Bang Bang Crispy Chicken
Bang Bang Crispy Chicken is a quick and easy recipe featuring tender, juicy chicken coated in an ultra-crispy shell and tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce that balances sweet, tangy, and heat perfectly. Ideal for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, this versatile dish offers customizable spice levels and optional variations including gluten-free, baked, and vegetarian versions.
- Author: Maria
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (when using gluten-free flour)
Chicken
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
Coating
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for GF option)
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1–2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
- Optional: honey or maple syrup (1 tablespoon) for a sweet twist
For Frying
- Neutral oil with high smoke point (canola or vegetable oil), enough for deep frying
Seasonings
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Prep the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces or strips. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season lightly with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika for extra flavor.
- Make the Coating Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. This blend ensures a light, ultra-crispy coating.
- Dip in Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the eggs and buttermilk until combined. Dip each chicken piece fully into this mixture so the coating will adhere properly.
- Coat the Chicken: Immediately dredge the wet chicken pieces in the dry coating mixture, pressing gently to cover every side. This locks in crispiness during frying.
- Fry Until Golden: Heat oil in a deep pan or skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches for about 4 to 5 minutes each, until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Prepare Bang Bang Sauce: While frying, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha in a small bowl. Adjust the spiciness or add honey or maple syrup if desired.
- Toss and Serve: Place the fried chicken in a large bowl and gently toss with the prepared bang bang sauce until all pieces are evenly coated. Serve immediately for the best crunch.
Notes
- Pat chicken dry before coating to avoid sogginess and maximize crispiness.
- Use a thermometer to keep oil temperature steady at 350°F for perfectly cooked chicken.
- For extra crunch, double dip the chicken by repeating wet and dry coating steps before frying.
- Add sauce gradually to avoid overpowering the crispy texture.
- Make the sauce ahead of time to speed up assembly before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Bang Bang Chicken, Crispy Chicken, Spicy Chicken, Appetizers, Quick Dinner, Fried Chicken, Gluten-Free Option, Spicy Sauce