Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

If you’re craving a dish that’s both crispy and spicy, then Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is the recipe you’ve been waiting for! This dish features tender chicken coated in a crunchy, golden breading and tossed in a creamy, spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this easy-to-make dish will surely wow your guests.

For more crispy chicken tips, check out this guide to air frying crispy chicken.

Ingredients for Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious crispy Bang Bang chicken at home:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs – Cut into bite-sized pieces.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour – For the breading, helps create that crispy coating.
• 1/4 cup cornstarch – Adds extra crunch to the breading.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – For a savory flavor boost.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder – Complement the garlic flavor with a subtle hint of onion.
• 1 teaspoon paprika – Adds a little smoky flavor and color.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavor of the chicken.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – To balance the seasonings.
• 1 large egg – For dipping the chicken before breading.
• 1/4 cup buttermilk – Adds a slight tanginess and helps the breading adhere.
• Vegetable oil – For frying. You can also use an air fryer for a healthier version.

For the Bang Bang sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise – The base of the sauce for creaminess.
• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce – Adds sweetness and a slight tang.
• 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce – For that spicy kick!
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar – To balance the sauce with a touch of acidity.

If you’re looking for an easy homemade sweet chili sauce, check out this simple sweet chili sauce recipe.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have all the ingredients, let’s walk through the steps to create the perfect crispy Bang Bang chicken.

1. Prepare the Chicken

• Start by cutting your chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces. Pat the pieces dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the breading stick.
• In a shallow bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.

2. Coat the Chicken

• In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 large egg and 1/4 cup buttermilk. Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, then dredge it in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to coat.
• If you want extra crunch, you can double dip the chicken (dip again in egg and flour) before frying.

3. Fry the Chicken

• Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be hot but not smoking (about 350°F/175°C).
• Carefully add the breaded chicken pieces to the hot oil. Fry for about 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Use a thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• If you’re using an air fryer, preheat it to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

4. Make the Bang Bang Sauce

• While the chicken is frying, whisk together 1/2 cup mayo, 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce, 2 tablespoons sriracha, and 1 tablespoon rice vinegar in a bowl. Adjust the levels of sriracha to suit your spice preference.
• Taste the sauce, and if you prefer it sweeter, add a little more sweet chili sauce.

5. Toss the Chicken in Sauce

• Once the chicken is crispy and cooked through, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the Bang Bang sauce over the chicken and toss gently to coat each piece in the creamy, spicy sauce.

6. Serve & Garnish

• Serve your crispy Bang Bang chicken on a platter. Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or cilantro for an extra touch of flavor and color.

---

Tips for Perfect Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

Getting the perfect Crispy Bang Bang Chicken requires a few key techniques to ensure the chicken is both crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Here are some tips to help you achieve the ultimate crunch and flavor balance:

1. Double Coat for Extra Crunch

For an extra crispy exterior, double coat your chicken pieces. After dipping them in the egg wash and dredging them in the flour mixture, dip them back in the egg and coat them with flour again. This double coating traps more air and helps create a thicker, crispier layer.

2. Pat the Chicken Dry

Before breading the chicken, pat it dry with paper towels. Moisture on the chicken will prevent the breading from adhering properly, and it can result in soggy coating. A dry chicken surface will allow the breading to crisp up beautifully when frying.

3. Use Cornstarch in the Breading

Add cornstarch to the breading mixture. This ingredient makes a huge difference in texture, ensuring your chicken comes out extra crispy. Cornstarch helps the breading hold up better during frying, giving a delicate crunch that won’t sog up too quickly.

4. Fry at the Right Temperature

Make sure your oil is heated to around 350°F (175°C) before frying. Too hot, and the outside will burn while the inside remains raw; too cold, and the chicken will absorb excess oil and turn greasy. You can use a thermometer to keep the oil temperature consistent throughout the frying process.

5. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan

Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding can lower the oil temperature and result in unevenly cooked or soggy chicken. Leave space around each piece so that the chicken cooks evenly and gets crispy on all sides.

