Have you ever tasted something so delicious that it made you go “bang bang”? That’s exactly how this incredible dish got its name! Today, I’m excited to share my ultimate guide to making Bang Bang Chicken at home. This beloved recipe features crispy chicken drizzled with a sweet, spicy, and creamy sauce that will have your taste buds dancing with joy.
As someone who’s been perfecting this recipe for years, I can tell you that Bang Bang Chicken is one of those dishes that impresses everyone at the dinner table while being surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want to elevate your weeknight dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
The Origins of Bang Bang Chicken
Bang Bang Chicken, or “Bang Bang Ji” as it’s known in Chinese cuisine, originated in Sichuan province. The traditional version actually gets its name from the technique of tenderizing poached chicken using a wooden stick or mallet (making a “bang bang” sound). However, the Americanized version we’re making today has evolved into something quite different but equally delicious.
The version most of us know and love features crispy chicken with a signature creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce. It was popularized by restaurant chains like Bonefish Grill and has since become a staple in many American homes.
What Makes Bang Bang Chicken Special?
Bang Bang Chicken is all about contrasts:
- Crispy exterior, tender interior
- Sweet honey balanced with spicy chili
- Rich mayonnaise complemented by tangy rice vinegar
- Crunchy chicken paired with smooth, velvety sauce
The magic lies in the sauce—a perfect harmony of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, and a kick of heat. When drizzled over perfectly crispy chicken, it creates a flavor experience that’s truly unforgettable.
Key Ingredients Breakdown
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s explore the essential ingredients that make Bang Bang Chicken so special:
Chicken: : I prefer boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking. You could also use chicken thighs for a juicier option.
Sweet Chili Sauce: : The backbone of our Bang Bang sauce, providing sweetness with a hint of heat. Look for Thai-style sweet chili sauce in the international aisle of your grocery store.
Mayonnaise: : Creates the creamy base for our sauce. I recommend using full-fat for the richest flavor, but light mayo works too if you’re watching calories.
Sriracha or Hot Sauce: : For that signature kick of heat. Adjust according to your spice tolerance.
Honey: : Adds natural sweetness and helps balance the heat from the chili sauce.
Rice Vinegar: : Brings a subtle tang that cuts through the richness of the mayo.
Panko Breadcrumbs: : Creates an extra crispy coating on our chicken. Regular breadcrumbs work too, but panko delivers superior crunchiness.
The Complete Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1-2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lime juice (optional)
For Garnish:
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro leaves (optional)
Preparation Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes or strips, whichever you prefer.
- Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This ensures the coating sticks well and helps achieve maximum crispiness.
- Season the chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station
- In one shallow bowl, place the beaten eggs.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
- Working with a few pieces at a time, dredge the chicken in the seasoned flour mixture.
- Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off.
- Finally, coat in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they adhere well.
- Place the breaded chicken pieces on a plate or baking sheet while you finish coating all pieces.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
- Heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches approximately 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test by dropping a breadcrumb into the oil—it should sizzle immediately.
- Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, carefully add the breaded chicken to the hot oil.
- Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
- In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, sriracha, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and lime juice (if using).
- Taste and adjust seasonings as desired—add more sriracha for heat, more honey for sweetness, or more vinegar for tanginess.
Step 6: Assemble the Dish
- Transfer the crispy chicken to a serving dish.
- Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce generously over the chicken. I like to reserve some sauce for dipping on the side.
- Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.
Alternative Cooking Methods
While traditional Bang Bang Chicken is fried for maximum crispiness, here are some healthier alternatives:
Baked Version:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Place breaded chicken pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Spray or drizzle with a small amount of oil.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
Air Fryer Version:
- Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
- Lightly spray the breaded chicken with cooking oil.
- Cook in batches for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Nutritional Information
This table provides approximate nutritional values per serving (about 6 oz of prepared Bang Bang Chicken):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 |
| Total Fat | 24g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Cholesterol | 115mg |
| Sodium | 650mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 9g |
| Protein | 28g |
Note: Values may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used.
Serving Suggestions
Bang Bang Chicken pairs beautifully with many sides. Here are my favorite ways to serve it:
- Over rice: Jasmine or basmati rice makes the perfect base to soak up that delicious sauce.
- In a wrap: Tuck the chicken into a flour tortilla with some lettuce, avocado, and extra sauce for a delicious lunch option.
- On a salad: For a lighter meal, serve over mixed greens with cucumber, carrots, and bell peppers.
