Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is a crunchy, saucy dish that’s packed with flavor. The chicken pieces are coated in a crispy breading that gives a great crunch, then tossed in a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce that has just the right kick. It’s a fun mix of sweet, spicy, and tangy all in one bite.
I love making this recipe because it’s a crowd-pleaser every time. The sauce is easy to whip up with just a few simple ingredients like mayo, sweet chili sauce, and a little sriracha for heat. I usually double the sauce because it’s so good, and I find myself eating it straight off the spoon before the chicken even gets dipped.
One of my favorite ways to serve Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is with a side of jasmine rice and steamed veggies. It balances out the richness, and the leftovers make a great lunch for the next day. This dish always brings a little excitement to the table, and I’m pretty sure it’ll become one of your go-to easy dinners too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I like using boneless, skinless thighs for juicy, tender results. Breasts work too if you prefer leaner meat.
Buttermilk: It tenderizes the chicken and adds flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These give the chicken its crispy crunch. Regular breadcrumbs can work but the texture will be less light and crispy.
Bread Flour & Egg: The flour adds structure and the egg helps the coating stick. You can replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour if needed.
Bang Bang Sauce: The combo of mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha creates the creamy spicy sauce. If you want it milder, use less sriracha or swap with a mild chili sauce.
How Do You Get Extra Crispy, Crunchy Chicken?
Crispy chicken is all about the coating and frying technique. Here’s what works best for me:
- Marinate the chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 mins to keep it tender and flavorful.
- Set up a triple-dip breading station: flour, egg, then panko. This builds a thick, crunchy crust.
- Press the panko breadcrumbs on gently so they stick well but don’t crush them.
- Fry in hot oil (about 350°F) so the outside crisps up quickly, sealing moisture inside.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in small batches to keep the oil temperature steady.
- Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil and keep the crust crisp.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Deep skillet or frying pan – perfect for shallow frying the chicken pieces evenly.
- Kitchen thermometer – helps keep the oil at the right temperature for crispy, not greasy, chicken.
- Mixing bowls – you’ll use a few for marinating, breading, and mixing the sauce.
- Slotted spoon or tongs – makes removing fried chicken safe and easy, letting excess oil drain.
- Whisk – for smoothly blending the bang bang sauce ingredients.
- Paper towels – essential for draining the fried chicken to keep it crispy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try using shrimp instead of chicken for a lighter, seafood twist that cooks quickly.
- Add finely chopped fresh cilantro or basil to the sauce for a fresh, herbal note.
- Mix in some crushed peanuts or sesame seeds to the breading for extra crunch and flavor.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in the sauce for a tangier, lighter option.
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt, divided
- ½ tsp black pepper, divided
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1–2 tbsp sriracha sauce (adjust for heat)
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1 tsp rice vinegar or lime juice
Garnish:
- Chopped green onions
- Red pepper flakes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and marinate (at least 30 minutes marinating is best, or up to 2 hours), 10 minutes for frying, and a few minutes for mixing the sauce and assembling. Overall, plan for about 45 minutes to 1 hour to enjoy crispy, flavorful Bang Bang Chicken at home.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, half the salt, and half the pepper. Mix everything well so the chicken is coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the fridge. This helps keep the chicken juicy and flavorful.
2. Prepare the Breading Station:
Set up three bowls: In the first, mix flour with the remaining salt and pepper. Beat the eggs in the second bowl. Put the panko breadcrumbs in the third. This makes it easy to coat the chicken in layers for a nice crispy texture.
3. Coat the Chicken:
Take each chicken piece from the marinade and let excess drip off. First, dredge it in the flour mixture, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat well with panko breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs gently so they stick well to the chicken.
4. Fry the Chicken:
Heat 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to about 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the chicken pieces in batches — don’t overcrowd the pan! Fry for about 4-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken and drain on paper towels to keep it crispy.
5. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
While the chicken cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (if using), and rice vinegar (or lime juice) in a small bowl. Taste and adjust sweetness or spiciness as you prefer.
6. Serve:
Place the crispy chicken in a bowl or plate, then drizzle generously with the bang bang sauce. Sprinkle chopped green onions and red pepper flakes on top for a fresh look and a little extra heat.
7. Enjoy!
Serve immediately! Bang Bang Chicken is delicious on its own or with a side of steamed rice and fresh veggies for a complete meal.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to fully thaw it in the refrigerator before marinating and cooking. This helps ensure even cooking and the coating sticks properly.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Simply swap the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free versions. There are many gluten-free breadcrumbs available, or you can use crushed cornflakes or rice cereal for a similar crunch.
Can I Bake Instead of Frying the Chicken?
Absolutely! To bake, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), place the breaded chicken pieces on a greased baking sheet, and spray lightly with oil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
How Should I Store Leftover Bang Bang Chicken?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven or air fryer to keep the chicken crispy. The sauce can be added fresh after reheating.