Remember mall food courts in the ’90s? Sticky trays, neon lights, and that one smell you could never resist? That, my friend, is Bang Bang Chicken. This easy recipe is backblowing up on TikTok, Pinterest, and hey, even Reddit. Quick prep, simple steps, and POWsweet-spicy crunch you’ll crave. Beginners welcome, aprons optional.
Think crispy chicken bites tossed in a silky, creamy chili mayo. A whisper of honey. A little tang. Pantry-staple magicmayo, sriracha, cornstarch. Like your favorite takeout met your best potluck dish and made deliciously messy love. Full details in the blog!
I first tried this with my daughter while we were “accidentally” cleaning out the fridge (read: looking for snacks). She handled the sauce. I tried not to burn the chicken. Years of family cooking have taught me the joy of shortcutsand this one’s golden. I tested it. You’ll love the secret!
Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Bang Bang Chicken isn’t just a fun dish to sayit’s a fun dish to make! Imagine crispy, golden chicken bites smothered in a crave-worthy, sweet-and-spicy sauce. It’s nostalgic yet totally modern, a perfect crowd-pleaser for busy weeknights or casual family dinners.
No-fuss ingredients: Everything you need is available in most grocery storesno wild goose chases here.
Super versatile: Serve it as an appetizer, main dish, or even toss it over rice, and you’ve got a meal.
Beginner-friendly: The steps are simpleyou can totally wing it (pun intended).
Note: Don’t stress about cooking oilcanola works perfectly for frying!
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken: Step-By-Step
If you’ve ever breaded chicken before (or even if not), this will feel like a breeze. Grab your ingredients and let’s go:
Prep your chicken: Cut the chicken tenderloins into bite-sized pieces. Marinate them in buttermilk for 15-20 minutes while you prep your coating.
Create the breading: Mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, cayenne (if you like spice), salt, and pepper in one bowl. In another, whisk your egg and sriracha. Lay out the panko in a third bowl for a breading station.
Coat and fry: Dip each chicken piece into the flour mixture, then the egg, and finally coat it with panko. Fry in canola oil heated to 350°F until golden and cooked through (about 3-4 minutes per batch).
Pro Tip: Keep the chicken warm on a wire rack in the oven while you finish frying all the batches.
Step
Timing
Chicken marination
15-20 minutes
Frying each batch
3-4 minutes
Making the sauce
5 minutes
Troubleshooting & Tweaks
If things go sideways, don’t worryit happens! Here are some tips for common hiccups:
Chicken not crispy? Make sure your oil is hot enough (350°F) and avoid overcrowding the pan.
Sauce too spicy? Add an extra drizzle of honey to cool things down.
Need a tweak? No buttermilk? Use regular milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice instead.
Little adjustments can save the day, so don’t stress!
Serving & Storage
Bang Bang Chicken is best served fresh, but you can make it ahead of time for ultimate convenience. Here’s how:
Thaw overnight, then crisp up in the oven at 375°F.
Serve with: Rice, steamed veggies, or even salad to round out the meal. Don’t forget to sprinkle parsley for that final pop of color!
Expert Insight: The Appeal of Bang Bang Chicken
Bang Bang Chicken’s signature balance of creamy, spicy, and tangy flavors makes it a standout dish in Asian-inspired cuisine. This recipe’s success lies in its versatile sauce, which enhances the texture and richness of the chicken without overwhelming its natural taste. Mastering this balance is key to an authentic experience.
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A Little Bang Bang Chicken Backstory
Bang Bang Chicken was a game-changer in our kitchenRachel dared to up the spice while I nervously kept an eye on the smoke alarm. The crispy, saucy bites won over even my picky youngest, proving that a little kitchen chaos can lead to big family laughs and tasty memories.
FAQs ( Bang Bang Chicken )
What is Bang Bang Chicken?
Bang Bang Chicken is a popular crispy chicken dish featuring tender pieces of chicken coated in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce. The signature “bang bang” sauce typically combines mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha for the perfect balance of flavors. This dish originated as an appetizer but has become a beloved main course option. It’s often served over rice or with vegetables for a complete meal.
Can I make Bang Bang Chicken sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely make the bang bang sauce up to 3 days in advance! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and give it a good stir before using. The flavors actually improve as they meld together over time. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before serving, or warm it slightly if you prefer it heated.
What can I substitute for sriracha in bang bang sauce?
If you don’t have sriracha, you can use other hot sauces like Frank’s RedHot, Tabasco, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper mixed with a little honey. For a milder option, try using just a touch of paprika or red pepper flakes. You can also use garlic chili sauce or sambal oelek for a different but equally delicious flavor profile.
How do I keep Bang Bang Chicken crispy?
To maintain maximum crispiness, serve the bang bang sauce on the side for dipping rather than tossing the chicken in it. If you do want to coat the chicken, add the sauce just before serving and consume immediately. Make sure your chicken is completely cooked and drained of excess oil before adding any sauce.
Can I bake Bang Bang Chicken instead of frying?
Absolutely! You can bake bang bang chicken at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking. While it won’t be quite as crispy as the fried version, it’s a healthier alternative that still delivers great flavor. For extra crispiness, spray the coated chicken pieces with cooking oil before baking and use panko breadcrumbs in your coating.
Wrapping Up Your Bang Bang Chicken Adventure
Bang Bang Chicken delivers crispy, saucy goodness in under 30 minutesperfect for busy nights or cozy family dinners. You’ll love how the tender chicken crunch mingles with that creamy, tangy sauce. It’s easy, approachable, and just the right kind of fun to make in your kitchen.
Try swapping honey for maple syrup for a subtly different sweetness, or toss in chopped scallions to brighten things up. Leftovers? Store in the fridge and reheat in a hot oven to keep that crispy magic alivea trick I learned from some seasoned home cooks. Feel free to serve with steamed veggies, rice, or your favorite salad for a comforting, wholesome meal.
Ready to share your version? Snap a pic, tweak the spice, or add your grandma’s secret touchyou know I love hearing about those family recipe twists. Did Bang Bang Chicken bring back any nostalgic flavors for you? Pass this recipe along to your favorite people, and let’s keep homemade cooking joyful and wonderfully messy.
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas—together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
