Crispy Juicy Bang Bang Chicken

Imagine biting into perfectly Crispy Juicy Bang Bang Chicken that delivers an explosion of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors in every mouthful. This Asian-inspired dish combines tender chicken pieces coated in a light, crispy exterior, all drenched in a vibrant orange sauce that’s the perfect balance of heat and sweetness. The contrast between the crunchy coating and the succulent chicken inside creates an irresistible texture that makes this Bang Bang Chicken utterly addictive. You’ll learn how to achieve restaurant-quality results with simple ingredients and foolproof techniques that guarantee success every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Crispy Juicy Bang Bang Chicken recipe will quickly become a family favorite for several compelling reasons. First, the incredible texture contrast between the shatteringly crisp exterior and the tender, juicy chicken inside creates a sensory experience that’s simply unmatched. The signature bang bang sauce delivers a perfect harmony of sweet and spicy notes that dance on your palate without overwhelming it.

What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility – it works beautifully as an appetizer, main course, or even tucked into tacos or wraps. The preparation is straightforward with no complicated techniques required, making it accessible even for novice cooks. You’ll appreciate how quickly it comes together, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen.

The sauce-coated bang bang chicken tenders also retain their texture remarkably well, so you won’t end up with soggy chicken – a common problem solved with this method. Each bite delivers that satisfying crunch followed by tender chicken and a flavor explosion that will have everyone at the table reaching for seconds.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1½ pounds (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1½ cups (150g) panko breadcrumbs
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ½ cup (115g) mayonnaise
• ¼ cup (60ml) sweet chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon lime juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

The key to exceptional spicy bang bang chicken lies in using panko breadcrumbs rather than regular breadcrumbs – they create that signature ultra-crispy coating. Fresh garlic in the sauce provides aromatic depth that powdered garlic simply can’t match. For those who enjoy customizing heat levels, the sriracha can be adjusted to suit your preference.

Pro Tips

Tip 1: Perfect Your Dredging Technique
The secret to achieving ultra-crispy chicken is in the three-step dredging process. Keep one hand for dry ingredients and one for wet to prevent the dreaded “club hand” – when breadcrumbs build up on your fingers. For extra crispiness, after coating the chicken pieces, place them on a wire rack and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before frying. This allows the coating to adhere properly and results in less breading falling off during cooking.

Tip 2: Oil Temperature Management
Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial for Crispy Juicy Bang Bang Chicken. Use a deep-fry thermometer and aim for 350°F (175°C). If the oil is too cool, the chicken will absorb excess oil and become greasy; too hot, and the coating burns before the chicken cooks through. Work in small batches to prevent overcrowding, which drops the oil temperature dramatically.

Tip 3: Sauce Application Timing
For maximum crispiness, don’t toss the chicken in the sauce until just before serving. Instead, drizzle the sauce over the top or serve it on the side for dipping. If you prefer fully coated pieces, toss them in the sauce quickly and serve immediately. This preserves the delightful textural contrast that makes Bang Bang Chicken so special.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Cut your chicken breasts into even 1-inch pieces, ensuring uniform size for consistent cooking. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels – this is crucial for helping the coating adhere properly and creates a crispier final result. Season the chicken pieces directly with a pinch of salt and pepper before starting the breading process.

Step 2: Set Up Dredging Station
Create a three-bowl dredging station on your counter. In the first bowl, place the flour seasoned with salt and pepper. In the second bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. In the third bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs. For extra flavor, you can mix ½ teaspoon of garlic powder and ¼ teaspoon of paprika into the breadcrumbs.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken
Working with a few pieces at a time, dredge the chicken in flour, shaking off excess. Next, dip into the beaten eggs, allowing extra egg to drip off. Finally, coat thoroughly in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere well. Place the breaded pieces on a clean plate or baking sheet while you finish coating all the chicken.

Step 4: Fry to Perfection
Heat vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pan to 350°F (175°C). Add the breaded chicken pieces in small batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, whisk together all sauce ingredients in a medium bowl until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust the sriracha for your preferred level of spiciness. The sauce should be vibrant orange and have a consistency that will nicely coat the back of a spoon.

Step 6: Coat and Serve
For maximum crispiness, drizzle the sauce over the chicken just before serving or serve it as a dipping sauce on the side. If you prefer fully coated pieces, gently toss the hot fried chicken in the sauce right before serving. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for an authentic finish to your Crispy Juicy Bang Bang Chicken.

Variations

Baked Bang Bang Chicken
For a healthier alternative that still delivers on flavor and texture, try baking instead of frying. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place the breaded chicken pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spray or brush lightly with oil, then bake for 15-18 minutes until golden and cooked through. The coating won’t be quite as crispy as the fried version, but it’s a delicious option with significantly less oil.

Bang Bang Cauliflower
Create a vegetarian version by substituting cauliflower florets for chicken. Cut a medium cauliflower into bite-sized florets, then follow the same breading and cooking process. The cauliflower creates a fantastic meat-free alternative that still captures the essence of Bang Bang Chicken with its crispy coating and signature sauce. This variation has become increasingly popular in restaurants and is perfect for Meatless Mondays.

Thai-Inspired Bang Bang Chicken
Add a Thai twist by incorporating 1 tablespoon of peanut butter and 1 teaspoon of fish sauce into the bang bang sauce. Garnish with crushed peanuts, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. This variation intensifies the Asian flavor profile and creates a delightful fusion between Chinese-American and Thai cuisines that complements the Crispy Juicy Bang Bang Chicken beautifully.

Storage and Serving

Storage Instructions
For best results, store the fried chicken and sauce separately. Place cooled chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Store the sauce in a separate container for up to a week. To reheat, place the chicken on a baking sheet in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 7-10 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as this will make the coating soggy.

Serving Suggestions
Serve your Crispy Juicy Bang Bang Chicken over steamed jasmine rice with stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. The neutral rice provides a perfect canvas for soaking up the delicious sauce while the vegetables add color, nutrition, and textural contrast.

For an appetizer presentation, arrange the chicken pieces on a platter with toothpicks and a small bowl of extra sauce for dipping. Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and lime wedges for an impressive display.

Create a bang bang chicken bowl by serving over rice with sliced avocado, shredded cabbage, cucumber, and a drizzle of extra sauce. This modern presentation turns the Bang Bang Chicken into a satisfying, Instagram-worthy meal that combines multiple textures and flavors.

FAQs

Can I make Bang Bang Chicken in an air fryer?
Yes! Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C), spray the breaded chicken pieces with cooking oil, and air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The results are amazingly crispy and use significantly less oil than traditional frying.

Is Bang Bang Chicken very spicy?
The spice level is customizable based on how much sriracha you add to the sauce. As written, the recipe has a moderate kick that most people find pleasant rather than overwhelming. For a milder version, reduce the sriracha by half.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully and often result in juicier meat. Cut them into similar-sized pieces and follow the same cooking instructions, though they may need an extra minute of cooking time.

What can I substitute for panko breadcrumbs?
Regular breadcrumbs will work, though the coating won’t be quite as crispy. For a gluten-free option, crushed rice Chex or cornflakes make an excellent substitute that maintains the signature crunch.

Where did Bang Bang Chicken originate?
The modern Bang Bang Chicken with creamy sauce is an Americanized version of a Sichuan dish called “bang bang ji,” which features shredded chicken with a spicy sauce. The name comes from the “bang bang” sound of the mallet used to tenderize the chicken in the traditional preparation.

Conclusion

This Crispy Juicy Bang Bang Chicken is comfort food at its finest — a perfect blend of textures and flavors that satisfies cravings for both crunch and creaminess. The contrast between the crispy exterior and tender chicken inside, all enveloped in that sweet-spicy sauce, creates an irresistible combination that keeps you coming back for more. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into something special, yet remains simple enough for any home cook to master. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer at your next gathering or as a family dinner that will please even picky eaters, this Bang Bang Chicken is guaranteed to become a requested favorite.

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