Golden, crispy chicken tossed in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce — Bang Bang Chicken is everything you crave in one irresistible bite. This crowd-pleasing dish features crunchy tenders coated in a Thai-inspired chili mayo glaze that hits all the right notes of heat, tang, and flavor. Whether you’re looking for a party appetizer or a standout weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers serious flavor without the fuss.

It’s one of those dishes that disappears the moment it hits the table. From the addictive crunch of the chicken to the bold, creamy bang bang sauce that clings to every bite, this is comfort food with a spicy twist you won’t forget. And yes, it’s way better than any takeout version — and easier to make than you think.
Why You’ll Love T
his Bang Bang Chicken
- Ultra crispy exterior with a tender, juicy center
- That famous sweet-spicy sauce everyone loves
- A total showstopper for dinner, parties, or game day
- Easy to prepare with pantry ingredients
- Delicious served hot or cold
What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the secret to ultra juicy Bang Bang Chicken, but chicken breasts work beautifully too. Cut them into even-sized pieces or strips for consistent cooking. You can even swap in chicken tenders for convenience. Want to make it lighter? Air fry or bake instead of deep frying.
Ingredients for the Bang Bang Chicken
The key to the bold flavor of Bang Bang Chicken lies in the balance between crispy coating and tangy-sweet sauce. Each ingredient plays a role in making this dish unforgettable:
- Chicken thighs or breasts – juicy and tender base for the dish
- Buttermilk – tenderizes the chicken while helping the breading stick
- Cornstarch + flour – creates the ultra crispy crust
- Garlic powder & smoked paprika – boost the flavor of the coating
- Salt & pepper – essential seasoning
- Eggs – bind the breading for an even coat
- Oil for frying – neutral oil like canola or vegetable works best
- Mayonnaise – base of the bang bang sauce
- Sweet chili sauce – brings sweetness and mild heat
- Sriracha or hot sauce – adds the spicy punch
- Honey (optional) – for a touch of extra sweetness
- Lime juice – brightens and balances the sauce
How To Make the Bang Bang Chicken
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces or strips. Place in a bowl with buttermilk, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best results).
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
In one bowl, whisk eggs. In another, mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture, dip in eggs, and then back in the flour. Press to coat well.
Step 3: Fry to Crispy Perfection
Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
Step 4: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, and honey (if using). Adjust spice to taste.
Step 5: Toss and Serve
Toss crispy chicken with the sauce or drizzle it on top before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.

How to Serve and Store Bang Bang Chicken
Bang Bang Chicken is best enjoyed hot and crispy, straight after it’s tossed with the sauce. It feeds around 4 people generously, making it perfect for family dinners or appetizers at gatherings.
If you have leftovers, store the chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers. Reheat chicken in the oven or air fryer to keep it crispy, and add sauce right before serving.
What to Serve With Bang Bang Chicken?
1. Coconut Rice
The sweetness of coconut rice pairs perfectly with the spicy chicken.
2. Asian Slaw
Crunchy, tangy slaw balances the creamy sauce.
3. Lettuce Wraps
For a lighter twist, serve in butter lettuce cups.
4. Garlic Noodles
Savory and buttery noodles complement every bite.
5. Steamed Broccoli
Add some greens and balance the richness.
6. Sweet Potato Fries
Another layer of crunch with a bit of sweetness.
7. Mango Avocado Salad
Fruity and refreshing to cool the heat.
8. Fried Rice
Classic, filling, and always welcome with crispy chicken.
Want More Chicken Ideas?
If this Bang Bang Chicken became your new favorite, wait until you try these other flavor-packed chicken dishes:
- Spicy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders
- Lemon Garlic Chicken Skewers
- Sticky Soy Chicken Wings
- Creamy Tuscan Chicken Thighs
- Korean BBQ Chicken Bites
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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go extra spicy or keep it mild? Serve it with noodles or wrapped in lettuce?
I love seeing how you make these dishes your own. Ask away if you have questions—let’s cook better together.
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Bang Bang Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Turn up the heat with this crispy, saucy Bang Bang Chicken that delivers bold flavor in every bite. Perfectly golden fried chicken is tossed in a creamy, spicy-sweet chili sauce that’s irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re serving it for a quick weeknight dinner, as a game-day snack, or part of your favorite dinner ideas, this easy recipe is guaranteed to impress. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s your go-to option when you’re craving food ideas that combine comfort and a little kick. Ideal for both quick meals and indulgent weekends, this recipe fits a variety of easy dinner or snack needs.
Ingredients
500g chicken thighs or breasts
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 eggs
Oil for frying
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha
1 teaspoon lime juice
1 teaspoon honey (optional)
Instructions
1. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and marinate with buttermilk, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes.
2. In a bowl, whisk eggs. In another, mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Dredge chicken in flour mix, dip in eggs, then back into the flour mix, pressing to coat well.
4. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes until golden and cooked through.
5. In a bowl, mix mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, and honey.
6. Toss the fried chicken in the sauce or drizzle it on top before serving.
Notes
Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to ensure crispiness.
For a lighter option, air fry the chicken and add the sauce after cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 26g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: crispy chicken, bang bang sauce, easy dinner, party food, chicken bites
