I recently made this Easy Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe, and let me tell you—it was a game-changer for dinner night! I love how crispy the chicken turns out while still being juicy on the inside. The sweet, spicy, and creamy bang bang sauce just takes it over the top.
I was surprised at how simple it was to make at home without any complicated techniques. Once I tried it, it quickly became a favorite for both weeknight dinners and casual gatherings. If you enjoy trying new recipes, you can also enjoy similar ideas like Gnocchi with Caramelized Onions and Gruyere Recipe for a unique twist on dinner.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make this delicious dish, along with some tips to make it even better:
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces — Use fresh chicken for the best texture; frozen tends to release water, making it less crispy.
- 1 cup cornstarch — Cornstarch is key for that ultra-crispy coating; it works better than flour alone.
- 2 large eggs, beaten — Eggs help the coating stick perfectly and add richness to the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon salt — Enhances the flavor of the chicken without overpowering the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper — Freshly cracked black pepper gives a subtle heat that complements the bang bang sauce.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise — Use full-fat mayo for a creamier sauce; it balances the spiciness beautifully.
- 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce — Adds a sweet heat—look for a high-quality brand with a real chili kick.
- 1–2 teaspoons sriracha (adjust to taste) — Adds a fiery kick—start with less and add more if you like it spicier.
- 1 teaspoon honey — Enhances the sweetness and helps the sauce cling to the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice — Fresh lime juice brightens the flavor and balances the richness of the sauce.
- You can pair this chicken with a lighter dessert afterward, like Healthy Reeses Eggs Recipe, for a sweet finish that doesn’t feel heavy.
Note: Several servings.
Variations
You can tweak this recipe to suit different dietary needs or flavor preferences:
- For a dairy-free version, make sure to use a vegan mayo.
- Replace honey with maple syrup or agave for a sugar-free alternative.
- Spice lovers can add extra sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce.
- Garnish with crushed peanuts or sesame seeds for an added crunch.
Cooking Time
Here’s how long it takes from start to finish:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15–20 minutes
- Total Time: 30–35 minutes
Equipment You Need
- Large mixing bowl – for coating the chicken
- Frying pan or skillet – for frying the chicken until golden
- Tongs – to turn chicken pieces safely
- Paper towels – to drain excess oil
- Measuring cups and spoons – for precise ingredient measurements
How to Make Easy Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe?
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces and seasoning them with salt and pepper. I like to pat the pieces dry with a paper towel so they fry up extra crispy. This step really makes a difference in texture.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken piece first in the beaten eggs, then dredge in cornstarch until fully coated. I always shake off the excess cornstarch to prevent clumping. This coating is what gives the chicken that irresistible crunch.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat and fry the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes per batch. I like to work in batches to avoid overcrowding, which keeps the chicken crispy. Once done, place the chicken on paper towels to drain.
Step 4: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a bowl until smooth. I often taste and tweak it, adding a bit more sriracha if I want extra heat. The sauce should be creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet.
Step 5: Toss Chicken in Sauce
Add the fried chicken to the sauce and toss gently until each piece is coated. I make sure to do this step right before serving so the chicken stays crisp. It’s the perfect balance of crunchy and creamy.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the chicken to a serving plate, garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired, and enjoy immediately. I love how colorful and vibrant it looks—almost too pretty to eat, but trust me, it’s worth it!
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
From my experience, these little tweaks really elevate the dish:
- I always dry the chicken thoroughly before coating; it prevents sogginess.
- Fry in small batches to keep the oil temperature consistent.
- Taste the sauce and adjust sweetness or spice to your liking.
- I sometimes double the sauce—it’s addictive!
- Using fresh lime juice instead of bottled brightens the flavor immensely.
How to Serve Easy Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe?
Presentation can take this dish to the next level:
- Serve over steamed jasmine rice or fried rice for a complete meal.
- Add a side of lightly sautéed vegetables to balance the richness.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top for color.
- For parties, serve in small bowls as a finger food appetizer.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an idea of what you’re enjoying with each serving:
- Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 25g
This makes it a filling, protein-rich dish without overloading on carbs.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing
You can store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually separate the sauce from the chicken to keep the coating crispy.
Freezing
The fried chicken freezes well for up to 1 month. I recommend freezing it without sauce, then reheating and adding sauce just before serving.
Reheating
Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 350°F for 5–10 minutes to maintain crispiness. Microwaving works too, but it makes the coating slightly soggy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Here’s why this recipe has become my go-to:
- Easy to make: Minimal prep and simple ingredients make it a weeknight favorite.
- Crispy and flavorful: The chicken is perfectly crunchy with a creamy, tangy sauce.
- Versatile: Can serve as an entrée, appetizer, or party finger food.
- Customizable: Adjust spice, sweetness, and sauce thickness to your taste.
- Crowd-pleaser: Everyone I’ve served it to loves it—kids and adults alike!
Easy Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Start by cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces and seasoning them with salt and pepper. I like to pat the pieces dry with a paper towel so they fry up extra crispy. This step really makes a difference in texture.
- Dip each chicken piece first in the beaten eggs, then dredge in cornstarch until fully coated. I always shake off the excess cornstarch to prevent clumping. This coating is what gives the chicken that irresistible crunch.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat and fry the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes per batch. I like to work in batches to avoid overcrowding, which keeps the chicken crispy. Once done, place the chicken on paper towels to drain.
- Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a bowl until smooth. I often taste and tweak it, adding a bit more sriracha if I want extra heat. The sauce should be creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet.
- Add the fried chicken to the sauce and toss gently until each piece is coated. I make sure to do this step right before serving so the chicken stays crisp. It’s the perfect balance of crunchy and creamy.
- Transfer the chicken to a serving plate, garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired, and enjoy immediately. I love how colorful and vibrant it looks—almost too pretty to eat, but trust me, it’s worth it!
Notes
- I always dry the chicken thoroughly before coating; it prevents sogginess.
- Fry in small batches to keep the oil temperature consistent.
- Taste the sauce and adjust sweetness or spice to your liking.
- I sometimes double the sauce—it’s addictive!
- Using fresh lime juice instead of bottled brightens the flavor immensely.
