Bang Bang Chicken Recipe | Crispy, Creamy Flavor Burst

I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed making this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe! The crispy chicken coated in that creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce is just irresistible. I loved how simple it was to put together without needing any fancy ingredients.

The best part for me was adjusting the spice level to my liking—I went a little bold with extra sriracha! Whether I’m serving it for dinner or making it for myself, this dish always feels like a treat, just like the comforting Creamy Tomato Chicken Soup with Bacon and Spinach Recipe on chilly nights.

Ingredients

Here’s everything I used to make Bang Bang Chicken, along with a few helpful tips.

500 g chicken breast or tenders, cut into bite-sized pieces (fresh chicken works best for juiciness)
1 cup all-purpose flour (gives a base layer that sticks well)
2 large eggs, beaten (helps the coating stay on firmly)
1 cup panko bread crumbs (use panko for extra crunch, not regular breadcrumbs)
1 tsp garlic powder (adds depth to the flavor)
1 tsp smoked paprika (gives a smoky kick—don’t skip this!)
Salt and pepper to taste (season generously for best flavor)
Vegetable oil for frying (neutral oil works best, avoid olive oil)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

1/3 cup mayonnaise (use light mayo or swap with Greek yogurt for lighter version)
2 tbsp sweet chili sauce (adds sweetness and mild heat)
1 tbsp sriracha sauce (adjust to your spice level—I like an extra squeeze!)
1 tbsp honey or sugar (balances the spice with sweetness)
1 tsp lime juice (adds brightness and freshness)

Note: This recipe makes about 4 servings.

Variations

I love how flexible this recipe is! Here are some ways to change it up:

Bake or air-fry instead of deep frying for a healthier version.
Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or vegan mayo for a lighter or dairy-free twist.
Use chili flakes or cayenne instead of sriracha for a different kind of heat.
Try adding sesame oil or soy sauce to the sauce for an Asian-inspired depth.

You can also enjoy similar flavors in Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Spinach Orzo Recipe if you’re craving something rich yet comforting.

Cooking Time

This recipe doesn’t take long at all!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minute
Total Time: 40 minutes

Equipment You Need

Here are the tools that made cooking super easy:

Mixing bowls – for marinating chicken and mixing sauce.
Sharp knife & cutting board – to cut chicken evenly.
Whisk or fork – for blending the sauce smoothly.
Non-stick skillet or pan – keeps chicken from sticking while frying.
Tongs or spatula – for flipping chicken without breaking the crust.
Paper towel–lined plate – to drain excess oil.
Kitchen thermometer (optional) – helps maintain perfect frying temperature.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Recipe?

This recipe comes together in simple steps. Here’s exactly how I made it.

Step 1: Season the Chicken

I started by tossing my chicken pieces with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This step makes sure the flavor is locked in from the very beginning.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

Next, I set up three bowls: flour, beaten eggs, and panko crumbs. Each chicken piece went into the flour, then the egg, and finally into the crumbs. The triple coat gave me that extra crunch I love.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

I heated oil in my skillet and fried the chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3–4 minutes per side. When I wanted a lighter version, I baked them at 400°F for 15–20 minutes until cooked through.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

While the chicken was cooking, I whisked together mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice. It turned into a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce that was so addictive.

Step 5: Toss and Serve

Once the chicken was ready, I either tossed it all in the sauce or drizzled it over the top to keep the crunch. Personally, I prefer drizzling—it keeps the chicken crispier for longer.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

Here are a few things I learned while making Bang Bang Chicken:

I always keep the oil hot but not too smoky—this makes the chicken crisp, not soggy.
I found that doubling the sauce is a great idea; it’s delicious as a dip for fries or veggies.
If I’m meal-prepping, I bake instead of frying, which keeps things lighter and still tasty.
I like to sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions right before serving for extra crunch and freshness.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Recipe?

I had fun experimenting with different serving styles. Here are my favorites:

Serve over steamed jasmine or white rice for a filling meal.
Wrap in tortillas with lettuce and lime juice for Bang Bang Tacos.
Pair with roasted or stir-fried veggies for a balanced plate.
Garnish with chopped green onions, cilantro, or sesame seeds for color and crunch.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the nutrition per serving:

Calories: ~350
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 15g

Make Ahead and Storage

I found this dish easy to prepare in advance and save for later.

Make Ahead

I sometimes coat the chicken in flour, egg, and crumbs ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 hours. It saves a lot of prep work later.

Storage

Leftovers go into an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always keep the sauce separate to maintain crispiness.

Freezing

Coated but uncooked chicken freezes well. I store it in a sealed bag for weeks and cook it straight from frozen.

Reheating

For the crispiest texture, I reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F for about 5–7 minutes. The microwave works too but softens the coating.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here’s why I think Bang Bang Chicken is such a winner:

It’s quick and easy—ready in under 40 minutes.
The flavors are bold but customizable—I can make it mild or fiery.
It works in so many ways: with rice, tacos, or salads.
It’s family-friendly—even kids love it without the spice.
I can make it lighter with baking or Greek yogurt without losing flavor.

Ash Tyrrell