Are you on the hunt for the perfect appetizer to spice up your next gathering? Look no further! This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser. With its crispy exterior and creamy, spicy sauce, it will leave your guests coming back for more.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the steps of making crispy, tender chicken coated in a delicious, sweet, and spicy Bang Bang sauce. Whether you’re planning a party, hosting a casual get-together, or simply craving a snack, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites.
What is Bang Bang Chicken?
Bang Bang Chicken is a deliciously crispy chicken dish coated in a rich, creamy sauce made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha for that perfect balance of sweetness and heat. It’s perfect as an appetizer or served over rice for a main dish. The name “Bang Bang” comes from the fiery kick from the sauce that’s guaranteed to “bang” your taste buds with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy Texture: The chicken pieces are coated with a crunchy breading that holds up perfectly to the creamy sauce.
Flavor Packed: The combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors makes each bite irresistible.
Easy to Make: Despite how impressive it looks and tastes, this dish is surprisingly easy to prepare.
Perfect for Parties: This crispy, bite-sized chicken is ideal for parties, game days, or as a special treat for your family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken, you’ll need a few basic ingredients that you can easily find at any grocery store.
For the Chicken:
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra juiciness)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 large egg, beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1-2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust based on desired spice level)
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon honey (optional for extra sweetness)
Pinch of salt
Garnishes:
Fresh cilantro or parsley (for garnish)
Sesame seeds (optional)
Sliced green onions (optional)
How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
Now let’s dive into the steps for making this irresistible appetizer.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces, around 1 to 1.5-inch cubes. This allows the breading to crisp up perfectly while keeping the chicken tender and juicy on the inside.
Step 2: Breading the Chicken
In one bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat the egg. In the third bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs.
Take each piece of chicken and dip it first into the flour mixture, coating it completely. Next, dip the floured chicken into the egg mixture, and finally, coat it in the panko breadcrumbs. Make sure each piece is evenly coated to get that perfect crispy texture.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. You’ll know the oil is hot enough when a breadcrumb dropped into the oil sizzles right away.
Carefully place the breaded chicken pieces into the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 4: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and honey (if using). Stir everything together until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust the spice level by adding more sriracha if you like it extra hot.
Step 5: Coat the Chicken
Once all the chicken is cooked and crispy, add the chicken to a large mixing bowl. Pour the Bang Bang sauce over the chicken and gently toss to coat each piece evenly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the coated chicken to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley, sesame seeds, and sliced green onions for a fresh touch. Serve immediately while the chicken is still hot and crispy.
Check out: Best Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip
Tips for the Best Bang Bang Chicken
Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness: If you prefer juicier chicken, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. They’ll stay tender and moist while still getting crispy on the outside.
Don’t Skip the Panko: Panko breadcrumbs are key to achieving that extra-crispy texture. They’re lighter and crunchier than regular breadcrumbs, making your chicken even more delicious.
Fry in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan while frying. This ensures that the chicken pieces cook evenly and get crispy without steaming.
Adjust the Spice: The beauty of this recipe is in the balance of sweet and spicy. If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the sriracha, or if you like it hot, add more for a fiery kick.
Oven-Baked Option: If you’re looking for a healthier version, you can bake the breaded chicken at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
FAQs
Can I Make Bang Bang Chicken Ahead of Time?
While this recipe is best served fresh and hot, you can prepare the breaded chicken in advance. Simply bread the chicken, refrigerate it for up to 2 hours, and then fry it just before serving.
How Can I Make the Bang Bang Sauce Less Spicy?
If you’re sensitive to spice, reduce the amount of sriracha in the sauce or omit it entirely. The sweet chili sauce already provides a touch of heat, so you can still achieve a flavorful sauce without the extra spice.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
While fresh chicken is recommended for the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen chicken as long as you thaw it thoroughly before breading and frying. Make sure to pat the chicken dry to avoid any excess moisture.
Can I Make Bang Bang Chicken Without Frying?
Yes, you can bake the breaded chicken at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. This is a healthier alternative to frying but still delivers great flavor and texture.
How Should I Store Leftover Bang Bang Chicken?
If you have any leftover chicken, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, bake it in the oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes to restore some of the crispiness.
Conclusion
This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser and will undoubtedly become your go-to appetizer for any occasion. With its perfect balance of crispy, tender chicken and a creamy, spicy sauce, it’s a dish that everyone will rave about. Serve it at your next party, game day, or as a treat for your family—it’s always a hit!
Enjoy making this irresistible appetizer and watch as it disappears in no time!
Read more: One-Pot Healthy Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo Recipe
Print
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites are an irresistible party appetizer! Tender, crispy chicken is coated in a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy Bang Bang Sauce made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a hint of sriracha. Served with a garnish of green onions and sesame seeds, these crispy chicken bites are perfect for game days, parties, or a fun weeknight snack!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
For Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken Bites:
- In a shallow bowl, add the buttermilk.
- In another bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In a third bowl, beat the egg.
- Dip each piece of chicken first into the buttermilk, then coat in the flour mixture, followed by the beaten egg, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs. Set aside.
2. Fry the Chicken:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
3. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce:
- In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and honey until smooth. Adjust the spice level by adding more sriracha if desired.
4. Toss the Chicken:
- Place the crispy chicken bites in a large bowl. Drizzle the Bang Bang Sauce over the chicken and toss gently to coat the chicken evenly in the sauce.
5. Garnish and Serve:
- Transfer the coated chicken bites to a serving platter and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
- Serve immediately with extra dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy!
Notes
- Oven-Baked Option: To bake instead of frying, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), place the breaded chicken on a greased baking sheet, and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Make-Ahead: You can prep the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then toss and fry just before serving for a crispy result.
- Extra Spice: Add extra sriracha to the sauce for a spicier kick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American, Party Food, Appetizer
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-6 servings
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 21g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
Keywords: Crispy Chicken, Bang Bang Sauce, Appetizer, Party Food, Fried Chicken Bites