Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is a mouthwatering dish known for its golden crunch and addictive sweet & spicy Bang Bang sauce. Whether you’re frying it traditionally or using an air fryer for a healthier alternative, this recipe guarantees a restaurant-quality experience at home.

But what exactly makes Bang Bang Chicken so special? The secret lies in double-coating the chicken for extra crispiness and drizzling it with the famous Bang Bang sauce—a creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet blend that will leave you craving more.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the best recipe, cooking techniques, air fryer variations, serving ideas, and even the history of Bang Bang Chicken. Let’s dive into making the best Crispy Bang Bang Chicken ever!

What Makes Crispy Bang Bang Chicken So Special?

The Irresistible Crunch & Flavor Combination

Bang Bang Chicken is not just another fried chicken dish—it’s a flavor explosion. The perfectly seasoned crispy coating pairs beautifully with the iconic Bang Bang sauce, which combines spicy sriracha, creamy mayonnaise, and a hint of sweetness from honey or sugar.

Why is It Called Bang Bang Chicken?

The name “Bang Bang Chicken” comes from the traditional Chinese dish “Bang Bang Ji”, where cooked chicken was pounded with a wooden mallet to make it more tender. Over time, Western adaptations turned it into a crispy fried version served with the now-famous Bang Bang sauce.

The Secret Behind the Bang Bang Sauce

The Bang Bang sauce is the heart of this dish. It’s a simple yet flavor-packed combination of:

• Mayonnaise – Adds a creamy base
• Sriracha or Hot Sauce – Provides heat
• Honey or Sugar – Balances the spice
• Rice Vinegar – Gives a tangy kick
• Garlic Powder & Paprika – Boosts the flavor

This sauce is not only great for Bang Bang Chicken but also works as a dip for fries, shrimp, or even veggies!

For more recipe you can check Quick Chicken Lunch Recipes That Are Easy

PART 2: Ingredients for Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the essential ingredients. A perfect Bang Bang Chicken relies on a crispy, golden-brown coating and the iconic Bang Bang sauce.

Essential Ingredients for the Chicken

Ingredient	Purpose
Chicken Breast or Thighs (boneless, cut into bite-sized pieces)	The main protein, tender and juicy when fried
Cornstarch	Helps create an ultra-crispy coating
All-Purpose Flour	Provides structure and crunch
Eggs	Acts as a binding agent for the coating
Panko Breadcrumbs	Adds extra crispiness
Salt & Black Pepper	Basic seasoning to enhance flavor
Garlic Powder & Paprika	Boosts taste with a mild kick
Milk or Buttermilk	Helps tenderize the chicken
Vegetable Oil (for frying)	Ensures an even, crispy fry

The Perfect Bang Bang Sauce Combination

Ingredient	Amount	Purpose
Mayonnaise	½ cup	Creamy base for the sauce
Sriracha or Hot Sauce	2 tbsp	Adds spice and heat
Honey or Sugar	1 tbsp	Balances the flavors with a touch of sweetness
Rice Vinegar	1 tbsp	Gives a slight tang
Garlic Powder	½ tsp	Enhances the flavor
Paprika	½ tsp	Adds color and mild smokiness

Once you have all your ingredients, it’s time to start cooking!

Step-by-Step Recipe for Bang Bang Chicken

Follow these steps to achieve the crispiest, most flavorful Bang Bang Chicken at home.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
2. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
3. In a bowl, mix milk (or buttermilk) with an egg and whisk until combined.

Step 2: Set Up the Coating Station

Prepare three separate bowls:

• Bowl 1: Cornstarch and flour mix.
• Bowl 2: Egg and milk mixture.
• Bowl 3: Panko breadcrumbs.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

1. Dredge each piece in the cornstarch-flour mix.
2. Dip into the egg mixture, ensuring full coverage.
3. Coat generously with Panko breadcrumbs for maximum crunch.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken to Perfection

1. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan (about 350°F or 175°C).
2. Carefully place the chicken pieces into the hot oil.
3. Fry for 4-5 minutes, flipping occasionally, until golden brown.
4. Remove and place on a paper towel to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Toss in Bang Bang Sauce

1. In a separate bowl, mix all the ingredients for the Bang Bang Sauce.
2. Toss the crispy chicken in the sauce or serve it as a side for dipping.

Pro Tip: If you want extra crispy chicken, double-fry the pieces! Fry once for 3 minutes, let them rest for 2 minutes, then fry again for 1-2 minutes for ultimate crunch.

PART 4: Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken – A Healthier Twist

If you want a lighter, oil-free version of Bang Bang Chicken, the air fryer is the way to go. It still delivers crispy, golden chicken without deep frying.

How to Air Fry Bang Bang Chicken Perfectly

Step 1: Prep & Coat the Chicken

1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
3. Set up a coating station (flour + cornstarch, egg wash, Panko breadcrumbs).
4. Coat each piece in flour mix, dip in egg wash, and finish with Panko breadcrumbs.

