Crispy Restaurant Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Bang Bang Chicken Recipe With Golden Crunchy Coating

Craving a bang bang chicken that promises pure crispy satisfaction? Prepare for a flavor explosion that will revolutionize your dinner routine.

Sizzling, crunchy, and packed with incredible taste, this recipe delivers serious culinary excitement without complicated techniques.

Comfort food meets gourmet experience in a dish guaranteed to impress hungry crowds and picky eaters alike.

Crispy textures and bold flavors combine to create a meal that stands out from standard chicken preparations.

Restaurant-quality results are totally achievable right in your own kitchen, making this recipe a total game-changer.

Grab your apron and get ready to become the star of your next meal.

Why Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Always Delivers

  • Flavor Explosion: This bang bang chicken delivers serious taste with its perfectly seasoned crispy coating and zesty sauce that transforms ordinary chicken into a mouth-watering meal your family will devour.
  • Beginner-Friendly Cooking: The straightforward recipe requires basic kitchen skills, making it an excellent choice for home cooks who want restaurant-quality results without complex techniques.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: The crispy exterior and tangy sauce create a guaranteed hit for dinner that works beautifully for casual family meals or weekend gatherings with friends.
  • Quick Weeknight Solution: From marinating to cooking, this dish comes together smoothly, giving you a delicious protein option that feels special but doesn’t demand hours of preparation.

Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Ingredient Rundown

Protein:
  • 1 Pound Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Fresh chicken that will become the star of your crispy meal. These tender pieces absorb buttermilk’s flavor beautifully.
Dry Ingredients:
  • 1 Cup All-Purpose Flour: The base for your extra crispy coating that gives chicken a perfect crunch.
  • 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder, 1 Teaspoon Onion Powder, 1 Teaspoon Paprika, 1/2 Teaspoon Salt, 1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper, 1/2 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper: These seasonings build layers of flavor into your coating. The mix provides a balanced, slightly spicy kick.
Wet Ingredients and Extras:
  • 1 Cup Buttermilk: A tangy marinade that helps tenderize your chicken and adds depth of flavor.
  • 2 Cups Vegetable Oil: For achieving that perfect golden-brown, crispy exterior.
  • 1/2 Cup Mayonnaise, 1/4 Cup Sweet Chili Sauce, 1 Tablespoon Sriracha, 1 Teaspoon Rice Vinegar, 1 Teaspoon Honey: These ingredients create a creamy, sweet, and spicy bang bang sauce that elevates your chicken’s taste.

Handy Kitchen Tools for Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

  • Large Deep Bowl (4-quart): Perfect for soaking chicken in buttermilk and keeping everything mess-free.
  • Shallow Dish (9-inch): Great for evenly coating your chicken pieces with seasoned flour.
  • Deep Skillet or Dutch Oven (12-inch): Essential for getting that crispy, golden-brown exterior without burning your chicken.
  • Instant-Read Meat Thermometer: Helps ensure your chicken reaches the safe 165°F temperature without guesswork.
  • Wire Rack: Lets excess oil drip off your crispy chicken, keeping the coating beautifully crunchy.
  • Whisk (8-inch): Smooth tool for blending your bang bang sauce ingredients perfectly.
  • Tongs: Helps safely transfer chicken in and out of hot oil without splashing.
  • Small Mixing Bowl (2-cup): Ideal for mixing your delicious bang bang sauce.
  • Paper Towels: Useful for additional oil absorption if you don’t have a wire rack.

Preparing Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Step by Step

Preparing Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Step by Step
1

Marinate the Chicken

Grab those chicken breasts and submerge them in 1 cup of buttermilk. Your chicken will become super tender during its chilly rest in the refrigerator. Cover the bowl and let it chill for 30 minutes while the buttermilk works its magic.

2

Create the Crispy Coating

In a shallow dish, mix together your dry ingredients for the perfect crunchy exterior. Grab a whisk and combine:

  • 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
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Make sure everything is blended smoothly so your coating will be consistent.

3

Coat the Chicken

Pull the chicken out of the buttermilk, letting the excess liquid drip away. Roll each piece completely in the seasoned flour mixture. Press gently to ensure the coating sticks perfectly to every nook and cranny of the chicken.

4

Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat 2 cups of vegetable oil in a deep skillet to exactly 350°F. Carefully lower the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until the exterior turns a gorgeous golden brown. Check that the internal temperature hits 165°F for safe eating.

5

Whip Up Bang Bang Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients until smooth:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey

Blend until the sauce looks creamy and well combined.

6

Finish and Serve

Transfer the crispy chicken to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Drizzle the bang bang sauce generously over the hot chicken. Serve immediately while the chicken is still crackling crisp and the sauce is fresh and tangy.

