Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is a deliciously crunchy, sweet, and spicy dish that’s easy to make at home. Perfectly crispy chicken is coated with a creamy, tangy sauce that has just the right amount of heat. Serve this as an appetizer, snack, or even a main dish with rice or salad for a satisfying meal that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
- Crispy Perfection: The chicken is fried until golden and crunchy.
- Sweet and Spicy Sauce: The signature Bang Bang sauce is a mouthwatering blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and quick to whip up.
- Versatile: Serve it as a party appetizer, snack, or main dish.
Ingredients for Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
Tools You’ll Need
- Large bowl for dredging
- Mixing bowls for sauce and coating
- Skillet or deep frying pan
- Tongs or slotted spoon
How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and cover them with buttermilk (or milk and lemon juice mixture). Let the chicken marinate for at least 20-30 minutes in the fridge. This helps tenderize the chicken and adds flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating 2. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This mixture will give the chicken a crispy, flavorful coating.
Step 3: Dredge the Chicken 3. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and let any excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken 4. Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (around 350°F/175°C), fry the chicken in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. 5. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to transfer the fried chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Make the Bang Bang Sauce 6. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth. Adjust the spice level by adding more or less sriracha.
Step 6: Toss the Chicken in the Sauce 7. Once the chicken has cooled slightly, drizzle or toss the pieces with the Bang Bang sauce until well coated.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy 8. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds (optional) and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this crispy Bang Bang Chicken with a side of rice, or over a fresh salad.
- Add a side of fries or roasted veggies for a more filling meal.
- Perfect as a party appetizer or game-day snack.
Tips for the Best Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
- Double Dredge: For extra crispy chicken, dip the pieces back into the buttermilk and flour mixture for a second coating before frying.
- Oil Temperature: Keep the oil at the right temperature (around 350°F) for crispy chicken that isn’t greasy.
- Baking Option: For a healthier version, bake the chicken at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through until crispy.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Freezer: Freeze fried chicken for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes! Chicken thighs will give you juicier, more flavorful bites.
Q2: Can I make this recipe in an air fryer?
A: Absolutely! Air fry the chicken at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until crispy.
Q3: Is there a dairy-free option for the sauce?
A: You can use dairy-free mayonnaise and omit the buttermilk marinade, or substitute it with almond milk and lemon juice.
Conclusion: Crispy and Irresistible!
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is the perfect mix of crunchy and creamy with just the right kick of heat. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or a main dish, this recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to share your experience and photos!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 320
Protein: 22g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 2g
