Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe with Creamy Spicy Sauce

Bang Bang Chicken has become a favorite on restaurant menus and dinner tables everywhere for good reason.

The combination of crispy coating and bold, creamy sauce creates an addictive flavor profile that satisfies every craving.

Originally inspired by Asian-American fusion cuisine, the dish delivers a perfect balance of heat and sweetness that makes every bite memorable.

Whether served as an appetizer at parties or the main course for family dinners, it consistently wins over everyone at the table.

The recipe comes together faster than most takeout orders, making it a smart choice for busy weeknights when something special is on the menu.

Nothing beats homemade when it comes to controlling the spice level and achieving that perfect golden exterior.

What Makes Bang Bang Chicken Pop

• Quick Kitchen Magic: This Bang Bang Chicken transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal that feels like a culinary adventure right in your kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleaser Potential: Everyone from picky kids to spice-loving friends will be thrilled by the perfect balance of crispy chicken and tangy, creamy sauce.
• Flexible Meal Option: Whether served over rice, in lettuce wraps, or as a standalone dish, this recipe adapts to whatever your dinner needs might be.
• Sauce Boss Technique: The homemade sauce lets you control the heat and flavor, making it simple to customize for different taste preferences without complicated cooking skills.

What Makes Bang Bang Chicken So Addictive

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (1.5 lbs): Your foundation for a delicious, tender meal that will absorb all the fantastic flavors in this dish.

• Cornstarch (1 tablespoon), Salt (1 teaspoon), White Pepper (½ teaspoon), Egg White (1): These ingredients create a light, crispy coating that helps seal in your chicken’s moisture and adds incredible texture to each bite.

• Mayonnaise (½ cup), Sweet Chili Sauce (¼ cup), Sriracha (2 tablespoons), Rice Vinegar (1 tablespoon), Soy Sauce (1 teaspoon), Honey (1 teaspoon), Sesame Oil (½ teaspoon), Garlic (1 clove), Ground Ginger (½ teaspoon): Your flavor-packed sauce that brings the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, sweet, and tangy notes to the dish.

• Shredded Cabbage (4 cups), Shredded Carrots (1 cup): A fresh, crunchy foundation that provides a cool contrast to your spicy chicken.

• Rice Vinegar (2 tablespoons), Sesame Oil (1 tablespoon), Sugar (1 teaspoon), Salt (¼ teaspoon): A light, bright dressing that enhances your salad’s natural flavors.

• Green Onions (¼ cup), Sesame Seeds (2 tablespoons), Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Your final touch of color, crunch, and extra heat that makes the dish pop.

Which Tools Fry Bang Bang Chicken

• Large Skillet or Wok (12-inch): Your primary cooking vessel for getting that perfect golden-brown chicken with crispy edges.
• Medium Mixing Bowls (2): Essential for marinating chicken and mixing sauces separately without creating a mess.
• Paper Towel-Lined Plate: Great for draining excess oil and keeping your fried chicken crisp instead of soggy.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending sauce ingredients smoothly and eliminating any lumps.
• Cutting Board: Needed for prepping chicken and chopping garnishes like green onions.
• Sharp Chef’s Knife (8-inch): Your go-to tool for precise cutting of chicken and vegetables.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for ensuring accurate ingredient proportions in your sauce and marinade.
• Tongs: Helpful for turning chicken pieces evenly and safely while cooking.
• Small Bowl (Optional): Useful for mixing slaw dressing if preparing the optional slaw.
• Colander (Optional): Handy for shredding cabbage and draining vegetables if making slaw.

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide for Bang Bang Chicken

Easy Tips for Bang Bang Chicken

• Coat your chicken thoroughly with cornstarch and seasonings to create a super crispy exterior that locks in flavor.
• Adding a lightly beaten egg white helps create an extra tender and silky texture for your chicken pieces.
• Never overcrowd the pan when frying chicken – this ensures each piece gets golden and crisp without steaming.
• Taste and adjust your Bang Bang sauce gradually, adding more sriracha or sweet chili sauce until the flavor feels perfect for your palate.
• Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the finished dish to add fresh crunch and visual appeal.

