Bang Bang Chicken Recipe: Crispy, Creamy, and Packed with Flavor
Bang Bang Chicken is a crave-worthy dish that combines crispy bite-sized chicken pieces with a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce that hits all the right notes. Perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or main course over rice or noodles, this dish brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen. The signature “bang bang” sauce is the real star here—rich, tangy, and a little spicy, coating every crispy morsel of chicken just right.

What Makes This Dish Special?
Bang Bang Chicken is known for its irresistible combination of crispy texture and bold flavor. The chicken is breaded and fried (or air-fried for a lighter twist), then tossed in a creamy sauce made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a dash of sriracha for heat. It’s a dish that looks fancy but comes together quickly and easily. Plus, it’s ultra-versatile—serve it in lettuce wraps, rice bowls, or sliders.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1–2 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp honey (optional, for added sweetness)
- 1 tsp rice vinegar or lime juice (optional, for a tangy finish)
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
Place chicken pieces in a bowl with buttermilk. Let marinate for at least 10 minutes while you prep the coating and sauce.
2. Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (if using), and vinegar or lime juice. Taste and adjust spice level as needed. Set aside.
3. Bread the Chicken
In another bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Remove chicken from the buttermilk and dredge each piece in the flour mixture until well-coated.
4. Fry Until Golden
Heat oil in a deep skillet or saucepan over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches for 4–5 minutes, or until golden and cooked through. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
5. Toss in Sauce
Place cooked chicken in a large bowl and drizzle with bang bang sauce. Gently toss to coat all the pieces evenly.
6. Serve Immediately
Serve warm, topped with green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Great with rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps.

Variations
- Air Fryer Version: Cook chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Shrimp Swap: Use peeled, deveined shrimp instead of chicken for Bang Bang Shrimp.
- Lettuce Wraps: Serve in butter lettuce cups with shredded carrots and cabbage.
- Rice Bowl: Layer over steamed rice with sliced cucumbers, carrots, and a drizzle of extra sauce.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Frying pan or air fryer
- Paper towels
- Whisk (for the sauce)
Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Serving)
- Calories: 430
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 6g
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
- Sauce Storage: Keep extra sauce in the fridge for up to 5 days—great for dipping fries or veggies!
My Cooking Experience
Bang Bang Chicken is always a hit at my house. The crispy chicken combined with that creamy, spicy sauce is absolutely addictive. I’ve made it for game days, potlucks, and even meal prep, and it never disappoints. The sauce is so good, I sometimes double it to have extra for drizzling over rice bowls or dipping roasted veggies.
Conclusion
Bang Bang Chicken is a perfect balance of texture and flavor—crispy, creamy, spicy, and just a little sweet. It’s easy to make and even easier to love. Whether you’re making a quick dinner or looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this dish always delivers.

bang bang chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Place chicken pieces in a bowl with buttermilk. Let marinate for at least 10 minutes while you prep the coating and sauce.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (if using), and vinegar or lime juice. Taste and adjust spice level as needed. Set aside.
- In another bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Remove chicken from the buttermilk and dredge each piece in the flour mixture until well-coated.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet or saucepan over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches for 4–5 minutes, or until golden and cooked through. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Place cooked chicken in a large bowl and drizzle with bang bang sauce. Gently toss to coat all the pieces evenly.
- Serve warm, topped with green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Great with rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps.
Notes
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
- Sauce Storage: Keep extra sauce in the fridge for up to 5 days—great for dipping fries or veggies!