Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bite Recipe

Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe That Delivers Bold Asian Flavors

Crispy bang bang chicken combines bold flavors with an addictive crunch that makes it a standout choice for any meal occasion.

The dish provides restaurant-worthy appeal right from a home kitchen, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.

Its popularity stems from the satisfying contrast of textures and the well-balanced taste profile that appeals to a wide range of palates.

Once you take that first bite, the combination hooks you instantly.

The preparation stays surprisingly straightforward despite the impressive final result.

This recipe works beautifully as an appetizer or main course depending on how you serve it.

A Thrilling Sweet-Chili Fire Inside Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

  • Weeknight Dinner Solution: This crispy chicken recipe rescues your dinner when ordinary meals feel boring, delivering restaurant-quality flavor right at your kitchen counter.
  • Quick Family Crowd-Pleaser: Your whole family will devour these spicy, crunchy chicken bites faster than you can set the table, making mealtime exciting and stress-free.
  • Impressive Party Starter: Serve these bang bang chicken pieces at game day gatherings or casual get-togethers, and watch guests go crazy over the perfect blend of crunch and heat.
  • Customizable Flavor Adventure: With simple sauce adjustments, your chicken can range from mild to wildly spicy, letting personal taste preferences shine through each delicious bite.

Crispy Coating Chicken And Creamy Spicy Sauce Breakdown

Crispy Coating Chicken And Creamy Spicy Sauce Breakdown
Main Protein:
  • 2 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Tender white meat that transforms into crispy, bite-sized pieces perfect for a delicious meal.
Coating Ingredients:
  • ½ Cup Cornstarch, ½ Cup All-Purpose Flour: Create a light, crispy exterior that helps seal in your chicken’s moisture and provides incredible crunch.
  • 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder, 1 Teaspoon Paprika: Infuse your coating with warm, savory flavors that elevate the entire dish.
  • ½ Teaspoon Salt, ½ Teaspoon Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste profile.
Liquid Coating Components:
  • 1 Large Egg, ½ Cup Buttermilk: Helps bind the dry ingredients to your chicken, ensuring a smooth, even coating that sticks perfectly during frying.
Frying Component:
  • Vegetable Oil: Your key to achieving golden, crispy chicken that’s crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Heat to 350°F (175°C) for best results.
Bang Bang Sauce Ingredients:
  • ½ Cup Mayonnaise, ¼ Cup Sweet Chili Sauce, 1 Tablespoon Sriracha Sauce, 1 Tablespoon Honey, 1 Teaspoon Lime Juice: Combine to create a creamy, spicy, slightly sweet sauce that brings explosive flavor to your crispy chicken.

Sheet Pans Bowls and Tools for Bang Bang Chicken

  • Deep Frying Pan (12-inch): A sturdy, wide pan with tall sides that lets you safely fry your chicken without oil splattering everywhere.
  • Wire Rack: Perfect for draining excess oil from your crispy chicken pieces and keeping them crunchy.
  • Large Mixing Bowls (2, medium-sized): One for your dry flour mixture, another for your wet buttermilk mixture, helping you keep your coating process organized.
  • Whisk: Essential for blending your Bang Bang sauce ingredients smoothly and combining your egg and buttermilk without lumps.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements guarantee consistent flavor every time you make this dish.
  • Tongs: Your best friend for safely transferring chicken in and out of hot oil without burning yourself.
  • Thermometer (digital): Helps you maintain the exact 350F oil temperature for perfectly crispy chicken.
  • Paper Towels: Great for absorbing extra oil from your fried chicken pieces.
  • Cutting Board: A solid surface for cutting chicken into those perfect bite-sized cubes.
  • Sharp Chef’s Knife: Needed to slice chicken quickly and evenly.

Approach to the Coat, Bake, and Toss Bang Bang Chicken Path

Approach to the Coat, Bake, and Toss Bang Bang Chicken Path
1

Prepare Chicken Coating

Grab a mixing bowl and combine these dry ingredients for your crispy coating:

  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

In another bowl, whisk together 1 large egg and 1/2 cup buttermilk until well blended. Cut 2 boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces about 1-inch square.

