Bang Bang Chicken – Crispy, Creamy, and Absolutely Crave-Worthy!

If you love crispy chicken bites coated in a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce that packs a flavorful punch, then Bang Bang Chicken is about to become your new obsession. This addictive dish features juicy pieces of chicken, lightly battered and fried to golden perfection, then tossed in a bold and creamy bang bang sauce made with mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. It’s easy, satisfying, and way better than any takeout or restaurant version.

Whether you serve it as an appetizer, a rice bowl, or a game day snack, Bang Bang Chicken is guaranteed to impress. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make at home with just a handful of pantry ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Crispy and flavorful – Golden fried chicken with a light, crunchy coating
Irresistible sauce – Creamy, tangy, spicy-sweet goodness
Perfect as a main or appetizer – Serve it with rice, on tacos, in wraps, or on skewers
Quick and easy – Ready in just 30 minutes!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make Bang Bang Chicken from scratch:

For the Chicken:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk + 1 tsp vinegar/lemon juice)
1 cup cornstarch (or a 50/50 mix of flour and cornstarch)
Salt & pepper to taste
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
1–2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to spice level)
1 teaspoon honey or sugar (optional, for added sweetness)
1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lemon juice (for balance)

Optional for Serving:

Chopped green onions
Sesame seeds
Steamed white rice, shredded lettuce, or tortilla wraps

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cut chicken into even bite-sized pieces. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Soak the chicken in buttermilk (or milk + vinegar) for at least 10 minutes. This helps tenderize the meat and ensures a crispy coating.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a bowl, mix together the mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Set aside or refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Remove chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in cornstarch (or flour/cornstarch mix) until fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.

Pro Tip: Double coat for extra crunch — dip back in buttermilk and coat again if desired!

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Heat oil in a deep skillet or pan over medium-high heat (about 350°F/175°C). Fry the chicken in batches, turning as needed, for 4–5 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on a wire rack or paper towels.

Step 5: Toss in Sauce

Place the fried chicken in a bowl and drizzle with the bang bang sauce. Toss gently to coat every piece evenly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Serve hot, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy it over rice, in lettuce wraps, tacos, or even as a party appetizer with toothpicks!

Tips for the Best Bang Bang Chicken

Use boneless thighs for juicier chicken, but breasts work well too
Cornstarch makes it extra crispy – a flour and cornstarch mix gives the best crunch
Don’t overcrowd the pan – fry in batches to keep the oil temperature steady
Let the chicken rest before saucing to maintain some crunch
Adjust sauce heat to your taste – more sriracha for heat, more mayo to mellow it out

Recipe Variations

Baked Bang Bang Chicken – Bake coated chicken pieces at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Spray with oil for extra crispiness.
Air Fryer Version – Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway.
Bang Bang Shrimp – Swap chicken for peeled shrimp (tail-off), coat and fry the same way
Low Carb/Keto – Use almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead of cornstarch, and a sugar-free chili sauce
Bang Bang Chicken Tacos – Load into soft tortillas with lettuce, cabbage, and extra drizzle of sauce

What to Serve with Bang Bang Chicken

Bang Bang Chicken is versatile and pairs well with:

Steamed white or jasmine rice
Fried rice or garlic noodles
Lettuce wraps or cabbage slaw
Tacos or flatbreads
Roasted or steamed veggies
A side of pickled cucumbers or carrots for contrast

Storage & Reheating

Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat: For best results, reheat in the air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) to re-crisp the coating. Avoid microwaving, as it will soften the coating.

Freeze: You can freeze the cooked, unsauced chicken bites. Reheat from frozen in the oven or air fryer, then toss in fresh sauce before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the sauce, marinate the chicken, and even pre-fry the pieces. Reheat in the oven or air fryer and toss in sauce just before serving.

Is Bang Bang Chicken spicy?

It’s mildly spicy by default. You control the heat by adjusting the amount of sriracha in the sauce. Add more for a kick, or reduce it for a milder flavor.

Can I use yogurt instead of mayo in the sauce?

Yes, Greek yogurt works as a substitute, especially if you’re looking for a lighter option. It will be tangier, but still creamy and delicious.

What is sweet chili sauce?

It’s a sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy sauce often used in Asian dishes. You’ll find it in the Asian section of most grocery stores.

Final Thoughts

This Bang Bang Chicken recipe is the perfect combo of crispy, creamy, spicy, and sweet. It’s fast, fun, and finger-licking good — whether you serve it as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a satisfying main dish. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s such a viral favorite.

Make a batch tonight, and don’t be surprised if it disappears in minutes!