Bang Bang Chicken is an irresistible blend of crispy chicken and a creamy, spicy sauce that delivers a satisfying punch of flavor in every bite. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser for gatherings, learning how to make delicious Bang Bang Chicken fast ensures you can enjoy this vibrant dish anytime without a fuss. This easy recipe balances heat, sweetness, and crunch in a way that’s both simple to prepare and deeply satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: From start to finish, this Bang Bang Chicken recipe takes under 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
- Bold Flavors: The creamy, spicy sauce combines sweet, tangy, and heat notes that keep your taste buds excited.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course, appetizer, or even over rice or salad for a full meal.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses common pantry staples and fresh staples easily found at any grocery store.
- Family Friendly: Adjust spice levels up or down to suit all ages and preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Bang Bang Chicken lies in its simple but essential ingredients, each chosen to create the ideal harmony of flavors, textures, and colors. These ingredients work together to achieve that iconic creamy-spicy sauce coating crispy chicken pieces perfectly.
- Chicken breasts or thighs: Boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and perfect texture.
- Mayonnaise: Adds a rich, creamy base that helps balance the heat and sweetness.
- Sriracha sauce: Provides the signature heat and vibrant color; adjust to your spice preference.
- Honey: Brings a subtle sweetness to counteract the spice and tie flavors together.
- Garlic powder: Enhances the savory depth of the sauce without overpowering.
- Rice vinegar or lime juice: Adds a tangy kick that brightens the overall flavor profile.
- Cornstarch or flour: For lightly breading chicken pieces to achieve perfectly crisp edges.
- Vegetable oil: For frying the chicken to golden perfection.
- Green onions and sesame seeds: Garnishes that add fresh color and nutty crunch.
Variations for Bang Bang Chicken
This Bang Bang Chicken recipe is delightfully easy to customize. Whether adjusting for dietary needs or simply mixing up flavors, these variations let you tailor the dish to your tastes without sacrificing speed or flavor.
- Grilled version: Swap frying for grilling to reduce oil and add smoky notes.
- Spicy level adjustment: Increase or decrease sriracha or use a milder chili sauce to control heat intensity.
- Gluten-free option: Use cornstarch or gluten-free flour for breading to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Vegetarian alternative: Replace chicken with crispy tofu or cauliflower florets for a plant-based twist.
- Extra crunch: Toss fried chicken pieces with crushed peanuts or fried shallots before serving.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting boneless chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces. Lightly coat the pieces in cornstarch or flour, shaking off any excess to ensure a thin, even coating that will crisp nicely when cooked.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden and crispy on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
While the chicken cooks, mix mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, honey, garlic powder, and rice vinegar (or lime juice) in a bowl. Whisk until smooth for that perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and tangy flavors.
Step 4: Combine and Toss
Once all the chicken is cooked, add it to the sauce bowl and toss to coat thoroughly. Ensure every crispy bite is generously covered in the luscious Bang Bang sauce.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top for a pop of color and a slight crunch that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
Pro Tips for Making Bang Bang Chicken
- Use fresh chicken: Fresh cuts cook more evenly and absorb sauce better than pre-packaged pieces.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry chicken in batches to maintain oil temperature and crispness.
- Adjust sauce consistency: Add a tablespoon of water or more honey to tweak the sauce’s thickness and sweetness.
- Make it ahead: Keep sauce separate until serving to prevent soggy chicken.
- Serve immediately: Bang Bang Chicken is best enjoyed fresh and crispy—the flavor shines brightest hot.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes transform this dish visually and texturally. Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds as classics, or add thinly sliced red chili and fresh cilantro for extra color and vibrancy.
Side Dishes
Pair with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa to soak up the rich sauce. Crisp cucumber salad or simple slaw adds a refreshing contrast that balances the spicy heat.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Bang Bang Chicken over a bed of mixed greens as a warm salad, or pile it into soft tortillas for quick wraps. For a party, stack it in mini bao buns with pickled veggies to impress guests with unique presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate. It stays tasty for up to 3 days, though it’s best to keep the sauce separate to maintain crispness.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze cooked chicken pieces without sauce in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag and use within 2 months to preserve flavor and texture.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated chicken in a hot skillet or oven to revive crispness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy. Add sauce fresh after reheating for the best experience.
FAQs
Is Bang Bang Chicken spicy?
Bang Bang Chicken has a moderate kick, but you can easily adjust the sriracha level to suit your heat tolerance, making it mild or fiery.
Can I bake instead of frying the chicken?
Yes, baking chicken pieces is a healthier option—just coat well and bake on a greased sheet at 425°F until crispy and cooked through.
What is traditonal Bang Bang Chicken made with?
Traditional Bang Bang Chicken combines fried or poached chicken with a creamy, spicy sauce often made with mayonnaise, chili sauce, and sweet seasonings.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Pre-cooked chicken can be used in a pinch, but it won’t have the same crispy texture—the sauce is best paired with freshly cooked, crunchy chicken.
Is Bang Bang Chicken gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free flour or cornstarch for breading, and ensure sriracha or other sauces used are gluten-free, and this dish can be enjoyed gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
Bang Bang Chicken is one of those dishes that feels like a celebration of flavor, crunch, and color all in one. Fast to make and delightful to eat, it’s perfect for when you want something tasty without complicated prep. I invite you to try this recipe soon—it might just become your go-to for quick dinners and sharing with friends and family!