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Introduction
Bang Bang Chicken is the crispy, flavorful, sweet-and-spicy dish you never knew you needed in your life. It’s the perfect marriage of tender, juicy chicken and a tangy homemade sauce that will have you licking your fingers. Whether you’re whipping it up as an appetizer for a party, a quick weeknight dinner, or just because you’re craving something epic, this dish delivers. Bonus? It’s simple enough for beginners but delicious enough to impress the pickiest eaters.
Inspired by popular Asian fusion recipes, Bang Bang Chicken is a close cousin of Bang Bang Shrimp. But here, the chicken shines with a crispy, golden crust and a kick of spice in every bite. And let’s talk versatility—you can deep-fry it for ultimate crunch, bake it for a healthier twist, or air-fry it for that perfect balance of crispy and convenient. Trust me, this dish is about to be your new favorite go-to.
Oh, and don’t forget to pair it with some delicious sides like roasted veggies or Creative Asian-inspired sauces . Ready to dive in? Let’s go!
Recipe Highlights for Bang Bang Chicken
What Makes Bang Bang Chicken Special?
- Crispy and Crunchy: The chicken is coated in a buttermilk and panko mixture, then fried (or baked/air-fried) to golden perfection.
- The Sauce: The Bang Bang Sauce is the real star. It’s creamy, sweet, spicy, and tangy all at once, made from a simple blend of mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and a hint of honey.
- Versatile Cooking Options: Whether you’re in the mood for deep-frying, air-frying, or baking, there’s a method for everyone.
Bang Bang Chicken Variations to Try
- Swap chicken for shrimp or salmon to create Bang Bang Shrimp or Bang Bang Salmon.
- Thread the chicken onto skewers for a fun party appetizer.
- Try a healthier oven-baked version for guilt-free indulgence.
Serve it up with some rice, noodles, or even roasted Asian squash recipes for a full meal. The possibilities are endless!
Ingredients Needed for Bang Bang Chicken
Chicken Options
- Chicken Tenderloins: Easy to work with and naturally tender.
- Boneless Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Cut into strips or bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Pro Tip: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before coating to help the batter stick better.
Coating Ingredients
- Buttermilk: Ensures the chicken stays moist and flavorful. Substitute with a dairy-free alternative by mixing almond milk and lemon juice.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: For that unbeatable crunch.
- Flour and Cornstarch: A mix of both adds structure and crispiness.
- Spices: Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper for flavor.
Bang Bang Sauce
- Mayonnaise: The base of the sauce; opt for low-fat or vegan mayo if needed.
- Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: Brings sweetness and a little heat.
- Sriracha: For that extra kick of spice.
- Honey: Balances the heat with a touch of sweetness.
- Optional Add-ins: A splash of lime juice or a pinch of cayenne for extra tang and heat.
Substitutions and Dietary Options
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.
- Lighter Sauce: Swap mayo for Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.
- Vegetarian: Try coating tofu or cauliflower instead of chicken.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Bang Bang Chicken
1. Frying Method for Bang Bang Chicken Perfection
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Cut the chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces.
- Marinate in buttermilk and spices for at least 20 minutes.
- Make the Coating:
- Combine panko, flour, cornstarch, and spices in a shallow dish.
- Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off, and coat in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Heat the Oil:
- Heat vegetable or canola oil in a deep pan to 365°F.
- Fry chicken pieces in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Toss in Sauce:
- Combine all sauce ingredients in a bowl.
- Toss the fried chicken in the sauce or serve it on the side for dipping.
2. Air Fryer Method for Bang Bang Chicken
- Coat the Chicken:
- Follow the same marination and coating steps as above.
- Air Fry:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Place chicken pieces in a single layer, spray with cooking spray, and cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Serve:
- Drizzle the Bang Bang Sauce over the chicken or serve on the side.
3. Baking Method for Healthier Bang Bang Chicken
- Prepare for Baking:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Place the coated chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake:
- Lightly spray chicken with oil and bake for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Finish and Serve:
- Toss with Bang Bang Sauce or serve it as a dip.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Refrigeration
- Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Ensure the container is properly sealed to retain moisture and preserve the chicken’s flavor and texture.
- Reheat the chicken in an oven preheated to 350°F or use an air fryer at 375°F for 5–8 minutes to restore its crispiness. If using a microwave, cover the chicken with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out and heat in short intervals for best results.
- For extra freshness, you can sprinkle a little water over the chicken before reheating in the oven to help maintain its moisture.
Freezing
- Freeze cooked chicken in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container, labeling it with the date to track storage time. Chicken can be frozen for up to 6 months.
- To reheat, preheat the oven to 375°F and place the frozen chicken directly on a baking sheet. Heat for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through for even warming.
- Alternatively, use an air fryer set to 375°F and cook for 10–12 minutes, ensuring to shake the basket or flip the chicken halfway through.
- For best results, avoid microwaving frozen chicken as it may become soggy and lose its crispiness.
Pro Tip: Always store the Bang Bang Sauce separately from the chicken to keep the coating crispy. Consider portioning the sauce into smaller containers for single servings, making reheating and serving more convenient.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair Bang Bang Chicken with Creative Asian-inspired sauces for extra dipping options. Try serving the chicken with an almond-based sauce to add a creamy, nutty flavor that complements the tangy Bang Bang Sauce beautifully.
- Serve over rice or noodles for a complete meal. Jasmine rice or stir-fried udon noodles are excellent choices that soak up the flavors of the sauce, enhancing the overall dish.
- Add a side of steamed veggies like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy. You can also try roasted carrots with a drizzle of sesame oil for a nutty twist.
- For an appetizer spread, serve Bang Bang Chicken with toothpicks alongside an array of dipping sauces such as honey garlic sauce or a spicy peanut sauce.
- Pair with a fresh salad, such as an Asian-inspired slaw made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a sesame-soy dressing, to bring balance and crunch to your meal. This pairing makes the dish perfect for warm-weather gatherings or light dinners.
- Try serving Bang Bang Chicken alongside a warm bowl of Asian squash recipes for diverse cuisines to create a vibrant, flavor-packed menu.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6–15 minutes
Total Time: 26–35 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: Approx. 400 per serving
Ingredients:
- Chicken tenderloins or breasts, cut into strips
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- Spices (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper)
- For the Sauce: 1/2 cup mayo, 1/4 cup Thai sweet chili sauce, 1 tbsp Sriracha, 1 tsp honey
Instructions:
- Marinate chicken in buttermilk and spices.
- Coat in breadcrumb mixture.
- Fry, air-fry, or bake as per the method above.
- Toss or serve with Bang Bang Sauce.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Bang Bang Chicken
- Double-Coating: For extra crunch, dip the chicken back into buttermilk and breadcrumbs.
- Adjusting Heat: Add more or less Sriracha depending on your spice preference.
- Troubleshooting: If the coating isn’t sticking, make sure the chicken is dry before marinating.
Related Recipes
- Check out Easy honey garlic chicken recipes for a sweet-savory twist.
- Need quick dinner ideas? Try Best ground chicken recipes for quick dinners.
- Plan ahead with Savory dishes for your next meal plan.
FAQs
Bang Bang Chicken is a popular Asian-inspired dish made with crispy fried or baked chicken coated in a sweet and spicy Bang Bang Sauce. The sauce is typically made from mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before cooking. To maintain its crispy texture, store the sauce separately and coat the chicken just before serving.
Bang Bang Chicken pairs well with rice, noodles, or steamed veggies. For a complete meal, try it with a side of Creative Asian-inspired sauces or a fresh salad.
Absolutely. Substitute the panko breadcrumbs and all-purpose flour with gluten-free alternatives. Ensure that any sauces used are also gluten-free.
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For best results, reheat in an oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.
Yes! You can adjust the spice level of the sauce by reducing the amount of Sriracha. The sweet and tangy flavors make it a hit with kids.