Sizzling Bang Bang Chicken Recipe That Packs a Flavorful Punch

Tender chicken meets an explosion of flavors in this incredible bang bang chicken recipe that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Crispy, juicy, and coated in a creamy, spicy sauce, this dish delivers a perfect balance of textures and heat.

The secret lies in the delectable sauce that brings every bite to life with its zesty kick.

Drizzled with a blend of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha, the chicken becomes an irresistible masterpiece.

Each piece is carefully fried to golden perfection, creating a satisfying crunch that complements the silky sauce.

This recipe transforms a simple chicken dish into a restaurant-worthy meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Bang Bang Chicken Packs a Punch

• Speed Up Weeknight Dinners: Whip up this crispy, saucy chicken in under half an hour, making it a perfect solution for busy families craving restaurant-quality meals at home.
• Customize Your Flavor Adventure: Easily adjust the Bang Bang sauce's heat level by tweaking sriracha amounts, allowing everyone from mild-loving kids to spice enthusiasts to enjoy their perfect bite.
• Master Restaurant-Style Cooking: Learn professional-level frying techniques that guarantee golden, crunchy exterior with juicy chicken inside, transforming home cooking into a gourmet experience.
• Crowd-Pleasing Party Starter: Serve these irresistible chicken bites as an appetizer or main course that'll have guests asking for your secret recipe, perfect for game nights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients for Bang Bang Chicken

Main Ingredients:

• Chicken Pieces: Fresh chicken that will be marinated and fried to create a crispy exterior.

• Flour, Cornstarch: Dry ingredients that help create a crispy and golden brown coating for the chicken.

• Buttermilk: A tangy liquid that helps tenderize the chicken and adds subtle flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the chicken.

Seasoning and Sauce Ingredients:

• Garlic Powder, Paprika: Spices that add depth and warmth to the chicken's coating.

• Mayonnaise, Sweet Chili Sauce, Sriracha, Honey: A combination of creamy, sweet, and spicy components that create the signature Bang Bang sauce.

Frying and Garnish:

• Oil: Used for deep frying the chicken to achieve a crispy texture.

• Green Onions, Cilantro: Fresh herbs that add a pop of color and additional flavor to the finished dish.

How to Make Spicy Bang Bang Chicken

Step 1: Create Flavor Bath

Whisk buttermilk with salt and pepper in a mixing bowl.

Submerge chicken pieces completely and let the flavors mingle for a quick 15-20 minute marination.

Step 2: Craft Crunchy Coating

• All-purpose flour
• Cornstarch
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend the dry ingredients until perfectly mixed.

Step 3: Prepare Hot Oil

Heat cooking oil in a deep skillet or fryer until it reaches 350°F.

Use a cooking thermometer to ensure precise temperature.

Step 4: Dredge Chicken Pieces

Remove chicken from buttermilk bath and generously coat each piece in the seasoned flour mixture.

Press gently to help coating adhere perfectly.

Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection

Carefully lower chicken pieces into hot oil.

Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature.

Cook until exterior turns gorgeous golden brown and interior reaches safe temperature, about 5-6 minutes.

Step 6: Create Signature Sauce

• Mayonnaise
• Sweet chili sauce
• Sriracha
• Honey (optional)

Blend until smooth and vibrant.

Step 7: Sauce and Serve

Drizzle or toss crispy chicken with prepared sauce.

Sprinkle with chopped green onions or fresh cilantro for extra zest.

Step 8: Plate and Enjoy

Transfer chicken to serving platter.

Serve immediately while hot and crunchy.

Enjoy with side of extra sauce for dipping.

Tips for Crunchy, Saucy Chicken

• Let chicken soak in buttermilk for maximum tenderness and flavor absorption.
• Ensure even, thick flour coating by pressing gently and shaking off excess for extra crispiness.
• Maintain consistent 350°F to achieve golden, crispy exterior without greasy chicken.
• Adjust Bang Bang sauce heat by adding more or less sriracha to suit personal spice preferences.
• Keep fried chicken crisp by placing on wire rack instead of paper towels to prevent soggy bottoms.

