How to Make the Best Bang Bang Chicken at Home (Easy & Delicious)
Crispy, spicy, and irresistibly creamy, this Bang Bang Chicken recipe is a must-try! Serve it as an appetizer, over rice, or in tacos for a delicious meal.
Ingredients
For the Crispy Chicken:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs whisked
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- Oil for frying vegetable, canola, or peanut oil
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a lighter version
- ¼ cup Thai-style sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 tbsp Sriracha or hot sauce adjust to taste
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar
- 1 tbsp lime juice or rice vinegar
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro
- Crushed peanuts
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
- In a bowl, mix cornstarch and flour.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs.
- In a third bowl, add panko breadcrumbs.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
- Dip each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, then the egg wash, and finally coat it in panko breadcrumbs.
- Let the coated chicken rest for 5 minutes to help the coating stick.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
- Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the chicken in batches for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Drain on a wire rack to keep it crispy.
- 💡 Air Fryer Method: Spray the coated chicken with oil and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
Step 5: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and lime juice. Adjust the spice level to taste.
Step 6: Toss and Serve
- Place the crispy fried chicken in a large bowl.
- Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the chicken and toss until fully coated.
- Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or red pepper flakes.
Step 7: Enjoy!
- Serve as an appetizer, over rice, in tacos, or wrapped in lettuce for a low-carb option.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigerator: Store fried chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken (without sauce) for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Use an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes or an air fryer for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving to maintain crispiness.
Recipe Notes & Variations
- ⭐ Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and panko.
- ⭐ Make it Keto: Swap panko for crushed pork rinds or almond flour.
- ⭐ Vegetarian Option: Use crispy tofu or roasted cauliflower.
- ⭐ Protein Variations: Try shrimp, fish, or even turkey instead of chicken!
Notes
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
Calories: ~450-500 kcal -Protein: ~28g -
Carbohydrates: ~35g -
Fat: ~25g -
Saturated Fat: ~5g -
Cholesterol: ~120mg -
Sodium: ~700mg -
Fiber: ~2g -
Sugar: ~8g - 💡 Healthier Variations:
- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo (-100 kcal per serving)
- Air-fry instead of deep-frying (-50-100 kcal per serving)
- Swap panko for whole wheat panko for more fiber