Takeout Style Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Bold Bang Bang Chicken Recipe with Creamy Spice

Bang Bang Chicken has become a favorite for anyone who loves food that packs bold flavors and satisfies every craving.

The dish delivers that perfect balance between creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet notes that make each bite exciting.

People love serving it at casual dinners, game day gatherings, or whenever comfort food sounds just right.

The name alone sparks curiosity, and the taste lives up to every expectation.

You can feel confident knowing that even beginners find success with recipes like this one.

It works beautifully as an appetizer, main course, or even a crowd-pleasing party snack.

Jump into the full recipe below and see why everyone keeps coming back for seconds!

Why Bang Bang Chicken Is Bold, Creamy, and Addictive

Why Bang Bang Chicken Is Bold, Creamy, and Addictive
  • Crowd-Pleaser: This chicken dish turns a simple meal into a flavor explosion that gets everyone excited, from kids to adults.
  • Easy Coating Trick: The two-step breading method makes creating crispy, golden chicken pieces super simple, even for cooking beginners.
  • Sauce Superstar: The Bang Bang sauce delivers a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors that transform ordinary chicken into something special.
  • Flexible Meal Option: Great for weeknight dinners, game day snacks, or casual gatherings where people want something delicious and fun to eat.

Bang Bang Chicken Ingredients List

Main Protein:
  • 2 Large Chicken Breasts: Tender meat cut into perfect bite-sized pieces that create the foundation of this crispy chicken dish.
Breading Components:
  • ½ Cup Cornstarch, ½ Cup All-Purpose Flour: Powdery ingredients that guarantee an extra crunchy exterior for your chicken pieces.
  • 2 Eggs: Fresh eggs beaten smoothly to help the breading stick perfectly to each chicken morsel.
Seasoning Blend:
  • 1 Tsp Salt, ½ Tsp Pepper, 1 Tsp Garlic Powder, ½ Tsp Paprika: Spice mixture that adds depth and warmth to your chicken’s flavor profile.
Frying Element:
  • Vegetable Oil: Essential liquid for achieving golden, crispy chicken pieces at medium-high temperature.
Bang Bang Sauce Components:
  • ½ Cup Mayonnaise, ¼ Cup Sweet Chili Sauce, 2 Tbsp Sriracha, 1 Tbsp Honey, 1 Tbsp Lime Juice: Creamy, spicy, sweet sauce ingredients that create a perfectly balanced coating with a zesty kick.

Tools & Skillet Gear for Bang Bang Chicken

  • Large Skillet: My go-to pan for perfectly crispy chicken, with enough space to fry multiple pieces at once.
  • Mixing Bowls (2): Essential for setting up the egg wash and flour coating stations, keeping everything organized.
  • Whisk: Quick and easy tool for blending eggs and sauce ingredients smoothly.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements ensure consistent flavor every time.
  • Tongs: Great for safely turning chicken pieces and transferring them from skillet to paper towel.
  • Paper Towels: Perfect for draining excess oil and keeping the fried chicken crisp.
  • Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for cubing chicken neatly and cleanly.
  • Sharp Knife: Helps cut chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

How to Cook Bang Bang Chicken

How to Cook Bang Bang Chicken
1

Prep Chicken Pieces

Cut 2 large chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces about 1-inch square. Trim any excess fat to ensure uniform cooking.

2

Create Breading Station

Set up two separate bowls for coating your chicken. In one bowl, beat 2 eggs thoroughly. In another bowl, combine:

  • ½ cup flour
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
3

Coat Chicken

Dunk each chicken piece into the beaten eggs, then roll through the seasoned flour mixture. Make sure each piece is completely covered, then gently shake off any extra coating.

4

Heat Cooking Oil

Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet, filling about ½ inch deep. Heat the oil to 350°F over medium-high heat, watching carefully to prevent burning.

5

Fry Chicken Pieces

Carefully place coated chicken pieces into hot oil. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side until the exterior turns golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

6

Drain Fried Chicken

Transfer fried chicken pieces onto a paper towel-lined plate. The towels will absorb excess oil and help keep the chicken crisp.

7

Prepare Bang Bang Sauce

Whisk together in a medium bowl:

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
  • 2 tablespoons sriracha
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
8

Finish and Serve

Toss the crispy chicken pieces in the prepared Bang Bang sauce until each piece is evenly coated. Sprinkle with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Pro Tips for Balanced Heat and Creaminess

  • Select high-quality, firm chicken breasts without any discoloration for the best texture and flavor. Trim excess fat before cubing to ensure even cooking.
  • Maintain consistent medium-high heat around 350°F to prevent burning. Use a deep-fry thermometer to check oil temperature and keep chicken crispy without absorbing excess oil.
  • Press flour mixture firmly onto chicken pieces for a thick, even coating. Let coated chicken rest for 5 minutes before frying to help breading adhere better and create crunchier results.
  • Adjust sauce spiciness by increasing or decreasing sriracha. For less heat, use mild sweet chili sauce and minimal sriracha. For extra kick, add more sriracha or red pepper flakes.
  • Replace wheat flour with rice flour or gluten-free all-purpose blend. Use cornstarch as a binding agent to maintain crispy texture for those avoiding gluten.

Bang Bang Chicken Variations You’ll Enjoy

  • Gluten-Free Twist: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free cornmeal for a celiac-friendly version that keeps the crispy texture.
  • Spicy Swap: Substitute sriracha with gochujang or chipotle sauce for a different heat profile and complex flavor depth.
  • Baked Alternative: Skip frying and bake chicken pieces on a wire rack at 425°F for 20 minutes, turning halfway through for an oil-reduced preparation.
  • Vegetarian Option: Trade chicken for firm tofu or cauliflower florets, maintaining the same breading and sauce technique for a plant-based adaptation.

Serving Bang Bang Chicken with Rice or Veggies

  • Serve with Steamed Rice: Fluffy white rice makes the perfect base for catching all the delicious Bang Bang sauce and soaking up the crispy chicken’s flavors.
  • Plate with Fresh Slaw: Shred some cabbage and carrots, toss with a light vinegar dressing to create a crunchy, tangy side that cuts through the richness of the fried chicken.
  • Garnish Generously: Sprinkle chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or a few red pepper flakes on top to add color, texture, and an extra pop of flavor to the dish.
  • Create a Dipping Station: Set out small bowls of extra Bang Bang sauce, sriracha, or sweet chili sauce so people can adjust the heat and flavor to their liking.

Storing Bang Bang Chicken for Later

  • Store leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate the chicken from the sauce to keep the crispy coating from getting soggy.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread chicken pieces on a baking sheet and warm for 10-12 minutes. This method helps restore the crispy texture better than microwaving.
  • If the sauce has separated or thickened, whisk it briefly before reheating. Add a tiny splash of lime juice to bring back the bright flavors.
  • The microwave will make the crispy coating soggy and tough. Stick to oven reheating for the best texture and taste.

Bang Bang Chicken FAQs for Quick Answers

FAQ

What makes the breading so crispy?

The combination of flour and cornstarch creates an extra-crunchy coating that stays crisp even after saucing.

FAQ

Can I use different hot sauces?

Absolutely! Swap sriracha for your favorite hot sauce to customize the spice level and flavor.

FAQ

How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part.

FAQ

Is this dish very spicy?

The heat is moderate. You can reduce sriracha for less spice or add more for extra kick.

FAQ

Can I make this ahead of time?

Fry the chicken just before serving to keep the breading crispy and fresh.

FAQ

What if I don’t have sweet chili sauce?

Mix honey with a bit of red pepper flakes as a quick substitute that gives similar sweet-spicy flavor.

Print
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Takeout Style Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Takeout Style Bang Bang Chicken Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 18 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Spicy, tangy bang bang chicken brings serious flavor to my weeknight dinner table. Crispy breaded chicken gets drizzled with a creamy chili sauce that makes taste buds dance with excitement.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 large chicken breasts

Dry Ingredients:

  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika

Wet Ingredients and Seasonings:

  • 2 eggs
  • vegetable oil

Bang Bang Sauce:

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

Instructions

  1. Slice 2 large chicken breasts into uniform 1-inch bite-sized pieces for consistent cooking and coating.
  2. Create your breading station with two separate bowls: one with 2 beaten eggs, another with a mixed blend of ½ cup cornstarch, ½ cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, and ½ tsp paprika.
  3. Carefully dunk each chicken chunk into the egg wash, ensuring complete coverage, then transfer to the seasoned flour mixture and roll until thoroughly coated.
  4. Pour vegetable oil into a skillet, heating to 350°F over medium-high heat, allowing the surface to shimmer before adding chicken.
  5. Gently place breaded chicken pieces into hot oil, spacing them to prevent overcrowding, and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  6. Transfer fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil and maintain crispiness.
  7. Prepare bang bang sauce by whisking ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup sweet chili sauce, 2 tbsp sriracha, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 tbsp lime juice until smooth and well-combined.
  8. Tumble hot, crispy chicken pieces in the zesty sauce, ensuring each morsel gets an even, glossy coating.
  9. Sprinkle with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for a fresh, crunchy garnish before serving immediately.

Notes

  • Use room temperature eggs for better coating adhesion and even breading coverage.
  • Pat chicken dry before breading to help the flour mixture stick and create extra crispiness.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose blend.
  • Control spice levels by adjusting sriracha amount in the Bang Bang sauce to suit your heat preference.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Chicken
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 445 kcal
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 580 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Fiber: 1.2 g
  • Protein: 27 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 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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