rispy Juicy Bang Bang Chicken

 

Crispy Juicy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe – A Flavor Explosion You’ll Crave

If you love crispy chicken with a spicy, creamy, tangy twist, then Bang Bang Chicken is the dish for you. Known for its crunchy texture, juicy interior, and a signature sauce that’s simultaneously sweet, spicy, and tangy, this dish is a must-try for food lovers of all stripes. Whether you’re preparing it for a party appetizer, game night, or weeknight dinner, Bang Bang Chicken never disappoints.

In this comprehensive guide, you'll find everything you need to make the best crispy juicy Bang Bang Chicken, including ingredients, preparation techniques, sauce secrets, pro tips, and mouthwatering variations.

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📝 What is Bang Bang Chicken?

Bang Bang Chicken originated as a Sichuan street food but has become more globally popular in its American-style version, which typically features crispy fried or baked chicken pieces tossed in a spicy, creamy Bang Bang sauce made from mayonnaise, chili sauce, and sweeteners.

The name “Bang Bang” is said to come from the sound of the cleaver pounding the chicken in traditional Chinese cooking. But in this American twist, it’s more about the punchy flavor that "bangs" in your mouth.

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🍗 Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this crispy, juicy Bang Bang Chicken from scratch:

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 pounds (about 700g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1 cup buttermilk (for marinating)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)

For the Breading:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• ½ cup cornstarch (for crispiness)

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

For Frying:

• 2–3 cups vegetable oil (canola or peanut oil preferred)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise (Japanese mayo like Kewpie if available)

• ¼ cup sweet chili sauce

• 2 tablespoons Sriracha (adjust to heat preference)

• 1 tablespoon honey or sugar

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice (for tang)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro

• Toasted sesame seeds

• Thinly sliced green onions

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🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

Marinating ensures your chicken is juicy and flavorful inside. Here's how:

• In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and hot sauce.

• Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat.

• Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours for maximum tenderness.

Pro Tip: Buttermilk helps tenderize the meat and creates a sticky surface for the breading to adhere better.

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2. Prepare the Breading Station

In a shallow dish, mix the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, cayenne, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Set up a “dipping station”:

• Bowl 1: Marinated chicken

• Bowl 2: Flour mixture

• Tray: For breaded chicken

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3. Coat the Chicken

• Remove chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off.

• Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to coat all sides.

• Place on a tray. Let sit for 10 minutes to ensure the coating sticks.

Double Coating Option: For ultra-crispy chicken, dip once more in buttermilk, then dredge again in flour.

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4. Fry the Chicken

Heat oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding.

• Cook for 4–6 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and internal temp reaches 165°F (75°C).

• Remove and drain on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate.

Pro Tip: Using a thermometer helps you maintain the oil temperature, ensuring perfect crispiness without greasiness.

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5. Make the Bang Bang Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

• Mayonnaise

• Sweet chili sauce

• Sriracha

• Honey or sugar

• Rice vinegar or lime juice

• Garlic powder

Taste and adjust – more Sriracha for spice, more honey for sweetness, more vinegar for tang.

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6. Toss and Serve

• Place crispy chicken in a large bowl.

• Drizzle sauce over the top and toss gently to coat.

• Or, serve the sauce on the side for dipping.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Bang Bang Chicken is incredibly versatile! Here are several ways to serve it:

1. Appetizer Platter

• Serve with toothpicks and sauce on the side

• Garnish with sesame seeds and scallions

2. Bang Bang Chicken Tacos

• Stuff warm tortillas with shredded cabbage, chicken, avocado, and extra sauce

3. Rice Bowls

• Serve over jasmine rice or fried rice with veggies like cucumber, carrots, and edamame

4. Salad Topper

• Add over a crunchy Asian slaw or leafy greens for a spicy-crunchy protein boost

5. Sandwich or Sliders

• Pile into brioche buns with lettuce and pickles for an epic sandwich

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🧂 Tips for Success

• Don’t skip the cornstarch – it’s the secret to that signature light crispness.

• Let the chicken rest after dredging for at least 10 minutes before frying.

• Use a wire rack instead of paper towels for cooling to avoid soggy bottoms.

• Toss the chicken in sauce just before serving to preserve crispiness.

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🔁 Variations

Want to change things up? Try these tasty spins:

Baked Bang Bang Chicken

• Use panko breadcrumbs instead of flour.

• Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes or until golden and crisp.

• Spray lightly with oil before baking for extra crunch.

Air Fryer Version

• Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

• Air-fry in batches for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Spicy Bang Bang Shrimp

• Swap chicken for peeled shrimp.

• Marinate briefly, coat in cornstarch, and fry for 2–3 minutes until crisp.

Vegan Version

• Use cauliflower florets or tofu.

• Marinate in non-dairy milk and spices, then bread and fry or bake.

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📦 Storing and Reheating

Storing:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

• Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) until crisp.

• Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crunch!

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🧠 Nutritional Information (per serving)

(Approximate – will vary depending on frying method and portion size)

• Calories: 450–500

• Protein: 25g

• Carbs: 30g

• Fat: 30g

• Sugar: 6g

• Sodium: 800mg

For a lighter version, opt for air-frying or baking and use Greek yogurt instead of mayo in the sauce.

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❤️ Final Thoughts

Crispy Juicy Bang Bang Chicken is the perfect combination of indulgence and bold flavor. It’s spicy, creamy, crunchy, and tender — all in one bite. Whether you’re a fan of Asian-inspired dishes or just looking for your next crowd-pleasing appetizer or dinner, this recipe is one you'll come back to again and again.

It’s also a great meal prep option, an entertaining go-to, and easily customizable to suit your dietary preferences.