Easy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

There's something irresistible about the sweet heat of Bang Bang Chicken. The crispy, golden bites of tender chicken coated in a creamy, spicy sauce make this dish an instant favorite for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

I discovered this recipe during a takeout craving and quickly realized I could recreate it at home – faster, cheaper, and even better. It's become a go-to in our house, especially when we want something indulgent but don't have time for complicated cooking.

Whether you're feeding picky kids, impressing guests, or just want something crave-worthy and easy, this Easy Bang Bang Chicken delivers every time. Let's dive into what makes this recipe so special.

Why You'll Love This Easy Bang Bang Chicken

This dish is the definition of flavor-packed comfort food. You get the perfect crunch from the fried chicken, balanced by a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce that keeps you coming back for more.

Quick and simple to make. From prep to plate, you’re looking at about 30 minutes total. Perfect for weeknights when time is short but your cravings are big.

Minimal, budget-friendly ingredients. You probably have most of the ingredients already in your pantry or fridge, and the rest are easy to find at any grocery store.

Kid-approved with customizable spice. Want it milder? Just reduce the sriracha in the sauce. It’s easy to adjust to suit the whole family’s taste buds.

Crispy outside, juicy inside. The chicken is pan-fried to golden perfection, locking in the juices and giving it a satisfying crunch that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.

This easy Bang Bang Chicken is one of those recipes you'll make once and then memorize because it's just that easy—and that good.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient serves a purpose in delivering maximum flavor with minimum fuss.

Chicken breasts are the star of the show. I use boneless, skinless breasts cut into bite-sized chunks. They cook quickly and stay juicy when pan-fried, especially if you let them sit in a simple marinade for a few minutes.

Cornstarch is key to that addictive crispiness. It creates a light, golden crust on the chicken that holds up well under the sauce. You can use all-purpose flour in a pinch, but cornstarch gives a better crunch.

Mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha form the classic Bang Bang sauce. The mayo gives creaminess, the chili sauce adds sweetness and tang, and the sriracha brings the heat. Adjust the amounts to get your perfect balance.

Rice vinegar adds just the right amount of acidity to brighten the sauce. If you don’t have it, a splash of lemon juice or white vinegar works in a pinch.

You’ll also need a large skillet or frying pan, tongs, a mixing bowl, and a paper towel-lined plate for draining the chicken after frying. A wire rack is even better if you want to keep the chicken extra crisp.

How To Make This Easy Bang Bang Chicken

Making Bang Bang Chicken at home is surprisingly simple and comes together in just a few steps.

Start by preparing your chicken. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks, about 1 to 1.5 inches. Toss them in a bowl with a pinch of salt and pepper, then coat them thoroughly in cornstarch. Let the coated chicken rest for 5 minutes while you heat the oil.

In a large skillet, heat about ¼ inch of oil over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough that a drop of water sizzles on contact. Working in batches, fry the chicken pieces in a single layer without overcrowding the pan. Cook for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through.

Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack to drain off any excess oil. This keeps the chicken crisp and prevents sogginess.

While the chicken cools slightly, mix up your Bang Bang sauce. In a small bowl, combine ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup sweet chili sauce, 1 tablespoon sriracha, and 1 teaspoon rice vinegar. Taste and adjust spice level as needed.

Add the crispy chicken to a large mixing bowl and drizzle the sauce over the top. Toss gently to coat every piece. If you prefer extra crunch, serve the sauce on the side for dipping instead.

From start to finish, the whole process takes about 30 minutes. You’ll end up with juicy, crispy chicken coated in a rich, spicy-sweet sauce that tastes like it came from your favorite restaurant.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house), Bang Bang Chicken stores surprisingly well. Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing.

Transfer the chicken to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To preserve some of the crispiness, avoid stacking the pieces too tightly.

Freezing is possible, but keep in mind that the texture of the sauce may change slightly. For best results, freeze the chicken and sauce separately. Freeze the cooked chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. It will keep for up to 2 months.

To reheat, place the chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet and warm in a 375°F oven for about 10–12 minutes. Microwave reheating works too but won’t deliver the same crispiness. Always store the sauce separately and add it after reheating.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. You can tweak it based on what you have or what you’re craving.

Instead of chicken breasts, try using chicken thighs for a juicier, richer flavor. They’re a bit more forgiving and hard to overcook.

Looking to skip the frying? You can air-fry the chicken at 400°F for 15–18 minutes, shaking halfway through. It won’t be quite as crispy, but it’s a great lower-oil option.

Want a plant-based version? Swap the chicken for cauliflower florets or tofu. Just coat them in cornstarch and bake or air-fry until crisp before tossing in the sauce.

If you don’t have sweet chili sauce, you can make a quick version by combining honey, vinegar, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. It’s not identical, but it works well in a pinch.

Serve this chicken over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps for a fun twist. However you enjoy it, don’t be afraid to get creative—this sauce makes just about anything taste amazing.

So the next time you're craving takeout but want something quick, easy, and homemade, give this Easy Bang Bang Chicken a try. I promise—it’ll earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.

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