Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is a crowd-pleasing dish that combines golden, crunchy chicken bites with a creamy, slightly spicy, and tangy sauce. The chicken is typically coated in seasoned flour or panko breadcrumbs, then fried or baked until perfectly crisp.
The signature “bang bang” sauce—a luscious mix of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha—adds a balance of sweetness, creaminess, and a gentle heat that keeps you coming back for more.
This dish is often served as an appetizer, party snack, or main course paired with rice, noodles, or fresh salads.
Why You’ll Love Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
If you love crispy, flavorful chicken with a sweet, spicy, and creamy sauce, this Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is for you! The crunchy panko-breaded chicken is coated in a delicious Bang Bang sauce, made with sweet chili sauce, mayo, and a hint of sriracha. It’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with bold flavors!
This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, game nights, or as an appetizer. Serve it over rice, in wraps, or as a snack—it’s incredibly versatile and addicting!
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
Description
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is a crunchy, golden-brown chicken dish tossed in a sweet, creamy, and spicy Bang Bang sauce.
This easy homemade version is just as good as takeout—if not better! Serve it over rice, in tacos, or as an appetizer for a dish that everyone will love.
What makes Crispy Bang Bang Chicken so irresistible is the contrast between textures and flavors: the crunch of the chicken meets the smooth, flavorful sauce in every bite.
The coating stays light yet shatteringly crisp, while the sauce clings to each piece without making it soggy.
It’s a versatile dish that fits casual dinners, family gatherings, and even game-day spreads. Whether served fresh out of the fryer or prepared in a lighter baked version, it delivers big flavor with minimal fuss.
Once you’ve tasted it, you’ll understand why this has become a modern comfort-food classic in kitchens worldwide.
Ingredients
For Bang Bang Sauce
Instructions
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Prepare the Chicken:
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Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and soak in buttermilk for 10 minutes.
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In a bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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In another bowl, beat 1 egg.
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In a third bowl, place panko breadcrumbs.
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Coat the Chicken:
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Remove chicken from buttermilk, shaking off excess.
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Dip each piece into the flour mixture, then into the egg, then coat with panko breadcrumbs.
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Cook the Chicken:
For Frying:
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Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pan.
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Fry chicken for 4-5 minutes per batch until golden brown and crispy.
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Drain on paper towels.
For Baking:
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Place chicken on a greased baking sheet and spray with cooking spray.
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Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
For Air Frying:
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Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
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Spray chicken lightly with oil and air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway.
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Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice.
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Toss & Serve:
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Toss crispy chicken in the Bang Bang sauce, or drizzle it over the top.
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Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, then serve hot!
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Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 450kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 18g28%
- Sodium 750mg32%
- Total Carbohydrate 45g15%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 6g
- Protein 35g70%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Tips & Serving Tricks
- Use Cornstarch for Extra Crispiness
- Swap half of the flour for cornstarch for an even crispier texture.
- Make It Healthier
- Air fry or bake instead of deep-frying for a lighter version.
- Adjust the Spice Level
- Add extra sriracha or red pepper flakes for more heat, or reduce it for a milder version.
- Double the Sauce
- If you love extra sauce, double the Bang Bang sauce and use it as a dip.
- Use Shrimp Instead
- Replace chicken with shrimp for a delicious Bang Bang Shrimp variation!
- Pair with Sides
- Serve with steamed rice, Asian slaw, or crispy fries for a full meal.
Variations & Storage :
Variations
- Baked Version – Instead of frying, coat the chicken in panko breadcrumbs and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes. This reduces oil while keeping the crunch.
- Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken – For an extra-crispy, healthier option, air-fry breaded chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Extra Spicy – Increase sriracha or add cayenne pepper to the sauce for more heat. You can also sprinkle chili flakes over the finished dish.
- Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free panko or crushed rice crackers for coating, and ensure your sauces are gluten-free.
- Bang Bang Shrimp or Tofu – Swap chicken for shrimp or firm tofu for a pescatarian or vegetarian twist. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Asian Fusion Salad – Serve the crispy chicken over shredded cabbage, carrots, and lettuce, then drizzle with bang bang sauce for a refreshing meal.
Storage
- Refrigeration: Store leftover crispy chicken separately from the sauce to maintain its crunch. Place cooled chicken in an airtight container lined with paper towels, and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce can be stored in a sealed jar or container for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Breaded but uncooked chicken can be frozen on a tray until firm, then transferred to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Fry or bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Cooked chicken can also be frozen, though it may lose some crispness upon reheating.
- Reheating: To restore crispiness, reheat chicken in a 375°F (190°C) oven or air fryer for 8–10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the coating soggy.
- Meal Prep Tip: Prepare breaded chicken ahead of time, refrigerate, and cook just before serving. Keep sauce chilled separately until ready to toss or drizzle.
Conclution:
In conclusion, Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is a bold, addictive dish that delivers a perfect balance of texture, flavor, and spice.
The golden, crunchy chicken bites, coated in a light and crispy breading, are irresistibly satisfying on their own—but when tossed in the signature bang bang sauce, they’re taken to an entirely new level.
That sweet, spicy, and creamy sauce—made with mayonnaise, chili sauce, and a touch of honey or sriracha—coats every piece with mouthwatering flavor that lingers in the best possible way.
This dish is more than just a great appetizer or party snack—it can easily stand alone as a main course, especially when served with rice, noodles, or a fresh slaw.
The contrast of the crispy chicken and the creamy sauce creates a textural experience that’s both comforting and exciting.
It’s one of those recipes that looks impressive and tastes like takeout, yet it’s surprisingly simple to make at home with everyday ingredients and minimal prep.
What makes Crispy Bang Bang Chicken a real winner is its versatility. You can adjust the heat to your liking, make it gluten-free with alternative breading, or even try it with shrimp, tofu, or cauliflower for a twist.
It also works great as a meal-prep option—just store the sauce separately and toss before serving to keep the chicken crispy.
Whether you’re hosting game night, looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or just craving something bold and delicious, Crispy Bang Bang Chicken delivers big flavor without complicated steps.
It’s crunchy, creamy, tangy, and spicy all at once—exactly the kind of dish that people remember and request again.
With its restaurant-quality taste and homemade ease, this recipe is bound to become a go-to favorite whenever you want to serve something fun, flavorful, and utterly satisfying.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Bang Bang Chicken ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the chicken, coat it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. Store the sauce separately and toss when ready to serve.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will be juicier and work just as well in this recipe.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes or air fry at 350°F for 5 minutes to maintain crispiness.
