Crispy Bang Bang Chicken: 7 Simple Steps to Mouthwatering Perfection

Are you searching for the ultimate crispy, flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for family dinners, an impressive appetizer, or even meal prep? Look no further than Crispy Bang Bang Chicken! This must-try recipe is a symphony of bold flavors, irresistible crunch, and creamy, spicy-sweet bang bang sauce. Not only is it incredibly easy to prepare, but it’s also sure to become a crowd favorite for anyone who gets a taste.

In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make this iconic dish, from insider tips to ingredient swaps and serving suggestions that keep things exciting. Ready to spice up your dinner game? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is more than just a meal it’s an experience. Here’s why foodies all over the world are raving about this crave-worthy dish:

1. Crispy Textures Meet Creamy Heat – The golden-brown crunch of the chicken pairs perfectly with the creamy tang and slight heat of bang bang sauce. It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors!
2. Quick and Easy Prep – With just a handful of staple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have restaurant-quality chicken on your table in no time.
3. Versatile & Customizable – This dish can be served as a main course with rice or veggies, finger food for parties, or even stuffed into tacos talk about flexibility!
4. Packed with Flavor – The key ingredients (hello, mayo and sriracha!) combine to create a sauce that’s tangy, sweet, spicy, and creamy all at once.
5. Family-Friendly – Kids and adults alike are sure to fall in love with this crowd-pleaser. You can even adjust the spice level to suit any palate!

Whether you’re sharing it at a gathering or enjoying it solo from the comfort of your couch, this dish will not disappoint.

Ingredients

To make the best Crispy Bang Bang Chicken, you’ll need a few simple yet essential ingredients. Here’s what you need, plus tips to get it right every time.

For the Chicken:

• Chicken Breasts or Tenders: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders for easier preparation and perfect bite-sized pieces.
• All-Purpose Flour: Creates a light coating for the chicken, helping it crisp up beautifully.
• Cornstarch: A key ingredient for that perfectly crispy exterior.
• Eggs: Acts as a binder to hold the crispy coating in place.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Adds that signature crunch! Regular breadcrumbs work, but panko is ideal for maximum crispiness.
• Salt and Pepper: Season generously for enhanced flavor!

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• Mayonnaise: Your creamy base. Go for high-quality mayo for the best results.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: The sweet component that provides bold flavor.
• Sriracha: For that characteristic bang bang kick! Adjust to your spice preference.
• Honey or Sugar: Balances the heat with just the right amount of sweetness (optional).

Optional Add-Ons:

• Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle on for garnish and a nutty crunch.
• Chopped Green Onions: Adds freshness and a pop of color.

Pro Tip: Choose quality ingredients, as they make a big difference, especially in simple recipes like this one. Trust us using fresh chicken and flavorful sauces will elevate the dish tenfold!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to make your kitchen smell like your favorite Asian-inspired restaurant? Grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and follow these step-by-step instructions:

Step 1: Prep Your Chicken

Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, about the size of chicken nuggets. Pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel this ensures the breading sticks well. Season generously with salt and black pepper.

Step 2: Set Up the Dredging Station

Create a dredging station with three bowls:

• Bowl 1: Combine flour and cornstarch in a 2:1 ratio.
• Bowl 2: Whisk together eggs to create your binding agent.
• Bowl 3: Place panko breadcrumbs for that ultimate crunch factor.

Tip: To ensure extra-crispy layers, you can re-dredge the chicken pieces by repeating the dredging process (flour -> egg -> breadcrumbs).

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Take each piece of chicken, coat it in flour, dip it in the egg wash, and then press it firmly into the panko breadcrumbs. Place the coated chicken pieces on a wire rack to ensure proper air circulation before frying.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

Add about 1–2 inches of vegetable oil to a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C) use a thermometer to maintain consistent temperature.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken

Carefully fry the chicken pieces in batches to avoid crowding the pan. Cook for about 3–4 minutes per side or until the chicken is golden and fully cooked with an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove and set on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 6: Mix the Bang Bang Sauce

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and a touch of honey or sugar for sweetness, if desired. Taste as you mix you can adjust the spice level by adding more or less sriracha!

Step 7: Toss and Serve

Once your chicken is fried and slightly cooled, drizzle or toss it with the bang bang sauce. Alternatively, you can serve the sauce on the side for dipping if you prefer extra crunch. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, and enjoy!

Expert Tips for Perfect Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

• Double-Coat Your Chicken: Want to take your crunch game to the next level? Coat the chicken twice (flour -> egg -> breadcrumbs -> repeat) for a thicker, more satisfying crust.
• Avoid Overcrowding: When frying, make sure to cook in small batches so the oil temperature doesn’t drop. Lower temperatures result in soggy, greasy chicken!
• Make It Healthier: Instead of frying, bake your chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes or air-fry for about 12–15 minutes for a lighter alternative. The panko breadcrumbs will still create a golden, crunchy crust!
• Customize the Spice Level: If you’re serving kids or spice-sensitive eaters, reduce the amount of sriracha and let everyone add extra sauce on the side.

Variations

The beauty of Crispy Bang Bang Chicken lies in its adaptability. Here are some creative ways to make it your own:

• Bang Bang Shrimp: Replace chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist. Follow the same breading and frying steps, and enjoy a classic like you’d find at Bonefish Grill!
• Bang Bang Chicken Tacos: Load crispy chicken into soft flour tortillas, top with shredded cabbage, drizzled sauce, and lime juice for a quick taco night dinner.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and panko breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free rice crackers.
• Vegan Version: Sub chicken for tofu or cauliflower. Simply bake or air-fry for a plant-based take that’s equally delicious!

Serving Suggestions

Wondering how to serve your Crispy Bang Bang Chicken for maximum enjoyment? Here are some ideas:

• As an Appetizer: Serve on a large platter with toothpicks for dipping into extra bang bang sauce. Perfect for game nights and parties!
• Over Rice: Create a comforting weeknight meal by pairing with steamed or fried rice and sautéed vegetables.
• In a Salad: Toss into a bed of mixed greens, shredded carrots, and cucumbers for a refreshing contrast to the crunchy chicken.
• With Noodles: Try it over a bowl of lo mein or cold sesame noodles for an Asian-inspired pairing.

FAQ

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and work just as well. Simply trim the excess fat and follow the same recipe steps.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the bang bang sauce separate to avoid sogginess. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.

Q: Is Bang Bang Chicken very spicy?
A: The spice level is mild to medium, depending on how much sriracha you add. Feel free to adjust to your spice preference!

Q: Can I bake or air fry instead of deep frying?
A: Yes! Baking or air frying are healthier cooking methods that still yield crispy results, thanks to the panko breadcrumbs.

Conclusion