Spicy & Sweet Bang Bang Chicken Recipe You’ll Love

Sizzling spices and tangy flavors dance together in this irresistible bang bang chicken recipe that promises a culinary adventure.

The sauce strikes a perfect balance between creamy, spicy, and sweet notes that will make your taste buds sing.

Crispy chicken pieces coated in a luscious, zesty blend create a mouthwatering dish that stands out from ordinary weeknight meals.

Each bite delivers a punch of excitement and vibrant taste that transforms a simple protein into something extraordinary.

The secret lies in the harmonious combination of ingredients that elevate this classic recipe to new heights.

Restaurants charge top dollar for such a delectable creation, but you can easily whip up this sensational dish right in your own kitchen.

Get ready to impress everyone at the dinner table with this show-stopping meal that guarantees smiles and clean plates.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 650 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Flavorful Bang Bang Chicken

• Chicken Breast: Select fresh, high-quality cut with minimal fat for tender, juicy texture; organic or free-range options provide richer flavor.

• Panko Breadcrumbs, All-Purpose Flour, Cornstarch: Create crispy, light exterior with perfect golden crunch; look for fine, consistent breadcrumb texture.
• Onion Powder, Kosher Salt, Black Pepper, Chili Powder: Infuse deep, layered seasoning throughout breading for bold flavor profile.

• Mayonnaise, Sweet Chili Sauce, Hot Sauce, Honey, Rice Wine Vinegar, Buttermilk, Egg: Blend tangy, sweet, and spicy elements for complex sauce; choose high-quality hot sauce for authentic kick; ensure buttermilk is fresh for optimal tenderness.

• Vegetable Oil: Select neutral-flavored oil with high smoke point for perfect deep-frying; ensure oil is clean and fresh for best results.

Tools and Prep Items for Bang Bang Chicken

• Large Skillet or Saucepan: Essential for deep-frying chicken to golden perfection.
• Meat Thermometer: Helps check oil temperature for precise frying.
• Shallow Dishes: Perfect for breading and coating chicken pieces.
• Medium Mixing Bowls: Needed for preparing batter and sauce.
• Small Whisk: Great for blending sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Paper Towels: Helps drain excess oil from fried chicken.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Tongs: Ideal for safely handling and flipping chicken while frying.

Cooking Directions for Bang Bang Chicken

• Flavor Fusion Sauce

Blend creamy and tangy ingredients into a silky smooth sauce that will make taste buds dance with excitement. Whisk together zesty condiments until perfectly combined.

• Crispy Coating Creation

Mix dry ingredients to form a magical powder that will transform ordinary chicken into a crunchy sensation. Slowly incorporate liquid elements to create a velvety batter that clings to every chicken morsel.

• Chicken Transformation

Lovingly coat each chicken piece in the luscious batter, ensuring a complete flavor embrace that promises maximum deliciousness.

• Oil Heating Ritual

Warm up a deep pan with oil, creating the perfect sizzling environment for turning chicken into golden crispy masterpieces. Watch for the telltale shimmer that signals cooking readiness.

• Crumb Crusting Magic

Roll each battered chicken piece through a shower of crispy breadcrumbs, creating an armor of crunch that will make every bite irresistible.

• Sizzling Adventure

Gently lower chicken pieces into the hot oil, watching them transform into golden-brown treasures. Fry in small batches to maintain the perfect temperature and ensure maximum crispiness.

• Final Touch

Rescue the crispy morsels onto paper towels to kiss away excess oil. Drizzle with the prepared sauce or serve it alongside for a personalized dipping experience.

Tips, Tricks & Variations for Bang Bang Chicken

• Crispy Chicken Coating Tricks: Use a mix of panko and regular breadcrumbs for extra crunch and texture.
• Oil Temperature Magic: Always use a kitchen thermometer to maintain consistent 325°F oil temperature, ensuring perfectly golden and crispy chicken without burning.
• Sauce Flavor Boost: Let the sauce sit for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow ingredients to blend and intensify the taste profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap wheat flour with rice flour or gluten-free blend, and use gluten-free panko for celiac-friendly version.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust hot sauce quantity in batter and sauce to create mild, medium, or extra-hot bang bang chicken according to personal heat preference.

Creative Ways to Serve Bang Bang Chicken

• Zesty Party Platter: Arrange the crispy bang bang chicken on a large wooden board with small dipping bowls scattered around, creating an interactive and visually appealing presentation that encourages sharing and conversation.
• Refreshing Side Companions: Pair the spicy chicken with a cool cucumber salad or a tangy Asian-inspired slaw to balance the heat and provide a refreshing contrast that complements the dish's rich flavors.
• Picnic Perfect Lunch: Pack the chicken pieces in airtight containers with separate sauce compartments for an amazing grab-and-go meal that stays crispy and delicious, ideal for outdoor adventures or work lunch breaks.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Serve the bang bang chicken as finger food during sports events or movie nights, cutting the pieces slightly smaller to create bite-sized appetizers that'll keep everyone reaching for more.

Storage Tips for Bang Bang Chicken Leftovers

• Refrigerator Recovery: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Crispy texture works best when consumed within the first 24 hours after cooking.
• Reheating Magic: Revive cold chicken in the oven at 375°F for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwave to prevent soggy breading.
• Freezer Friendly Hack: Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe wrap and store for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Sauce Separation Strategy: Keep the bang bang sauce in a separate sealed container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for 5-7 days, perfect for quick dipping or drizzling on future meals.