Crispy Bang Bang Chicken: Your New Favorite Dinner Recipe

There’s a reason “Bang Bang” chicken has taken the culinary world by storm—it’s a dish that delivers an explosion of flavors and textures in every bite! This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken recipe brings that beloved takeout favorite right into your kitchen, making it perfect for a satisfying and exciting dinner any night of the week. Get ready for perfectly crispy chicken coated in a creamy, spicy, and sweet sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why I Love This Recipe

What’s not to love about this Crispy Bang Bang Chicken? For me, it’s the incredible contrast of textures – the satisfying crunch of the golden-brown chicken giving way to tender, juicy meat inside. Then there’s that sauce! It strikes the perfect balance between spicy Sriracha, sweet chili, and creamy mayonnaise, creating a harmonious flavor profile that’s utterly addictive. It’s an elevated yet approachable dish that’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough for company. It’s a go-to when I want something flavorful and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Crispy Bang Bang Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying

Swaps and Notes

• Chicken: You can easily adapt this recipe for boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat. Just adjust cooking time as needed. If you prefer to bake, see the “Tips for Success” section.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko is key for that extra crispy coating, so I highly recommend sticking with it. Regular breadcrumbs won’t give you the same crunch.
• Mayonnaise: While classic for Bang Bang sauce, you could use a light mayonnaise or even Greek yogurt for a slightly healthier twist, though it might alter the creaminess a bit.
• Spice Level: The Sriracha is what brings the heat. Feel free to adjust the amount up or down to suit your preference. For more heat, add an extra drizzle on top when serving.
• Sweetness: If you like it sweeter, you can add a bit more honey to the sauce.
• Oil: Any neutral oil with a high smoke point, like canola or grapeseed oil, will work well for frying.

Steps for the Recipe

Let’s get cooking this fantastic Crispy Bang Bang Chicken!

1. Prepare Breadcrumb Mixture: In a shallow dish or a wide plate, combine the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed.
2. Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, and Sriracha sauce until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined.
3. Coat the Chicken: Take each chicken breast and first dip it into the mayonnaise mixture, ensuring it is fully coated on all sides. Let any excess drip off.
4. Bread the Chicken: Immediately after dipping in the mayo mixture, roll the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture. Gently press the crumbs onto the chicken to make sure they adhere well and fully coat each piece.
5. Heat Oil: In a large skillet or frying pan, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat. You want the oil to be hot enough to sizzle when a breadcrumb is dropped in, but not smoking.
6. Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken breasts into the hot skillet. Cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown, crispy, and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C). You may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
7. Drain Excess Oil: Once cooked, use tongs to transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
8. Serve: Serve your Crispy Bang Bang Chicken hot, either sliced into strips or as whole breasts. Drizzle with extra Bang Bang sauce if desired, or serve it on the side for dipping.

Tips for Success

• Even Thickness: If your chicken breasts are very thick, consider pounding them lightly to an even thickness (about 1 inch) before breading. This ensures even cooking.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the chicken in batches if necessary. Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature and can lead to soggy, rather than crispy, chicken.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep an eye on your oil temperature. If it gets too hot, the breading will burn before the chicken cooks through. If it’s not hot enough, the chicken will soak up too much oil.
• Rest the Chicken: After frying, letting the chicken rest for a few minutes on the paper towel-lined plate helps the juices redistribute, keeping it tender.
• For Baked Chicken: If you prefer to bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). After breading, place chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Bake for 20-30 minutes, flipping halfway, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides:

• Rice: Serve it over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice to soak up all that delicious sauce.
• Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or a simple side salad are great fresh complements.
• Noodles: Toss it with some cooked noodles for a complete meal.
• Coleslaw: A crisp, refreshing coleslaw can offer a nice textural contrast and cut through the richness.
• Beverage Pairings: A crisp lager, a cold sparkling water with lime, or even a light-bodied white wine like a dry Riesling would be excellent choices.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Leftover Crispy Bang Bang Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, the best method for maintaining crispiness is to use an air fryer or an oven. Reheat in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, until heated through and crispy.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you enjoyed this flavorful chicken dish, you’ll definitely want to explore these other delicious chicken recipes from Chef Maniac:

• For a comforting and hearty meal, try my Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo.
• These Easy Cheese Stuffed Chicken Wontons are a perfect crispy appetizer.
• If you’re looking for a lighter option, my Light Tangy Chicken Salad (No Mayo) is always a hit.
• For a quick and satisfying slider, check out these Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter.
• And for a crowd-pleasing dinner, these Chicken Enchiladas are a go-to for me.

Final Thoughts

Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is more than just a meal; it’s a vibrant culinary experience that’s sure to brighten up your dinner table. The combination of crispy textures and that perfectly balanced sweet and spicy sauce makes it an instant family favorite. Give this recipe a try, and get ready for an explosion of flavor!

What’s your favorite way to enjoy crispy chicken? Let me know in the comments below!