Written by Sarah Miller
Bang Bang Chicken is my go-to when I crave something crispy, tender, and just plain fun for dinner. Ever come home, stare at the fridge, and think… meh, not another boring meal? Same! I wanted to whip up something ridiculously tasty but easy enough for a lazy Thursday (or, you know, any day you’ve already spent all your energy adulting).
Honestly, once I nailed this dish, even the kids showed up early for dinner, can’t say that happens often! If you love crispy chicken and a smack of creamy sauce, stick around for this wild ride. Oh, and don’t forget to check out mouthwatering dishes like Chili Chicken or Baked Cottage Cheese if you want more dinner inspiration.
Why You’ll Love It
There’s really nothing like homemade Bang Bang Chicken. The first time I tried it, I had that “did I just make a five-star restaurant meal at home?” moment. It’s ultra crispy outside, juicy in the middle, plus that creamy-spicy sauce practically makes you do a little dance in the kitchen. If you’re the kind of person who loves an explosion of flavor (who doesn’t?), you’re gonna fall hard for this one.
What I love most—okay, it’s how simple it is. Not a ton of weird ingredients. Most things you probably have in your pantry already. And the taste? It’s that perfect blend between comfort food and that satisfying zing you get from chili sauce. Oh! And cleanup is way easier than you think. I’ll pick chicken like this over baked, flavorless stuff any day. Try it once, you’ll end up craving it on random Tuesday afternoons too.
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Breast/Thigh | 1 lb | Main protein source, adds juiciness |
| Cornstarch | 1/2 cup | Creates a crunchy texture |
| Flour | 1/2 cup | Binds and adds structure |
| Eggs | 2 | Egg wash for better coating adhesion |
| Mayonnaise | 1/2 cup | Base for the creamy sauce |
| Sweet Chili Sauce | 1/4 cup | Adds sweetness and depth |
| Sriracha | 1-2 tbsp | Provides spice |
| Honey/Sugar | 1 tbsp (optional) | Enhances sweetness |
What Is Bang Bang Chicken?
So, Bang Bang Chicken technically started as a street food dish in China. Some folks say the name comes from “banging” or shredding the cooked chicken with a stick, but what I grew up on was more of a crunchy, deep-fried version. And let’s be honest—with the sauce, most people care waaaay more about the taste than the history, right?
At its core, Bang Bang Chicken is all about crispy fried chicken that gets dunked, drizzled, or tossed (whatever floats your boat) in a magical, creamy, sweet, and lightly spicy sauce. Imagine fried chicken + a punchy, addictive dip. You get restaurant vibes without actually leaving your home. I dare you to stop after just one piece. Impossible.
Every cook kinda puts their own twist on it—some keep it traditional, others go bold with extra spices or a mix of sauces. I say, try a little bit of everything and make it your signature meal.
Key Ingredients in Bang Bang Chicken
Okay, let’s talk ingredients, but don’t start sweating it—nothing fancy, I promise! If you’ve got chicken, you’ve won half the battle already.
- Chicken breast or thigh, cut into bite-sized chunks (I like thigh for juiciness but use what you’ve got!)
- Cornstarch and flour (Half and half makes it super crunchy. Trust.)
- Eggs (Helps all the crispy goodness stick.)
- Oil for frying (Vegetable oil’s fine, don’t overthink it.)
- Mayo (Don’t skip it. Seriously—it’s the magic ingredient for the sauce.)
- Sweet chili sauce (You’ll find it near the soy sauce at most stores.)
- Sriracha or any hot sauce (Personal heat preference—go wild.)
- Honey or sugar (Optional, but a little sweetness never hurt anyone.)
- Green onions for topping (Not required but man do they make it feel fresh.)
See? Not intimidating. You could probably dig most of this out of your fridge or pantry right now.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken
Let’s get honest—a lot of recipes overcomplicate things. I’m keeping it easy here. Here’s how you make Bang Bang Chicken so it turns out crispy and full of flavor.
