Easy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe: Spicy, Creamy, and Irresistible!

Bang Bang Chicken is a vibrant and tantalizing dish that hails from the Sichuan province of China.

This dish features tender chicken pieces covered in a spicy and creamy sauce that excites the taste buds.

The unique name comes from an old method where the chicken was pounded with a stick to make it tender.

Known for its bold flavors, Sichuan cuisine shines through this fiery recipe.

The sauce offers a mix of heat, sweetness, and creaminess, making it perfect for those who love exciting flavors.

Both restaurants and home kitchens have made this dish popular worldwide in Chinese-inspired meals.

What Goes Great With Bang Bang Chicken

• Crisp Cucumber Salad Companion: Slice cucumbers into thin rounds and toss with rice vinegar, fresh dill, and a pinch of salt for a cool, refreshing side that balances the spicy chicken.
• Zesty Slaw Sidekick: Shred green cabbage and carrots, then dress with a tangy mixture of Greek yogurt, lime juice, and chopped cilantro to provide a crunchy counterpoint to the crispy chicken.
• Tropical Beer Pairing: Reach for a light wheat beer like Hefeweizen or a citrusy pale ale that cuts through the richness of the Bang Bang Chicken and complements its spicy-sweet sauce.
• Creamy Ranch Drizzle: Mix the remaining sauce with ranch dressing for an extra dipping option that amplifies the chicken's creamy, spicy flavor profile.

Ways To Change Up Bang Bang Chicken

• Gluten-Free Crispy Chicken: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free corn flakes or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version. Use cornstarch as a coating alternative.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap buttermilk with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk. Use egg-free mayonnaise substitute and plant-based oil for coating.
• Spicy Lime Chicken Variation: Increase sriracha amount and add fresh lime zest to the sauce. Incorporate chopped jalapeños into the breadcrumb mixture for extra heat.
• Air Fryer Version: Cook chicken in air fryer at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway. Skip baking sheet and use air fryer basket for crispier texture.

Bang Bang Chicken FAQ

• What makes the breading crispy?

The combination of cornstarch, buttermilk egg wash, and seasoned breadcrumbs creates a crispy exterior. The olive oil in the breadcrumb mixture helps achieve golden-brown crunchiness, while baking at high heat ensures a perfect texture.

• Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

While buttermilk provides tanginess and helps tenderize the chicken, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes before using to mimic buttermilk’s consistency and tenderizing properties.

• How spicy is the sauce?

The sauce has a mild to moderate heat level due to sriracha and sweet chili sauce. You can adjust the spiciness by reducing or increasing the amount of sriracha to suit your personal heat tolerance. Start with less and add more if desired.

• Is this recipe gluten-free friendly?

To make it gluten-free, replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Also, ensure all sauce ingredients are certified gluten-free before preparing the recipe.

Why Bang Bang Chicken Is So Addicting

• Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: This bang bang chicken recipe requires simple ingredients and basic kitchen skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all experience levels.
• Speedy Weeknight Wonder: From start to finish, the entire dish takes less than 45 minutes, ideal for busy families needing a fast and satisfying meal.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: The crispy breading and tangy-sweet sauce create an irresistible combination that appeals to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table will be happy.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adjust spice levels by modifying sriracha amount, making it adaptable for different taste preferences and dietary needs.

Everything You Need For Bang Bang Chicken

• Chicken: Tender meat that forms the main protein of the dish, boneless and skinless for easy preparation.

Chicken Benefits: Lean protein, versatile for various cooking methods.

Chicken Notes: Choose fresh, high-quality chicken breasts or tenderloins.

• Cornstarch, Breadcrumbs: Create a crispy, golden exterior for the chicken.
• Buttermilk, Eggs: Help breading adhere and add moisture to the chicken.

Breading Notes: Use plain breadcrumbs for consistent texture, ensure fresh ingredients.

• Mayonnaise, Sweet Chili Sauce, Sriracha: Provide a creamy, sweet, and spicy flavor profile.
• Honey, Lime Juice: Balance and enhance the sauce's overall taste.
• Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika: Add depth and complexity to the seasoning.

Sauce Notes: Adjust spice levels to personal preference, use fresh lime juice for best flavor.

Seasoning Notes: Choose high-quality spices for maximum flavor impact.

• Olive Oil: Helps bind breadcrumbs and adds a subtle richness.

Olive Oil Notes: Use extra virgin olive oil for best taste.

