Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Bang Bang Chicken is a fun, flavorful dish with crispy fried chicken bites tossed in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce. It’s perfect for a quick dinner, game day appetizer, or family meal. I made this for a movie night, and the plate was empty in minutes! This recipe takes about 30 minutes and uses simple ingredients. Let’s make this tasty dish together!

Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

This recipe is quick, ready in about 30 minutes with minimal effort. The chicken is crispy outside, juicy inside, and the bang bang sauce is a perfect mix of sweet, spicy, and creamy. Kids and adults love the bold flavors. You only need a skillet or air fryer and a few tools, so cleanup is easy. It’s great for weeknight dinners or parties, and you can adjust the spice to your taste. I love how it tastes like takeout but is so simple to make at home!

Ingredients for Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

For the Chicken:

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• ½ cup whole milk
• 1 large egg
• ¾ cup cornstarch
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
• Vegetable oil, for frying (about 2 cups)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
• 2 tbsp Sriracha (adjust for spice preference)
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp rice vinegar (optional, for tang)

For Garnish (Optional):

• 2 tbsp chopped green onions
• 1 tsp sesame seeds

Substitutions: Use chicken thighs for juicier bites or tofu for a vegetarian option. Swap milk with buttermilk for extra tenderness. Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter sauce. Replace Sriracha with hot sauce or skip for a milder flavor.

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or air fryer
• Two medium mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Tongs
• Paper towels
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

These are common kitchen tools you likely have. A skillet works great for frying, but an air fryer makes it less messy.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Prepare the Sauce

In a medium bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar, if using. Stir until smooth and set aside.

Cut and Batter the Chicken

Cut chicken into 1-inch cubes and pat dry with paper towels. In one bowl, whisk milk and egg; in another, mix cornstarch, flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne.

Coat the Chicken

Dip chicken pieces in the milk mixture, then dredge in the flour mixture, pressing to coat evenly. Place coated pieces on a plate.

Fry the Chicken

Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to 360°F. Fry chicken in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and 165°F internally, then drain on paper towels.

Toss with Sauce

Place fried chicken in a large bowl and toss with half the bang bang sauce until coated. Reserve the rest for dipping or drizzling.

Serve the Dish

Serve chicken hot over rice or with a side salad, drizzled with extra sauce. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, if using.

Tips for a Great Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Use a thermometer to check oil temperature for crispy results; I burned a batch once by guessing. Don’t overcrowd the skillet to keep the oil hot and chicken crisp. Pat chicken dry before coating to help the batter stick better. Adjust Sriracha in the sauce for your spice preference; I use less for my kids. Make extra sauce for dipping—it’s a crowd-pleaser. Serve immediately to keep the chicken crunchy and warm.

Pro Tip: Air Fryer Option

For a lighter version, spray coated chicken with cooking spray and air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. I tried this, and it was crispy with less oil.

Variations and Substitutions

Add ½ tsp chili powder to the batter for extra heat; I loved the smoky kick it gave. Serve in lettuce wraps with shredded carrots for a low-carb option. Use shrimp or cauliflower instead of chicken for a twist; both work great with the sauce. Add a squeeze of lime juice to the sauce for a zesty flavor boost.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat chicken in an air fryer or oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to regain crispiness.

Can You Freeze Bang Bang Chicken?

Yes, freeze fried chicken (without sauce) on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, then toss with sauce.

FAQs About Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Here are answers to common questions about this dish.

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
   Yes, thighs are juicier; just cut into 1-inch pieces and cook the same way. I used thighs once, and they were super tender.
   
2. What if I don’t have an air fryer or skillet?
   Bake coated chicken at 425°F for 12-15 minutes on a parchment-lined tray, flipping halfway. I tried this, and it was still tasty but less crispy.
   
3. Can I make the sauce ahead?
   Yes, store it in the fridge for up to 3 days; stir before using. I made it a day early, and it saved time.
   
4. Why isn’t my chicken crispy?
   The oil may not be hot enough, or the skillet was overcrowded; use a thermometer and fry in small batches. I learned this after a soggy batch.
   

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken

Serve hot with rice, quinoa, or a green salad for a full meal. Pair with iced tea or a light beer for a fun dinner or party vibe.

Nutrition Info for Bang Bang Chicken

Per serving (about 6 oz, 4 servings):

• Calories: 560 kcal
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 12g
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
  Source: USDA Food Database (2025). Values are approximate.

Final Thoughts

This Bang Bang Chicken Recipe is a crispy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for dinners or parties. Its sweet-spicy sauce makes it a hit every time. Share your favorite way to serve this dish in the comments below!