Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Buttermilk Recipe

Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe with Spicy Sweet Sauce

Craving a bang bang chicken that sparks excitement at your dinner table? Prepare for a flavor explosion that will revolutionize your meal experience.

Saucy, crispy, and utterly addictive, this recipe promises pure deliciousness from the first bite.

Southwestern-inspired notes dance alongside creamy and spicy undertones, creating a seriously memorable dish.

Comfort food meets gourmet excitement in this crowd-pleasing favorite that transcends ordinary chicken recipes.

Simple ingredients come together to craft something extraordinary, guaranteed to impress family and friends.

Hungry diners will find themselves returning for second helpings of this sensational meal.

Best Reasons to Try Bang Bang Chicken

  • Quick Kitchen Win: This recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a crispy, flavor-packed meal that makes dinner feel like a special occasion without complicated techniques.
  • Crowd-Pleaser Potential: Your family and friends will absolutely devour these spicy, crunchy chicken bites that pack a perfect balance of heat and sweetness from the Bang Bang sauce.
  • Flexible Flavor Adventure: You can easily adjust the spice level by changing the sriracha amount, making this dish adaptable for different taste preferences around your table.
  • Super Simple Technique: Even novice cooks can nail this recipe with basic ingredients and straightforward steps that guarantee delicious results every single time.

Bang Bang Chicken Ingredient List

Chicken Base:
  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (1 pound): Fresh chicken that creates the crispy foundation of your spicy dish. Select high-quality breasts for the best texture and flavor.
  • Buttermilk (1 cup): A tangy marinade that helps tenderize your chicken and adds delicious moisture before cooking.
Chicken Coating:
  • All-Purpose Flour (1 cup): The perfect base for creating a golden, crunchy exterior on your chicken.
  • Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon), Onion Powder (1 teaspoon), Paprika (1 teaspoon): Seasoning blend that adds deep, savory flavor to your crispy coating.
  • Salt (1/2 teaspoon), Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste profile.
Frying Ingredient:
  • Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil needed for achieving that perfect deep-fried crispiness.
Bang Bang Sauce Components:
  • Mayonnaise (1/2 cup), Sweet Chili Sauce (1/4 cup): Creamy and sweet base for your signature sauce.
  • Sriracha (1 tablespoon): Adds a spicy kick that makes the sauce exciting.
  • Lime Juice (1 teaspoon), Honey (1 teaspoon): Bright citrus and sweet notes that balance the sauce’s flavor.

Handy Kitchen Tools for Bang Bang Chicken

  • Large Mixing Bowl (4-quart): Perfect for marinating your chicken in buttermilk and keeping everything neat and tidy.
  • Deep Skillet or Heavy-Bottom Pan (12-inch): Essential for getting that perfect golden crispy exterior on your chicken without burning.
  • Whisk (10-inch): Great for smoothly blending your Bang Bang sauce ingredients and creating a silky, well-mixed coating.
  • Tongs (12-inch): Helps safely move chicken pieces in and out of hot oil without splashing or burning yourself.
  • Thermometer (Digital): Ensures your oil stays at the right temperature for consistent, crispy chicken every time.
  • Cooling Rack: Lets excess oil drip off your fried chicken, keeping the crispy coating nice and crunchy.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helps you get precise measurements for your flour coating and sauce ingredients.
  • Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for preparing your chicken and chopping green onion garnishes.

How Do You Prepare Bang Bang Chicken

How Do You Prepare Bang Bang Chicken
1

Soak Chicken

Take 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts and submerge them completely in 1 cup buttermilk. Let them relax in the refrigerator for 30-45 minutes while the flavors mingle and tenderize your meat.

2

Create Crispy Coating

Grab a wide bowl and mix your dry ingredients for the perfect crunch:

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

Whisk everything together until your coating looks evenly blended.

3

Prepare Bang Bang Sauce

Combine sauce ingredients in a separate bowl, stirring until smooth:

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

Taste and adjust spiciness as needed.

4

Coat Chicken

Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Roll each piece thoroughly in your seasoned flour mixture, ensuring every inch gets covered.

5

Heat Oil

Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet, bringing the temperature to exactly 350°F. Use a thermometer to check accuracy.

6

Fry Chicken

Carefully lower coated chicken pieces into hot oil. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side until the exterior turns golden brown and crispy.

7

Sauce and Serve

Transfer fried chicken to a clean bowl. Pour Bang Bang sauce over chicken and gently toss until each piece gets a beautiful, even coating. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

How Do You Get The Best Results With Bang Bang Chicken

  • Soak your chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and add rich flavor before cooking.
  • Whisk the Bang Bang sauce ingredients together until smooth, adjusting heat and sweetness to match your taste preferences.
  • Mix your dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure every inch of chicken gets a crispy, seasoned exterior when fried.
  • Check your oil temperature with a thermometer to guarantee perfectly crispy chicken without burning or undercooking.
  • Let the fried chicken rest briefly on a wire rack to maintain crispiness before tossing in the zesty Bang Bang sauce.

