Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

If you’ve been craving crisp, juicy chicken tossed in a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce, Bang Bang Chicken is about to become your new addiction! This takeout-style favorite features golden fried chicken bites drenched in a signature “bang bang” sauce—guaranteed to wow your taste buds and have everyone reaching for seconds.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be delighted to see how a handful of everyday ingredients come together to make Bang Bang Chicken so crave-worthy. Each one brings something unique—crispiness, flavor, or that creamy, spicy zing.

• Milk: Makes the batter light and perfectly coats the chicken for even frying.
• Flour: Provides the essential base for a golden, crunchy coating.
• Cornstarch: The secret to that extra-crisp, tender bite inside.
• Egg: Helps bind the batter for a luscious, cohesive crust.
• Hot Sauce (Franks recommended): Adds a subtle, peppery heat right into the batter—adjust more or less to taste.
• Garlic Powder: Infuses amazing savory flavor into every morsel.
• Chicken Breasts: Boneless and chopped for juicy, tender pieces that cook fast.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style crumbs transform the exterior into an airy crunch.
• Oil (for frying): Use a neutral, high-heat oil so your Bang Bang Chicken is beautifully golden without overwhelming flavors.
• Mayo: The base of the signature sauce, making it velvety and rich.
• Sweet Chilli Sauce: Brings a touch of sweetness and tang that balances the heat.
• Hot Sauce: Just like in the batter, this delivers a lively punch to the sauce.
• Honey: A drizzle is all it takes to round out the sauce’s flavors with mellow sweetness.

Variations

One of the best things about Bang Bang Chicken is how easy it is to customize—just tweak the ingredients or sauce, and you’ll have a version that suits your cravings, dietary needs, or what’s in your pantry.

• Baked Bang Bang Chicken: Skip the frying and bake your panko-coated chicken bites on a rack at 425°F for a lighter twist without sacrificing crunch.
• Shrimp Swap: Replace the chicken with large shrimp for classic “Bang Bang Shrimp”—the same irresistible flavors, but with tender, juicy seafood!
• Air Fryer Method: Pop the breaded chicken into an air fryer and cook at 400°F for extra crisp results using less oil.
• Spice Level: Tone down (or amp up!) the heat by adjusting the hot sauce in both the batter and the sauce—customize to your perfect spice-o-meter.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken

Step 1: Make the Batter

Start by whisking together the milk, flour, cornstarch, egg, hot sauce, and garlic powder in a big mixing bowl. Don’t rush this step—a smooth, thick batter is the magic glue that ensures every little piece of chicken gets a beautifully even coat and turns ultra-crispy after frying.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

Add your chopped chicken breast pieces straight into the batter. Toss well so each piece is completely covered. This ensures a tender, flavorful bite all the way through and helps the panko adhere perfectly in the next step.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Using tongs, pick up each batter-dipped piece of chicken and roll it in the panko breadcrumbs. Let the excess batter drip off first (trust me on this!), then press gently to coat with panko. Place the breaded chicken on a parchment-lined sheet—no sticking, no mess!

Step 4: Fry Until Golden

Heat about 2 cups of oil in a deep pan over medium (aim for 350°F if you have a thermometer). Fry the chicken in batches, being careful not to crowd the pan, for 6–7 minutes, until each piece is deeply golden and cooked through. Transfer to a wire rack for maximum crunch.

Step 5: Mix the Bang Bang Sauce

While your chicken cools, stir together the mayo, sweet chilli sauce, hot sauce, and honey in a small bowl. Give it a taste and adjust the heat or sweetness to your liking—it should be creamy, tangy, and have just the right kick.

Step 6: Toss and Serve

Pour the signature sauce over your crispy chicken bites and toss gently to coat or serve the sauce on the side for dipping. Either way, you’re about to dive into the best Bang Bang Chicken ever—hot, fresh, and totally irresistible!

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken

Garnishes

Sprinkle your Bang Bang Chicken with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a pop of color and a subtle, nutty aroma. For even more freshness, scatter on chopped cilantro or a few thin slices of red chili—it’ll make the plate as vibrant as the flavors.

Side Dishes

This dish shines alongside steamed jasmine rice, a crisp Asian-style slaw, or even tucked into lettuce cups for a refreshing crunch. Don’t forget a pile of extra napkins if you’re serving these as shareable party bites!

Creative Ways to Present

Try piling Bang Bang Chicken onto a platter with toothpicks for party appetizers, or stuff them in soft bao buns for the most epic chicken sliders. You can even make a rice or noodle bowl loaded with veggies and drizzle extra sauce over the top for a fun dinner twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have leftovers, store your Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce and chicken separate, if possible, so the coating stays as crispy as possible!

Freezing

Bang Bang Chicken freezes beautifully: lay the fully cooked (unsauced) pieces on a tray and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

For the crispiest results, reheat Bang Bang Chicken in a 375°F oven or air fryer for several minutes until hot and crunchy. Avoid microwaving, which can soften the coating—your patience is rewarded with shatteringly crisp chicken!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope this Bang Bang Chicken earns a spot on your favorites list—every bite is crispy, flavorful, and just plain fun! Give it a try, play with the spice, and share it with someone you love. Your taste buds (and your friends) will thank you.

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