I still remember the first time I tried Bang Bang Chicken at a little Asian-fusion spot in town. Crispy chicken tossed in a creamy, slightly spicy, slightly sweet sauce—it was one of those “wow” moments. I couldn’t stop eating it. Later, I thought, why not make this at home?
Turns out, it’s super easy. You don’t need to be a professional chef, and it only takes about 35 minutes from start to finish. Once you try it, you’ll want to make it over and over again. It’s one of those recipes that feels like takeout but is way better (and cheaper) when cooked in your own kitchen.
What Exactly Is Bang Bang Chicken?
Bang Bang Chicken is a crispy chicken dish coated in a creamy, spicy sauce that’s usually made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. The name comes from the “bang” of flavor you get in every bite—it’s crunchy, creamy, tangy, and just a little fiery.
It became super popular in Asian-fusion restaurants and even at places like Bonefish Grill, but the homemade version is just as tasty, if not more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me give you three reasons why you’ll fall in love with this dish:
- Quick & Easy – Done in about 35 minutes.
- Better than Takeout – Fresher, crispier, and you can adjust the spice.
- Crowd-Pleaser – Perfect for family dinners, parties, or even game nights.
And honestly? It’s addictive. Once you make it, don’t be surprised if you find yourself craving it every week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we start cooking, let’s get everything ready. You don’t need anything fancy, just a few pantry staples.
- For the chicken:
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with a squeeze of lemon)
- 1 cup cornstarch (or flour, but cornstarch makes it crispier)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola works best)
- For the bang bang sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tbsp sriracha (adjust for spice level)
- 1 tbsp honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
- For garnish:
- Green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by placing your chicken pieces in a bowl with buttermilk. This step makes the chicken juicy and tender. Even 15–20 minutes of marinating while you prep the sauce will make a difference.
If you’ve ever had chicken that was dry and chewy, trust me—this step fixes that.
Step 2: Mix the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey. Taste it and adjust the heat.
Want it spicier? Add more sriracha. Want it milder? Add a little extra mayo. This sauce is the star of the dish, so don’t skip on tasting and tweaking until you love it.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Drain your chicken from the buttermilk, then toss it in a bowl with cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure each piece is coated evenly.
Here’s a little trick: place the chicken and cornstarch in a ziplock bag, shake it, and you’ll get perfectly coated chicken without the mess.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Heat oil in a pan until hot (around 350°F if you’re using a thermometer). Fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 4–5 minutes per batch.
Don’t overcrowd the pan—this keeps the chicken crunchy instead of soggy. Place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Toss with the Sauce
Now the fun part. Once the chicken is done, gently toss it with the bang bang sauce until coated.
You can toss all the chicken in the sauce for a full coating, or drizzle the sauce on top if you prefer some crunch to stay dry. Either way, it’s delicious.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the top. Serve it hot and fresh.
You can eat Bang Bang Chicken as an appetizer, main dish with rice, or even stuffed into tacos or wraps.
Tips to Get It Perfect Every Time
- Use chicken thighs if you want juicier meat. Breasts work too but can be a little drier.
- Cornstarch > Flour – cornstarch makes the coating lighter and crispier.
- Don’t skip the garnish – green onions add freshness that balances the richness of the sauce.
- Bake or Air-Fry option – For a lighter version, bake at 400°F for 20 minutes or air-fry at 375°F for 15 minutes.
Variations You’ll Love
- Bang Bang Shrimp – Just swap chicken for shrimp. It’s a restaurant classic.
- Spicy Bang Bang Tacos – Stuff the chicken in tortillas with lettuce and drizzle extra sauce.
- Low-Carb Option – Serve over lettuce cups instead of rice or wraps.
- Kid-Friendly – Skip the sriracha and just use sweet chili sauce for a milder version.
Why This Recipe Works
The magic of Bang Bang Chicken is in the contrast: crunchy fried chicken and creamy spicy sauce. Your taste buds get the crunch first, then the tangy, spicy-sweet punch of flavor.
And the best part? It doesn’t take hours to make. In less than 40 minutes, you get something that feels like it came from a fancy restaurant.
FAQs About Bang Bang Chicken
1. Can I make Bang Bang Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best fresh. If making ahead, keep the chicken and sauce separate. Toss them together right before serving to keep the chicken crispy.
2. What’s the difference between Bang Bang Chicken and General Tso’s Chicken?
Bang Bang Chicken has a creamy chili-mayo-based sauce, while General Tso’s is a sticky soy-based sauce. Totally different vibes, both delicious.
3. Can I use an air fryer instead of frying in oil?
Absolutely! Air frying works great—just spray the chicken with oil before cooking for that golden crunch.
4. Is Bang Bang Chicken very spicy?
It depends on how much sriracha you add. You can easily adjust the spice level to your liking.
5. What can I serve with Bang Bang Chicken?
It pairs well with steamed rice, fried rice, noodles, or even a fresh salad to balance the richness.
Final Thoughts
Making Bang Bang Chicken at home in 35 minutes is a game-changer. It’s crispy, creamy, spicy, and just downright yummy. Honestly, once you try this, you’ll probably forget about ordering takeout.
If you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish has that wow factor without needing complicated ingredients. Trust me, this recipe is going to live rent-free in your weekly dinner rotation.