If you're in the mood for a dish that packs a punch with every bite, Bang Bang Chicken is the perfect recipe for you. This popular dish is known for its crispy, tender chicken coated in a creamy, spicy sauce that leaves a lasting impression on your taste buds. Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply cooking a meal for yourself, this recipe will make you look like a pro in the kitchen. Stay with us through this article to discover how to make the perfect Bang Bang Chicken, along with tips, tricks, and variations to suit your preferences.

What is Bang Bang Chicken?
Bang Bang Chicken is a dish that combines crispy fried chicken with a signature creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce. Originating from the Sichuan region of China, the original version of Bang Bang Chicken featured shredded chicken and was named for the sound made when the meat was tenderized with a mallet. However, in its modern iteration, particularly popular in American-Asian fusion cuisine, Bang Bang Chicken usually refers to crispy fried chicken bites drenched in a creamy, spicy mayo-based sauce. The dish is both satisfying and indulgent, making it a hit with food lovers everywhere.
Ingredients List for Bang Bang Chicken
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sriracha or your favorite hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional for tanginess)
- Pinch of salt and pepper to taste
Substitutions and Variations
Bang Bang Chicken is highly versatile, and there are several ways you can modify the recipe based on your dietary needs or flavor preferences. If you’re looking for a healthier version, consider baking the chicken instead of frying it. For a low-carb or gluten-free version, replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour mix. You can also substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt to reduce the calorie content while still maintaining that creamy texture. The spice level can easily be adjusted by reducing or increasing the amount of sriracha. For a vegetarian option, swap out the chicken for tofu or cauliflower, both of which hold the sauce beautifully.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

- Prep the Chicken: Begin by cutting your chicken into bite-sized cubes. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they are not too moist, which helps the coating stick better.
- Set Up Breading Station: Prepare three shallow bowls — one with flour and cornstarch mixed with salt, pepper, and garlic powder; one with beaten eggs; and one with plain cornstarch. Dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture, then dip into the eggs, and finally coat with the plain cornstarch for an extra crispy texture.
- Heat the Oil: In a deep pan or skillet, pour in enough vegetable oil to submerge the chicken pieces. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (180°C). You can test if it’s ready by dropping a small piece of bread into the oil. If it sizzles and browns within 60 seconds, it’s ready for frying.
- Fry the Chicken: Gently place the chicken pieces into the hot oil in batches, ensuring they have enough space to cook evenly. Fry each batch for 4-6 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: While the chicken is frying, mix all the sauce ingredients (mayonnaise, sriracha, sweet chili sauce, honey, rice vinegar, salt, and pepper) in a bowl. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to your preference.
- Coat the Chicken: Once all the chicken is fried and drained of oil, place the chicken pieces into a large mixing bowl. Pour the Bang Bang sauce over the chicken and toss until each piece is well coated with the sauce.
How to Cook Bang Bang Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking Bang Bang Chicken is all about achieving that perfect balance of crispy chicken and creamy sauce. Start by preparing all your ingredients in advance to ensure a smooth cooking process. Once your chicken is coated and fried to crispy perfection, make sure to toss it in the sauce while it's still warm. The sauce will cling to the crispy exterior without making the chicken soggy. This combination of textures is what makes Bang Bang Chicken so irresistible.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the pan: When frying the chicken, avoid adding too many pieces at once. Overcrowding can lower the oil temperature, leading to soggy rather than crispy chicken.
- Not patting the chicken dry: Moisture on the chicken will prevent the breading from adhering properly, resulting in less crispy chicken.
- Not adjusting the spice level: Bang Bang Chicken is known for its heat, but not everyone loves spice. Make sure to adjust the amount of sriracha to your liking to avoid overpowering the dish.
- Skipping the cornstarch: The combination of flour and cornstarch is what gives the chicken its signature crunch. Skipping this step will result in a less crispy coating.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Bang Bang Chicken is best served fresh and hot, with a garnish of chopped scallions, sesame seeds, or cilantro for added freshness and visual appeal. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed rice, quinoa, or a crisp green salad to balance out the richness of the sauce. For a party or appetizer, serve Bang Bang Chicken on skewers or small toothpicks for easy, mess-free snacking.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken
Serve Bang Bang Chicken as a main course alongside steamed rice or noodles to soak up any extra sauce. Alternatively, you can serve it as an appetizer or party snack with toothpicks or as part of a platter with other finger foods. The creamy sauce makes it a great pairing with fresh veggies like cucumber slices, lettuce cups, or carrot sticks for a lighter contrast.
Presentation Ideas for Bang Bang Chicken
For a vibrant presentation, place the Bang Bang Chicken in a large serving bowl and top with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of extra sauce for a striking look. You could also serve it on a bed of shredded lettuce or cabbage for a colorful and crunchy contrast. If serving as an appetizer, consider placing the chicken bites in lettuce wraps for an elegant and fun-to-eat option.
Bang Bang Chicken Recipe Tips
- For extra crunch, double fry the chicken by frying it for a second time after it has rested for a couple of minutes.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a tablespoon of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to the sauce before tossing it with the chicken.
- To make the sauce even more flavorful, consider adding a splash of lime juice or grated ginger for a fresh, zesty twist.
- If you're making a large batch, keep the fried chicken pieces warm in the oven at 200°F (95°C) while you fry the rest.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until golden and crispy. For extra crunch, lightly spray the chicken with oil before baking.
Is Bang Bang Chicken gluten-free?
The traditional recipe is not gluten-free due to the use of flour. However, you can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free flour or almond flour in place of all-purpose flour.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven or air fryer to regain the crispy texture.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the Bang Bang sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a quick whisk before using it.
Conclusion
Bang Bang Chicken is a flavorful dish that strikes the perfect balance between crispy, spicy, and creamy. Whether you’re serving it as a main course, appetizer, or snack, it's sure to be a crowd-pleaser. By following this step-by-step recipe and incorporating the tips and variations, you can easily customize the dish to suit your tastes. Don’t forget to garnish and serve it up with style for a visually impressive dish that tastes as good as it looks. Now that you know how to make Bang Bang Chicken, it’s time to get cooking and enjoy the explosion of flavors this dish has to offer!
PrintBang Bang Chicken Recipe
This crispy Bang Bang Chicken is a flavor-packed dish featuring tender chicken bites tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce. Perfect for a quick dinner or appetizer, it's made with simple ingredients like chicken breast, cornstarch, and a homemade bang bang sauce. Serve with rice or lettuce wraps for a restaurant-style dish at home.
- Prep Time: 10 minute
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American, Asian Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 egg
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Coat chicken in egg, then cornstarch seasoned with salt and pepper.
- Heat oil in a pan and fry chicken until golden and crispy.
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and rice vinegar to make the bang bang sauce.
- Toss the crispy chicken in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve with your choice of side like rice or lettuce wraps.
Notes
- You can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less sriracha.
- To make it healthier, bake the chicken instead of frying.
- Use Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise for a lighter version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550 mg
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