How to Make the Best Bang Bang Chicken at Home (Easy & Delicious)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’ve never tried Bang Bang Chicken, you’re in for a treat! Imagine crispy, golden-brown chicken bites tossed in a creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce—so addictive that you’ll want to eat it straight from the bowl. This dish, popular in both Chinese and American cuisines, combines crunch and flavor in the best possible way.

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You might think this restaurant favorite is tricky to make at home, but guess what? It’s surprisingly easy and quick, requiring just a handful of ingredients. Whether you’re making it as a main dish, an appetizer, or even a game-day snack, this Bang Bang Chicken recipe is guaranteed to impress!

For another take on crispy, flavorful chicken, check out this Lemon Fried Chicken recipe—a tangy and delicious variation that’s just as irresistible!

In this post, I’ll walk you through:
– The key ingredients you need for the perfect crunch and sauce
– Step-by-step instructions to make it crispy and flavorful
– Pro tips for the best homemade Bang Bang Chicken
– Substitutions and variations to fit different diets

So, if you’re craving that irresistible combination of crispy chicken + creamy, spicy sauce, let’s dive in!

Essential Ingredients for the Best Bang Bang Chicken

To make the perfect Bang Bang Chicken, you need the right balance of crispiness, spice, and creaminess. Below, I’ve broken down the must-have ingredients for both the crispy chicken and the signature sauce, along with expert tips for choosing the best options.

1. For the Crispy Chicken

Chicken Breast or Thighs – The base of this dish! Chicken breasts give a leaner bite, while thighs provide juicier, more flavorful results. Choose boneless, skinless chicken for easy preparation.
Cornstarch or All-Purpose Flour – This is the key to extra crispy coating. Cornstarch makes the chicken ultra-light and crispy, while flour gives a heartier crunch. For the best results, use a 50/50 mix of both.
Eggs – Help the coating stick and add structure. A simple egg wash ensures an even, golden crust.
Panko Breadcrumbs – These Japanese-style breadcrumbs are lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs, making them perfect for deep frying or air frying.
Salt, Pepper & Paprika – Basic seasoning that enhances the chicken’s natural flavor. Paprika adds a slight smoky taste.
Oil for Frying – A neutral oil like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil works best for deep frying. It ensures a crisp, golden exterior without overpowering the flavor.

2. For the Signature Bang Bang Sauce

This sauce is what makes Bang Bang Chicken irresistible! It’s a creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet blend that perfectly coats the crispy chicken.

Mayonnaise – The base of the sauce, making it creamy and rich. You can use full-fat mayo for the best flavor or Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
Sweet Chili Sauce – Adds a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy kick. Thai-style sweet chili sauce works best.
Sriracha or Hot Sauce – Gives the Bang Bang sauce its signature heat. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
Honey or Sugar – A touch of sweetness balances the spice and enhances the flavors.
Lime Juice or Rice Vinegar – Adds a hint of acidity to brighten the sauce.

3. Optional Add-Ons & Garnishes

Want to take your Bang Bang Chicken to the next level? Try these extra toppings and variations:

Green Onions – Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor.
Sesame Seeds – Enhances texture and adds a nutty taste.
Cilantro – Gives a fresh, herby contrast to the creamy sauce.
Crushed Peanuts – For a crunchy, authentic Chinese-inspired twist.
Red Pepper Flakes – If you love extra heat, sprinkle a few on top!

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Bang Bang Chicken

Now that we have all the ingredients, let’s break down the process into easy, foolproof steps. Whether you’re frying or using an air fryer, this method ensures crispy, golden chicken coated in the most delicious Bang Bang sauce.

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Cut the Chicken – Start by cutting boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized cubes or strips. Try to keep them even in size so they cook uniformly.

Season Well – In a bowl, season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika. This adds flavor before coating.

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station

Prepare three bowls:

Flour and Cornstarch Mix – In the first bowl, combine ½ cup of flour and ½ cup of cornstarch for the crispiest texture.
Egg Wash – In the second bowl, whisk 2 eggs until smooth. This helps the coating stick.
Panko Breadcrumbs – In the third bowl, add panko breadcrumbs for that extra crunch.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Dip each chicken piece into the flour mixture, making sure it’s lightly coated.
Next, dip it into the egg wash, ensuring full coverage.
Finally, roll the chicken in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly so the crumbs stick well.

💡 Pro Tip: Let the coated chicken rest for 5 minutes before frying. This helps the coating adhere better!

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Test by dropping a breadcrumb—if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.

Carefully add the coated chicken in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and fully cooked.

Remove the fried chicken and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

💡 Air Fryer Method: Lightly spray the coated chicken with oil and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.

Step 5: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together:
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sweet chili sauce
1-2 tbsp Sriracha (adjust to taste)
1 tbsp honey or sugar
1 tbsp lime juice or rice vinegar

💡 Pro Tip: Taste the sauce and adjust the spice level by adding more Sriracha for heat or honey for extra sweetness.

