If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with flavor and packs a satisfying crunch, you’re in for a treat with this Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe. It’s one of those recipes I keep coming back to because it’s got the perfect combo of creamy, spicy, and crispy that just hits every craving you didn’t know you had. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend hangout, this recipe never fails to impress and is so easy to whip up—you’re going to love it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Balance of Heat and Creaminess: The sauce blends sweet chili and sriracha for a spicy kick without overpowering the creamy mayo base.
- Crispy Crunch Every Time: The panko coating fries up golden and crisp, giving you that irresistible bang bang texture.
- Super Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: My family goes crazy for this recipe and it’s great for casual dinners or parties.
- Quick and Easy to Make: With straightforward ingredients and steps, it’s a dish you can confidently make even on busy nights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
I love how straightforward the ingredients are for this Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe—they come together to create something way more exciting than the sum of their parts. Using panko breadcrumbs is a must for that extra crunch, and the combination of mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha is just genius.
- Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and helps balance the spicy sauce.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: Brings a bit of sweetness and tang that pairs perfectly with heat.
- Sriracha Hot Sauce: I use it in two stages—both in the sauce and the batter for just the right amount of spicy punch.
- Large Eggs: To create the batter that helps the panko stick to the chicken.
- All-Purpose Flour: Lightly thickens the batter for better coating adhesion.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These are the secret to crispy, crunchy chicken that’s not soggy at all.
- Kosher Salt: Seasoning is everything—this salt gives a nice clean flavor without bitterness.
- Garlic Powder: Just a touch for depth and a subtle savory note.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces, they cook quickly and stay juicy.
- Neutral Oil (Vegetable or Canola): Essential for frying—the high smoke point keeps the chicken golden, not greasy.
- Thinly Sliced Scallions (optional): I love the fresh crunch and pop of color these add when serving.
Variations
This Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe is pretty flexible—I like to tweak the spice levels depending on who’s eating or add a little twist if I’m feeling adventurous. Don’t hesitate to personalize it to your taste.
- Adjusting the Heat: When I first made this, I toned down the sriracha because my kids are sensitive to spice, but adding more really amps up the flavor if you can handle it.
- Swap Chicken for Shrimp: Using shrimp instead of chicken is a great switch-up that cooks even faster and works beautifully with the bang bang sauce.
- Bake Instead of Fry: For a lighter version, try baking the panko-coated chicken pieces—you’ll lose a bit of crunch but save on oil and clean-up.
- Low Carb Option: Use almond flour or crushed pork rinds in place of panko breadcrumbs to keep it keto-friendly.
How to Make Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Spicy Bang Bang Sauce
First, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and most of the sriracha in a large bowl. I usually taste this right away to see if the heat level feels right and add more sriracha if I want an extra kick. Set aside half of this sauce in a small bowl for serving later—this way the chicken stays saucy and you have some extra for dipping or drizzling.
Step 2: Make the Breading Station
In one shallow bowl, whisk together the remaining sriracha with eggs and flour—this forms the batter that helps the breadcrumbs adhere perfectly. In another bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with salt and garlic powder for that flavorful crunch. Setting up these bowls side by side makes the breading process smooth and less messy.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken Pieces
Season your chicken pieces with the leftover kosher salt, then work in small batches to dip each piece first in the egg mixture, turning to coat, and then gently press into the panko mixture. Don’t rush this part—pressing the panko gently ensures an even crust that stays put when fried. Lay the coated pieces on a baking sheet while you get the oil ready.
Step 4: Fry to Crispy Perfection
Heat a cup of your neutral oil in a deep pan over medium heat, aiming for about 350°F. Once hot, fry around 8 chicken pieces at a time, flipping halfway, until they’re golden brown and cooked through—roughly 3 to 5 minutes. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels to keep them crispy. If your oil isn’t hot enough, the chicken will soak up too much oil, so use a thermometer if you can.
Step 5: Toss and Serve
Once all the chicken is fried, toss it in the big bowl of sauce until every piece is coated in that spicy creamy goodness. Garnish with thinly sliced scallions if you like a fresh bite and a pop of color. Serve immediately with that reserved extra sauce—the perfect dip!
Pro Tips for Making Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
- Oil Temperature Matters: Keeping the oil at a steady 350°F ensures a crispy outside without overcooking the chicken inside. I use a candy thermometer to stay on track.
- Press Your Panko: I discovered this trick after my coating kept falling off—pressing the panko firmly onto the chicken helps it stick better during frying.
- Sauce on the Side for Texture: Toss some chicken in the sauce but keep extras to dip separately if you want to maintain crispness over time.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Frying in small batches prevents the oil temperature from dropping, so your chicken gets perfectly golden each time.