6. Use Fresh Oil

If you’re deep frying, make sure to use fresh oil, as old oil can affect the flavor and crispiness of the chicken. Fresh oil ensures the breading crisps up without absorbing any old flavors.

7. Let the Chicken Rest

Once fried, let the chicken rest on a wire rack or paper towels to allow excess oil to drain. This keeps the chicken crispy and prevents it from becoming greasy.

---

By following these tips, your Crispy Bang Bang Chicken will come out perfectly golden and crunchy every time, with the ideal combination of flavors from the spicy-sweet sauce!

---

Variations of Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

While the classic Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is undeniably delicious, you can customize the recipe to suit different dietary preferences, flavor profiles, or ingredients you have on hand. Here are some fun variations to try:

1. Vegetarian/Vegan Bang Bang Chicken

If you’re looking for a plant-based option, swap the chicken with tofu, cauliflower, or tempeh for a crispy, vegan-friendly version.

• Tofu: Press tofu to remove excess moisture, cut into cubes, and bread as you would the chicken. Tofu will soak up the Bang Bang sauce beautifully while remaining crispy.
• Cauliflower: Break cauliflower into florets, bread them in the same way as chicken, and fry or bake for a crispy, plant-based alternative.

This variation works especially well for vegans or those who want a lighter, vegetable-based option.

2. Gluten-Free Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

For those with gluten sensitivities, you can easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free. Simply substitute the regular flour with gluten-free flour or rice flour. You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a crunchy texture.

• Rice flour or cornstarch works great to create an ultra-crispy coating that holds up well when fried.

3. Sweet and Sour Bang Bang Chicken

For a twist on the classic, try making a sweet and sour version of the Bang Bang sauce. Add pineapple juice, a bit of ketchup, or a touch of orange marmalade to the sauce for a tangy flavor with a hint of sweetness. This variation balances the heat from the sriracha and sweet chili sauce with a refreshing fruity taste.

4. Spicy Bang Bang Chicken

For spice lovers, kick up the heat in the sauce by adding more sriracha, cayenne pepper, or a diced jalapeño to the sauce. This will turn your Bang Bang Chicken into a fiery dish that packs an extra punch.

5. Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken

For a healthier alternative, use an air fryer instead of deep frying. This method reduces the oil and still delivers a crispy texture. Simply coat the chicken with breadcrumbs and spray it lightly with oil before air frying at 375°F for about 12-15 minutes.

---

These variations allow you to tailor Crispy Bang Bang Chicken to meet any dietary need or flavor preference, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish!

Pairing Suggestions

To complete your meal, consider pairing your Crispy Bang Bang Chicken with these sides:

• Steamed white or jasmine rice to balance the heat and add a neutral base.
• Coleslaw for a cool and crunchy side that complements the crispy chicken.
• Grilled vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to add color and nutrients to your meal.

You could also serve it with a refreshing drink like iced tea, soda, or a cold beer to help balance the spice.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What’s the best chicken for Bang Bang Chicken?
   • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are best, as they cook quickly and remain tender inside.
2. Can I make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken without frying it?
   • Yes! Air frying or baking at 400°F for 12-15 minutes is a great alternative if you want a healthier version.
3. How spicy is Bang Bang Chicken?
   • The spice level depends on how much sriracha you add to the sauce. You can adjust the spice to your preference by reducing or increasing the amount.
4. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
   • You can prepare the chicken and the sauce in advance. Just store them separately in airtight containers. Toss the chicken in the sauce before serving to keep it crispy.
5. How can I make the sauce less sweet?
   • Reduce the amount of sweet chili sauce and increase the sriracha or add lime juice for a tangier sauce.

---

Conclusion

Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is a deliciously crispy, spicy-sweet dish that’s perfect for dinner or entertaining guests. With a crunchy golden coating and a creamy, tangy sauce, it’s a flavor-packed treat everyone will love. Try it out, customize it to your liking, and enjoy this mouthwatering dish!

If you like more delicious recipes.discover our new Paella recipe