Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

Experience the perfect balance of crunch and spice with our Crispy Bang Bang Chicken. This irresistible dish features tender chicken pieces coated in a light, crispy batter, tossed in a creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce that delivers an unforgettable flavor punch. Perfect for appetizers, dinner, or a party snack, this recipe is as easy as it is delicious and is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients for Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

• For the Chicken:

  • 1 lb chicken breast or tenders (cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Oil for frying

• For the Bang Bang Sauce:

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2-3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
  • 1-2 teaspoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon honey (optional for extra sweetness)
  • Juice of ½ lime

Substitutions for Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

• Chicken Alternatives: Use boneless, skinless thighs or even tofu for a vegetarian version
• Flour Options: Substitute with gluten-free flour if needed
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free milk in the buttermilk marinade and vegan mayonnaise for the sauce
• Spice Level: Adjust or omit sriracha to suit your heat preference

How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with buttermilk, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Allow to marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) in the refrigerator.
2. Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Dredge the marinated chicken pieces in the flour mixture until fully coated.
3. Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden and crispy (about 4-5 minutes per side). Remove and drain on paper towels.
4. Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth and well combined.
5. Combine & Serve: Toss the crispy chicken pieces in the Bang Bang sauce until evenly coated. Serve immediately for maximum crunch and flavor.

Mix-ins for Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

• Crunchy Garnishes: Sprinkle chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, or green onions on top
• Fresh Veggies: Serve with a side of shredded cabbage, carrot slaw, or sliced cucumbers
• Additional Sauces: Drizzle extra sweet chili sauce or a squeeze of fresh lime over the top for an added zing

Recipe Tips for Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

• Ensure Even Coating: Shake off excess flour before frying to prevent clumping
• Oil Temperature: Maintain medium-high heat for frying to achieve a crispy exterior without overcooking the chicken inside
• Marinating: The longer you marinate the chicken in buttermilk, the more tender and flavorful it becomes
• Sauce Consistency: Adjust the sauce by adding more chili sauce or sriracha if you prefer it spicier

Storage for Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

• Refrigerator: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 2 days (note that the chicken may lose some crispiness)
• Reheating: Reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes to help retain crispiness, or use an air fryer
• Sauce Storage: Keep any extra Bang Bang sauce in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week

Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Variations

• Grilled Bang Bang Chicken: Swap frying for grilling the marinated chicken for a lighter version, then toss in the sauce
• Spicy Extra Kick: Increase the amount of sriracha or add a dash of cayenne pepper into the sauce
• Asian-Inspired Slaw: Serve with a tangy Asian slaw made from shredded cabbage, carrots, and a sesame-ginger dressing
• Wrap It Up: Use the Bang Bang chicken in wraps or sandwiches with fresh lettuce and tomatoes for a hearty meal

FAQs for Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake the coated chicken on a wire rack for 20-25 minutes until crispy. Flip halfway for even cooking.

How do I adjust the sauce for less heat?
Reduce the amount of sriracha or substitute it with a milder hot sauce, and add extra sweet chili sauce to maintain flavor.

Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
The chicken can be prepped and marinated ahead of time, but for the best texture, coat with flour and fry just before serving. The sauce can be made in advance.

Is this dish gluten-free?
It can be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend and ensuring all other ingredients meet gluten-free standards.

Final Thoughts on Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

Our Crispy Bang Bang Chicken delivers an exciting mix of crunchy texture and bold, spicy flavor in every bite. Perfect for parties, casual dinners, or as a tantalizing appetizer, this dish is both versatile and irresistible. Try it today and experience the mouthwatering combination of crispy chicken and creamy, fiery sauce that will keep you coming back for more!

Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is coated in a golden, crunchy crust and tossed in a sweet, spicy, and creamy Bang Bang sauce. It’s perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main dish! Crispy, tangy, and slightly spicy—this dish is addictively delicious!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine American, asian fusion

Servings 4

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Large skillet or deep fryer
• Wire rack

Ingredients

  

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For the Chicken:

• 2 chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ cup buttermilk
• 1 egg

For the Coating:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for extra heat
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon lime juice

For Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons green onions chopped
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

Instructions

 

Prep the Chicken:

• In a bowl, mix chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
• Pour in buttermilk and whisk in egg. Let marinate for 10 minutes.

Prepare the Coating:

• In a separate bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
• Dredge marinated chicken pieces in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to coat well.

Fry the Chicken:

• Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
• Fry chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes, until crispy and golden brown.
• Remove and drain on a wire rack (not paper towels to keep them crispy).

Make the Bang Bang Sauce:

• In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice.

Toss & Serve:

• Toss crispy chicken in Bang Bang sauce or drizzle on top.
• Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

• Extra Crispy? Double-coat the chicken by dipping it back in buttermilk and flour before frying.
• Less Spicy? Reduce sriracha or omit cayenne pepper.
• Oven-Baked Option: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Air Fryer Option: Spray with oil and air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, shaking halfway.

Keyword bang bang sauce, crispy chicken, spicy chicken

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