How to Make Perfect Bang Bang Chicken Fast

If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors, crispy chicken, and a creamy, spicy sauce, Bang Bang Chicken is your go-to recipe. Learn how to make Bang Bang Chicken fast and easy with this quick recipe packed with bold flavors and crispy, tender chicken. This dish blends the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and crunch, making it a favorite for busy weeknights or impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Speedy preparation: You can have Bang Bang Chicken ready in under 30 minutes, saving you time without sacrificing flavor.
• Crispy and tender: The chicken stays juicy inside while getting that irresistible crispy coating.
• Bold flavor profile: A spicy, creamy sauce that combines sweet, tangy, and heat perfectly.
• Versatile serving options: Great over rice, salads, or even as a sandwich filling.
• Simple ingredients: Easily available ingredients make this dish accessible for any home cook.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Bang Bang Chicken recipe uses straightforward ingredients that come together brilliantly. Each component plays a critical role in delivering the dish’s distinctive taste, texture, and vibrant appearance.

• Chicken breasts or thighs: Choose boneless for quicker cooking and easy slicing, providing tender meat.
• Cornstarch or flour: For a crispy coating that locks in moisture and adds crunch.
• Mayonnaise: This creamy base balances out the spice and ties the sauce together.
• Sriracha or chili sauce: Brings the signature spicy kick to the dish.
• Honey or sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness to mellow the heat and create harmony in flavors.
• Rice vinegar or lime juice: Provides acidity to brighten the sauce and enhance taste.
• Garlic powder: Boosts savory notes without overpowering.
• Green onions and sesame seeds: For fresh garnish and visual appeal.

Variations for Bang Bang Chicken

One of the best things about Bang Bang Chicken is how adaptable the recipe can be. Whether you want to tone down heat, go gluten-free, or add a new twist, these variations will inspire you to make this dish your own.

• Spicy level adjustment: Reduce or omit sriracha for milder flavor or add extra for heat lovers.
• Protein swaps: Use shrimp, tofu, or even cauliflower for a vegetarian-friendly version.
• Gluten-free option: Swap the cornstarch with gluten-free flour or almond meal.
• Healthier alternative: Bake the chicken instead of frying to cut calories.
• Added crunch: Toss with chopped peanuts or crispy wonton strips for texture variation.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting your boneless chicken breasts or thighs into bite-size pieces or strips. Pat them dry with paper towels — this helps the coating stick better and ensures crispiness.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch or flour to create a thin but even coating. This layer is key to achieving that golden, crunchy texture when cooked.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding and fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

While the chicken cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and garlic powder in a bowl. Taste and adjust for the perfect balance of heat and sweetness.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Toss the crispy chicken in the Bang Bang sauce until well coated. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve hot with your favorite side or over rice.

Pro Tips for Making Bang Bang Chicken

• Dry chicken well: Ensuring the chicken is dry before coating creates better crispiness.
• Use neutral oil for frying: Oils like canola or vegetable oil have high smoke points for perfect frying.
• Adjust sauce thickness: Add more mayo or thin with a splash of water for desired consistency.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature and crisp chicken evenly.
• Let sauce rest: Mix sauce ingredients ahead of time to allow flavors to meld beautifully.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken

Garnishes

Fresh green onions add a pop of color and brightness, while sesame seeds give nuttiness and texture that complement the creamy sauce beautifully.

Side Dishes

Bang Bang Chicken pairs wonderfully with simple steamed jasmine rice, crunchy Asian slaw, or even roasted vegetables to balance indulgence with freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Bang Bang Chicken over lettuce wraps for a low-carb option or use it as a filling for tacos or sandwiches to bring excitement to your mealtime routine.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best texture, keep the chicken and sauce separate if possible.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well. Freeze cooked chicken and sauce separately in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat chicken in a skillet over medium heat to restore crispiness. Warm the sauce gently in a microwave or small saucepan before tossing the chicken back in to serve.

FAQs

What is Bang Bang Chicken?

Bang Bang Chicken is a popular dish featuring crispy chicken tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce combining flavors of sweet, tangy, and heat.

Can I bake Bang Bang Chicken instead of frying?

Yes, baking is a healthier alternative that still yields tender chicken; simply bake at 425°F until cooked and slightly crispy, then toss with sauce.

Is Bang Bang Chicken spicy?

The spiciness depends on how much chili sauce or sriracha you add, so you can easily adjust it to suit your preference.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The Bang Bang sauce tastes even better after resting for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld.

What can I serve with Bang Bang Chicken?

It pairs well with rice, noodles, steamed vegetables, or fresh salads to round out the meal perfectly.

Final Thoughts

Bang Bang Chicken is your ticket to a fast, flavorful, and satisfying meal that never fails to impress. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this recipe is simple to master and endlessly customizable. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll have a new favorite dish in your repertoire!

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