Bang Bang Chicken

The bold, creamy, sweet-heat sauce of this Bang Bang Chicken recipe will have everyone reaching for seconds—and thirds. Each bite features tender marinated chicken, double-coated in a crispy crust, then tossed in a crave-worthy blend of mayonnaise, chili sauce, and sriracha. Perfect as a party appetizer or an easy weeknight main, this dish brings restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen. Whether served with rice, wrapped in lettuce, or piled high on a platter, these crispy bites are irresistible. It’s comfort food with a kick and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every time.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 1 ½ cups cornstarch

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• ¼ cup sweet chili sauce

• 1 tablespoon sriracha

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar

Directions:

1. In a bowl, combine chicken cubes and buttermilk. Let marinate for 30 minutes.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cornstarch, flour, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper.

3. Remove chicken from the marinade and dredge in the dry flour mixture until well coated.

4. Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).

5. Fry chicken in batches for 4–6 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.

6. In a separate bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients until smooth.

7. Toss the fried chicken in the sauce until fully coated, or serve the sauce on the side for dipping.

8. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds, if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 525 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

The Origins and Popularity of Bang Bang Chicken

Bang Bang Chicken originally hails from Chinese cuisine, more specifically from Sichuan province. Traditionally, it was a cold shredded chicken dish dressed in a spicy sesame sauce, with its name reportedly coming from the “bang” sound made when the chicken was pounded apart with a wooden mallet. However, what most Western food lovers recognize today as “Bang Bang Chicken” has evolved into something entirely different: crispy, juicy fried chicken bites tossed in a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce that hits all the right flavor notes.

Popularized by American restaurants like Bonefish Grill and Asian-fusion chains, this modern Bang Bang Chicken has taken on a life of its own. It’s now a viral recipe, thanks to food bloggers, YouTubers, and social media foodies who can’t get enough of its addictive crunch and bold sauce. It’s a testament to how global palates have blended over time—mixing Asian ingredients with American frying techniques for a crave-worthy result.

Why This Bang Bang Chicken Recipe Is a Must-Try

This version of Bang Bang Chicken isn’t just trendy—it’s practical, delicious, and endlessly adaptable. The combination of crispy fried chicken and a well-balanced sauce makes this recipe incredibly satisfying. Unlike takeout, which can sometimes be soggy or overly greasy, homemade Bang Bang Chicken is freshly fried and tailored to your taste.

The marinated buttermilk chicken creates a tender bite on the inside, while the cornstarch-flour mix provides that essential crunch on the outside. The sauce is what really sets it apart: a mix of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey. It’s tangy, sweet, spicy, and creamy—an unforgettable flavor combo that coats each piece perfectly without overwhelming it.

You can serve it as an appetizer with toothpicks, make it the protein star in a rice or noodle bowl, wrap it in lettuce for a low-carb version, or pile it into sliders or wraps. Its versatility alone makes this recipe a winner for busy weeknights, game-day gatherings, or crowd-pleasing dinner parties.

Key Ingredients and What Makes Them Special

• Buttermilk: Not just a marinade—this adds flavor and tenderizes the chicken. Its acidity helps break down the protein, resulting in a juicy, melt-in-your-mouth interior.

• Cornstarch and Flour Mixture: The combo is the secret to the ultra-crispy coating. Cornstarch delivers that light, shattering crunch, while flour ensures the batter sticks beautifully.

• Sweet Chili Sauce: Adds that signature sweetness with a subtle spicy kick. It’s the backbone of the sauce.

• Sriracha: Brings the heat, balancing out the sweetness and creamy texture.

• Mayonnaise: Gives the sauce its creamy, rich base. When mixed with acidic and spicy elements, it creates a luscious coating that clings to the chicken bites.

Healthier Alternatives and Adjustments

While this recipe is unapologetically indulgent, there are ways to lighten it up without losing its soul. Air frying or oven-baking the chicken is an excellent alternative to deep frying. You still get a crisp coating—especially if you lightly spritz the chicken with oil before baking—without the extra calories from deep-frying.

For a lighter sauce, try using Greek yogurt or light mayo as a base. If you’re watching your sugar intake, opt for a low-sugar chili sauce or make your own from scratch. Want it spicier? Add more sriracha or a touch of crushed red pepper. Want it milder? Reduce the heat and add a bit more honey to mellow things out.

Perfect for Meal Prep and Entertaining

One of the best parts of this recipe is that you can prep it ahead of time. Marinate the chicken and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. The sauce can be made and stored separately in the refrigerator for up to a week. When you’re ready to serve, just coat and fry the chicken, toss it in the sauce, and you’re done.

If you’re entertaining, serve the chicken bites on skewers or a large platter with extra sauce for dipping. Add a sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds for color and flavor, and you’ve got an Instagram-worthy dish that guests will devour.

Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Approved

Despite the spicy reputation, Bang Bang Chicken can easily be made kid-friendly. Just reduce the sriracha or omit it altogether for a mild, sweet version of the sauce. The crispy texture and creamy dip-like coating are loved by kids, making this a great option for family dinners where both grown-ups and little ones can enjoy the same meal.

It’s also a fantastic choice for picky eaters or people who might be hesitant to try something labeled “spicy” or “Asian-fusion.” It delivers familiar fried chicken comfort with just enough twist to make it interesting.

Tips for Making It Restaurant-Worthy

Want your Bang Bang Chicken to look and taste like it came from a high-end restaurant?

• Double coat the chicken for extra crunch. Dip it in the flour mix, then back into buttermilk, and coat again.

• Use a thermometer when frying to ensure the oil stays at the right temperature (around 350°F). This helps avoid greasy or undercooked chicken.

• Serve immediately after tossing in the sauce for the best texture.

• Garnish with fresh herbs or chili flakes to elevate the presentation.

These small steps take only a few extra minutes but make a huge difference in the final result.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Chicken is more than just a trendy recipe—it’s a flavor-packed dish that bridges cultures and excites the palate with every bite. Whether you’re looking to impress guests, feed a hungry family, or treat yourself to something satisfying and bold, this recipe delivers every time. Its crispy texture, addictive sauce, and customizable nature make it a go-to dish for home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Add this one to your regular meal rotation—you won’t regret it.