Crispy Juicy Bang Bang Chicken

Crispy juicy bang bang chicken brings restaurant-style flavor to your table with simple steps and bold sauce. This is the ultimate weeknight comfort food for anyone craving something crunchy with a sweet spicy kick.

I discovered bang bang chicken while searching for something crowd-pleasing for game night and it turned into a family favorite. That combination of crunchy fried chicken and finger-licking sauce is impossible to resist around here.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: select chicken that feels firm and looks pink with no gray areas it ensures the juiciest bite
• Buttermilk: makes the chicken extra tender use real buttermilk for flavor depth
• All purpose flour: creates the main crunch if possible sift before coating for the lightest texture
• Cornstarch: helps achieve that airy shattering crispness
• Salt and pepper: brings out all the flavors always season to your taste
• Vegetable oil: use fresh oil with a high smoke point like peanut or sunflower for best frying results
• Mayonnaise: pick a creamy full fat variety since it’s the sauce’s backbone
• Sweet chili sauce: adds heat and a sticky sweet note try to find one with visible flecks of chili
• Sriracha sauce: brings the spice a little goes a long way increase for more heat
• Honey: balances the saucy fire with mellow sweetness look for local honey if possible

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinate The Chicken:

Let the chicken bathe in buttermilk for at least thirty minutes in the refrigerator this step infuses flavor and lends a juicy bite your patience makes all the difference

Prepare The Coating:

In a separate bowl whisk together flour cornstarch salt and pepper dredge each piece of marinated chicken in this mixture coat thoroughly tap off any excess do not rush this step since a solid coating makes the crunch

Fry The Chicken:

Pour oil into a skillet or Dutch oven enough to submerge the chicken pieces set over medium high heat test with a small bit of coating which should bubble immediately fry chicken in batches so pieces do not touch cook until golden brown and crisp about five to seven minutes remove pieces as they finish and rest on paper towels

Make The Bang Bang Sauce:

Whisk mayonnaise sweet chili sauce sriracha and honey until completely smooth taste and adjust the sriracha for preferred spice level this sauce should be velvety but pourable and blend all flavors evenly

Toss And Serve:

Place hot fried chicken into a large bowl pour sauce over top toss gently with a spatula or spoon so each piece gets covered serve immediately while piping hot I promise someone will sneak pieces straight from the bowl

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My favorite part is the shattering crunch when you first bite in and the sweet heat that follows it always reminds me of summer gatherings where this dish disappears in minutes sometimes I double the batch just so we can have leftovers

Storage Tips

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days Reheat uncovered in a toaster oven or hot oven to return the crispness The sauce keeps well in a lidded jar in the refrigerator for up to a week simply give it a quick stir before using

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re out of buttermilk try mixing regular milk with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar Greek yogurt thinned with water also works For a gluten free option use a blend of rice flour and cornstarch in the coating If mayo isn’t your thing blend plain Greek yogurt with a little olive oil for tang

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Serving Suggestions

Bang bang chicken steals the spotlight alongside steamed rice or tucked into lettuce wraps For a hearty salad top fresh greens and shredded carrots with chicken and a drizzle of extra sauce It makes unforgettable sliders on mini buns with crisp slaw

Cultural Context

Bang bang chicken traces its playful name to a popular dish from Chinese street stalls where chicken is pounded for tenderness My version borrows from the American fried chicken and southern dipping sauce tradition combining texture with a bold creamy finish

No matter how many times I make bang bang chicken it still gets that wow from my guests The color and crisp offer instant comfort and every bite tastes like an occasion

Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe

→ How do you make the chicken extra crispy?

Double-dip the chicken pieces by dipping them once in buttermilk and then again in the flour mixture before frying to build up a thicker, crunchier coating.

→ Can the spice level be adjusted?

Yes, simply add more or less sriracha sauce in the creamy sauce to suit your preferred heat level.

→ What oil is best for frying the chicken?

Use vegetable oil with a high smoke point—like peanut or sunflower oil—to ensure even frying and maintain crispness without imparting strong flavors.

→ Are chicken thighs suitable for this dish?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well as an alternative, offering juicy texture and rich flavor after frying.

→ How should the dish be served?

Serve the crispy chicken warm over steamed rice, in lettuce wraps, on salads, or as finger food with extra sauce for dipping.

→ Is buttermilk necessary for the marinade?

Buttermilk tenderizes and adds flavor, but you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar if needed.