Introduction
Imagine biting into a piece of perfectly Crispy Bang Bang Chicken—golden, crunchy, and coated in a creamy, spicy sauce that dances on your taste buds. This dish is a restaurant-style favorite that you can easily recreate at home in just 30 minutes! Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, party snack, or main dish, this quick and easy recipe delivers a delicious punch with every bite.
If you’ve ever wondered how to make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken, you’re in the right place! This guide will walk you through everything from ingredients to expert cooking tips, ensuring you achieve that perfect crunch every time.
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Description
Crispy, golden-fried chicken bites coated in a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce—this quick and easy dish is packed with delicious flavors and perfect for any occasion!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 450 per serving
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, soak the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 10 minutes to ensure tenderness.
- Make the Coating: In a separate bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge the Chicken: Beat the egg in a bowl. Remove chicken from buttermilk, dip in egg, then coat in the flour mixture.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pan. Fry the chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, lemon juice, and garlic powder.
- Toss and Serve: Coat the crispy chicken in the bang bang sauce and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
- For extra crunch, double-dip the chicken in flour before frying.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or reducing sriracha.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 30g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fat: 20g
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes!
- Crispy Perfection: Light, crunchy coating that stays crisp.
- Restaurant-Style Flavor: Just like takeout but even better.
- Customizable: Adjust spice levels and swap ingredients as needed.
- Kid-Friendly: Mild enough for the whole family!
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken ingredients and Substitutions
- Chicken: Boneless chicken thighs can be used instead for a juicier texture.
- Buttermilk: If unavailable, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
- Flour & Cornstarch: This combo ensures an ultra-crispy texture.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: Can be replaced with honey and a dash of hot sauce for a similar sweetness.
- Sriracha: For less heat, use ketchup or a mild hot sauce.
How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken (Step-by-Step)
- Marinate: Letting the chicken soak in buttermilk makes it incredibly tender.
- Dredging: Ensure the flour mixture fully coats each piece for maximum crunch.
- Frying: Keep the oil temperature at 350°F for the perfect golden crust.
- Saucing: Toss lightly to keep the crispiness intact!
Expert Tips for Success
- Use a thermometer: Keep oil at 350°F to avoid greasy chicken.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in batches for even cooking.
- Drain properly: Place fried chicken on a wire rack instead of paper towels for ultimate crispiness.
- Sauce lightly: Too much sauce can make the chicken soggy.
Variations and Customizations for Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
- Air Fryer Method: Cook at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Baked Version: Bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes for a healthier option.
- Gluten-Free: Use almond flour and cornstarch instead of regular flour.
- Extra Spicy: Add cayenne pepper to the flour mix for more heat.
Storage and Reheating Instructions for Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
Storing
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating
- Oven: Reheat at 375°F for 10 minutes to maintain crispiness.
- Air Fryer: Heat at 375°F for 5 minutes.
- Microwave: Not recommended as it makes the chicken soggy.
Serving Suggestions Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
- With Rice: Serve over jasmine rice for a hearty meal.
- In a Wrap: Add lettuce and tomatoes for a delicious chicken wrap.
- With Fries: Pair with crispy fries for a restaurant-style experience.
- As a Salad Topper: Toss over a fresh salad for a crunchy protein boost.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)about Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
How to make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken?
Follow this simple method: Marinate, dredge, fry, and toss in bang bang sauce. Keep oil at 350°F for the best crisp!
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Fry the chicken and store it separately. Toss with sauce just before serving.
What is bang bang sauce made of?
A mix of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, lemon juice, and garlic powder for a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and spicy flavors.
Can I air fry the chicken?
Absolutely! Air fry at 400°F for 12-15 minutes for a healthier alternative.
How do I make it spicier?
Add extra sriracha or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
Related Recipes
- Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
- Spicy Korean Fried Chicken
- Buffalo Chicken Tenders
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings
Conclusion
Now that you know how to make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken, it’s time to try it for yourself! This dish is quick, easy, and absolutely delicious, making it a must-have for weeknight dinners or game-day gatherings. Give it a shot and let me know how it turns out in the comments below! Happy cooking! 🍗🔥