Bang Bang Chicken

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Bang Bang Chicken is tender chicken in crispy breading with a bold, spicy sauce. The chicken can be served as an appetizer, main course, or even a snack. It is often enjoyed with steamed rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.

If you like even more copycat recipes, try my chipotle lime rice recipe and my copycat chick-fil-a nuggets.

Close-up of crispy breaded Bang Bang Chicken drizzled with sauce and garnished with fresh herbs on a white plate. A small bowl of dipping sauce waits eagerly in the background.

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Why this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe is a Keeper

This Bang Bang chicken recipe is quick and easy to make. The chicken is golden and crispy, perfectly cooked with a delicious sauce on top. My family loved it, so I’m going to make it again for sure. Here are a few reasons why this is the best chicken recipe ever:

  • 30 Minute Meal: Make both the chicken and the Bang Bang chicken sauce in just 30 minutes.
  • Family Favorite: This spicy chicken makes a great family meal. You can also make a smaller batch to serve as an appetizer.
  • Adaptable: Adjust the ingredients to your tastes and dietary needs, such as adding more or less spice.

What Does Bang Bang Sauce Taste Like?

A hand dips a piece of crispy, golden fried shrimp into a small glass bowl of orange sauce resembling the spicy tanginess of Bang Bang Chicken, with fresh cilantro in the background.

There are different ways of making bang bang sauce, but our recipe uses mayo, sweet chili sauce, honey, and Sriracha. As a result, it’s the perfect blend of sweet and spicy, with a smooth, creamy texture.

Ingredient Notes for Bang Bang Chicken and Sauce

Bowls of raw chicken pieces, flour, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, butter, and various spices for preparing a delicious meal arranged on a light surface.
  • Boneless Chicken Breast: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. You can also use chicken thighs.
  • Panko: Panko bread crumbs give the chicken a crispy texture.
  • Sweet Chili Sauce: Use sweet chili sauce to make the dipping sauce.

See the recipe card below for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements.

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Prep Ahead Suggestions for Bang Chicken

  • Sauce: Make the spicy sauce in advance and store in the fridge in an airtight container.

Pro Tip for Bang Bang Shrimp and Chicken

Make Bang Bang chicken and shrimp, or add your favorite vegetables.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken

These are the basic steps for making sweet and spicy Bang Bang chicken. Refer to the full, printable recipe card below for detailed instructions.

Three images: 1) Bowl with batter mix. 2) Bowl with sriracha, mayo, and honey. 3) Ready-to-cook Bang Bang Chicken setup featuring a bowl of batter alongside plates of raw chicken pieces and breadcrumbs on the countertop.

1. Prepare the Sauce

Mix together mayonnaise, Sriracha, honey, and chili sauce in a small bowl and set aside.

2. Add the Chicken Pieces in a Separate Bowl

Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium high heat. In a large bowl or medium bowl, depending on the size of your chicken, whisk together buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, and all purpose seasoning in the bowl and mix well. Pour the panko crumbs into a shallow dish, then dip the raw chicken into the buttermilk mixture. Toss the chicken and coat in panko breadcrumbs, pressing the crumbs to the chicken.

3. Cook the Chicken

After you coat the chicken, add the seasoned chicken to the skillet in a single layer; be careful not to crowd the pan and work in batches. Cook for 2-3 minutes on high heat until crispy and golden brown, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°f. Once the chicken is cooked, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate and drizzle with sauce. Serve the remaining bang bang sauce on the side for dipping these crisp chicken bites.

Bang Bang Chicken: a piece in batter on the left and coated with crumbs on the right.

How to Store, Reheat and Use Leftover Crispy Chicken

  • Storing: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
  • Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
  • Using Leftovers: Bang Bang chicken should last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Variations and Substitutions for Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Breast

  • Chicken: I love to cook this recipe with chicken thighs as well; they’re juicier than chicken breasts.
  • Bang Bang Shrimp: Use the sauce as a marinade to quickly cook shrimp.
  • Tofu: Press extra-firm tofu, marinate, and pan-sear for a vegetarian option.
  • Bang Bang Chicken Skewers: Cut the chicken into smaller pieces and thread onto bamboo skewers. This great recipe is absolutely delicious when served over rice and garnished with spring onions or red cabbage.