Start by chopping your chicken into bite-size bits. Give them a light salt and pepper shower. Next, mix equal parts flour and cornstarch in one bowl, and whisk up an egg or two in another. Dip those chicken pieces in the egg, then in the flour mixture. Make sure every bit is coated.
Now, heat some oil in a pan—just enough for frying. Drop in the chicken, don’t crowd the pan, and cook until golden and crunchy (takes about five or six minutes, and hey, use a slotted spoon for that extra kitchen cred). Always use a food thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 165°F for safety, see CDC cooking guidelines.
For the famous Bang Bang Chicken sauce, just mix mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and a tiny bit of honey in a bowl. Boom. Toss the crispy chicken in the sauce or serve it on the side for dipping—your call.
Slice up green onions for a fresh sprinkle on top. You’re done. Yes, it really is that easy. Feels like cheating, but it’s not!
What to Serve with Bang Bang Chicken
Finding the right side dishes just turns this into a full-on feast. Trust me, you’ll want a little variety to keep things from drying out or getting too spicy. Here are some go-to ideas if you need to round it out:
- Steamed rice (soaks up every bit of sauce, YES please)
- Crispy chicken strips as an extra option for picky eaters
- Roasted broccoli or green beans to add a bit of crunch and balance the meal
- Simple sesame noodles because carbs + sauce = happiness
Don’t forget, you can use the Bang Bang Chicken sauce as a dip for your veggies too. Extra flavor everywhere. If you need more recipes, check out these spicy sesame noodles—they pair perfectly. And leftovers? Sandwiches, wraps, you name it. Total game-changer.
Common Questions
Can I bake Bang Bang Chicken instead of frying it?
Absolutely, just spritz the breaded chicken with a little oil and bake at 425°F until crispy. Not quite the same crunch, but still super tasty.
What’s the best cut of chicken for Bang Bang Chicken?
I like thighs for juiciness and flavor, but chicken breast works just fine if you prefer it leaner.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You definitely can. Just keep the sauce and chicken separate so the coating stays crunchy. Reheat in the oven and toss with the sauce before serving.
Is this recipe spicy?
The heat level is totally up to you. Cut back the sriracha or chili sauce for mild flavor, add more if you want to break a sweat!
Can I make Bang Bang Chicken gluten-free?
Sure thing—just use gluten-free flour and cornstarch mix. Works like a charm.
Ready to Bang Out This Recipe?
If you’re hunting for that one meal that’ll have everyone hovering in the kitchen, this Bang Bang Chicken is it. Nothing beats crispy, spicy, saucy chicken on a random weeknight. The best part? You made it yourself (high five). Honestly, after you see how easy it is, check out more tips at this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe (Incredibly Crispy) | The Kitchn for pro tricks or try another version at Bang Bang Chicken Recipe | Simple Home Edit. Don’t wait until you’re starving—make this now, you’ll be that dinner hero in your house.
Bang Bang Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken Breast/Thigh Cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1/2 cup Cornstarch Creates a crunchy texture
- 1/2 cup Flour Binds and adds structure
- 2 Eggs Egg wash for better coating adhesion
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise Base for the creamy sauce
- 1/4 cup Sweet Chili Sauce Adds sweetness and depth
- 1-2 tbsp Sriracha Provides spice, adjust to taste
- 1 tbsp Honey/Sugar Optional, enhance sweetness
- Vegetable oil For frying
- Green onions For topping, optional
Instructions
Preparation
- Chop the chicken into bite-size pieces and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- In a bowl, mix equal parts cornstarch and flour.
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs.
- Dip the chicken pieces first in the egg, then in the flour mixture to coat thoroughly.
Cooking
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan; use enough for frying.
- Once oil is hot, carefully drop in the coated chicken pieces in batches, avoiding overcrowding the pan.
- Fry until the chicken is golden and crispy, about 5-6 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove and drain on paper towels.
Sauce Preparation
- In a bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey (if using) until well combined.
- Toss the crispy chicken in the sauce or serve it on the side for dipping.
Serving
- Slice green onions and sprinkle on top of the finished dish.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!