Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Sweet, Spicy & Addictively Crunchy

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Introduction

If you love crispy chicken with a bold, creamy, and spicy sauce, this Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is going to be your new favorite dish! Inspired by the popular Bang Bang Shrimp, this recipe features juicy, tender chicken pieces coated in a crunchy panko crust, then tossed in a sweet, spicy, and tangy Bang Bang sauce.

This dish is quick, easy, and absolutely irresistible. Perfect as an appetizer, main dish, or even a game-day snack, it pairs well with rice, noodles, or fresh slaw. Plus, you can make it fried, air-fried, or baked—so there’s an option for every preference!

Let’s dive into the ultimate Crispy Bang Bang Chicken recipe!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 1 pound chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
  • ½ cup cornstarch (helps create a crispy texture)
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust for spice level)
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice

Optional Garnishes:

  • Green onions, sliced
  • Sesame seeds
  • Fresh cilantro

Directions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

  1. Cut chicken breast or thighs into bite-sized cubes.
  2. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station

  1. Place flour in one bowl.
  2. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs.
  3. In a third bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs and cornstarch.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

  1. Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour, shaking off excess.
  2. Dip into the egg wash.
  3. Coat evenly in the panko-cornstarch mixture for a crispy crust.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken (or Bake/Air Fry)

Frying:

  1. Heat about 1½ inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Fry chicken in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
  3. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels.

Air Frying:

  1. Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray.
  2. Place chicken in a single layer.
  3. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Baking:

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Place chicken on a lined baking sheet and spray lightly with oil.
  3. Bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway.

Step 5: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice.
  2. Adjust the spice level to taste.

Step 6: Toss & Serve

  1. Toss crispy chicken in the Bang Bang sauce, or drizzle it over the top.
  2. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro.
  3. Serve hot with rice, noodles, or as an appetizer!

Servings & Timing

  • Servings: 4
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

1. Low-Carb Bang Bang Chicken

  • Replace flour and breadcrumbs with almond flour and crushed pork rinds.
  • Serve over cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly option.

2. Extra Spicy Bang Bang Chicken

  • Double the sriracha or add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper to the sauce.

3. Bang Bang Chicken Tacos

  • Serve crispy chicken in warm tortillas with coleslaw and avocado.

4. Gluten-Free Version

  • Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and cornstarch.

Storage & Reheating

Storing Leftovers:

  • Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:

  • Oven: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes to keep it crispy.
  • Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.
  • Microwave: Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chicken soggy.

10 Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Bang Bang Chicken ahead of time?

Yes! Cook the chicken and store it separately from the sauce. Toss just before serving.

2. What does Bang Bang sauce taste like?

It’s a creamy, sweet, tangy, and spicy sauce, similar to a spicy mayo with chili sauce.

3. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will be juicier and more flavorful.

4. Is Bang Bang Chicken spicy?

It has a mild spice from sriracha, but you can adjust it to your preference.

5. Can I use store-bought Bang Bang sauce?

Yes, but homemade sauce is fresher and more flavorful!

6. Can I meal prep this recipe?

Yes! Store breaded but uncooked chicken in the fridge for up to 24 hours, then cook fresh.

7. What sides go well with Bang Bang Chicken?

  • Steamed jasmine rice
  • Asian slaw
  • Garlic noodles

8. Can I use shrimp instead of chicken?

Yes! Swap chicken for shrimp to make Bang Bang Shrimp.

9. How do I make the coating extra crispy?

Double-coat the chicken in egg wash and panko for an extra crunch.

10. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayo?

Yes! It makes the sauce lighter but still creamy.

Conclusion

This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is an easy, crowd-pleasing dish with the perfect balance of crispy, creamy, sweet, and spicy flavors. Whether you fry, bake, or air-fry it, this dish is guaranteed to be a winner for any occasion!

Try this homemade Bang Bang Chicken recipe today and let us know how you like it! 🍗🔥

Pinterest SEO Description:

Love crispy, spicy, and creamy chicken? This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is a quick and easy 30-minute meal made with juicy chicken bites coated in crunchy panko and tossed in a creamy Bang Bang sauce! 🧡🔥 Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or game-day snacks! Try it fried, baked, or air-fried and save this recipe! #BangBangChicken #CrispyChicken #QuickMeals #EasyDinner #AsianFood

AI Image Generation Prompt:

“A plate of crispy, golden-brown Bang Bang Chicken bites, tossed in a creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds. The chicken pieces are arranged on a black serving platter, with a small bowl of extra sauce on the side. The background features a set of wooden chopsticks and a dipping sauce bowl, with soft lighting highlighting the crunch and glaze of the chicken.”

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