Bang Bang Chicken Variations for Every Mood

• Gluten-Free Crunch: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free cornmeal for a crispy coating that caters to gluten-sensitive diets.
• Buttermilk-Free Option: Swap buttermilk with coconut milk or plain yogurt mixed with a splash of lemon juice for a tangy marinade alternative.
• Spicy Herb Kick: Incorporate dried herbs like thyme or oregano into the flour mixture for an aromatic, zesty flavor profile that elevates the chicken's taste.
• Vegan Protein Swap: Use tofu or cauliflower florets instead of chicken, maintaining the crispy coating and Bang Bang sauce for a plant-based version of the recipe.

Plating Bang Bang Chicken

• Spicy Sidekick Platter: Arrange crispy chicken over fluffy white rice or colorful coleslaw for a delightful texture contrast.
• Fresh Crunch Companions: Serve with quick-pickled cucumber slices, crunchy carrot sticks, or tangy Asian slaw to balance the rich, spicy flavors.
• Dipping Delight Station: Create a mini sauce bar with extra Bang Bang sauce, ranch, or blue cheese dressing for guests who love additional dipping options.
• Party Presentation Hack: Transform this dish into fun sliders by placing chicken pieces inside mini soft buns with a drizzle of sauce for easy finger food.

Storage Advice for Bang Bang Chicken

• Store leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Chicken remains good for up to 2 months when frozen.
• Preheat oven to 375°F. Place chicken on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through, restoring crispiness.
• Set air fryer to 375°F. Arrange chicken in a single layer, cook for 3-4 minutes. This method maintains the original crispy texture without additional oil.

FAQs

• What makes the buttermilk marinade special?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken by breaking down proteins, making the meat more juicy and soft while adding a subtle tangy flavor that enhances the overall taste of the chicken.

• Why use cornstarch in the coating?

Cornstarch creates an extra crispy exterior by absorbing moisture and helping the flour mixture stick better to the chicken, resulting in a crunchier and more golden-brown coating when fried.

• How do I know when the chicken is perfectly cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), which ensures it’s fully cooked and safe to eat while remaining juicy and tender.

Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 26 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sichuan’s spicy bang bang chicken delivers a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate with zesty chili oil and tender shredded meat. Crisp cucumber and nutty sesame seeds complete this irresistible dish, promising a delicious journey through Chinese culinary traditions you’ll savor to the last bite.

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Ingredients

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Chicken Ingredients:

• 1 lb (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) cornstarch
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) buttermilk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil for frying

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) Thai sweet chili sauce
• 1–2 tablespoons sriracha
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

Garnish Ingredients:

• Chopped green onions
• Fresh cilantro
• Sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Submerge chicken pieces in a seasoned buttermilk bath, allowing flavors to penetrate for 15-20 minutes at room temperature.
2. Create a dynamic coating by blending flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper into a uniform dry mixture.
3. Preheat cooking oil in a deep skillet to precisely 350°F, ensuring optimal frying temperature for crispy exterior.
4. Meticulously coat each buttermilk-soaked chicken piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to secure an even, robust layer.
5. Carefully lower chicken into hot oil, frying in strategic batches to maintain consistent temperature, cooking until exterior turns golden brown and interior reaches 165°F, approximately 5-6 minutes.
6. Transfer fried chicken to a paper towel-lined surface, allowing excess oil to drain and preserve crispiness.
7. Craft a vibrant Bang Bang sauce by whisking mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey into a harmonious, tangy blend.
8. Generously coat crispy chicken with sauce, ensuring complete coverage, or strategically drizzle for visual appeal.
9. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions or cilantro, serving immediately to preserve optimal texture and temperature.

Notes

• Master the buttermilk marinade by using cold buttermilk to help tenderize chicken and enhance flavor absorption.
• Ensure oil temperature stays consistent at 350°F to achieve perfectly crispy exterior without greasy texture.
• Avoid overcrowding the skillet during frying to maintain oil temperature and prevent soggy chicken pieces.
• Customize sauce heat levels by adjusting sriracha quantity for spice-sensitive diners or those craving extra kick.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 430 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg