Need a dinner that’s bold, flavorful, and totally beginner-friendly? This Bang Bang Chicken recipe brings all the heat, crunch, and creamy sweetness you crave—without the takeout price tag. Coated in a buttermilk-spiced batter, crisped to golden perfection, and drizzled with a luscious honey-chili mayo sauce, each bite is bursting with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or want to impress guests, this dish never disappoints. Let’s dive into your new favorite chicken recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
There’s a reason Bang Bang Chicken has become a go-to on restaurant menus and Pinterest boards alike. Here’s why it’s going to be a hit in your kitchen too:
- That golden crunch: Thanks to the Panko coating and buttermilk batter, every piece is irresistibly crispy.
- Flavor-packed sauce: Creamy, tangy, sweet, and spicy—it’s basically magic in a bowl.
- Customizable heat: Dial the spice up or down to suit your taste buds.
- Great for any meal: Serve it over rice, in wraps, or with fresh salad—it’s a winner any way you plate it.
The Story Behind Bang Bang Chicken
Here’s a bite-sized history of how Bang Bang Chicken came to be such a viral sensation:
- The name “Bang Bang” comes from the sound of a wooden mallet used in traditional Chinese cooking to tenderize meat.
- Its U.S. popularity surged with dishes like Bang Bang Shrimp, which inspired this chicken version.
- It’s now a common fusion recipe, blending crispy Western-style fried chicken with a creamy Asian-inspired sauce.
- The sauce is the secret weapon—originally served cold over shredded chicken but now famously slathered on fried bites.
Key Ingredients in Bang Bang Chicken
This recipe features two key components: the crispy chicken and the signature sauce.
For the Sauce:
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base that makes the sauce rich and smooth.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: Brings sweet heat with just enough tang.
- Sriracha: Adds a spicy punch and vibrant color.
- Honey: Balances the heat with subtle sweetness.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential for rounding out the flavor.
For the Chicken:
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless, cut into small pieces for quick frying.
- All-Purpose Flour + Cornstarch: The combo ensures light, crispy results.
- Buttermilk + Egg: Forms a tangy, tenderizing batter that clings to the chicken.
- Garlic Powder & Smoked Paprika: Infuse the batter with savory warmth.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: The secret to that extra crunch.
- Vegetable Oil: Ideal for shallow frying without overpowering the flavors.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken (With Buttermilk Breading)
Crispy Chicken Meets Spicy-Sweet Sauce
- Whisk the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and refrigerate until serving. - Prepare the Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, buttermilk, hot sauce, and egg until you get a smooth batter. - Coat the Chicken
Toss the chicken pieces in the batter, making sure each one is fully coated. Set aside for a few minutes to absorb the flavor. - Bread with Panko
Pour the breadcrumbs into a separate bowl. Dip each batter-coated chicken piece into the Panko, pressing lightly so they stick. - Fry Until Golden
Heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches, 3 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. - Drain and Rest
Transfer the fried chicken to paper towels to soak up excess oil. Repeat with remaining pieces—don’t overcrowd the pan! - Drizzle with Sauce
Arrange chicken on a plate and generously drizzle with that chilled bang bang sauce.
Bang Bang Chicken Tips and Twists
Level up your Bang Bang Chicken game with these kitchen-tested tricks and creative add-ons.
Pro Tips:
- Use a thermometer: Chicken should reach 165°F internally.
- Chill the sauce: Cold sauce on hot chicken = irresistible contrast.
- Air fryer alternative: Spray coated chicken with oil and air fry at 390°F for 14 mins.
- Make extra sauce: It’s perfect for dipping fries or drizzling over bowls.
- Use chicken thighs for juicier bites.
Fun Variations:
- Bang Bang Tacos: Add chicken to tortillas with slaw and extra sauce.
- Shrimp Swap: Replace chicken with large shrimp for a seafood twist.
- Bang Bang Bowls: Serve over rice with avocado, cucumber, and green onions.
Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips
Keep your Bang Bang Chicken tasting fresh with these tips:
- Storage: Store chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat chicken in the oven at 375°F for 10 minutes to keep it crispy. Avoid microwaving if possible.
- Make-Ahead: Prep the sauce and batter in advance. Bread and fry chicken just before serving for the best crunch.
Serving Suggestions for Bang Bang Chicken
Here’s how to turn your Bang Bang Chicken into a mouthwatering meal:
- Over jasmine or coconut rice for a takeout-style dinner.
- In lettuce cups for a lighter, low-carb version.
- With Grilled Vegetables for balance and color.
- Next to Crispy Roasted Cauliflower for a crunchy veggie companion.
- With a glass of Refreshing Peach Lemonade to cool the heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make Bang Bang Chicken gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs, and make sure your sauces are labeled GF.
Q: What oil is best for frying?
A: Neutral oils like vegetable or canola are perfect—avoid olive oil due to its low smoke point.
Q: Is the sauce spicy?
A: Mild to medium heat. Reduce the sriracha if you’re heat-sensitive.
Q: Can I bake instead of fry?
A: You can bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes or air fry until golden.
Q: What if I don’t have buttermilk?
A: Mix 1 cup milk with 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice—let it sit for 5 minutes.
Enjoy Your Bang Bang Chicken
You just made crispy, saucy, unforgettable Bang Bang Chicken from scratch—way to go! With its crave-worthy crunch and creamy sauce, this dish is guaranteed to steal the spotlight at your dinner table. Whether you’re whipping it up for a cozy night in or impressing friends on the weekend, it’s always a crowd favorite. Keep this one in your weekly rotation—you’ll never get bored of the flavor!
Explore More Recipes You’ll Love
Want more bold and comforting meals? These are perfect companions to your Bang Bang Chicken:
- Try our Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta for another sauce lover’s dream.
- Need something fresh and vibrant? Our Grilled Chicken Wraps are quick and tasty.
- For a crispy snack or side, check out Crispy Amish Onion Fritters.
- And don’t miss our Chicken Alfredo Lasagna if you’re craving something creamy and filling.
Browse AbbysRecipes.com for hundreds of beginner-friendly ideas to keep your kitchen exciting and delicious.
Bang Bang Chicken Recipe with Crispy Buttermilk Coating
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce Frank’s recommended
- 1 tbsp sriracha hot sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into small pieces)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp sriracha hot sauce
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, salt, and pepper to make the sauce. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add buttermilk, hot sauce, and egg. Whisk until smooth.
- Add chicken pieces to the batter, toss to coat evenly, and set aside.
- Place Panko breadcrumbs in another bowl. Coat each chicken piece with breadcrumbs.
- Heat ½ inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches, 3 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat until all chicken is cooked.
- Drizzle with bang bang sauce before serving.