2

Coat Chicken Pieces

Dunk each chicken piece into the buttermilk mixture, then thoroughly coat it in the seasoned flour blend.

Press the coating firmly so it sticks well to every surface of the chicken. Let the coated pieces rest on a clean plate for 5 minutes to help the coating set.

3

Heat Cooking Oil

Pour vegetable oil into a deep frying pan, filling it about 2 inches deep. Heat the oil to exactly 350°F (175°C) using a cooking thermometer to check the temperature precisely.

4

Fry Chicken Pieces

Carefully drop chicken pieces into the hot oil, working in small batches to prevent overcrowding.

Fry each batch for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the pieces turn a deep golden brown.

The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure they’re fully cooked.

5

Prepare Bang Bang Sauce

Whisk together these sauce ingredients in a medium bowl:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice

Blend until the sauce is smooth and well combined.

6

Final Serving

Remove chicken from oil and let drain on a wire rack or paper towels.

Either toss the crispy pieces directly in the sauce or serve the sauce separately for dipping.

Sprinkle with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Crunch Holding Tips for Sauced Chicken

  • Getting the oil to exactly 350F creates that perfect golden, crispy exterior without burning your chicken.
  • Press the flour mixture firmly into each chicken piece, ensuring every nook gets a crunchy layer of deliciousness.
  • Never overcrowd the pan – give each chicken piece space to crisp up evenly and maintain that gorgeous golden color.
  • Whisk the Bang Bang sauce ingredients until super smooth, which helps coat the chicken more evenly and creates a perfect flavor balance.
  • Toss the hot chicken in sauce right before serving to keep the crispy texture intact, or let your guests dip for maximum crunch control.

Spicy Poultry Redesigns For Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

  • Gluten-Free Crispy Chicken: Swap wheat flour with almond or rice flour for a celiac-friendly version that keeps the crunch and flavor.
  • Baked Instead of Fried: Cut oil and calories by placing coated chicken on a baking sheet and roasting at 425F for 20 minutes, turning halfway through.
  • Low-Carb Protein Option: Replace cornstarch and flour with crushed pork rinds or protein powder for a keto-friendly crispy coating that tastes amazing.
  • Vegan Chicken Alternative: Use firm tofu or cauliflower florets instead of chicken, coating and cooking with the same method for a plant-based bang bang experience.

Spicy Zesty Appetizer Layouts For Bang Bang Chicken

  • Sauce It Up Your Way: Drizzle or dunk the crispy chicken into the Bang Bang sauce exactly how spicy and saucy your taste buds prefer.
  • Perfect Side Kick: Serve alongside steamed white rice or a crisp cucumber salad to balance the chicken’s bold flavors and crunchy texture.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Portions: Plan for about 3-4 chicken bites per person as an appetizer, or 6-8 bites if serving as a main course with sides.
  • Fresh Finishing Touch: Sprinkle chopped green onions or sesame seeds right before serving to add a pop of color and extra layer of flavor.

Crispy Zesty Poultry Quality Maintenance For Bang Bang Chicken

  • Refrigerate leftover chicken in an airtight container for 3-4 days, keeping the sauce separate to maintain crispiness.
  • Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 8-10 minutes to restore the original crunch, avoiding the microwave which will make the coating soggy.
  • Freeze uncoated chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months – perfect for quick future meals.
  • When ready to enjoy cold leftovers, let the chicken sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to take the chill off and restore better texture.

Bang Bang Chicken FAQs for Maximum Crunch and Spice

FAQ

What makes the coating so crispy?

The combination of cornstarch and flour creates an incredibly crunchy exterior that stays crisp even after saucing. Pressing the coating firmly onto each chicken piece helps lock in that perfect texture.

FAQ

Can I use different hot sauces in the Bang Bang sauce?

Absolutely! Swap sriracha for another hot sauce like cholula or frank’s red hot. The key is balancing heat with sweetness from the chili sauce and honey.

