Easy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe to Try Tonight

If you’re craving a dish that’s crispy, creamy, and packed with bold flavors, then this Bang Bang Chicken recipe is exactly what you need for dinner tonight. Bang Bang Chicken is a vibrant, satisfying dish with a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and tangy notes, all wrapped up in a crunchy yet tender texture. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight meal or impressing guests with something unique, this recipe is easy to follow, uses simple ingredients, and delivers restaurant-quality taste right at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple and Quick: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings when you want something tasty fast.
• Deliciously Crispy: The chicken gets coated and fried to golden perfection, adding a satisfying crunch to every bite.
• Flavor Explosion: Creamy, spicy, and a little sweet, the sauce creates an irresistible combination that’s addictive.
• Versatile Dish: Great as a main course, appetizer, or party snack — suits many occasions effortlessly.
• Family-Friendly: Adjust the spice level easily, making it a hit with both kids and adults.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Bang Bang Chicken recipe uses simple, kitchen-friendly ingredients that come together to create amazing taste, texture, and color. Each item is chosen to enhance either the crispiness, creaminess, or flavor vibrancy of the dish.

• Chicken breasts or thighs: Use boneless for easier cooking and slicing, chicken thighs give extra juiciness.
• Panko breadcrumbs: Key to getting that irresistible crispy coating without heaviness.
• Mayonnaise: The base of the creamy sauce, it adds richness and smooth texture.
• Sriracha sauce: Provides the signature spicy kick to the Bang Bang sauce.
• Honey or sugar: Balances the heat with just the right hint of sweetness.
• Rice vinegar or lime juice: Adds acidity, brightening the overall flavor.
• Garlic powder: Enhances savory depth in both sauce and coating.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
• Vegetable oil: Used for frying to achieve that perfect crispy crust.

Variations for Bang Bang Chicken

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so feel free to customize it to your dietary needs, ingredient availability, or personal taste preferences. Here are some fun and simple variations to try:

• Gluten-free version: Substitute panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers to keep it crispy.
• Spicy level adjustment: Add more or less Sriracha or swap it with chili garlic sauce for different heat profiles.
• Grilled Bang Bang Chicken: Skip frying and grill the chicken, then toss in the sauce for a lighter option.
• Bang Bang Tofu: Use firm tofu chunks instead of chicken for a vegetarian twist that’s just as delicious.
• Creamy twist: Mix in a little Greek yogurt or sour cream with mayo for a tangier sauce variation.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by slicing your chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized strips or cubes for easy frying and saucing. Pat them dry with a paper towel to ensure the coating sticks well.

Step 2: Season and Coat

Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Then dredge them in panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to ensure each piece is fully coated for maximum crunch.

Step 3: Fry Until Golden

Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Fry the coated chicken pieces in batches, turning carefully until golden brown on all sides and fully cooked inside, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Step 4: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth and creamy. Adjust the amounts of Sriracha and honey based on your desired spice and sweetness balance.

Step 5: Combine and Toss

Place the crispy chicken into a large mixing bowl and pour the Bang Bang sauce over the top. Gently toss until all pieces are well-coated in that creamy, spicy goodness.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the Bang Bang Chicken to a serving plate and garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or fresh cilantro for an added pop of freshness and texture.

Pro Tips for Making Bang Bang Chicken

• Use room temperature chicken: It cooks more evenly and stays juicy inside while crisp outside.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature and maximize crispiness without steaming the chicken.
• Adjust sauce consistency: For a thicker sauce, use less vinegar; for a lighter dip, add a splash of water or more vinegar to thin it.
• Double coat for extra crunch: Dip the chicken in beaten egg before panko for an ultra-crispy finish.
• Make sauce ahead: Prepare the Bang Bang sauce earlier and store in the fridge to save time on busy nights.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes take Bang Bang Chicken from delicious to dazzling. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds, sliced green onions, or chopped fresh cilantro on top for color, crunch, and aromatic flair.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or a simple cucumber salad to cool down the heat. Light vegetable stir-fries or crunchy slaws are also fantastic companions for a balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Bang Bang Chicken over a bed of leafy greens for a refreshing bowl salad, or pile it inside warm tortillas for a fusion-style wrap. For party fun, offer it as finger-food skewers with a side of extra sauce for dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate if possible to maintain the chicken’s crispness.

Freezing

Freeze cooked chicken without sauce in a single layer on a baking tray before transferring to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating and adding fresh sauce.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) to restore crispness, or use an air fryer for best results. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy. Add fresh Bang Bang sauce right before serving.

FAQs

What is Bang Bang Chicken?

Bang Bang Chicken is a flavorful dish featuring crispy fried chicken coated in a creamy, spicy sauce made from mayonnaise, Sriracha, honey, and vinegar.

Can I make Bang Bang Chicken gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers to enjoy the same crunch without gluten.

How spicy is Bang Bang Chicken?

The level of spice is easily adjustable by varying the amount of Sriracha sauce in the recipe, making it suitable for mild to very spicy preferences.

Can Bang Bang Chicken be made ahead?

You can prepare the chicken and sauce separately in advance, then combine just before serving to maintain crispness and freshness.

What’s the best way to reheat Bang Bang Chicken?

Reheat in an oven or air fryer to keep the coating crispy; microwaving is not recommended as it softens the texture.

Final Thoughts

This Bang Bang Chicken recipe is an absolute game-changer when you want something quick, flavorful, and satisfying. With its irresistible combination of crispy chicken and creamy, spicy sauce, it’s sure to become a beloved favorite in your recipe rotation. Don’t wait—grab those simple ingredients and treat yourself to dinner tonight!

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