Juicy, crispy, and coated in a creamy, spicy sauce—Bang Bang Chicken is your ticket to instant comfort. This beloved dish combines crispy chicken bites with a luscious, mildly fiery sauce that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and spicy. Ideal for weeknight dinners or game day snacks, it never fails to satisfy a crowd.

What makes Bang Bang Chicken so crave-worthy is that unmistakable sauce. It’s creamy with a punch of chili heat and a subtle sweetness that clings to every bite. Pair it with rice, stuff it into wraps, or serve it as an appetizer—either way, expect an empty plate every time.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breast is the classic choice for Bang Bang Chicken. It cooks quickly, stays tender when breaded and fried, and provides a neutral canvas that soaks up all the saucy goodness. Chicken thighs can also be used for extra juiciness if preferred.

Ingredients for the Bang Bang Chicken

Chicken Breast – Cut into bite-sized chunks, this is the base for that crispy golden bite.

Cornstarch – Essential for that ultra-crispy coating. It forms a delicate crust when fried.

Buttermilk – Helps tenderize the chicken and allows the coating to stick better.

Mayonnaise – The creamy base of the Bang Bang sauce.

Sweet Chili Sauce – Adds the characteristic sweet and spicy flavor to the sauce.

Sriracha – For a bold, spicy kick that wakes up the palate.

Honey – Adds a gentle sweetness that balances out the heat.

Green Onions – For a fresh garnish and subtle bite.

How To Make the Bang Bang Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by cutting your boneless chicken breasts into uniform bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking and a good sauce-to-chicken ratio in every bite. Soak them in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This not only tenderizes the chicken but also helps the coating stick better.

Step 2: Coat for Crispiness

In a shallow bowl, add cornstarch. Remove chicken from the buttermilk and dredge each piece thoroughly in the cornstarch until fully coated. Shake off any excess.

Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot (about 350°F or 175°C), fry the coated chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.

Step 4: Mix the Bang Bang Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey. Taste and adjust the heat or sweetness as preferred.

Step 5: Toss and Garnish

Toss the crispy chicken pieces in the Bang Bang sauce until evenly coated. Garnish with chopped green onions just before serving.

How to Serve and Store Bang Bang Chicken

Serve Bang Bang Chicken hot and fresh for the best crunch. It pairs well with jasmine rice, lettuce wraps, or even on top of a fresh salad for a spicy protein kick. If you’re hosting, serve them skewered as finger food with extra sauce on the side.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crust crunchy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is Bang Bang Chicken?

The heat level is moderate but adjustable. Reduce or omit sriracha for a milder version, or add more if you enjoy intense spice.

Can I bake or air fry the chicken instead?

Yes! For a lighter version, air fry at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes or bake at the same temperature for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Definitely. The Bang Bang sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

What kind of oil should I use for frying?

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like canola, vegetable, or peanut oil.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Only if you ensure all the ingredients used (especially the chili sauce and sriracha) are certified gluten-free. Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

You might also like the Air Fryer Crispy Honey Sriracha Chicken Bites, perfect for a quick, spicy-sweet fix that doesn’t need deep frying. Or try the Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sub for a hearty sandwich option packed with savory flavor.

If you’re in the mood for comfort, the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a dreamy, saucy dinner that brings a little Southern heat to the table. Or try the Savory Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken Thighs for a herby, oven-baked classic.

For something hearty and a little nostalgic, check out the One-Pot Spicy BBQ Chicken Cheeseburger Pasta—a fusion dish that satisfies on every level.

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If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you go extra spicy? Did you serve it with rice or in wraps? Leave a comment below. I’m always curious how others bring it to the table.

Bang Bang Chicken

Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Crispy, juicy chicken bites tossed in a creamy, sweet and spicy Bang Bang sauce. This dish is quick to prepare and perfect for weeknight meals or party appetizers. Serve with rice, wraps, or on their own for a flavorful bite every time.

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup cornstarch

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup sweet chili sauce

1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)

1 tablespoon honey

2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)

Oil for frying (canola or vegetable)

Instructions

Soak chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
Dredge chicken in cornstarch, coating each piece thoroughly.
Heat oil in a pan to 350°F (175°C) and fry chicken in batches until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Drain on paper towels.
In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey to make the Bang Bang sauce.
Toss the fried chicken in the sauce until well coated.
Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot

Prep Time: 35 minutes (including marinating)
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dinner