Key Cooking Notes For Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

  • Soaking chicken in buttermilk for 30 minutes helps break down proteins, making your meat super tender and packed with flavor.
  • Mix your flour with spices generously to create a killer crispy coating that adds serious depth to every single bite.
  • Shake off excess buttermilk and roll chicken thoroughly in seasoned flour, pressing gently to help breading stick perfectly.
  • Keep your oil steady at 350°F to ensure chicken gets beautifully golden and crisp without absorbing too much grease.
  • Whisk bang bang sauce ingredients until smooth, then drizzle generously over hot chicken for an explosion of tangy, sweet heat.

Flavor Variations for Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

  • Dairy-Free Swap: Replace buttermilk with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk, using the same 1-cup measurement to marinate your chicken for tenderness.
  • Gluten-Free Edition: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend or almond flour, keeping the same seasoning ratios for your crispy coating.
  • Spice Level Adjustment: Reduce or eliminate cayenne pepper for a milder version, or add extra cayenne for more heat depending on your personal spice tolerance.
  • Baked Alternative: Skip deep-frying and place coated chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet, baking at 425°F for 20-25 minutes until golden and crisp, turning halfway through cooking.

Serving Ideas For Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

  • Perfect Side Dish: Serve with crisp coleslaw or a light cucumber salad to balance the chicken’s spicy crunch.
  • Smart Plating: Arrange chicken pieces over steamed white rice for a complete and satisfying meal that catches all those delicious sauce drippings.
  • Drink Pairing: Grab a cold beer or sparkling hard seltzer to complement the bang bang sauce’s tangy heat and cut through the richness of the fried chicken.
  • Quick Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped green onions or sesame seeds on top for an extra pop of color and subtle flavor boost.
  • Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in your refrigerator for 3-4 days, keeping the sauce separate to maintain the crispy texture.
  • Reheat refrigerated chicken in your oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes to help restore the original crunchiness and prevent sogginess.
  • Freeze uncoated chicken pieces in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months, making sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing.
  • When freezing cooked chicken, place wax paper between layers to prevent sticking and wrap tightly to preserve the best flavor and texture.

Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Common Questions

FAQ

Can I use a different type of chicken?

Chicken thighs or chicken tenders work perfectly for this recipe. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are also great options. Just make sure to cut larger pieces into similar-sized portions for even cooking.

FAQ

How spicy is the bang bang sauce?

The sauce has a mild to moderate heat level. If you prefer less spice, reduce the sriracha amount. For extra kick, add more sriracha or a dash of cayenne pepper to customize the heat.

FAQ

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

No problem! Create a quick buttermilk substitute by mixing regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes before using.

FAQ

Can I bake instead of fry this chicken?

While frying provides the crispiest results, you can bake the chicken at 425°F for 20-25 minutes. Spray the coated chicken with cooking spray to help achieve a crispy exterior.

FAQ

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. Check that your other ingredients are certified gluten-free as well.

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Crispy Restaurant Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Crispy Restaurant Bang Bang Chicken Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Crispy Bang Bang Chicken delivers a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds dance with pure delight. Crunchy, spicy, and totally addictive, this dish brings restaurant-quality excitement straight to your dinner table.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Wet Ingredients and Extras:

  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 cups vegetable oil
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey

Instructions

  1. Pour 1 cup buttermilk over chicken pieces in a deep bowl. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to help tenderize and infuse flavor into your meat.
  2. Mix 1 cup flour, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper in a shallow dish for your crispy coating.
  3. Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Roll each piece thoroughly in seasoned flour mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.
  4. Heat vegetable oil to 350°F in a deep skillet or Dutch oven. Carefully place coated chicken pieces into hot oil, cooking 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  5. Whisk ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup sweet chili sauce, 1 tablespoon sriracha, 1 teaspoon rice vinegar, and 1 teaspoon honey in a small bowl until smooth and well combined.
  6. Transfer crispy chicken to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Drizzle generously with prepared bang bang sauce and serve immediately while hot and crunchy.

Notes

  • Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderness, allowing the spices to penetrate deeply.
  • Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy coating that gives a satisfying crunch when you bite into the chicken.
  • Pat chicken completely dry before coating to ensure the breading sticks perfectly and creates a golden, crisp exterior.
  • For a healthier version, bake the chicken instead of frying by placing breaded pieces on a wire rack and cooking at 425°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Chicken
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 509 kcal
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 540 mg
  • Fat: 33 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 27 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 21 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 36 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Mary Sue

Mary Sue

Founder & Creative Recipe Developer

Expertise

Comfort Food Twists, Seasonal Cooking, Creative Flavor Pairings, Easy Weeknight Dinners, Flexible Pantry Cooking

Education

Trident Technical College, Culinary Institute of Charleston
  • Program: Culinary Arts Technology, A.A.S.
  • Focus: Built a strong foundation in professional food preparation, cooking, and presentation while also learning the hospitality side of the industry, including quality standards, sanitation, and the real-world pace of working kitchens

Mary Sue is the playful, creative recipe mind behind Mary Sue & Susan, known for big flavor ideas, warm storytelling, and dishes that feel both comforting and a little unexpected. She has a talent for taking familiar meals and giving them just enough personality to make them memorable.

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