Step 6: Toss and Serve

Place the crispy fried chicken in a large bowl.
Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the chicken and toss until fully coated.
Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.

Step 7: Enjoy!

Serve Bang Bang Chicken as an appetizer, over rice, in tacos, or even in lettuce wraps. The crispy texture and creamy sauce make it absolutely irresistible!

Pro Tips and Troubleshooting Advice for the Best Bang Bang Chicken

Even though this recipe is simple, a few key techniques can make a huge difference in achieving the crispiest chicken and the most flavorful sauce. Below are expert tips, common mistakes to avoid, and troubleshooting solutions!

Pro Tips for the Crispiest Chicken

Use Cornstarch for Extra Crispiness – Cornstarch helps create a light, airy, and ultra-crispy coating. If you want an even crispier texture, replace half of the flour with cornstarch.

Double-Coat for Maximum Crunch – For an extra thick, crunchy coating, dip the chicken twice in the egg and breadcrumb mixture. This technique works great if you prefer a more substantial crust.

Don’t Skip the Resting Time – After breading the chicken, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before frying. This helps the coating stick better and prevents it from falling off while cooking.

Fry in Small Batches – Overcrowding the pan lowers the oil temperature, resulting in soggy, oily chicken. Always fry in small batches to keep the oil temperature stable.

Use a Thermometer for Perfect Cooking – The oil should be at 350°F (175°C) for frying. If it’s too hot, the coating will burn before the inside cooks; if it’s too cool, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy.

Drain on a Wire Rack Instead of Paper Towels – Placing fried chicken on a wire rack instead of paper towels prevents it from getting soggy on the bottom.

Troubleshooting: Why Isn’t My Chicken Crispy?

❌ Chicken is soggy after frying
✔️ Solution: Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. Also, avoid stacking the fried pieces on top of each other—this traps steam and softens the coating.

❌ The coating falls off while frying
✔️ Solution: Make sure to pat the chicken dry before breading, and let the coated pieces rest for 5 minutes before frying. Also, avoid moving the chicken around too much in the oil.

❌ The chicken is too greasy
✔️ Solution: If the oil is too cold, the chicken will absorb excess oil. Keep the oil temperature between 350-375°F (175-190°C) and always drain on a wire rack.

Pro Tips for the Best Bang Bang Sauce

Balance the Flavors – If your sauce tastes too spicy, add a little more honey or sugar. If it’s too sweet, add a squeeze of lime juice or rice vinegar.

Make It Thicker or Thinner – If you prefer a thicker sauce, add more mayonnaise. For a thinner consistency, mix in a little water or lime juice.

Coat Right Before Serving – To keep the chicken crispy, don’t toss it in the sauce too early. Coat just before serving to maintain maximum crunch!

How to Make It Healthier

Air Fry Instead of Deep Frying – Use an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes for a healthier alternative without losing crispiness.
Use Greek Yogurt Instead of Mayonnaise – Swap mayo for Greek yogurt in the sauce for a lighter, tangy twist.
Opt for Whole Wheat Panko – If you want a healthier coating, use whole wheat panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones.

Substitutions and Variations for Bang Bang Chicken

One of the best things about Bang Bang Chicken is its versatility! Whether you need a gluten-free, low-carb, or vegetarian version, or just want to try something different, here are some creative substitutions and variations to keep things exciting.

1. Make It Gluten-Free

If you’re avoiding gluten, here’s how to modify the recipe:

Flour Substitute – Use gluten-free all-purpose flour or replace it with cornstarch for an ultra-crispy texture.
Breadcrumb Alternative – Swap out panko for gluten-free panko or crushed rice crackers.
Soy Sauce in the Sauce? – If you’re adding soy sauce for flavor, replace it with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.

2. Make It Low-Carb or Keto-Friendly

Want a keto-friendly version of Bang Bang Chicken? Try these swaps:

Coating Alternative – Instead of flour and panko, use crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a low-carb, crispy coating.
Sugar-Free Sauce – Use sugar-free sweet chili sauce or replace honey with a low-carb sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit.
No Breading at All? – For an even lighter version, grill or air-fry unbreaded chicken and simply toss it in the sauce.

3. Turn It Vegetarian or Vegan

Love the idea of Bang Bang sauce but don’t eat chicken? Try these plant-based variations:

Cauliflower Bang Bang – Toss crispy roasted or air-fried cauliflower in the sauce for an incredible vegetarian alternative.
Bang Bang Tofu – Cube and bread tofu the same way as chicken, then fry or air-fry for a delicious vegan-friendly option.
Vegan Sauce Swap – Replace mayonnaise with vegan mayo or blended silken tofu for a dairy-free, plant-based version.

4. Try Different Proteins

Want to switch things up? Instead of chicken, try these proteins:

Shrimp – Bang Bang Shrimp is a restaurant classic! Follow the same steps but use peeled, deveined shrimp instead.
Fish – Use firm fish like cod, tilapia, or salmon for a seafood twist.
Turkey or Pork – Swap chicken for thin slices of turkey or pork for a different flavor.
Beef Strips – Marinate thin slices of beef in the sauce and stir-fry instead of frying for a unique spin.

