Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe – Easy, Spicy & Irresistible
This Bang Bang Chicken Recipe delivers crispy, golden-brown chicken bites coated in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce. Whether deep-fried, baked, or air-fried, this easy-to-make dish is perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main course. Better than takeout, this recipe will satisfy your cravings with bold flavors and a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon honey optional for extra sweetness
- 1 teaspoon lime juice optional for extra tang
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and place them in a bowl with buttermilk. Let it marinate for 15 minutes (or up to overnight for extra tenderness).
Step 2: Bread the Chicken
- In a shallow bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- In another bowl, beat two eggs.
- Place panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
- Remove chicken from buttermilk, shaking off excess. Dip each piece into flour mixture, then egg, then coat thoroughly in panko breadcrumbs. Let rest for 5-10 minutes for the coating to adhere.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
For Deep Frying:
- 6. Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pan or fryer. Fry chicken in batches for 3-4 minutes, flipping once, until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a wire rack.
For Air Frying (Healthier Option):
- 7. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray breaded chicken with oil. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
For Baking:
- 8. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place breaded chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spray with oil and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
Step 4: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey. Adjust spice levels to taste.
Step 5: Assemble & Serve
- Toss crispy chicken in the Bang Bang sauce or drizzle sauce on top. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately with steamed rice, fries, or slaw.