Introduction

Bang Bang Chicken is a crispy, flavorful dish that combines tender fried chicken pieces with a creamy, spicy sauce. It’s perfect as a snack, appetizer, or main course that will impress family and friends.

A black bowl filled with many small golden brown cauliflower bites that are crispy and have a slightly charred texture. Each bite is coated with a shiny, creamy light orange sauce and topped with vibrant green chopped chives scattered evenly across the dish. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with fresh green herbs blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetable oil for frying
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon lime juice
1 teaspoon honey (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, pour in the buttermilk and add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well mixed.
Step 4: After marinating, remove the chicken from the refrigerator. Take each piece out of the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, and dredge in the flour mixture until well coated.
Step 5: Let the coated chicken pieces sit on a wire rack for about 10 minutes.
Step 6: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, and honey (if using) until fully incorporated. Adjust sriracha to taste and set aside.
Step 7: In a large skillet or deep frying pan, pour enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom by about 1/2 inch. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
Step 8: Carefully add the coated chicken pieces in batches, frying for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).
Step 9: Remove the chicken from the oil and place on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Repeat with remaining chicken.
Step 10: Serve the fried chicken on a large platter or individual plates. Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce generously over the chicken or serve it on the side for dipping.
Step 11: Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and color.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, double dredge the chicken by dipping the coated pieces back into buttermilk and then flour mixture again before frying.
Adjust the heat level of the sauce by increasing or decreasing the amount of sriracha.
Try substituting chicken thighs for a juicier option.
Serve with steamed rice or a fresh salad to complete the meal.

Storage

Store any leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in a hot oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness. The sauce can be enjoyed cold or gently warmed.

How to Serve

A black bowl filled with many small, golden-brown tater tots that have a crispy, slightly bumpy texture, each topped with smooth, light orange sauce drizzled unevenly on top. The dish is garnished with bright green chopped scallions scattered generously over the tater tots. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface, adding a clean contrast to the rich colors of the food, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes, baking is a healthier alternative. Coat the chicken as directed and bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through until golden and cooked through.

Is buttermilk necessary for the marinade?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken and adds moisture, but if unavailable, you can substitute with plain yogurt or milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar.