Bang Bang Chicken Crispy Spicy

Bang Bang Chicken is for those nights when you crave something crunchy, creamy, tangy, and a little spicy all at once. The crispy chicken combines beautifully with a sweet spicy sauce inspired by takeout favorites and comes together in less than an hour so you can treat yourself without the long wait. Whenever I make this for friends or family it disappears fast and someone always asks for the recipe by the end of the meal.

I first whipped this up as a Friday night treat and now it is a must for movie nights my friends always request it and even the picky eaters come back for seconds.

Ingredients

• Chicken breast or tenders: cut into bite-size chunks makes each bite juicy and easy to eat
• All purpose flour: coats the chicken and helps the bread crumbs stick choose a fine grind for best coverage
• Eggs: create a wet layer for the crumbs to grab onto make sure they are well beaten
• Panko bread crumbs: add super crunch look for fresh panko in the bakery section if available
• Garlic powder: brings a savory depth always select a fresh jar for best flavor
• Smoked paprika: adds subtle smokiness try to use the Spanish variety if you can
• Salt and pepper: balance flavor and wake up the seasoning use freshly ground pepper for a more robust bite
• Vegetable oil: for frying use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like canola or sunflower
• Mayonnaise: makes the sauce creamy and rich you can use light mayo for a lighter dish
• Sweet chili sauce: gives sweetness and gentle heat check the label for real chili and garlic
• Sriracha sauce: provides that signature kick adjust the amount to match your spice tolerance
• Honey or sugar: balances the heat and rounds out the sauce flavor use real honey for a mellow finish
• Lime juice: adds a fresh tangy note use fresh limes for the brightest zip

Step-by-Step Instructions

Season the Chicken:

Combine chicken pieces with garlic powder smoked paprika salt and pepper in a large bowl stir until everything is well coated

Prepare the Coating Station:

Lay out three bowls one for flour one for beaten eggs and one for panko bread crumbs dip each piece of chicken first in flour then egg then panko pressing gently to ensure the crumbs stick for maximum crunch

Fry or Bake the Chicken:

For frying heat oil in a deep skillet over medium-high place a few chicken pieces in the pan at a time fry for three to four minutes on each side until the coating is deep golden brown and crisp use a thermometer to keep oil between three hundred fifty and three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit let fried pieces drain on paper towels to remove extra oil For baking preheat the oven to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit line a baking tray with parchment arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer and bake for fifteen to twenty minutes until golden and cooked through

Make the Bang Bang Sauce:

Whisk together mayonnaise sweet chili sauce sriracha honey and lime juice in a bowl adjust sriracha to your taste whisk until completely smooth for the silkiest texture

Combine Chicken and Sauce:

Just before serving toss the crispy chicken pieces in the sauce for an even coating or drizzle the sauce over the top to keep the coating extra crunchy

Pin

My personal tip is to never skimp on the lime juice a little tang livens up the whole dish and brings the sauce together The first time I tried this my mom and I ended up eating every last crumb from the plate so now it is our go to for family game night

Storage Tips

Let the cooked chicken cool and then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days For best texture keep the sauce and chicken separate and toss together just before reheating and serving Reheat leftover chicken in a toaster oven or air fryer for extra crunch

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap chicken tenders with boneless thighs for a richer taste Gluten free flour and panko work perfectly if needed Try Greek yogurt in place of mayo for a lighter sauce or add a dash of rice vinegar if you are out of lime

Serving Suggestions

Serve Bang Bang Chicken hot over steamed jasmine rice or wrapped in lettuce leaves for a light meal It also makes a great filling for tacos sliders or even on top of fresh veggie salads Garnish with sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds for extra flair

Where Bang Bang Chicken Comes From

Though this dish is inspired by popular Asian American flavors traditional Bang Bang Chicken actually comes from Sichuan cuisine where it is sliced poached chicken with a sesame based sauce The crunchy spicy version you find here is an American twist that has become a crowd favorite in restaurants and home kitchens alike

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ How do I ensure the chicken stays crispy?

Maintain oil temperature between 350-375°F when frying. For baked or air-fried versions, use a hot oven and panko crumbs to promote crispiness.

→ Can I make this dish healthier?

Yes, bake or air fry the coated chicken pieces instead of frying. Using light mayonnaise also reduces calories.

→ Is this dish very spicy?

The spice level can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the sriracha in the sauce. Start mild and add more for extra heat.

→ Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?

Cooked chicken can be stored in the fridge. For best texture, toss with sauce just before serving to keep the coating crisp.

→ What should I serve with this dish?

Enjoy with steamed rice, noodles, a fresh salad, or use the chicken as a filling in wraps or sandwiches.

→ Can I use a different cut of chicken?

Yes, chicken thighs work well and add a bit more juiciness compared to breast or tenders.