Step 2: Air Fry the Chicken

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
2. Lightly spray the basket with oil to prevent sticking.
3. Place the chicken in a single layer, leaving space between pieces.
4. Spray the tops of the chicken pieces lightly with oil to enhance crispiness.
5. Air fry for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Step 3: Toss in Bang Bang Sauce

1. Once crispy and golden brown, remove the chicken from the air fryer.
2. Toss with the Bang Bang sauce or serve it as a dip on the side.

Tips for Getting Extra Crispy Texture in the Air Fryer

• Don’t overcrowd the basket – cook in batches if necessary.
• Use Panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs for better crisp.
• Spray with oil to mimic deep frying.

How to Serve Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

Bang Bang Chicken is versatile and can be served in many creative ways.

Best Side Dishes to Pair With Bang Bang Chicken

Side Dish	Why It Works
Steamed Rice or Fried Rice	Balances the crispy texture with a soft, fluffy base
Asian Slaw	Adds crunch and freshness
Garlic Butter Noodles	Complements the sweet and spicy flavors
Sweet Potato Fries	Brings a touch of sweetness to contrast the spice
Steamed Broccoli or Green Beans	Provides a healthy, crunchy balance

Creative Serving Ideas

Bang Bang Chicken Tacos – Stuff into taco shells with avocado and lime.

Bang Bang Chicken Wrap – Wrap crispy chicken in a tortilla with lettuce and extra sauce.

Bang Bang Chicken Salad – Toss over fresh greens for a spicy crunch.

Bang Bang Chicken Sliders – Serve on mini buns with coleslaw.

One of the best things about Bang Bang Chicken is how easy it is to customize based on your dietary preferences or spice tolerance.

Spicy vs. Mild Bang Bang Chicken

If you love extra heat, try these modifications:

• Add extra Sriracha or red chili flakes to the sauce.
• Sprinkle cayenne pepper in the flour coating.
• Serve with a side of spicy ranch dip.

Prefer a milder version? Try this:

• Use less Sriracha and more mayo in the sauce.
• Add a little honey or sugar to balance the spice.
• Serve with cooling sides like cucumber salad.

Gluten-Free & Keto-Friendly Variations

Variation	How to Modify
Gluten-Free	Use almond flour + cornstarch for coating instead of wheat flour. Use gluten-free Panko.
Keto-Friendly	Swap flour with crushed pork rinds or coconut flour for a low-carb crunch. Replace honey with a sugar-free sweetener in the sauce.

These modifications keep the flavor intact while making the dish suitable for different diets.

The Origins of Bang Bang Chicken

Bang Bang Chicken has a rich history, evolving from a traditional Chinese dish into a modern crispy favorite.

Why Is It Called Bang Bang Chicken?

The name “Bang Bang Chicken” comes from the Chinese dish “Bang Bang Ji” . Traditionally, the cooked chicken was pounded with a wooden stick to tenderize it. The “bang bang” sound from the pounding inspired the name!

The History Behind This Famous Dish

• Origin: Bang Bang Chicken originated in Sichuan, China, where it was served cold with a spicy sesame sauce.
• Western Twist: The crispy, fried version we know today is an American adaptation, featuring the famous Bang Bang Sauce (a mix of mayo, Sriracha, and honey).
• Popularity: This dish became famous thanks to restaurants like Bonefish Grill, which introduced the Bang Bang Shrimp, inspiring variations like Bang Bang Chicken.

While the original Chinese version is tender and served cold, the modern crispy version has taken over menus worldwide!

Common Mistakes & Troubleshooting

Even though Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is an easy recipe, small mistakes can affect the final result. Here are common issues and how to fix them.

Why Isn’t My Chicken Crispy Enough?

Possible Causes & Solutions:

Problem	Solution
Coating Falls Off	Press Panko firmly onto the chicken and let it rest for 10 minutes before frying.
Oil Too Cool	Keep oil temperature between 350°F – 375°F. Use a thermometer to check.
Too Much Moisture	Pat the chicken dry before coating. Excess moisture makes the coating soggy.
Overcrowding the Pan	Fry in batches. Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature, making the chicken greasy instead of crispy.

How to Prevent Soggy Coating

• Use Cornstarch – It absorbs moisture and creates a crispier crust.
• Double-Fry Method – Fry once at 325°F, rest for 2 minutes, then fry again at 375°F for the ultimate crunch.
• Drain Properly – Place the chicken on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep the coating crisp.

By following these tips, you’ll get perfectly crispy Bang Bang Chicken every time!

FAQs – Everything You Need to Know

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is an easy, restaurant-quality dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you deep fry or air fry, the sweet & spicy Bang Bang Sauce makes it absolutely irresistible.

Want to try different variations? Make it spicier, gluten-free, or keto-friendly, or serve it in tacos, wraps, or salads! No matter how you enjoy it, this dish will always be a crowd-pleaser.