How to Serve Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
I always top the chicken with thinly sliced scallions—something about that mild onion flavor and the fresh green color just brightens the whole dish. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a nutty crunch, especially if I’m serving it for guests.
Side Dishes
This goes wonderfully with a simple green salad or some steamed jasmine rice to soak up the extra sauce. When I’m feeling indulgent, crispy fries or onion rings on the side make a killer combo for the ultimate comfort meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For casual parties, I’ve served this Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe on skewers as finger food—it’s a total crowd-pleaser! Another fun idea is piling the chicken over a bed of coleslaw for a crunchy, refreshing contrast that’s as pretty as it is tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, I recommend keeping the chicken separate from the sauce to preserve that crunch. Store both in airtight containers in the fridge, and your chicken should be good for up to four days. Just toss them together again before serving or dipping.
Freezing
I’ve frozen breaded fried chicken pieces before (without the sauce) with decent results—just flash freeze them on a tray and then transfer to a freezer bag. They’re best reheated in the oven to bring back some crispiness. I don’t recommend freezing once tossed in sauce because the texture changes.
Reheating
To keep the chicken crispy when reheating leftovers, pop them in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes rather than microwaving, which can make them soggy. Add the sauce fresh when serving to maintain that signature bang bang flavor.
FAQs
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Can I make Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap out the panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cereal, and check that your chili sauces don’t contain gluten. This way, you keep all the texture and flavor without the gluten.
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How spicy is the sauce in this recipe?
It’s moderately spicy thanks to the sriracha, but it balances with the sweetness of the chili sauce and creaminess of mayo. If you like it milder, just reduce the sriracha; if you want a serious kick, add a little extra or include fresh chili flakes.
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Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
You can! Bake at 400°F on a greased rack over a baking sheet for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. It won’t be as crispy as frying but still delicious and a bit lighter.
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Is it okay to use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving with frying times. Just cut them into evenly sized pieces and adjust cooking time slightly—thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
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How do I keep the chicken crispy after tossing in sauce?
The sauce is yummy but softens the crust fast. For the crispiest bite, toss only right before serving or serve some sauce on the side for dipping. Keeping them separate until the last minute works best.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to dishes whenever I want something flavorful, crispy, and comforting without a lot of fuss. I love how easily it comes together and how much joy it sparks at the dinner table—whether for my family or friends. I’m excited for you to give it a try and see how it can jazz up your meals with that perfect bang bang punch. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll keep coming back for more!
Print
Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-American
Description
Bang Bang Chicken is a crispy, spicy, and sweet fried chicken dish coated in a flavorful mayonnaise-based sauce with sweet chili and Sriracha. Perfect as an appetizer or main, it features panko-crusted chicken pieces fried to golden perfection and tossed in a creamy, tangy sauce, garnished with scallions for a fresh finish.
Ingredients
Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 5 teaspoons Sriracha hot sauce, divided
Breading and Chicken
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 3/4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 3/4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
Frying
- 1 cup neutral oil, such as vegetable or canola
Garnish
- Thinly sliced scallions, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: Stir together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce, and 4 teaspoons of the Sriracha in a large bowl until well combined. Transfer half of this sauce to a small bowl to keep aside for serving.
- Mix the egg and flour coating: In a medium shallow bowl or pie plate, whisk together the remaining 1 teaspoon of Sriracha, 2 large eggs, and 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour until smooth and combined.
- Prepare the panko coating: In a separate shallow bowl or pie plate, stir together 2 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
- Season the chicken: Sprinkle the remaining 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt over 1 1/2 pounds of the cut chicken pieces and toss to distribute evenly.
- Bread the chicken: Working in batches, dip the seasoned chicken pieces into the egg mixture, ensuring they are fully coated, then transfer to the panko mixture. Press and turn the chicken pieces gently in the panko until completely coated. Place the coated pieces in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet.
- Heat the oil and fry the chicken: Heat 1 cup of neutral oil in a large high-sided skillet over medium heat until the oil temperature reaches 350°F. Prepare a second baking sheet lined with a wire rack or paper towels for draining. Fry about 8 pieces of chicken at a time, frying and flipping halfway through, for 3 to 5 minutes total or until cooked through and golden brown.
- Drain and toss in sauce: Remove the fried chicken pieces and transfer them to the wire rack or paper towels to drain. Then place the chicken into the large bowl with the reserved half of the sauce and toss gently until each piece is well coated.
- Serve: Garnish with thinly sliced scallions, if desired. Serve the chicken with the remaining sauce drizzled on top or on the side for dipping.
Notes
- The sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Leftover chicken and sauce should be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain crispiness; if chicken is coated with sauce before storage, the breading will soften.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 6 oz cooked chicken with sauce)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 23g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
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