There are meals you eat because you’re hungry, and then there are meals you keep thinking about after the last bite. Crispy Bang Bang Chicken falls into that second category — the kind you crave late at night, daydream about during work, or happily share at gatherings just to watch people react to their first taste. It’s playful food: crunchy, saucy, slightly spicy, and satisfying in a way that fast food never truly achieves.
If you enjoy restaurant-style dishes you can recreate at home, this recipe lets you bring that fun, takeout-style experience to your kitchen without needing fancy techniques or ingredients.
What Makes Crispy Bang Bang Chicken So Irresistible?
When you bite into a piece, you’re experiencing contrast — golden coating that gives a delicate crunch followed by juicy chicken inside. The real showstopper here is the sauce. Bang Bang sauce is creamy, sweet, tangy, and gently spicy. It’s the element that transforms simple fried chicken into something bold and memorable.
You get:
- Texture you can hear when you bite
- Flavor that hits sweet and spicy notes
- Familiar comfort with a twist
If you love fun, saucy dishes, you’ll also enjoy my Honey Garlic Chicken Bowls for another sweet-savory chicken option.
Ingredients You Need for Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
You’ll appreciate how simple the ingredient list is. Most items are pantry staples.
Chicken + Coating
- Chicken breast or thighs
- Cornstarch and/or flour
- Eggs
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika
Cornstarch is your secret weapon for that ultra-crisp bite.
Bang Bang Sauce
- Mayonnaise
- Sweet chili sauce
- Sriracha
- Honey or sugar (optional for extra sweetness)
- Lime juice or rice vinegar
Optional Garnishes
These add color and freshness.
How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
This process is approachable for all skill levels.
1. Prep the Chicken
Cut it into bite-sized pieces. Smaller pieces mean quicker, more even cooking.
2. Season and Coat
Dry your chicken so the coating sticks well. Dip pieces in beaten egg, then coat with seasoned cornstarch or flour.
3. Fry until Golden
Use shallow frying or deep frying. You want oil hot enough to crisp the outside without greasing the coating.
4. Make the Bang Bang Sauce
Mix mayo, chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice until creamy. Adjust heat and sweetness to your taste.
5. Toss or Drizzle and Serve
You can either coat the chicken fully or serve the sauce on the side for dipping. Both styles work — consider dipping if you want a crispier bite.
Tips for the Best Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
Little choices influence big results:
- Pat chicken dry before coating — moisture causes sogginess.
- Let coated chicken rest before frying — this helps adhesion.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan — space ensures crispiness.
- Toss in the sauce at serving time — too early, and the coating softens.
These steps take your dish from good to unforgettable.
Delicious Variations to Try
Once you master the base version, you can give it personality.
Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken
Lightly spray-coated pieces and air fry until crisp. You get crunch without deep frying.
Baked Version
Bake coated pieces at high heat for a lighter result.
Spicy Version
Increase sriracha or add chili flakes for a fiery kick.
Coconut Crusted Bang Bang Chicken
Coat in shredded coconut mixed with crumbs for a tropical vibe.
Panko Upgrade
Use panko breadcrumbs for extra texture.
Playing with variations keeps cooking exciting and lets you tailor flavor to your mood. Want this dish in a meal-bowl style? Try my Bang Bang Chicken Bowl makeover for a fast, shareable lunch idea.
What to Serve with Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
Because this dish already has a bold taste, keep the sides simple.
Great partners include:
- White or sticky rice
- Asian-style slaw
- Roasted broccoli
- Sweet potato fries
- If bold flavors excite you, don’t miss my Spicy Sriracha Chicken Bowl for another crave-worthy dish.
Storage and Reheating Guide
Leftovers are rarely a problem — but if you make extra, here’s how to keep them crisp:
Refrigerating
Store without sauce to protect the texture. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to bring the crunch back.
Freezing
Freeze cooked pieces on a tray, then store in a bag. Heat in the oven straight from frozen.
Meal Prep Tip
Sauce can be made ahead and chilled — just whisk before serving.
FAQs
Is it possible to prepare Crispy Bang Bang Chicken in advance?
Yes, fry, cool, and reheat before serving. Add sauce just before eating.
Can I air fry instead of deep fry?
Absolutely, air frying works great and uses less oil.
What does Bang Bang sauce taste like?
Creamy, sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy — it’s balanced and addictive.
How do I keep Bang Bang Chicken crispy?
Don’t sauce it too early — serve sauce separately or drizzle lightly.
Can I make it healthier?
Use baked or air-fried chicken and swap mayo with Greek yogurt.
A Dish Worth Repeating
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken isn’t just another chicken recipe — it’s a mood booster. The crunch, sweetness, heat, and creamy sauce come together in a way that feels fun and indulgent. You could serve it on game nights, birthdays, weekends, or just whenever you want something satisfying without effort.
So grab your skillet, whisk your sauce, and enjoy how quickly this turns into one of your signature dishes. Once you nail your preferred spice level and sauce balance, you’ll find yourself sharing it proudly — because food like this deserves an audience. If you love crunchy, takeout-style dishes like this, don’t miss my Chicken Tempura Roll — it’s equally irresistible.
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 cup cornstarch or ½ cornstarch + ½ flour
- 2 eggs beaten
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Oil for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha adjust heat
- 1 tsp honey or sugar optional
- 1 tsp lime juice or rice vinegar
Optional Garnish
Instructions
Prep the Chicken
- Pat chicken dry. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Coat
- Dip chicken in beaten eggs, then coat with cornstarch (or flour mixture). Shake off excess.
Fry
- Heat oil in a skillet. Fry chicken until golden and crisp, 4–6 minutes, turning as needed.
- Drain on paper towels.
Make Bang Bang Sauce
- Mix mayo, chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Serve
- Toss chicken lightly in sauce before serving or drizzle sauce over top to keep extra crisp.
- Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds.
Notes
- Air fryer option: Spray coated chicken with oil and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Sauce can be served as dip instead of coating if you want maximum crunch.
