Fiery Kick: The Zesty Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Tender chicken pieces drizzled with a tangy bang bang sauce create an irresistible explosion of flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance.

This quick and easy recipe delivers a mouthwatering blend of crispy and creamy textures.

The spicy kick comes from a simple yet dynamic sauce that elevates every single bite.

Crunchy chicken coated in a silky, zesty dressing brings restaurant-quality excitement to your home kitchen.

Each serving promises a delightful balance of heat and richness that keeps you coming back for more.

Prepare to transform an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15-20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 600 kcal

Servings: 4

FAQs

• How do I make sure my chicken stays crispy?

Double-coat the chicken in panko breadcrumbs and ensure your oil is at the right temperature (350F). This creates a crunchy exterior that stays crisp even after adding sauce.

• Can I make this recipe less spicy?

Absolutely! Reduce or eliminate sriracha in the bang bang sauce. You can also substitute with a milder hot sauce or use just a tiny amount for flavor without intense heat.

• What if I don't have buttermilk?

No problem! Create a quick buttermilk substitute by mixing regular milk with a tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using, and it works perfectly for coating chicken.

• Is there a healthier cooking method?

Yes, you can bake the breaded chicken instead of frying. Place on a wire rack over a baking sheet, spray with cooking oil, and bake at 425F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even crispiness.

Ingredients That Make Bang Bang Chicken Pop

• Mayonnaise: Creamy foundation that carries flavor and helps sauce cling to chicken.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: Adds vibrant sweet-tangy kick, look for bright, glossy varieties.
• Sriracha: Brings fiery heat, choose authentic Thai-style sauce for genuine flavor.
• Honey: Balances spice with natural sweetness, opt for raw local honey for deeper taste.

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that becomes crispy and tender when properly prepared.
• Buttermilk: Tenderizes meat and creates extra-crispy exterior, use full-fat version for best results.
• Egg: Helps breading adhere perfectly, select fresh farm eggs for richer texture.
• All-Purpose Flour: Creates foundational crispy layer, sift to prevent clumping.
• Cornstarch: Ensures ultra-light, crunchy coating, use fresh and finely ground.
• Salt: Enhances overall seasoning, choose kosher or sea salt for cleaner taste.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle warmth, freshly ground provides more intense flavor.

• Panko Breadcrumbs: Guarantees maximum crunchiness, select Japanese-style for lightest texture.
• Vegetable Oil: Provides neutral frying medium, ensure high smoke point for perfect golden color.

Tools for Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites

• Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: Perfect for deep frying chicken with plenty of space.
• Deep Fry Thermometer: Ensures oil stays at the right 350F temperature for crispy results.
• Mixing Bowls: Three separate bowls needed for buttermilk, flour mixture, and panko breadcrumbs.
• Whisk: Essential for blending buttermilk, egg, and creating smooth sauce.
• Tongs: Helps safely transfer and turn chicken while frying.
• Paper Towel-Lined Plate: Drains excess oil from fried chicken.
• Small Bowl: Mixes bang bang sauce ingredients.

How to Fry and Sauce Bang Bang Chicken

• Create Zesty Sauce

Whip up a tangy mixture blending creamy mayo, sweet chili goodness, fiery sriracha, and golden honey. Tweak the heat to match your taste buds. Tuck the sauce in the fridge to chill.

• Dress Chicken in Crispy Armor

Dunk each chicken piece into a buttermilk and egg bath. Next, roll it through a seasoned flour and cornstarch blend. Give it a final tumble in crunchy panko for an extra crisp exterior.

• Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat oil until it shimmers at 350F. Carefully lower chicken pieces into the hot oil, cooking in small batches. Fry each side for 2-3 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. Let excess oil drip away on paper towels.

• Drench in Spicy Goodness

Toss the crispy chicken pieces in the zesty sauce, ensuring every inch gets a flavor-packed coating. Serve hot and watch everyone dive in with excitement.

Tips to Balance Sweet Heat in Every Bite

• Double-dip chicken in buttermilk and flour mixture for an extra thick, crispy coating that stays crunchy longer.
• Adjust sriracha amount to make sauce mild, medium, or fiery hot – perfect for different heat tolerances in your family or friend group.
• For a lighter version, bake chicken pieces at 425F for 20-25 minutes, turning once, instead of deep frying. Spray with cooking oil to help achieve golden color.
• Replace wheat flour with gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to make recipe celiac and gluten-sensitive friendly.
• Prep sauce and breading station in advance, storing separately in refrigerator. Fry chicken just before serving to maintain maximum crispiness and fresh flavor.

Serving Crispy Chicken with a Crunchy Finish

• Flavor Explosion Platter: Create a stunning presentation by arranging crispy bang bang chicken pieces on a large wooden board with small bowls of extra sauce, scattered green onion slices, and sesame seeds for a restaurant-style look.
• Spicy Side Kick: Complement the chicken with a cool cucumber salad or creamy coleslaw to balance the heat and provide a refreshing contrast to the crispy, spicy main dish.
• Quick Meal Companion: Serve over steamed jasmine rice or wrap in soft tortillas for a versatile meal that transforms the chicken into a complete dinner experience with minimal extra effort.
• Party Appetizer Style: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces, secure with toothpicks, and arrange on a platter for an irresistible finger food perfect for gatherings, game nights, or casual entertaining.

Keep Bang Bang Chicken Ready for Later Snacking

• Store the bang bang sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep sauce and chicken separate until serving to maintain maximum crispiness.
• Place cooled crispy chicken in a sealed container, layer with paper towels to absorb moisture. Refrigerate for 2-3 days, reheating briefly in the oven at 375F to restore crunchiness.
• Mix dry coating ingredients and sauce up to 24 hours before cooking. Store separately in sealed containers at room temperature or refrigerator to streamline meal prep.
• Wrap uncoated fried chicken pieces individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze up to 1 month. Thaw in refrigerator overnight and reheat in oven at 400F until heated through and crispy.

Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Crispy bang bang chicken combines spicy, tangy flavors in a delightful Asian-inspired dish. Tender chicken pieces coated in a creamy, zesty sauce promise a memorable culinary experience you will savor with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
• 1 ½ tbsps sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp honey
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

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Instructions

1. Sauce Preparation: Blend mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey in a bowl, calibrating spice intensity to personal taste. Refrigerate the sauce until chicken is ready for serving.
2. Breading Technique: Establish a dual-station coating process. Dunk chicken pieces first into a buttermilk and egg mixture, then thoroughly dredge through a seasoned flour and cornstarch blend. Roll each piece generously in panko breadcrumbs, ensuring a complete, crisp exterior coating.
3. Frying Protocol: Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350F (175C). Strategically submerge chicken in small batches, maintaining consistent oil temperature. Fry each piece until achieving a uniform golden-brown color and confirming internal temperature reaches safe cooking point, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Final Assembly: Transfer fried chicken to paper towels for oil absorption. Immediately immerse crisp pieces into chilled bang bang sauce, gently rotating to create an even, glossy coating. Serve promptly while chicken remains hot and remarkably crunchy.

Notes

• Control Oil Temperature: Maintain a steady 350F to prevent soggy or burnt chicken; use a thermometer for precision and consistent crispy results.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Fry chicken in small batches to ensure each piece gets crisp golden coating and maintains high oil temperature for perfect crunchiness.
• Customize Sauce Heat: Adjust sriracha and chili sauce ratio to personalize spice level; start with less and gradually increase for balanced flavor profile.
• Breading Technique Matters: Press panko breadcrumbs firmly onto chicken for extra crispy exterior; let coated pieces rest 5 minutes before frying to help breading adhere better.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg