Crispy & Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

If you are craving a dish that perfectly marries a crunch you can hear with a spicy kick you can feel, then let me introduce you to this Crispy & Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe. It’s a vibrant, irresistible feast that takes simple chicken pieces, fries them to golden perfection, and then wraps them in a luscious, zesty sauce that’s both sweet and fiery. Each bite bursts with flavor and texture, making it an ideal treat for weeknight dinners or a party centerpiece. Trust me, once you try this Crispy & Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to favorites when you want something quick, satisfying, and downright delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients may seem straightforward, but they come together beautifully to create the crispy texture and bold flavors that define this Crispy & Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe. Each component plays an essential role—from the crunchy coating to the sweet and spicy sauce, everything is about balance and taste.

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and perfect crispness.
• ½ cup cornstarch: Adds a delicate crunch that’s key to the crispy coating.
• ½ cup all-purpose flour: Helps to create that irresistible outer shell on the chicken.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a depth of flavor without overpowering the chicken.
• 1 teaspoon paprika: Gives the coating a subtle smokiness and beautiful color.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other spices and flavors.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of gentle heat in the coating.
• 1 large egg: Helps the coating adhere to each piece of chicken.
• ½ cup buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and creates the perfect base for dredging.
• Vegetable oil: For deep frying, essential for achieving that crunchy texture.
• ½ cup mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the Bang Bang sauce.
• ¼ cup sweet chili sauce: Brings a sticky sweetness and a slight tanginess to the sauce.
• 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce: Gives the signature spicy kick—adjust to your preferred heat level.
• 1 tablespoon honey: Balances the spice with a subtle touch of sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon lime juice (optional): Adds a bright, zingy freshness to brighten the sauce.

How to Make Crispy & Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

The process begins by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes, so they cook evenly and have the perfect size for dipping or serving as finger food. This step sets the stage for all that wonderful crispy goodness later on.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Coating Ingredients

Combine cornstarch, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. This blend not only flavors the outside of the chicken but forms the secret to that addictive crunch you’ll love.

Step 3: Prepare the Wet Dredge

Whisk together the egg and buttermilk in a separate bowl. The acidity of the buttermilk tenderizes the chicken while the egg helps the coating stick beautifully, giving you that thick, crunchy crust.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Dip each chicken piece into the buttermilk mixture first, then thoroughly dredge it in the dry flour mixture. Be sure to press the coating onto the chicken to build up that irresistibly crispy exterior that’s the hallmark of this Crispy & Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe.

Step 5: Rest the Coated Chicken

Place the coated chicken pieces on a plate and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This brief pause helps the coating to set firmly so it doesn’t fall off during frying, resulting in even crunchier bites.

Step 6: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat approximately 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop the chicken pieces into the oil in batches, avoiding overcrowding to keep the temperature consistent. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 7: Whisk Up the Bang Bang Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth and creamy. This luscious sauce is what truly defines the dish and delivers the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and sweet flavors.

Step 8: Toss or Dip

For that classic Crispy & Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe experience, toss the fried chicken in the sauce until fully coated. If you’re a fan of crunch, serve the sauce on the side as a dipping companion instead. Both ways are absolutely delicious!

Step 9: Garnish and Enjoy

Finish off with a sprinkle of chopped green onions or sesame seeds to add a beautiful pop of color and an extra layer of texture. Your Crispy & Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe is ready to dazzle!

How to Serve Crispy & Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like sliced green onions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds not only enhance the visual appeal of your dish but also add fresh flavors and a slight crunch that complement the creamy, spicy sauce perfectly.

Side Dishes

This Crispy & Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides such as steamed jasmine rice, crunchy coleslaw, or even a crisp cucumber salad to balance out the richness and spice of the chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving the chicken over a bed of mixed greens or in lettuce wraps for a refreshing twist. Or turn them into sliders or bao buns for a fun, shareable snack that’s sure to impress your guests at any gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Crispy & Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chicken may lose a bit of its crunch but will still taste fantastic when reheated.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken pieces before tossing in the sauce. Lay them out on a baking tray in a single layer and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to 2 months.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat the chicken in an oven or air fryer instead of the microwave. This will help to revive the crispy coating. Warm the Bang Bang sauce separately and toss or serve on the side after reheating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and tend to stay tender during frying. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces, similar to how you would the breasts, and follow the same coating and frying method.

How spicy is the Crispy & Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe?

The heat primarily comes from the sriracha in the sauce. You can adjust the amount to your liking or even swap it for a milder chili sauce if you prefer less spice. The dish balances spice with sweetness to keep it approachable.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

While frying gives the crispiest texture, you can bake the coated chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 425°F (220°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. It won’t be quite as crunchy but still delicious.

Is the buttermilk necessary for the coating?

Buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and helps the coating stick better, making it crispier. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by mixing milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

Can I prepare the Bang Bang sauce in advance?

Definitely! The sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick stir before serving, and it will be ready to add that creamy, spicy magic to your chicken.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that delivers both crunch and heat with every bite, the Crispy & Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s quick to make, packed with vibrant flavors, and perfect for sharing or enjoying solo. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how something so simple can taste this incredible.

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