- With noodles: Serve alongside rice noodles or lo mein for an Asian-inspired feast.
- As an appetizer: Make smaller pieces and serve with toothpicks for a crowd-pleasing party snack.
Sauce Variations
One of the best things about Bang Bang Chicken is how customizable the sauce can be. Here are some delicious variations to try:
Honey Garlic Bang Bang
Add 2 extra cloves of minced garlic and an additional tablespoon of honey for a sweeter, more garlicky flavor profile.
Citrus Bang Bang
Mix in 1 teaspoon of orange zest and 1 tablespoon of orange juice for a bright, citrusy twist.
Peanut Bang Bang Fusion
Incorporate 1 tablespoon of creamy peanut butter for a sauce that combines elements of Bang Bang and Thai peanut sauce.
Extra Spicy Bang Bang
Double the sriracha and add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper for heat lovers.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Bang Bang Chicken is best enjoyed fresh, but here’s how to make components ahead or store leftovers:
Sauce:
- Can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Give it a good stir before using as ingredients may separate.
Breaded (Uncooked) Chicken:
- Can be prepared up to 2 hours ahead and kept refrigerated.
- For longer storage, freeze breaded uncooked pieces on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. Fry from frozen, adding a few extra minutes of cooking time.
Cooked Chicken:
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes to restore some crispness.
- I recommend storing the sauce separately and adding it after reheating for best results.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
In my years of making Bang Bang Chicken, I’ve learned what pitfalls to watch for:
- Oil temperature issues: If oil is too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks; if too cool, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
- Overcrowding the pan: Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
- Adding sauce too early: If you’re not serving immediately, keep sauce separate until ready to eat to preserve crispiness.
- Under-seasoning the breading: The chicken coating needs proper seasoning for the best flavor complement to the sauce.
- Cutting chicken unevenly: Try to keep chicken pieces uniform in size for even cooking.
Bang Bang Chicken: Questions & Answers
Is Bang Bang Chicken authentic Chinese food? While inspired by a Sichuan dish called Bang Bang Ji (where chicken is tenderized using a stick), the version with crispy chicken and creamy-spicy sauce is an Americanized creation. The traditional Chinese version typically features shredded poached chicken with a spicy sauce made from sesame paste.
Can I make Bang Bang Chicken gluten-free? Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. Just double-check that your sweet chili sauce is also gluten-free, as some brands may contain wheat-based ingredients.
How spicy is Bang Bang Chicken? The beauty of making it at home is that you control the heat level. As written, this recipe has a moderate kick that most people find pleasant. For a milder version, reduce or omit the sriracha. For extra heat, increase the sriracha or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes! Chicken thighs will give you a juicier result with more flavor. Just make sure to trim excess fat and adjust cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
Is there a way to make Bang Bang Chicken healthier? Several options exist! Try the baked or air fryer methods mentioned above, use light mayonnaise in the sauce, or even substitute half the mayo with Greek yogurt. You can also serve with extra vegetables to create a more balanced meal.
Can I prepare components ahead for a party? Definitely! Make the sauce up to 3 days ahead and store refrigerated. For the chicken, you can bread it a few hours before cooking and keep it refrigerated. For best results, fry or bake the chicken shortly before serving.
What can I substitute for sweet chili sauce? If you can’t find sweet chili sauce, mix 3 tablespoons of honey, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes, and ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder. Adjust to taste.
Why is my breading falling off the chicken? This typically happens if the chicken is too wet before breading or if the oil isn’t hot enough when frying. Make sure to pat the chicken dry thoroughly and allow the oil to reach the proper temperature before adding the chicken.
Final Thoughts
Bang Bang Chicken is one of those magical recipes that seems fancy but is actually quite simple to prepare. The combination of crispy chicken and that sweet-spicy-creamy sauce creates a flavor experience that’s truly memorable. I love making this dish when I want to impress dinner guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
What makes this recipe special is its versatility—serve it as a main dish with rice, add it to salads, or make smaller pieces as an appetizer. The sauce alone is worth keeping in your recipe collection, as it works beautifully as a dip or dressing for many other dishes.
I hope you enjoy making and eating this Bang Bang Chicken as much as I do! Remember, cooking should be fun, so don’t be afraid to play with the flavors and make this recipe your own. If you try any of the variations or come up with new ones, I’d love to hear how they turned out!
Now, go forth and make some Bang Bang Chicken that will have everyone asking for seconds!
