If you love crispy fried chicken with bold flavor, this Crispy Bang Bang Chicken recipe is about to become a new favorite. Bite-size pieces of juicy chicken are coated in a light, crunchy breading and fried until golden, then tossed in a creamy sweet chili bang bang sauce that delivers the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory.
This popular restaurant-style dish is surprisingly easy to make at home and comes together in about 25 minutes. The crispy texture paired with the signature bang bang sauce makes it perfect for appetizers, rice bowls, lettuce wraps, or an easy weeknight dinner. If you’re looking for a crispy bang bang chicken recipe that tastes better than takeout, this one checks all the boxes.
The combination of crunchy fried chicken and creamy sweet chili sauce is what makes bang bang chicken so addictive—and once you try it homemade, you may never order it at a restaurant again.
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
• Ultra Crispy Chicken – The flour and cornstarch coating creates a light, crunchy crust that stays crispy even after being tossed in the sauce.
• Sweet, Spicy, and Creamy Flavor – The classic bang bang sauce made with sweet chili sauce, mayonnaise, and sriracha delivers the perfect balance of sweetness, heat, and richness.
• Better Than Takeout – This homemade bang bang chicken recipe tastes just like the restaurant version but is fresher, crispier, and easy to make in your own kitchen.
• Quick and Easy Dinner – Ready in about 25 minutes, this crispy chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful and satisfying.
• Perfect for Many Meals – Serve bang bang chicken over rice bowls, noodles, lettuce wraps, or as a party appetizer for a crowd-pleasing dish.
• Family Friendly – You can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less sriracha to the bang bang sauce.
• Great for Meal Prep – The chicken reheats well in an air fryer or oven, making it great for leftovers or quick lunches.
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken (Sweet Chili Crispy Chicken Bites)
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Deep skillet or Dutch oven (for frying)
- Tongs or slotted spoon
- Paper towel–lined plate or wire rack
- Small bowl (for bang bang sauce)
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 lbs chicken breast cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
Crispy Coating
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp salt
Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha adjust to taste
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- For Frying
- vegetable oil for frying
Garnish
- chopped green onions
- sesame seeds
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
- Place chicken pieces in a bowl with buttermilk, salt, garlic powder, and pepper.
- Let sit 10–15 minutes.
Prepare the Coating
- In another bowl combine: flour, cornstarch, paprika, cayenne, and salt.
- Mix well.
- Bread the Chicken
- Remove chicken from buttermilk and dredge in the flour mixture.
- Press coating firmly onto each piece for extra crunch.
Fry
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken in batches for 4–5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer to a paper-towel lined plate.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce
- Whisk together: mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar.
Toss and Serve
- Drizzle or toss crispy chicken in the bang bang sauce.
- Top with green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Tips for the Crispiest Bang Bang Chicken
For the best results, use a combination of flour and cornstarch in the coating. Cornstarch creates a lighter and crunchier crust that mimics restaurant-style fried chicken. Make sure the oil stays around 350°F while frying so the chicken becomes golden and crispy without absorbing excess oil. Let the breaded chicken rest for a few minutes before frying to help the coating stick better and create an extra crispy texture.
What Is Bang Bang Chicken?
Bang Bang Chicken is a popular dish made with crispy fried chicken tossed in a creamy sweet chili sauce. The sauce typically combines mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a touch of sriracha to create a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. The dish became especially popular in American restaurants and is often served as an appetizer or over rice bowls.
What to Serve With Bang Bang Chicken
This crispy bang bang chicken pairs well with many sides. Try serving it with:
- Steamed jasmine rice
- Garlic noodles
- Asian cucumber salad
- Fried rice
- Lettuce wraps
- Roasted broccoli
You can also turn it into a bang bang chicken bowl with rice, shredded cabbage, avocado, and extra sauce.
Variations
You can easily customize this recipe depending on your preference.
Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken
Cook the breaded chicken in an air fryer at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Bang Bang Chicken Tacos
Serve the crispy chicken in tortillas with shredded cabbage and drizzle with extra bang bang sauce.
Bang Bang Chicken Rice Bowl
Serve the chicken over rice with vegetables and sesame seeds for a quick and satisfying meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is bang bang chicken made of?
Bang bang chicken is typically made with crispy fried chicken pieces tossed in a creamy sweet chili sauce. The sauce usually combines mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha to create the signature sweet, spicy, and savory flavor.
Why is it called bang bang chicken?
The name comes from a traditional Chinese dish where chicken was tenderized with wooden sticks, making a “bang” sound. The modern American version is known for crispy chicken tossed in a creamy sweet chili bang bang sauce.
Can I make crispy bang bang chicken in an air fryer?
Yes. To make air fryer bang bang chicken, cook the breaded chicken pieces at 400°F for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Toss the cooked chicken in bang bang sauce before serving.
How do I keep fried chicken crispy after adding the sauce?
For the crispiest results, drizzle the bang bang sauce over the chicken instead of fully tossing it. You can also serve the sauce on the side for dipping to keep the breading crunchy.
Can I make bang bang chicken less spicy?
Yes. Simply reduce or omit the sriracha in the sauce. The sweet chili sauce and mayonnaise still create a flavorful, creamy bang bang sauce without too much heat.
What is the best oil for frying bang bang chicken?
Neutral oils with a high smoke point work best, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil. These oils help create a golden crispy crust without affecting the flavor.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes. Chicken thighs work very well for bang bang chicken because they stay juicy and flavorful while frying.
What can I serve with bang bang chicken?
Bang bang chicken pairs well with steamed rice, fried rice, noodles, lettuce wraps, roasted vegetables, or cucumber salad for a complete meal.
🍗 More Chicken Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this Crispy Bang Bang Chicken, here are more bold and flavorful chicken recipes from SugarCloudBaking that feature crispy textures, rich sauces, and sweet-savory glazes.
Try the vibrant Pomegranate Glazed Chicken Thighs for a sweet, tangy dinner with a glossy jewel-colored glaze that caramelizes beautifully while roasting.
For smoky heat, the Honey Chipotle Chicken Skillet with a Sweet Smoky Glaze delivers bold flavor with a sticky honey-chipotle sauce that balances sweetness and spice in every bite.
If you love fruity sauces, the Strawberry Balsamic Glazed Chicken Thighs combine sweet berries with tangy balsamic for a rich gourmet-style glaze.
For a creamy tropical dinner, try Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken packed with bright citrus flavor and silky coconut sauce.
Craving crunchy comfort food? The Crispy Ranch Chicken Tenders Recipe makes a perfect family dinner or game-day appetizer with golden breading and ranch seasoning.
If you like spicy fried chicken, don’t miss Fiery Nashville Hot Fried Chicken with a Crunchy Southern Kick — a bold Southern classic with crispy crust and signature heat.
For a hearty sandwich option, the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatball Subs are loaded with juicy chicken meatballs, melted cheese, and savory garlic parmesan flavor.
And if you enjoy crispy chicken with glossy sauces like bang bang chicken, the Passionfruit Sticky Fried Chicken offers a tropical twist with a sweet-tangy glaze and crunchy fried chicken pieces.
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