5. Spice It Up or Tone It Down

Bang Bang Chicken is famous for its spicy, creamy flavor, but you can adjust the heat level to your liking:

More Spice? Add extra Sriracha, red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper to the sauce.
Milder Version? Reduce or omit the Sriracha and replace it with more sweet chili sauce for a gentler heat.

6. Different Serving Ideas

Bang Bang Chicken is so versatile that you can serve it in different ways:

Over Rice – Serve it on a bed of steamed white rice, jasmine rice, or fried rice for a filling meal.
Bang Bang Chicken Tacos – Stuff the crispy chicken into soft tortillas with shredded cabbage and extra sauce for delicious tacos.
Bang Bang Chicken Salad – Toss the chicken over a fresh salad with lettuce, cucumbers, and avocado for a healthier option.
Lettuce Wraps – Wrap the saucy chicken in crisp lettuce leaves for a low-carb alternative.

Storage and Preservation Tips for Bang Bang Chicken

If you have leftovers (which is rare because it’s so delicious! 😋), you’ll want to store and reheat Bang Bang Chicken the right way to maintain its crispy texture and amazing flavor. Here’s how to do it properly.

1. How to Store Leftover Bang Bang Chicken

For the best results, store the crispy chicken and the sauce separately to prevent sogginess.

Refrigerator: Store leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce in a separate container.
Freezer: If you want to freeze Bang Bang Chicken, freeze only the cooked, uncoated chicken. Place the fried chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze for 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. It will last up to 2 months.

💡 Pro Tip: Never store Bang Bang Chicken already coated in sauce—it will get mushy fast!

2. Best Way to Reheat Bang Bang Chicken

Reheating crispy chicken the right way is key to bringing back its crunch. Avoid the microwave unless you want soggy chicken!

✔️ Oven Method (Best for Crispiness)
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Place the chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet (this prevents sogginess).
Bake for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.
Toss with fresh Bang Bang sauce before serving.

✔️ Air Fryer Method (Quick & Crispy)
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Place the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Air fry for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
Drizzle or toss with the sauce right before serving.

✔️ Stovetop Method (For Small Batches)
Heat a small amount of oil in a pan over medium heat.
Add the chicken and reheat for 3-5 minutes, flipping occasionally.
Remove from heat and coat with Bang Bang sauce.

💡 Avoid the Microwave! The microwave makes the coating soft and chewy instead of crispy. If you must use it, only reheat for 30-second intervals and expect a softer texture.

3. Can You Make Bang Bang Chicken Ahead of Time?

Yes! Here’s how to prepare it in advance without losing its crispiness:

Pre-Bread the Chicken: Coat the chicken in breadcrumbs and store it uncooked in the fridge for up to 24 hours before frying.
Make the Sauce Ahead: The Bang Bang sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 week in a sealed container.
Reheat for Serving: Fry or air-fry the chicken fresh, then toss with the sauce right before eating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Bang Bang Chicken

Here are some of the most common questions people have about making, storing, and customizing Bang Bang Chicken.

1. What does “Bang Bang Chicken” mean?

The name “Bang Bang Chicken” comes from a traditional Sichuan dish where chicken is tenderized by “banging” it with a wooden stick before being shredded and mixed with a spicy sesame sauce. However, the modern version—crispy fried chicken with creamy, spicy sauce—is a Western-inspired take on the dish.

2. Can I bake Bang Bang Chicken instead of frying?

Yes! While frying gives the crispiest results, you can bake Bang Bang Chicken for a healthier option:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
Place the coated chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet
Lightly spray with oil for extra crispiness
Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway

3. What’s the best substitute for Sriracha in the sauce?

If you don’t have Sriracha or want a milder option, try:
Hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot or Tabasco) – Similar heat but different flavor
Cayenne pepper + a bit of vinegar – A DIY alternative
Chili garlic sauce – Adds a garlicky kick with spice
Paprika or mild chili powder – For less heat

4. How do I prevent my Bang Bang Chicken from getting soggy?

To keep it crispy:
Don’t toss the chicken in sauce until right before serving
Drain on a wire rack, not paper towels, to prevent steam buildup
Store sauce and chicken separately if keeping leftovers
Reheat in an oven or air fryer instead of the microwave

5. Can I use a different protein for Bang Bang Chicken?

Absolutely! You can swap out chicken for:
Shrimp – Bang Bang Shrimp is a popular alternative
Tofu or cauliflower – For a vegetarian option
Fish (like cod or tilapia) – For a seafood twist
Turkey or pork strips – If you want something different

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Final Thoughts

Bang Bang Chicken is one of those recipes that’s crispy, creamy, spicy, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you fry, bake, or air-fry it, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit at dinner or as a party appetizer. Plus, with all the customization options—from gluten-free to vegetarian—you can make it exactly how you like!

Now, it’s time to try making Bang Bang Chicken yourself! Will you go for the classic version or experiment with one of the fun variations? Let me know how it turns out! 😊