Crispy Bang Bang Chicken: The Ultimate Easy Recipe

Golden, crunchy chicken bites tossed in a creamy, slightly spicy-sweet sauce that’s what makes Crispy Bang Bang Chicken so addictive. This recipe has taken Pinterest and TikTok by storm, and for good reason. It combines the perfect crisp coating with a bold, flavor-packed sauce that makes every bite irresistible.

The best part? You don’t need to be a chef to master it. With just a few pantry-friendly ingredients and a simple cooking method, you can make restaurant-quality Bang Bang Chicken right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re serving it as a quick family dinner, a game-night snack, or a party appetizer, this dish is guaranteed to disappear fast.

What Is Bang Bang Chicken?

Bang Bang Chicken is a crispy fried (or air-fried) chicken dish coated in a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce. The sauce usually blends mayonnaise, sweet chili, and a dash of hot sauce or Sriracha, creating that signature flavor balance creamy, sweet, and mildly fiery all at once.

This dish first gained popularity in Asian-inspired restaurants, but over time, it became a viral favorite on Pinterest and TikTok because it’s simple, photogenic, and incredibly tasty. While the original versions can be heavy, making it at home means you can adjust the spice level, tweak the sweetness, and even use healthier cooking methods like air frying.

Essentially, it’s comfort food that looks fancy but takes minimal effort a win-win for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Crispy Bang Bang Chicken doesn’t require anything fancy just simple ingredients you probably already have at home. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken:

Chicken breast or thighs – cut into bite-sized cubes
Flour + cornstarch – for that light, crispy coating
Eggs – helps the breading stick
Panko breadcrumbs – adds extra crunch
Salt & pepper – to season the chicken

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

Mayonnaise – base of the sauce, creamy and rich
Sweet chili sauce – gives sweetness and mild heat
Sriracha or hot sauce – for a spicy kick (adjust to taste)
Honey (optional) – for extra balance if you like it sweeter

How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken (Step by Step)

Making this recipe is easier than it looks. Follow these simple steps and you’ll have golden, crunchy chicken ready in no time.

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Cut chicken into bite-sized cubes. Pat dry with a paper towel so the coating sticks better.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

Mix flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper in one bowl.
Beat eggs in another bowl.
Place panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.

Dip chicken pieces into the flour mixture → egg → panko, making sure each piece is fully coated.

Step 3: Fry or Air Fry

Fry: Heat oil in a pan and fry chicken until golden brown (about 4–5 minutes per side).
Air Fry: Spray chicken lightly with oil and air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Whisk mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha together until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust spice level to your liking.

Step 5: Toss & Serve

Add crispy chicken to a large bowl, drizzle with Bang Bang sauce, and toss gently until coated. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds.

How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken (Step by Step)

Tips for Perfect Crunch

Getting that crispy coating every time isn’t hard, but these tricks make all the difference:

Use cornstarch + flour together → Cornstarch makes the coating lighter, while flour gives structure. The combo creates the perfect crunch.
Go for panko breadcrumbs → They’re bigger and crispier than regular breadcrumbs, giving you that satisfying bite.
Don’t overcrowd the pan → Fry in small batches so the oil stays hot and the chicken cooks evenly.
Double fry for restaurant-style crispiness → Fry once at medium heat, then again at higher heat for just 1–2 minutes.
Rest on a wire rack, not paper towels → This keeps the coating crunchy instead of soggy.
Air fryer hack → Spray lightly with cooking oil before air frying to mimic deep-fried crispiness.

Serving Ideas

Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is so versatile that you can enjoy it in many ways:

Appetizer Style → Serve on a platter with toothpicks for easy party snacking.
Over Rice or Noodles → Turn it into a full meal by pairing with steamed rice, fried rice, or stir-fried noodles.
Lettuce Wraps → For a lighter option, wrap the chicken in crisp lettuce leaves and drizzle with extra sauce.
Sliders or Wraps → Tuck the chicken into mini buns or tortillas for a fun twist.
Game Night Snack → Serve with cold drinks and let it be the star of your snack table.

Variations & Substitutions

One of the best things about Bang Bang Chicken is how easy it is to adapt. You can switch it up depending on your mood or dietary needs:

Bang Bang Shrimp → Swap chicken for shrimp, coat, fry, and toss with the same sauce.
Vegetarian Option → Use cauliflower or tofu instead of chicken for a lighter but still crispy version.
Spice Level Control → Add more Sriracha if you like it fiery, or skip it for a milder flavor.
Sauce Swap → Replace mayo with Greek yogurt for a healthier, tangier twist.
Gluten-Free → Use cornstarch and gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular flour and panko.

Storage & Reheating

Bang Bang Chicken is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, here’s how to keep them tasty:

Storage → Place cooled chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Store the sauce separately to keep the coating crisp.
Reheating → Warm in the oven or air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 8–10 minutes until hot and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it makes the coating soggy.
Make Ahead Tip → You can prep the sauce a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just fry the chicken fresh and toss when ready to serve.