Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Description
Bang Bang Chicken is a wildly popular dish known for its ultra-crispy fried chicken tossed in a creamy, spicy, and sweet sauce. Inspired by Asian flavors, it’s crunchy on the outside, juicy inside, and coated with a perfect balance of heat and sweetness. Perfect for an appetizer, party snack, or main meal served with rice or salad.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
1 lb (450g) chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar/lemon juice)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
1/2 cup mayonnaise (preferably Kewpie or full-fat mayo)
1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
1–2 tbsp Sriracha sauce (adjust to spice level)
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp lime juice (optional for extra zing)
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, marinate the chicken pieces with buttermilk. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for juicier chicken).
2. Prepare the Coating
In a large bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat the Oil
In a deep skillet or pot, heat about 2–3 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
4. Coat the Chicken
Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off.
Dredge chicken in the flour mixture, pressing firmly so the coating sticks well.
5. Fry the Chicken
Fry the chicken in batches (don’t overcrowd the pan) for 4–5 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
6. Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together mayo, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth.
7. Toss and Serve
Toss fried chicken pieces lightly in the sauce just before serving — or serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
Time Breakdown
Task Time
Marination 30 min (optional but recommended)
Prep Coating & Sauce 10 min
Frying 15 min
Tossing and Serving 5 min
Total Active Time ~30 min
Total Time (incl. marinating) ~1 hour
Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
(based on 4 servings, estimated)
Nutrient Amount
Calories 450–550 kcal
Protein 25–30g
Carbs 30–35g
Fat 25–30g
Fiber 1–2g
Sugar 8–10g
Sodium 800–1000mg
Note: Frying adds variability based on how much oil is absorbed.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q1: Can I bake or air-fry instead of deep-frying?
A: Yes! Air-fry at 400°F (200°C) for about 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway. Spray lightly with oil for best crispiness. Baking is also possible at 425°F (220°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping once.
Q2: What if I don’t have olive oil?
A: Mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice, stir, and let sit for 5 minutes. Instant buttermilk!
Q3: Is Bang Bang Chicken very spicy?
A: It’s mild to medium spicy. You control the heat by adjusting the amount of Sriracha in the sauce.
Q4: Can I make Bang Bang Chicken ahead of time?
A: You can fry the chicken and refrigerate. Re-crisp it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, then toss in the sauce just before serving.
Q5: Best side dishes with Bang Bang Chicken?
A: Rice, fried rice, simple salad, steamed vegetables, or even sliders!
Q6: Can I use shrimp instead of chicken?
A: Absolutely — it’s fantastic with shrimp too! Follow the same method but fry shrimp for only about 2 minutes.
Bonus Tip:
For an extra crispy coating, double dredge the chicken:
Dip the flour-coated chicken back into buttermilk and then re-coat with flour before frying!
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