Sizzling Bang Bang Chicken Recipe: Spicy-Sweet Magic on a Plate

Spicy streets of chongqing inspired this bang bang chicken recipe that dances with flavor and tradition.

Culinary magic happens when tender chicken meets a sauce so vibrant it practically sings.

Crackling peanuts and bright herbs create a symphony of textures and tastes.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this delightful dish through careful technique and bold seasonings.

Savory notes blend with zingy heat, promising a meal that awakens every sense.

Crisp vegetables and succulent meat come together in a celebration of authentic chinese cuisine.

You won’t believe how simple ingredients can create such an extraordinary dining experience.

Bang Bang Chicken That Packs a Punch

• Customize Your Spice Level: Adjust the Bang Bang sauce's heat by controlling the amount of Sriracha, making it perfect for different taste preferences from mild to wild.
• Crowd-Pleasing Party Starter: Irresistibly crispy chicken coated in a creamy, tangy sauce that guarantees smiles and empty plates at gatherings, potlucks, and game nights.
• Versatile Meal Option: Enjoy as a main dish, appetizer, or game day snack that pairs wonderfully with sides like coleslaw, rice, or fresh salad for a complete meal experience.

Ingredients for Bang Bang Chicken

• Chicken Pieces: Tender meat that forms the base of the crispy, saucy dish.

• Buttermilk: Helps tenderize the chicken and adds a subtle tangy flavor.

• All-Purpose Flour, Cornstarch: Creates a crispy, light exterior for the chicken.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Adds depth and savory notes to the coating.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances the overall seasoning of the chicken.

• Vegetable Oil: Provides the medium for achieving a golden, crispy texture.

• Mayonnaise, Sweet Chili Sauce, Sriracha: Creates a creamy, spicy, and sweet sauce.
• Honey, Rice Vinegar: Balances the sauce with sweetness and tanginess.

• Green Onions, Cilantro: Adds fresh flavor and visual appeal to the finished dish.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken at Home

Step 1: Marinate Chicken

Submerge chicken pieces in buttermilk, allowing them to soak and tenderize for 30-60 minutes in the refrigerator.

Step 2: Prepare Crispy Coating

• All-purpose flour
• Cornstarch
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix these ingredients thoroughly in a wide, shallow bowl.

Step 3: Heat Cooking Oil

Pour oil into a large skillet, warming it to 350°F (175°C) over medium heat.

Use a cooking thermometer to ensure precise temperature.

Step 4: Coat Chicken

Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess liquid drip off.

Roll each piece generously in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.

Gently shake off any loose breading.

Step 5: Fry Chicken

Carefully place chicken pieces into hot oil, cooking in batches to maintain oil temperature.

Fry for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally until exterior becomes golden brown and crispy.

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 6: Drain Excess Oil

Transfer fried chicken to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil and maintain crispiness.

Step 7: Create Bang Bang Sauce

• Mayonnaise
• Sweet chili sauce
• Sriracha
• Honey
• Rice vinegar

Blend until smooth and well-combined.

Step 8: Coat Chicken in Sauce

Toss crispy chicken pieces in the prepared Bang Bang sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly and generously coated.

Step 9: Serve and Garnish

Plate the saucy chicken immediately.

Optionally sprinkle with chopped green onions or fresh cilantro for added flavor and visual appeal.

Pro Tips for Bang Bang Chicken Perfection

• Soak chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and add depth to the meat's taste.
• Use a thermometer to maintain 350F for even, crispy coating without burning.
• Whisk Bang Bang sauce ingredients thoroughly to create a smooth, well-blended drizzle that coats chicken evenly.
• Cook chicken in small batches to prevent overcrowding and ensure each piece gets golden, crispy exterior.
• Adjust Sriracha quantity in sauce to make the dish milder or spicier according to personal heat preference.

Bang Bang Chicken Variations to Enjoy

• Gluten-Free Crunch: Replace wheat flour with rice flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap buttermilk with coconut milk or almond milk for those avoiding dairy products.
• Spicy Herb Variation: Add chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the flour mixture for an aromatic flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Option: Use almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead of regular flour to reduce carbohydrate content for keto dieters.

Serving Bang Bang Chicken Ideas

• Flavor Explosion Platter: Arrange crispy Bang Bang chicken on a large wooden board with small dipping bowls of extra sauce, creating a stunning centerpiece for sharing.
• Spicy Rice Bowl Delight: Layer the saucy chicken over steamed jasmine rice, sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds for a complete meal that packs serious flavor punch.
• Crispy Chicken Lettuce Wraps: Serve chicken pieces inside fresh butter lettuce leaves, allowing guests to create their own handheld bites with extra sauce drizzled on top.
• Cool Cucumber Side: Pair the spicy chicken with a refreshing cucumber salad dressed in light rice vinegar to balance the heat and provide a crisp contrast.

Storing Bang Bang Chicken Properly

• Store leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Separate the chicken and sauce to maintain crispiness.
• Place cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Separate sauce to prevent sogginess.
• Preheat oven to 375F. Spread chicken on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil. Warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through. Crisp uncovered for last 2-3 minutes.
• Warm chicken at 350F for 3-4 minutes. Shake basket halfway through to ensure even heating. Add fresh sauce after reheating for best flavor.

FAQs

• Why use buttermilk for marinating?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken by breaking down proteins, making the meat softer and more flavorful while adding a slight tangy taste.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour blend or almond flour to create a similar crispy coating that works well for gluten-sensitive diners.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring the chicken is safe to eat and perfectly done.

• What makes the Bang Bang sauce unique?

The combination of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar creates a creamy, spicy, sweet, and tangy sauce that gives the dish its signature flavor profile.

Zingy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 51 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sichuan’s bang bang chicken brings fiery flavors dancing across your palate with tender shredded meat and zesty chili sauce. Spicy, nutty, and perfectly balanced, this dish promises a thrilling culinary journey you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 cup buttermilk
• Oil for frying

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Immerse chicken pieces in buttermilk for 30-60 minutes, allowing flavors to penetrate and tenderize the meat.
2. Combine dry ingredients including flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a separate mixing vessel.
3. Prepare cooking vessel by heating oil to precisely 350°F (175°C), ensuring optimal frying temperature.
4. Remove chicken from buttermilk marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off, then thoroughly coat each piece in seasoned flour mixture.
5. Carefully lower chicken into hot oil, frying in small batches to maintain temperature and prevent overcrowding, cooking for 5-6 minutes until exterior achieves golden-brown crispiness.
6. Transfer fried chicken to paper towel-lined surface to absorb excess oil and maintain crunchiness.
7. Craft Bang Bang sauce by whisking together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth and well-integrated.
8. Generously coat crispy chicken pieces with prepared sauce, ensuring even distribution of tangy and spicy flavors.
9. Plate immediately and garnish with freshly chopped green onions or cilantro for added brightness and visual appeal.

Notes

• Marinate chicken in buttermilk to tenderize and add tangy flavor, ensuring juicy and soft meat texture.
• Use a neutral oil with high smoke point like vegetable or canola for consistent frying temperature and crispy results.
• Adjust spice levels in Bang Bang sauce by increasing or decreasing Sriracha amount to suit personal heat preference.
• For gluten-free version, replace wheat flour with rice flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for equally crispy coating.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 455 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg