Bang Bang Chicken is your new go-to when you need something crispy, juicy, and bursting with sweet-heat flavor. Coated in a creamy chili sauce and perfect for dinner or appetizers, this dish is easy to make at home—no deep fryer required. Whether you’re air frying, baking, or pan-frying, this is a recipe that’s always a hit.
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Bang Bang Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat chicken pieces dry and coat evenly in cornstarch.
- Heat oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches until golden and crispy, about 4–5 minutes per side. Transfer to paper towels to drain.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and garlic powder until smooth.
- Toss the cooked chicken pieces in the sauce until well coated.
- Transfer to a serving dish. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
What Is Bang Bang Chicken?
This dish is inspired by the viral Bang Bang Shrimp, made famous by Bonefish Grill. Over time, home cooks started swapping in chicken for shrimp, creating what we now call bang bang chicken—bite-sized crispy chicken pieces coated or drizzled with a creamy, spicy sauce made from mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha.
It’s loved for the crispy outside, tender inside, and that rich, tangy-spicy coating that brings everything together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk or 2 eggs (for dipping)
- ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs (or crushed cornflakes for extra crunch)
- ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp garlic powder, pinch of black pepper
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise (regular, light, or vegan)
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust for heat preference)
Optional: Add 1 tsp lime juice or garlic powder for added punch.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Pat dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Step 2: Coat and Cook
Dip chicken pieces in buttermilk or whisked egg. Roll in panko to coat evenly.
Choose your cooking method:
- Air Fryer: 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flip halfway.
- Oven: Bake at 425°F for 15–18 minutes on a lined tray.
- Pan-Fry: Heat oil in a non-stick skillet, cook for 2–3 mins per side.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Whisk together mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Toss or Drizzle
Once chicken is cooked and crispy, drizzle sauce over or toss to coat. Serve immediately.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
| Reason You’ll Love It | What Makes It Great |
|---|---|
| Quick Cooking Time | Ready in under 30 minutes |
| Multiple Methods | Air fryer, oven, or stovetop options |
| Bold Flavors | Creamy, sweet, and spicy |
| Family Friendly | Easy to adjust spice levels |
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken
There’s no wrong way to enjoy this dish. Here are a few favorites:
- Over jasmine rice or fried rice
- Tucked into tacos with slaw
- As an appetizer with dipping sauce
- On skewers for party-style bites
- In a wrap with lettuce and cucumber
Looking for more bold chicken recipes?
Check out: Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze uncooked breaded chicken on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag.
Reheat: Use the air fryer or oven to bring back the crisp—skip the microwave.
Meal Prep Tip: Keep sauce separate until serving to maintain crispiness.
Bang Bang Chicken Variations
Low-Carb / Keto
- Swap breadcrumbs for crushed pork rinds or almond flour.
- Use sugar-free chili sauce.
- Serve over cauliflower rice.
Gluten-Free
- Use gluten-free panko or crushed rice crackers.
- Double-check sauce labels for hidden gluten.
Lighter Version
- Bake or air fry instead of deep frying.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo.
Nutrition (Per Serving – Approx. 1 Cup)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~320 kcal |
| Fat | ~20g |
| Carbs | ~15g |
| Protein | ~24g |
| Sugar | ~5g |
Based on oven-baked method with light mayo.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is bang bang chicken made of?
It’s made from bite-sized crispy chicken pieces tossed in a creamy sauce of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha.
Can I make bang bang chicken in the air fryer?
Absolutely. It’s one of the best ways to get crispy texture with less oil. Cook at 400°F for about 10–12 minutes.
Is bang bang chicken spicy?
Yes, but you can control the heat. Reduce the sriracha or swap it for a milder hot sauce if needed.
Is the sauce dairy-free?
Yes—just make sure the mayo you’re using is dairy-free. Most store-bought versions are.
How long does it keep in the fridge?
Cooked bang bang chicken lasts up to 3 days refrigerated. Store sauce separately to avoid sogginess.
Final Thoughts
This Bang Bang Chicken recipe brings restaurant-style flavor straight to your kitchen—with crispy golden chicken bites tossed in a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce that’s absolutely addictive. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, game day crowd, or just craving comfort food with a kick, this dish delivers bold flavor with minimal effort.
It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s guaranteed to disappear fast.
Once you try it, you’ll understand why Bang Bang Chicken has become a viral favorite—and why it deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.