Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

By: Maria
Posted: 03/21/2025

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.

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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

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.
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.
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.
Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth and well combined.
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!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the Crispy Bang Bang Chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare some components in advance. The chicken can be marinated in the buttermilk mixture for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. The Bang Bang sauce can be made up to a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. For optimal crispiness, coat and fry the chicken just before serving. Leftover fried chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but it may lose some of its crispiness.

What are some good substitutions for the ingredients in the Bang Bang sauce?

You can adjust the sauce to your preferences. If you don’t have sweet chili sauce, you can substitute it with a mixture of honey, rice vinegar, and a touch of red pepper flakes. For a dairy-free option, use vegan mayonnaise. If you don’t have sriracha, you can use another hot sauce, adjusting the amount to control the spice level. Honey can be omitted, but it provides a nice balance to the spice.

How do I know when the chicken is perfectly cooked and crispy?

The chicken is done when it’s golden brown and crispy on the outside and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Visually, the exterior should be a deep golden color, and the batter should appear fully cooked and not soggy. You can also check the texture by gently pressing a piece; it should feel firm and crispy. If using a thermometer, insert it into the thickest part of a chicken piece.

How can I scale this recipe up or double it for a larger crowd?

You can easily double or triple the recipe. When doubling, you may need to fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and result in less crispy chicken. Make sure you have a large enough bowl for marinating and mixing the sauce. Increase the cooking time slightly if you are significantly increasing the amount of chicken being fried.

What are the nutritional highlights of this Crispy Bang Bang Chicken?

This dish provides a good source of protein from the chicken. The buttermilk marinade adds calcium. The sweet chili sauce and lime juice contribute Vitamin C. Depending on the oil used for frying, it can provide healthy fats. If you add garnishes like green onions or peanuts, you add vitamins and minerals. Consider the calorie count when deciding portion size.