Easy Directions For Bang Bang Chicken

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 400°F and grab a baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Whip Up the Flavor Explosion

• Creamy mayonnaise
• Sweet chili sauce
• Fiery sriracha
• Golden honey
• Zesty lime juice

Stash the sauce in the refrigerator to let the flavors mingle.

Step 3: Create Breading Stations

Set up three bowls for the ultimate coating adventure:

First Bowl: Pure cornstarch

Second Bowl: Magical egg mixture

• Buttermilk
• Eggs
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Ground pepper

Third Bowl: Crispy coating

• Breadcrumbs
• Paprika
• Remaining salt
• Garlic powder
• Pepper
• Olive oil (mix thoroughly)

Step 4: Transform Chicken into Crispy Goodness

Take each chicken piece on a flavor journey:

Dunk into cornstarch and shake off excess

Dive into egg mixture

Roll in breadcrumb mixture

Carefully place on prepared baking sheet

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven

Cook for 18-20 minutes

Look for golden crispiness

Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F

Step 6: Sauce It Up

Pull chicken from the oven

Transfer to a mixing bowl

Coat generously with half the prepared sauce

Step 7: Serve and Devour

Plate your crispy, saucy creation

Grab extra sauce for dipping

Enjoy the flavor explosion!

Tips To Improve Bang Bang Chicken

• Prevent Soggy Breading: Pat chicken pieces completely dry before coating to ensure maximum crispiness and better breading adhesion.
• Control Spice Level: Adjust sriracha quantity based on personal heat tolerance, adding gradually to customize sauce intensity.
• Maximize Coating Effectiveness: Use one hand for dry ingredients and another for wet ingredients during breading to keep your hands clean and ensure even coverage.
• Maintain Chicken Moisture: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to help retain internal juices and prevent dryness.
• Alternative Cooking Method: For extra crunch, consider air frying at 375°F for 12-15 minutes if you prefer a quicker cooking technique.

How To Store And Reheat Bang Bang Chicken

• Refrigerate: Store leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen chicken maintains quality for up to 2 months.
• Reheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F, spread chicken on a baking sheet, and warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through. Drizzle extra sauce to prevent dryness.
• Microwave Caution: Reheat in short 30-second intervals, turning pieces halfway to ensure even warming and prevent rubbery texture. Add a splash of sauce to maintain moisture.

Sizzling Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Chinese street food delight Bang Bang Chicken brings spicy, tangy sensations to your palate. Crispy chicken drizzled with creamy sesame sauce promises a mouthwatering journey through authentic regional flavors, beckoning you to savor each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Coating Ingredients:

• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 eggs
• ⅓ cup cornstarch
• 3 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 1.5 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 3 tablespoons olive oil

Bang Bang Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• ⅓ cup sweet chili sauce
• 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce
• 1.5 tablespoons honey
• 0.5 lime, juiced (about 1 tablespoon)

Serving Optional:

• Chopped green onions
• Cooked rice

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Instructions

1. Arrange the kitchen workspace with an oven-safe baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and preheat the oven to a precise 400°F temperature for optimal chicken crispiness.
2. Craft a vibrant sauce by whisking mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and fresh lime juice in a medium mixing bowl. Refrigerate the sauce to allow flavors to meld and intensify.
3. Establish three distinct breading stations: first, a cornstarch station for initial coating; second, a liquid mixture combining buttermilk, eggs, salt, garlic powder, and pepper; third, a seasoned breadcrumb station enhanced with paprika, remaining spices, and a touch of olive oil for extra crunch.
4. Transform each chicken piece by first dusting with cornstarch, ensuring a light, even layer that promotes crisp exterior. Submerge the coated chicken into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip, then generously coat with the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Arrange the breaded chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining spacing to ensure even heat circulation and crispy edges. Bake for 18-20 minutes, monitoring internal temperature until it reaches a safe 165°F and the exterior achieves a golden, crunchy finish.
6. Once baked, immediately transfer the hot chicken to a mixing bowl and drizzle with half the prepared sauce, gently tossing to ensure complete and uniform coating.
7. Present the sauced chicken on a serving platter, accompanied by the remaining sauce for additional dipping, creating a dynamic and flavorful dining experience.

Notes

• Ensure chicken pieces are uniform in size for even cooking and consistent crispiness.
• Pat chicken dry before breading to help coating adhere better and create a crunchier exterior.
• Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches safe internal temperature without overcooking.
• Gluten-free adaptation can be achieved by substituting breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed rice crackers.
• Store leftover sauce separately to maintain

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 130mg