Name: Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup buttermilk; 3/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup cornstarch; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon hot sauce; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste); 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks; 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs; 3 cups vegetable oil (for frying); 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce; 1 tablespoon honey; 2 teaspoons Frank’s Hot Sauce; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 2 reviews

If you’re craving something irresistibly crispy, creamy, and packed with just the right amount of kick, this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Combining tender, juicy chicken with a crunchy coating and a luscious, spicy-sweet sauce, this dish hits all the right notes and is perfect for everything from casual dinners to impressing guests. Trust me, once you make this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe, it will forever be a go-to for when you need a little extra comfort with a punch of flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with many pieces of crispy, golden brown fried cauliflower piled high. Each cauliflower piece is coated with crunchy breadcrumbs and topped with small drizzles of a light creamy sauce and a sprinkle of green herbs. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a soft light blue and white blurry background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is the first step to mastering this dish. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s providing the crispy coating, adding moisture, or delivering that signature bang of flavor.

Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and adds a subtle tang for a juicy bite.
All-purpose flour: Works with cornstarch to create the perfect coating base for crispiness.
Cornstarch: Gives an extra crunch to the breading, making it delightfully crispy.
Large egg: Binds the batter and helps the coating stick to the chicken perfectly.
Hot sauce: Adds a subtle heat and tang to the buttermilk mixture for depth.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every bite.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking.
Panko: Japanese-style breadcrumbs that pack a superior crunch and lightness.
Vegetable oil: For frying – choose one with a high smoke point to get that perfect golden brown exterior.
Chopped fresh parsley: Adds a fresh pop of color and brightness as a garnish.
Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the signature Bang Bang sauce.
Sweet chili sauce: Brings sweetness balanced with mild heat that defines the sauce.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness and a sticky glaze to the sauce.
Frank’s Hot Sauce: Injects additional heat and tang for that unforgettable spicy kick.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Buttermilk Mixture

Start by whisking together the buttermilk, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, egg, hot sauce, and a generous pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper in a large bowl. This mixture does so much more than just coat the chicken – it tenderizes the meat while layering in flavor and setting the stage for a perfectly crispy crust.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken Chunks

Take each piece of chicken and dip it into the buttermilk mixture, ensuring it’s completely covered. Then dredge it in panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly so the coating sticks evenly. Panko is the secret weapon here, delivering that satisfyingly airy and crunchy texture that’s signature to the Bang Bang Chicken Recipe.

Step 3: Heat the Oil for Frying

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 360 degrees Fahrenheit. Maintaining this temperature is key – it cooks the chicken rapidly, sealing in juices while crisping up that perfect coating without absorbing too much oil.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken until Golden and Crispy

Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot, carefully adding the chicken pieces and frying them until they turn evenly golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. This step guarantees you end up with chicken that’s crunch on the outside and tender on the inside – simply irresistible.

Step 5: Whisk the Iconic Bang Bang Sauce

While the chicken fries, mix together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, and Frank’s Hot Sauce in a small bowl. This sauce is creamy, slightly sweet, and packed with a spicy zing that makes every bite of your Bang Bang Chicken Recipe pop with flavor. Drizzle it generously over the hot chicken just before serving.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

A close-up image showing a white bowl filled with small crunchy golden-brown pieces that look like fried bites, each one sprinkled lightly with small green herb bits. One piece is held above the bowl by a pair of brown wooden chopsticks, and it is drizzled with a creamy, light-colored sauce that slightly drips down. The background surface is a white marbled texture, softly blurred to keep focus on the food. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley adds a lovely burst of color and a hint of herbaceous freshness that contrasts beautifully with the rich, spicy sauce. You can also add thinly sliced green onions for a mild onion crunch or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for extra nuttiness and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides that complement but don’t overpower. Think steamed jasmine rice, crunchy slaw made with cabbage and carrots dressed lightly in rice vinegar, or even garlic butter noodles. These accompaniments balance the heat and help make your meal feel complete and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving your Bang Bang Chicken Recipe on top of crispy lettuce cups or as a topping for nachos alongside melted cheese and avocado slices. It also makes a fantastic sandwich filling when nestled inside a soft brioche bun with extra sauce, turning the dish into an irresistible hand-held treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Bang Bang Chicken, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days to keep the chicken juicy and the coating as crispy as possible.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked Bang Bang Chicken for up to one month. Arrange the fried chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you avoid clumping and can reheat only the portion you need.

Reheating

To revive the crispiness, reheat the chicken pieces in a hot oven or air fryer rather than the microwave. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and warm the chicken for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. This will bring back that golden crunch and warm the chicken through without drying it out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and stay tender even if slightly overcooked. Just cut them into similar-sized chunks to ensure even frying. The Bang Bang Chicken Recipe works wonderfully with either cut.

Is it possible to bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake the chicken for a lighter version. Coat as usual and place on a greased baking sheet. Spray lightly with oil and bake at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes, flipping once halfway through. It won’t be as crispy as frying, but still delicious.

How spicy is this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe?

The heat is moderate and can be adjusted to your liking by adding more or less hot sauce both in the batter and the sauce. The combination of sweet chili sauce and honey also balances the spice, making it approachable for most palates.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Definitely! The sauce tastes even better if it sits for a bit to let the flavors meld. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and just give it a good stir before drizzling over your chicken.

What’s the best dipping sauce to serve alongside?

Besides the Bang Bang sauce, classic ranch or blue cheese dressing can add a cooling contrast. You can also serve extra sweet chili sauce or a simple squeeze of lime for a fresh, tangy kick.

Final Thoughts

This Bang Bang Chicken Recipe is truly one of those dishes you’ll find yourself making again and again. It’s a perfect blend of crispy, creamy, sweet, and spicy that never fails to impress. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or a weekend gathering, dive in and enjoy this amazing dish with friends and family – you won’t regret it!