If you are craving a dish that delivers a delightful crunch paired with a luscious, tangy-sweet kick, this Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe is just what you need. It masterfully balances the crispy, golden-brown chicken with a creamy, zesty sauce that clings to every bite, turning simple chicken into a party-worthy plate. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a casual gathering, this recipe hits all the right notes with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your hands on the right ingredients is the secret to creating that irresistible Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe. Each one plays a vital role: the cornstarch gives the chicken that perfect crispy coating, while the Thai sweet chili sauce infuses the sauce with sweet heat, and fresh scallions add a pop of color and freshness.
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender and lean, these provide the perfect canvas for the crispy coating and flavorful sauce.
- 1 cup cornstarch: Essential for creating a light, crispy crust that locks in juiciness.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the chicken’s natural flavors and balances the heat.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle, warm spice that complements the sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Offers a smoky depth and vibrant color.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Just enough to give the chicken a mild kick without overpowering the sauce.
- Vegetable oil, for frying: Neutral and high-heat friendly to achieve that golden crispness.
- 2/3 cup mayonnaise: The creamy base that softens the heat and ties the sauce together.
- 1/4 cup Thai sweet chili sauce: Sweet heat magic that makes the bang bang sauce unforgettable.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Adds a natural sweetness and smooth texture to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Provides a tangy brightness that balances the creaminess.
- 1/4 cup chopped scallions or green onions: Adds freshness, crunch, and a vibrant green garnish.
How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure that the coating sticks well. Then, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces that will cook evenly and quickly. This prep step sets the foundation for the perfect crispy texture.
Step 2: Mix the Coating
In a shallow dish, whisk together the cornstarch, salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper. This mixture is your secret weapon for that crave-worthy crunch and subtle spice that brings the whole Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe to life.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken Pieces
Take each piece of chicken and dredge it in the cornstarch mixture, making sure to shake off any extra powder. This ensures a light but thorough coat, which crisps up spectacularly in the oil.
Step 4: Fry Until Golden and Crispy
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding, which helps maintain that ideal crispiness. Fry each piece for about 5-6 minutes per side until the chicken is a beautiful golden brown and irresistibly crunchy.
Step 5: Drain Excess Oil
Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate. This step is crucial for draining excess oil so the coating stays crisp and not soggy.
Step 6: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth and creamy. This dreamy sauce is what turns the crispy chicken into the iconic Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe.
Step 7: Toss Chicken in Sauce
Place the crispy chicken in a large bowl and pour the bang bang sauce over it. Gently toss everything until each piece is generously coated in luscious sauce, marrying crispiness with creamy heat perfectly.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve Hot
Finish by sprinkling chopped scallions over the top for a fresh, vibrant touch. Serve the Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe right away while it’s hot and enjoy each flavorful bite!
How to Serve Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of chopped scallions or green onions is a classic finish, giving the dish a pop of color and a slightly sharp bite. If you want to get creative, try adding toasted sesame seeds or thinly sliced red chili for extra crunch and heat.
Side Dishes
This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe goes wonderfully with simple jasmine rice to soak up the sauce, or alongside steamed veggies like broccoli or snap peas for a fresh contrast. For a heartier meal, pair with garlic mashed potatoes or a crisp Asian slaw.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish in small bowls as an appetizer or pile it high on a platter for a family-style feast. You could even turn it into bao buns or taco fillings for fun, handheld bites, offering a fresh twist on the traditional presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For best texture, consume within 2 to 3 days. Keep the chicken and sauce together to maintain maximum flavor, but expect the crispiness to soften.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken pieces before tossing them in the sauce. Arrange the fried chicken flat on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and adding sauce.
Reheating
The best method to reheat and revive some crispness is to spread the chicken on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 375°F oven for about 10 minutes. Then, toss with fresh bang bang sauce to restore that creamy, bold flavor.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work beautifully and offer a juicier, richer flavor. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces and follow the same steps for coating and frying.
Is this recipe spicy?
The Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe has a playful level of heat thanks to cayenne pepper and Thai sweet chili sauce, but it’s balanced by the creamy mayonnaise and honey. You can always adjust the cayenne amount to suit your spice tolerance.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
You can bake the chicken if you prefer a lighter version, but keep in mind that the crispy texture will be less pronounced. Bake at 425°F on a greased sheet for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for best results.
What can I substitute for Thai sweet chili sauce?
If you don’t have Thai sweet chili sauce, try mixing apricot jam or honey with a little hot sauce or chili flakes. This combo mimics the sweet-spicy balance essential to the bang bang sauce.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use cornstarch for coating and verify that your chili sauce and other ingredients do not contain gluten. Always check labels to be sure.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that never fails to bring joy to the table. Its crispy texture paired with a tangy, sweet, and creamy sauce creates a harmony of flavors that’s downright addictive. I hope you give it a try soon and experience the magic for yourself—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American-Asian Fusion
Description
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is a flavorful and crunchy dish featuring tender bite-sized chicken pieces fried to golden perfection and tossed in a creamy, spicy, and sweet bang bang sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or a main course, this recipe combines a crispy corn starch coating with a vibrant sauce made of mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, honey, and rice vinegar, garnished with fresh scallions for a burst of freshness.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 2 cups)
Bang Bang Sauce
- 2/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup chopped scallions or green onions
Instructions
- Pat Dry Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the coating adhere better.
- Cut Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces ensuring uniform size for even cooking.
- Prepare Coating Mixture: In a shallow dish, mix together cornstarch, salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper until well combined.
- Coat Chicken Pieces: Dredge each chicken piece in the cornstarch mixture, shaking off any excess to avoid clumps.
- Heat Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat over medium-high until hot enough for frying (around 350°F/175°C).
- Fry Chicken in Batches: Carefully add chicken pieces to the hot oil without overcrowding. Fry for 5-6 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy, cooking in batches if necessary.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove cooked chicken with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Make Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth and well combined.
- Toss Chicken in Sauce: Transfer the fried chicken to a large bowl, pour the sauce over it, and gently toss to coat each piece evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped scallions or green onions on top for freshness and serve the crispy bang bang chicken hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra crispiness, double dredge the chicken by dipping in cornstarch mixture twice.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the spiciness level according to your preference.
- Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature for optimal frying results.
- The sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice or a crisp green salad.
