crispy finish by absorbing moisture.
Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Brings a mellow, aromatic depth to the coating.
Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Adds subtle sweetness and flavor complexity.
Paprika (½ teaspoon): Offers a mild earthiness and beautiful color.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
Vegetable or sunflower oil: Neutral oils ideal for frying to achieve golden crispiness.
Mayonnaise (½ cup): Forms the rich, creamy base of the bang bang sauce.
Sweet chili sauce (¼ cup): Provides sweetness and just the right amount of heat.
Sriracha sauce (1 teaspoon): Adds a spicy kick that lifts the sauce to the next level.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Marinate the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized 1-inch pieces, which makes for perfect popping morsels later. In a medium bowl, toss these pieces with the buttermilk — this simple step is key to tenderizing the chicken and giving the final bites a juicy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 2: Mix the Breading Ingredients

Next, combine the panko breadcrumbs, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt in a separate bowl. This flavorful, seasoned breading mixture will create that crave-worthy crispy shell you want on every piece of chicken.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

One at a time, dredge each piece of marinated chicken into the breading mixture, making sure every inch is thoroughly coated. This will ensure an even and crunchy crust after frying.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Heat your choice of vegetable or sunflower oil in a sturdy skillet until shimmering hot. Carefully add your breaded chicken pieces in a single layer (don’t overcrowd the pan!) and fry them for about 2 minutes per side or until deeply golden brown and wonderfully crisp. Transfer the cooked chicken onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 5: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

While the chicken is resting, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha in a small bowl. This creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce is the heart and soul of the Bang Bang Chicken Recipe and will take your crunchy chicken to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Step 6: Serve and Drizzle

Arrange your crispy chicken pieces on a serving plate and generously drizzle the bang bang sauce over the top. You’ll want every bite soaked in that gorgeous sauce!

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

A white plate is layered with white paper towels that have texture like soft cloth. On top, there are many small, golden-brown pieces of crispy, breaded food. Each piece is uneven in shape, with a crunchy outer layer showing rough, crumbly texture. The plate rests on a white marbled surface that looks smooth and clean. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of thinly sliced green onions is a classic choice for garnish, adding a fresh, sharp contrast that brightens the rich sauce beautifully. For a little extra kick and color, a pinch of toasted sesame seeds or finely chopped cilantro works wonders too.

Side Dishes

Bang Bang Chicken is versatile enough to pair with many sides. Serve it over steamed jasmine rice or fluffy coconut rice to soak up the sauce. For a lighter option, a crisp Asian slaw or simple cucumber salad complements the spicy and creamy flavors perfectly, balancing richness with freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling playful? Turn this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe into lettuce wraps for a low-carb delight, or pile it on soft steamed bao buns with pickled veggies for a fun handheld meal. It also makes a fantastic topping for a vibrant salad to transform dinner into a colorful, wholesome feast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which may not last long!), place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chicken will remain tasty, though the crunch will soften slightly as it sits.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked Bang Bang Chicken in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 1 month. For best results, freeze the chicken separately from the sauce, which can be refrigerated and added fresh after reheating.

Reheating

To bring crispiness back when reheating, warm the chicken pieces on a baking sheet in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes. This method refreshes the crust better than microwaving, which tends to make the chicken soggy. Add the bang bang sauce just before serving to keep its vibrant flavor intact.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more juiciness and flavor due to the higher fat content, but cook times may vary slightly. Cut them into uniform pieces for even cooking.

Is there a vegetarian version of Bang Bang Chicken Recipe?

You can swap the chicken for crispy tofu or cauliflower florets coated and cooked the same way. The bang bang sauce works wonderfully with these alternatives too.

How spicy is the sauce? Can I adjust it?

The sauce carries a balanced mild heat mainly from the sriracha, so it isn’t overwhelmingly spicy. You can dial it down or up by adjusting the amount of sriracha or adding more sweet chili sauce to suit your taste.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

No worries! You can make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to ½ cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Can I bake instead of frying the chicken?

Yes, baking is an option for a lighter version. Cook the breaded chicken at 400°F (200°C) on a greased baking sheet for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Bang Bang Chicken Recipe is a surefire way to add excitement to your dinner table with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Its crispy exterior combined with that creamy, tangy, and spicy sauce creates an addictive bite every time. I encourage you to try making it soon—once you do, it just might become one of your kitchen favorites to share with everyone you love.