FAQ

How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches 165F internally. Golden brown color and crispy exterior are good indicators, but temperature confirms doneness.

FAQ

Is buttermilk necessary for this recipe?

Buttermilk helps tenderize chicken and creates a thicker coating. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar as a perfect substitute.

FAQ

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Coat chicken ahead and refrigerate before frying. Prepare sauce in advance too. Fry just before serving to maintain maximum crispiness.

FAQ

What if my oil isn’t exactly 350F?

Keep oil between 325-375F. Too low creates greasy chicken, while too high burns the exterior before cooking through.

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Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bite Recipe

Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bite Recipe


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4.6 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Bang Bang Chicken from Sichuan, China brings a seriously spicy party to your dinner table. Tender shredded chicken gets drowned in a crazy-good sauce that’ll make your taste buds dance with pure flavor excitement.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • Vegetable oil (for frying)

Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Sauce Ingredients:

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice

Instructions

  1. Grab a clean cutting board and slice 2 chicken breasts (about 454 grams) into uniform bite-sized pieces around 1-inch cubes for consistent cooking.
  2. Create your seasoned coating by combining 60 grams cornstarch, 60 grams all-purpose flour, 5 grams garlic powder, 5 grams paprika, 3 grams salt, and 3 grams black pepper in a medium mixing bowl.
  3. Whisk 1 large egg and 120 milliliters buttermilk together in a separate shallow dish until completely blended.
  4. Dunk each chicken piece into the buttermilk mixture, allowing excess liquid to drip off, then thoroughly coat with the seasoned flour blend.
  5. Press coating firmly onto chicken surfaces to ensure maximum crispiness and complete coverage.
  6. Let coated chicken rest for precisely 5 minutes while preparing your frying station.
  7. Pour 480 milliliters vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed pan, heating to exactly 175 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit) using a digital thermometer.
  8. Carefully lower chicken pieces into hot oil, maintaining 3-4 pieces per batch to prevent temperature drops.
  9. Fry chicken for 4-5 minutes, rotating occasionally, until exterior reaches deep golden brown and internal temperature hits 74 degrees Celsius (165 degrees Fahrenheit).
  10. Transfer fried chicken onto wire cooling rack to maintain crisp texture and drain excess oil.
  11. Whisk 120 milliliters mayonnaise, 60 milliliters sweet chili sauce, 15 milliliters sriracha, 15 milliliters honey, and 5 milliliters lime juice until sauce becomes smooth and glossy.
  12. Select your serving style: either fully coat chicken in sauce or serve sauce separately for individualized dipping preferences.
  13. Optionally garnish with finely chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds for additional flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Cornstarch creates an ultra-crispy coating that seals in moisture and prevents sogginess during frying.
  • Let the coated chicken rest before frying to help the breading adhere better and create a crunchier exterior.
  • Use a deep-fry or candy thermometer to maintain the precise oil temperature for consistent, golden-brown chicken without burning.
  • For a lighter version, bake the chicken at 425F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, which reduces oil but still delivers great crunch.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Chicken
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 680 kcal
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 850 mg
  • Fat: 40 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 40 g
  • Cholesterol: 130 mg
Susan Whitaker

Susan Whitaker

Content Specialist & Home Cooking Guide

Expertise

Family-friendly Meals, Simple Healthy Cooking, Ingredient Substitutions, Beginner-friendly Recipes, Flexible Meal Prep

Education

Saint Paul College
  • Program: Culinary Arts Diploma
  • Focus: Trained in a hands-on professional kitchen environment with coursework spanning core culinary technique, pastry, butchery, charcuterie, food safety, sanitation, restaurant operations, and the nutritional side of healthy cooking, with real-world practice tied to the college’s student-run restaurant.

Susan is the steady, practical guide at Mary Sue & Susan, bringing clarity, structure, and a warm sense of encouragement to every recipe she touches. Susan joined the site with a simple goal: help people cook with more confidence and less guesswork.

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