Bang Bang Chicken Variations to Try

• Vegetarian Chicken Alternative: Replace chicken with firm tofu or seitan, cutting into cubes and coating with same marinade for a plant-based protein swap that keeps the crispy texture and spicy sauce.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap soy sauce for tamari, use gluten-free cornstarch, and ensure all sauce ingredients are certified gluten-free to make the entire dish safe for sensitive diets.
• Air Fryer Method: Instead of pan-frying, cook chicken cubes in air fryer at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking basket halfway through to ensure even crispy browning without excess oil.
• Low-Carb Version: Skip cornstarch coating, use almond flour instead, and serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the dish’s bold flavor profile.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken

• Serving Rice Bed: Scoop steamed jasmine rice onto your plate and pile the crispy, saucy chicken right on top for a hearty meal that catches all those delicious sauce drippings.
• Slaw Companion: Toss that crunchy cabbage slaw alongside your Bang Bang chicken to add a cool, tangy contrast that cuts through the spicy richness.
• Green Onion Sprinkle: Chop fresh green onions and scatter them generously over the dish for a bright, zesty finish that adds beautiful color and sharp flavor.
• Lettuce Wrap Adventure: Grab some butter lettuce leaves and create fun, handheld wraps with the chicken, letting everyone build their own perfect bite at the table.

Best Storage Tips for Bang Bang Chicken

• Keep leftover Bang Bang chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The crispy texture will soften, so reheat gently in a skillet to restore some crunch.
• Separate the chicken and sauce when storing to prevent soggy meat. Store them in different containers and mix right before serving to maintain the best texture.
• Freeze plain cooked chicken without sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and add fresh sauce when ready to enjoy.
• The sauce stays fresh in a sealed container for about a week in the refrigerator, so make extra for quick meals later.

Bang Bang Chicken Common Questions

Sweet-Heat Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 20-37 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Packed with fiery Szechuan flavors, Bang Bang Chicken delivers a zesty punch that’ll make your taste buds dance with excitement. Grab your chopsticks and prepare for a spicy adventure that brings the bold tastes of China right to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Coating and Seasoning:

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon white pepper
• 1 egg white

Sauce Components:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons sriracha
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon honey
• ½ teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 clove garlic
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger

Salad Base:

• 4 cups shredded cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots

Salad Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Garnishes:

• ¼ cup chopped green onions
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• Crushed red pepper flakes

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Instructions

1. Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon white pepper with 1.5 lbs cubed chicken breasts, ensuring every piece gets an even coating.
2. Pour 1 lightly beaten egg white over the chicken and thoroughly blend to create a protective marinade layer.
3. Refrigerate the seasoned chicken for 15-30 minutes to help the coating adhere and tenderize the meat.
4. Pour 2 tablespoons vegetable oil into a large skillet, heating to medium-high until the surface shimmers with heat.
5. Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer without overcrowding, allowing each piece to brown evenly.
6. Sauté chicken for 5-7 minutes, rotating occasionally, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165F.
7. Transfer cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil and maintain crispness.
8. Whisk ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup sweet chili sauce, 2 tablespoons sriracha, and remaining sauce ingredients until smooth.
9. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings to balance heat and sweetness according to your preference.
10. Gently fold chicken pieces into the sauce, ensuring each morsel gets thoroughly coated.
11. Toss 4 cups shredded cabbage, 1 cup shredded carrots, and ¼ cup green onions in a separate bowl.
12. Blend 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 teaspoon sugar, and ¼ teaspoon salt for slaw dressing.
13. Drizzle dressing over vegetable mixture and mix until evenly distributed.
14. Chill slaw for 30 minutes to enhance flavor melding and crisp texture.
15. Plate chicken over rice or noodles, topping with fresh green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
16. Optionally sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat and visual appeal.

Notes

• Cornstarch creates a light, crispy coating that helps the chicken stay tender and juicy during cooking.
• Marinating the chicken with egg white helps tenderize the meat and creates a silky texture.
• Cook chicken in a single layer to ensure even browning and prevent steaming, which can make the meat soggy.
• For a gluten-free version, replace soy sauce with tamari and use gluten-free sweet chili sauce.

• Prep Time: 15-30 minutes
• Cook Time: 5-7 minutes
• Category: Chicken
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 354 kcal
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg