I’ve always loved sharing recipes that bring people together around the table. From busy weeknights to special family gatherings, my mission is to make cooking approachable, fun, and full of flavor. This bang bang chicken recipe is one of those dishes that balances ease and excitement—crispy chicken coated in a creamy, spicy sauce that’s perfect for meal prep, dinner parties, or simply a cozy night in. Let’s make it together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This bang bang chicken recipe is a crowd-pleaser that combines crispy, golden chicken with a sweet-and-spicy creamy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s quick, easy, and family-friendly while still feeling special enough for dinner parties. You’ll love how customizable it is—you can adjust the spice level, make it in an air fryer or oven, or turn it into a bang bang chicken bowl. The balance of textures and flavors keeps everyone coming back for more. With this recipe, weeknight dinners can be exciting, stress-free, and full of flavor.
Ingredients for This Recipe
Every ingredient in this bang bang chicken recipe plays a key role in delivering crispiness, juiciness, and flavor. Buttermilk tenderizes the chicken, while a blend of flour, cornstarch, and spices ensures a crunchy coating. The sauce combines sweet chili, mayonnaise, sriracha, and honey to create that signature creamy, spicy-sweet taste.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4):
For the Chicken:
2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup cornstarch
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
Cooking spray
For the Sauce:
1 cup mayonnaise
½ cup sweet chili sauce
1–2 tbsp sriracha
1 tbsp honey
How to Make This Recipe
Making this bang bang chicken recipe is simple when you follow the steps carefully. Start by marinating chicken in buttermilk to tenderize it. Coat the chicken in a seasoned flour and cornstarch mixture to achieve a crispy exterior. Fry, bake, or air fry the chicken until golden and cooked through. Finally, toss it in the creamy, spicy sauce to fully coat every piece. Serve over rice, noodles, or a fresh vegetable bowl for a complete meal.
🛒 Steps:
Step 1: Marinate chicken in buttermilk for 30 minutes
Step 2: Mix flour, cornstarch, and spices; dredge chicken until coated
Step 3: Fry, bake, or air fry chicken until crispy and golden
Step 4: Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey
Step 5: Toss chicken in sauce and serve immediately
Expert Cooking Tips
To make the best bang bang chicken recipe, pay attention to marination, coating, and sauce consistency. Buttermilk keeps the chicken tender, while cornstarch ensures maximum crunch. Frying in small batches prevents soggy chicken. For a lighter version, the air fryer or oven works perfectly. Adjust the sriracha and honey to your preferred heat and sweetness. Serve immediately for the crispiest texture or keep sauce on the side if preparing ahead.
💡 Expert Tips:
Use buttermilk or homemade milk-and-vinegar mixture
Dredge chicken evenly in flour-cornstarch mix
Cook in small batches to avoid overcrowding
Adjust sauce heat with sriracha for family-friendly spice
Air fryer or oven works for healthier versions
Serve immediately for best texture
FAQs
What is bang bang chicken sauce made of?
The sauce combines mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey for the perfect creamy, spicy-sweet flavor.
Can I make bang bang chicken ahead of time?
Yes, fry the chicken first and store separately from the sauce. Toss just before serving to keep it crispy.
Is bang bang chicken spicy?
It’s mildly spicy. Adjust sriracha to taste for a family-friendly or spicier version.
What’s the best way to make it crispy?
Fry in small batches, coat evenly, and serve immediately or keep sauce separate until ready to eat.
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Bang Bang Chicken – Easy Restaurant-Style Favorite
This bang bang chicken recipe is the ultimate combination of crispy, creamy, and spicy flavors. It’s quick, easy, family-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. Whether you bake, fry, or air fry it, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results at home. With customizable spice levels and versatile serving options—from bowls to wraps—you’ll find yourself making this dish over and over again. Enjoy a comforting, flavorful meal everyone will love.
Print
Authentic Sichuan Bang Bang Chicken
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
The traditional authentic bang bang chicken recipe from Sichuan, China. Shredded poached chicken topped with a bold sesame-chili sauce instead of the creamy mayo-based version.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4):
For the Chicken:
2 large chicken breasts
4 cups water
2 slices ginger
2 green onions
For the Sauce:
2 tbsp sesame paste or tahini
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp black vinegar
1–2 tbsp chili oil
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp Sichuan peppercorn oil (optional)
1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions
📝 Instructions:
Step 1: Simmer chicken with ginger and green onions for 15–20 minutes until cooked. Cool and shred.
Step 2: Whisk all sauce ingredients until smooth.
Step 3: Arrange shredded chicken on a plate and spoon sauce over top.
Step 4: Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced scallions.
Notes
• Traditionally served cold or room temperature.
• Adjust chili oil for spice level.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main / Appetizer
- Method: Poached
- Cuisine: Chinese (Sichuan)