Bang Bang Chicken

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Crispy, golden, and glazed with a sweet and spicy sauce — Bang Bang Chicken is the perfect balance of crunch and flavor. Each bite delivers a satisfying crackle followed by a creamy chili kick, making it ideal for casual dinners, game nights, or even as a show-stopping party platter. Whether you’re a spice lover or just crave something irresistible, this dish knows how to deliver.

The sauce alone is a reason to keep coming back — creamy mayo blended with chili garlic sauce, a touch of honey, and just enough acidity to balance it all. Combined with tender chicken that’s fried to perfection, Bang Bang Chicken isn’t just a meal, it’s a sensation.

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Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Chicken

This dish is incredibly flavorful with minimal prep time. It can be served as a hearty appetizer, a crowd-pleasing dinner, or even part of a lunch spread. The chicken stays crispy even after tossing in the sauce, and you can easily adjust the spice level to your liking.

What makes Bang Bang Chicken even more lovable is its versatility. Use chicken tenders, breast strips, or even thighs, and serve with rice, noodles, or fresh greens. It’s a flexible, flavor-packed favorite.

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What Makes Bang Bang Chicken So Addictive?

It’s all about the sauce and texture. The chicken is double-coated for extra crispiness, and the bang bang sauce brings creamy, spicy, and tangy elements all in one bite. Want to kick it up? Add chopped chili or drizzle extra sauce over the top. Curious about spice level or how to keep the chicken crispy? We’ll cover that in detail below.

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Ingredients for the Bang Bang Chicken

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in creating layers of flavor and the perfect crunch:

• Chicken tenders or breast strips – These provide juicy, tender bites that cook quickly and hold up well to frying and saucing.
• Cornstarch – Essential for giving the chicken its signature crisp exterior. It creates a lighter, crunchier coating than flour alone.
• Eggs – Help the cornstarch adhere to the chicken and ensure a golden-brown finish.
• Salt and pepper – Basic seasonings that enhance the chicken’s natural flavor.
• Oil for frying – Use a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil for deep frying to get a crispy result without overpowering flavors.
• Mayonnaise – The creamy base of the bang bang sauce.
• Sweet chili sauce – Adds sweetness and mild heat to balance the creaminess.
• Sriracha or chili garlic sauce – Provides an extra kick of heat and depth of flavor.
• Honey or sugar – Optional, but adds a nice balance of sweetness to the spicy sauce.
• Rice vinegar or lime juice – Adds acidity and brightness to the sauce.

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How To Make the Bang Bang Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha or chili garlic sauce, honey (if using), and rice vinegar or lime juice. Set aside. This can be made ahead and refrigerated.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

Season the chicken strips with salt and pepper. Dip each piece into beaten eggs, then dredge in cornstarch until fully coated. For extra crispiness, you can double dip: egg > cornstarch > egg > cornstarch.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Heat oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot (about 350°F), fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Toss and Serve

Place the fried chicken in a large bowl and drizzle the bang bang sauce over it. Gently toss to coat all pieces evenly. Garnish with chopped green onions, red chili flakes, or fresh herbs for added flavor and presentation.

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Serving and Storing Your Bang Bang Chicken

This recipe makes enough to feed 4 hungry people, perfect for a family meal or small gathering. Serve it immediately after tossing in the sauce for the crispiest, most satisfying experience. If you’re preparing in advance, keep the fried chicken and sauce separate until just before serving.

For leftovers, store the chicken and sauce in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in the oven or air fryer to bring back its crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy.

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What to Serve With Bang Bang Chicken?

1. Steamed Jasmine Rice

A fluffy bed of rice is perfect for soaking up extra bang bang sauce and balancing out the spice.

2. Garlic Noodles

Their savory, buttery flavor pairs incredibly well with the bold chicken.

3. Asian Slaw

Crunchy, tangy, and refreshing, it brings contrast and brightness to the rich chicken.

4. Stir-Fried Vegetables

Lightly sautéed bok choy, broccoli, or snap peas add color and nutrients.

5. Crispy Spring Rolls

These make a great textural companion and keep the appetizer feel going.

6. Sweet Potato Fries

A slightly sweet side dish that balances the spicy tang of the chicken.

7. Cucumber Salad

Cool and refreshing with a hint of sesame, it’s a great palate cleanser.

8. Chili Garlic Edamame

Tossed in chili oil and garlic, this protein-packed snack adds heat and crunch.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I bake or air fry the chicken instead of deep frying?

Yes! To bake, preheat your oven to 425°F, place the coated chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet, and spray with oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. For air frying, cook at 375°F for 12-15 minutes. It won’t be quite as crispy, but still delicious.

2. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely. The bang bang sauce can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Stir well before using.

3. Is this dish very spicy?

It has a medium kick. You can control the heat by adjusting the amount of sriracha or chili garlic sauce. For a mild version, reduce the spicy ingredients and increase the mayo or sweet chili sauce.

4. Can I use a different protein?

Yes! Shrimp, tofu, or cauliflower can be substituted using the same coating and sauce. It’s a great way to make it vegetarian or pescatarian-friendly.

5. How do I keep the chicken crispy after saucing?

Toss the chicken in the sauce just before serving. You can also serve the sauce on the side for dipping if you’re worried about sogginess.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go the extra crispy route or keep it simple? Maybe you added a twist?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other cook smarter.

Looking for more bold and delicious recipes like this? Follow me on Pinterest at Life With Livia where I share fresh and fun food ideas daily!

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Conclusion

Bang Bang Chicken is more than just a viral sensation—it’s a crave-worthy, crowd-pleasing dish that brings bold flavor with every bite. The crisp chicken, creamy spicy sauce, and endless serving options make it a true weeknight hero or party favorite. Try it once, and it might just become your new go-to easy dinner idea.

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