Bang Bang Chicken

One chaotic Tuesday afternoon when the pantry looked practically empty, I found myself staring at chicken tenders and wondering how to make them exciting enough that Max wouldn't ask for nuggets again. What happened next changed our dinner game forever; I whipped up this bang bang chicken with a sweet and spicy sauce that had him licking his fingers and actually asking for seconds of something that wasn't covered in ketchup. The combination of perfectly crispy coating and that creamy, slightly spicy sauce creates a flavor explosion that makes this recipe our most requested weeknight dinner.

What is Bang Bang Chicken

Bang bang chicken is an Asian inspired dish featuring crispy fried or baked chicken pieces coated in a creamy, sweet and spicy sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Unlike traditional chicken tenders that rely on dipping sauces, this crispy bang bang chicken gets tossed in the signature bang bang sauce that clings to every golden piece, creating the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and creaminess. The result is restaurant quality chicken that delivers addictive flavors with a satisfying crunch in every bite.

How To Make The Best Bang Bang Chicken

Our bang bang chicken recipe uses a double coating technique with panko breadcrumbs that creates extra crispy texture while the homemade bang bang sauce balances sweet chili heat with creamy mayo richness. The secret lies in properly drying the chicken before coating and frying at the perfect temperature to achieve that golden, crunchy exterior that holds up beautifully to the sauce without getting soggy.

Bang Bang Chicken Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

For Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
• Red pepper flakes for extra heat (optional)

Step by Step Method

Prepare Chicken for Maximum Crispiness

• Cut chicken breasts into uniform strips about 1 inch wide for even cooking
• Pat chicken completely dry with paper towels to help coating adhere
• Season chicken strips with salt and pepper before coating process
• Let chicken sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before breading

Create Perfect Three Stage Breading

• Set up three shallow bowls with flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs
• Mix garlic powder and paprika into panko for extra flavor depth
• Dredge each chicken strip in flour, shaking off excess coating
• Dip in beaten eggs, then press firmly into panko mixture

Fry to Golden Perfection

• Heat oil to 350°F in heavy bottomed pot or deep fryer
• Fry chicken strips in small batches to maintain oil temperature
• Cook 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through
• Transfer to wire rack over paper towels to drain excess oil

Make Signature Bang Bang Sauce

• Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha in large bowl
• Add honey, rice vinegar, and garlic powder for balanced flavor
• Taste and adjust heat level by adding more or less sriracha
• Sauce should be creamy with visible flecks of red chili

Toss and Serve Immediately

• Add hot fried chicken strips to bowl with bang bang sauce
• Toss gently to coat each piece evenly with creamy sauce
• Transfer to serving platter and garnish with parsley and sesame seeds
• Serve immediately while chicken is still crispy and hot

What Pairs Well With Bang Bang Chicken?

This spicy bang bang chicken pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, coconut rice, or vegetable fried rice that soaks up the extra sauce perfectly. For lighter options, serve over crisp Asian slaw, fresh cucumber salad, or alongside steamed broccoli and snap peas. The sweet and spicy flavors also complement roasted sweet potatoes, spring rolls, or a simple green salad with sesame ginger dressing.

Bang Bang Chicken Variations

Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken

Spray breaded chicken with cooking oil and air fry at 400°F for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking. Toss with sauce after cooking for crispy results with less oil. Perfect for healthier weeknight dinners.

Baked Bang Bang Chicken

Arrange breaded chicken on parchment lined baking sheet and bake at 425°F for 20 minutes, turning once. Brush with sauce during last 5 minutes for caramelized coating. Lower fat option that's still delicious.

Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Serve sauced chicken over rice with fresh vegetables, shredded cabbage, and extra sauce drizzle. Add avocado, pickled vegetables, and sriracha mayo for complete meal prep bowl. Great for healthy lunches.

Keto Bang Bang Chicken

Replace panko with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for low carb coating. Use sugar free sweet chili sauce and serve over cauliflower rice. All the flavor without the carbs.

Equipment You'll Need

• Heavy bottomed pot or deep fryer for safe frying
• Wire cooling rack for draining chicken properly
• Three shallow bowls for breading station
• Large mixing bowl for tossing with sauce
• Candy thermometer for accurate oil temperature

Storage Tips

Serve immediately after tossing with sauce for the best crispy texture and optimal flavor balance. Fresh bang bang chicken has the most appealing crunch and sauce consistency.

Leftover Solutions

Store chicken and sauce separately in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat chicken in 400°F oven for 8 minutes to restore crispiness before adding fresh sauce.

Make Ahead Strategy

Bread chicken strips and freeze for up to 1 month. Fry from frozen, adding 2 extra minutes to cooking time. Make sauce fresh for best results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your New Weeknight Winner

This bang bang chicken recipe proves that restaurant quality flavors are absolutely achievable in your home kitchen with simple ingredients and proper technique. The combination of perfectly crispy chicken and addictive sweet and spicy sauce creates a dish that satisfies both kids and adults while making ordinary weeknights feel like something special.

Ready for more crispy favorites? Try our Crispy Chicken Fried Steak for Southern comfort with peppery gravy, or explore our Chicken Kiev for elegant butter filled chicken that impresses every time. For those who love Asian inspired flavors, our Sweet Chili Chicken delivers similar sweet and spicy satisfaction that complements this bang bang chicken perfectly.

Share your beautiful creations! Tag us @HannahAndSproutKitchen with #BangBangChicken; we're dying to see your crispy, saucy results and hear about your family's heat level preferences!

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