There’s something irresistible about crispy golden chicken coated in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce.
This Bang Bang Chicken is crunchy on the outside, juicy inside, and smothered in a flavorful sauce that will keep you coming back for more.
It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet bold enough to impress guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe delivers perfectly crispy chicken bites without being greasy.
The sauce balances sweet, spicy, and tangy notes for an addictive flavor.
It’s a fun dish for family dinners, parties, or game-day gatherings.
You can adjust the heat level to suit everyone’s taste.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are tender and cook quickly.
Panko breadcrumbs create a crisp, light coating that stays crunchy.
Garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika infuse the chicken with flavor before frying.
The Bang Bang sauce combines mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and lime juice for a creamy, zesty kick.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Pat chicken dry before coating to help the breading stick.
Fry in batches so the chicken cooks evenly and stays crispy.
Taste the sauce before adding to chicken and adjust the spice level if needed.
Serve immediately after coating to maintain crunch.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken
Step 1 – Prep the chicken
Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and pat dry with paper towels.
Step 2 – Make seasoned flour
Mix flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a shallow bowl.
Step 3 – Set up breading station
Place beaten eggs in one bowl and panko breadcrumbs in another.
Step 4 – Coat the chicken
Dredge chicken in seasoned flour, then dip in eggs, and finally coat with panko, pressing gently to adhere.
Step 5 – Heat the oil
Warm vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Step 6 – Fry the chicken
Cook chicken in batches for 5–7 minutes per side until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Step 7 – Drain excess oil
Transfer cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 8 – Make the sauce
Whisk mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth. Adjust heat to taste.
Step 9 – Coat and serve
Toss fried chicken in sauce until evenly coated. Serve immediately with optional garnishes.
What to Serve Them With
Pair with steamed rice to soak up the extra sauce.
Serve alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables.
Enjoy as an appetizer with toothpicks for easy grabbing.
Variations / Substitutions
Swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs for juicier bites.
Make it lighter by baking or air-frying instead of deep-frying.
Use a dairy-free mayo to make the sauce lactose-free.
Storage & Leftovers
Best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.
Keep sauce separate if storing for later to avoid soggy breading.
FAQs
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, prepare it up to 3 days in advance and store in the fridge.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 400°F for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
What oil is best for frying?
Vegetable or canola oil works well due to high smoke points.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
How spicy is this dish?
It has a mild to medium heat—adjust Sriracha to taste.
Can I use chicken tenders instead of breast?
Absolutely, just adjust cooking time as needed.
Final Thoughts
Bang Bang Chicken is the ultimate comfort food with a punch of flavor.
It’s crispy, saucy, and absolutely crave-worthy. Once you try it, you’ll want it in your dinner rotation.
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and pat dry.
- In a shallow bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Place beaten eggs in one bowl and panko breadcrumbs in another.
- Dredge chicken in seasoned flour, dip in eggs, then coat in panko.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high until shimmering.
- Fry chicken in batches 5–7 minutes per side until golden and 165°F inside.
- Transfer to paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://theboatshedcafe.com/crispy-bang-bang-chicken/
Notes
- Adjust Sriracha amount to control spice level.
- For a lighter option, air fry at 400°F for about 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Best enjoyed fresh to maintain crispiness.
My name is Isabella, and this space was born from years of stirring sauces at sunset, baking cookies while the kids played on the porch, and finding comfort in a homemade meal after long, busy days. Here you’ll find delicious, reliable recipes made with simple ingredients, plus easy step-by-step photos and videos to help you cook confidently at home.