What Other Variations Work For Bang Bang Chicken

  • Gluten-Free Chicken: Swap all-purpose flour with almond or rice flour to make the recipe safe for anyone avoiding gluten. Your coating will still get super crispy and golden.
  • Lighter Baked Version: Skip the deep frying and bake chicken pieces at 425°F on a wire rack for 20-25 minutes. Spray with cooking oil to help achieve that crispy exterior your taste buds crave.
  • Spicy Level Adjustment: Replace sriracha with chipotle sauce or adjust the amount to control heat. Add more or less depending on how much fire your palate can handle.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute buttermilk with coconut milk or almond milk for marinating. Your chicken will stay tender and flavorful without traditional dairy ingredients.

What Goes Well With Bang Bang Chicken

  • Perfect Side Dish: Serve this crispy chicken over fluffy white rice or beside a cool cucumber salad to balance the spicy sauce.
  • Smart Sauce Tip: Drizzle extra Bang Bang sauce on top or serve it in a small dipping bowl so friends can adjust their heat level.
  • Drink Pairing: Grab a cold beer or a crisp white wine like Riesling to cool down the zesty sauce’s kick.
  • Garnish Trick: Sprinkle fresh chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top for a burst of color and extra crunch that makes your plate look restaurant-worthy.

Storage Notes For Bang Bang Chicken

  • Stash leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in your refrigerator where it’ll stay tasty for 3-4 days. Cold chicken can still be delicious!
  • Store your Bang Bang sauce separately in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to a week, so your chicken stays crispy when you’re ready to reheat.
  • Freeze uncoated, fried chicken pieces in a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers to prevent sticking, keeping them fresh for about a month.
  • When reheating, use an air fryer or oven to maintain that perfect crunch your chicken deserves, avoiding the microwave that can make the coating soggy.

Bang Bang Chicken Questions Answered

FAQ

Can I use a different type of milk for marinating?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken and create a tangy flavor, but you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.

FAQ

How spicy is Bang Bang sauce?

The sauce can be adjusted to your heat preference. Reduce sriracha for a milder version or add more for extra kick.

FAQ

What if I don’t have a deep skillet?

A heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven works perfectly for frying chicken. The key is maintaining consistent oil temperature.

FAQ

Can I bake this chicken instead of frying?

Baking is possible, but won’t deliver the same crispy texture. If baking, coat chicken with cooking spray and use a wire rack on a baking sheet.

FAQ

Is there a gluten-free option for the coating?

Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend or almond flour to make the recipe celiac-friendly.

FAQ

How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer – chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

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Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Buttermilk Recipe

Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Buttermilk Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 43 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling bang bang chicken brings a flavor explosion right to your dinner table, delivering crispy, spicy perfection that’ll make your taste buds dance. Creamy sauce and crunchy chicken create a delightful combo that guarantees smiles around the table.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Seasoning Ingredients:

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

Bang Bang Sauce Ingredients:

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

Instructions

  1. Submerge 1 pound of chicken breasts in 1 cup buttermilk and refrigerate for 30-45 minutes to tenderize your meat.
  2. Whisk together 1 cup flour, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper in a shallow dish for your crispy coating.
  3. Mix ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup sweet chili sauce, 1 tablespoon sriracha, 1 teaspoon lime juice, and 1 teaspoon honey in a separate bowl to create your tangy Bang Bang sauce.
  4. Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off, and thoroughly coat each piece in seasoned flour mixture.
  5. Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet, heating to exactly 350°F, which ensures perfect golden crispiness.
  6. Carefully place breaded chicken pieces into hot oil, frying 3-4 minutes per side until exterior turns deep golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  7. Transfer fried chicken to paper towels to drain excess oil for 2-3 minutes.
  8. Generously brush or toss each chicken piece with prepared Bang Bang sauce, ensuring complete and even coverage.
  9. Plate immediately and garnish with chopped green onions for extra freshness and color.

Notes

  • Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken and creates a super juicy result, so don’t skip this crucial marinating step.
  • For extra crunch, double-coat your chicken by dipping back into the flour mixture after the first coating.
  • Keep the oil temperature steady around 350°F to ensure crispy exterior and fully cooked interior without burning.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for the same delicious crunch.
  • Prep Time: 35 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Chicken
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 475 kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 690 mg
  • Fat: 27 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 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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