Bang Bang Sauce Recipe FAQs

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Can I Use the Sauce on Other Things?

Yes; try the dipping sauce with vegetables, or as a topping for noodles or rice.

Why is It Called Bang Bang Sauce?

This dish has its origins in China’s Szechuan Province, and likely gets its name from the Mandarin word for a stick used to tenderize the meat.

Can I Freeze Bang Bang Chicken?

We recommend freezing just the chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container. The sauce itself should not be frozen.

A plate of crispy bites garnished with chopped herbs, served with a small bowl of orange dipping sauce, and parsley in the background.

Expert Tips for Making this Sweet and Spicy Chicken Recipe

  • Air Fryer: This recipe can also be made in the air fryer for a crispy taste. Air fry the chicken, then serve immediately for best crunch.
  • Texture: The sauce should have a smooth and slightly viscous texture.ry the chicken
  • Adjusting the Heat: If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of chili peppers or use a milder variety.
  • Spices: Add a tablespoon of garlic powder, a pinch of salt, or paprika to your sauce.
  • Garnish: Garnish with chopped green onions, cilantro, or sesame seeds for added flavor and color.
Bang Bang Chicken - It Is a Keeper

Bang Bang Chicken

4.67 from 6 votes
Bang Bang Chicken has a bold, spicy flavor, coated in crispy breading. This recipe includes a creamy Thai chili sauce, making it a go-to dinner favorite.
Prep Time : 20 minutes
Cook Time : 10 minutes
Total Time : 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Calories: 758kcal

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Ingredients
 

Chicken

  • ½ cup Vegetable Oil
  • 1 cup Buttermilk
  • ¾ cup Flour
  • ½ cup Cornstarch
  • 1 Large Egg
  • 1 tablespoon Sriracha
  • All Purpose Seasoning, to taste
  • 1 pound Chicken Breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 1 cup Panko Bread Crumbs

Dipping Sauce

  • ¼ cup Mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons Sweet Chili Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Honey
  • 2 teaspoons Sriracha

Instructions
 

  • To make the sauce, whisk together all of the sauce ingredients in a small bowl; set aside.
  • Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.
  • Season the chicken with house seasoning.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha and house seasoning.
  • Pour Panko into a shallow dish (such as a pie plate).
  • Working one at a time, dip chicken into buttermilk mixture, then coat in Panko, pressing the crumbs to the chicken.
  • Working in batches, add chicken to the skillet being careful not to crowd the pan.
  • Cook for 2-3 minutes or until golden and crispy and internal temperature is 165 degrees.
  • Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
  • Serve immediately, drizzled with sweet chili sauce.

Christina’s Notes

  • Air Fryer: This recipe can also be made in the air fryer for a crispy taste. Air fry the chicken, then serve immediately for best crunch.
  • Texture: The sauce should have a smooth and slightly viscous texture.ry the chicken
  • Adjusting the Heat: If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of chili peppers or use a milder variety.
  • Spices: Add a tablespoon of garlic powder, a pinch of salt, or paprika to your sauce.
  • Garnish: Garnish with chopped green onions, cilantro, or sesame seeds for added flavor and color.

For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, scroll up on the page.

Nutrition

Calories: 758kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 45g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 23g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 126mg | Sodium: 635mg | Potassium: 584mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 210IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 114mg | Iron: 3mg
The nutritional information provided are estimates. To learn more about how I calculate this information go to www.itisakeeper.com/about-its-a-keeper/privacy-disclosure-policies/
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5 thoughts on “Bang Bang Chicken”

  1. 5 stars
    My teenagers love the Asian flavors in this chicken, I love how easy it is for a weeknight meal. The recipe is definitely a keeper!

    Reply
  2. 5 stars
    I love your recipe for Bang Bang Chicken! It’s a perfect melding of delicious flavors. Friends and family joined my husband and I for dinner last night. Everyone raved about how yummy this was!

    Reply
4.67 from 6 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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