If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances creamy, spicy, and sweet flavors, you can’t go wrong with this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe. It’s a delightful way to turn simple chicken breasts into something vibrant and unforgettable, with a luscious sauce that clings beautifully to every bite. The mix of crunchy, tender chicken and the tangy, slightly spicy sauce makes this dish a total crowd-pleaser and a personal favorite for quick dinners or entertaining friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the magic in this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and texture—from the crispy coating to the creamy, spicy sauce that brings everything together harmoniously.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The perfect lean protein that cooks quickly and stays tender.
- Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and a subtle tang that’s essential for the sauce’s richness.
- Thai sweet chili sauce: Brings that iconic sweet heat, balancing the flavors beautifully.
- Honey: Provides natural sweetness that mellows out the spice.
- Rice vinegar: Offers brightness and acidity to cut through the creamy sauce.
- Garlic powder: Adds depth and warmth without overpowering the dish.
- Paprika: Gives a mild smokiness and vibrant color.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and the sauce.
- Cornstarch: Creates the crispy exterior on the chicken pieces.
- Vegetable oil: Perfect for frying to achieve golden, crunchy chicken.
- Green onions: Adds a fresh, mild bite and a pop of green color as garnish.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Sauce
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that’s warming up, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. This sauce will be the star that ties the entire Bang Bang Chicken Recipe together, packing creamy, spicy, and sweet notes in every bite.
Step 2: Prep the Chicken
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and easy eating. Lightly season them with salt and pepper to build flavor from the inside out.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Generously coat each chicken piece in cornstarch. This little step is a game-changer because it forms the crispy crust you’ll adore in the final dish, locking in the juicy texture of the chicken.
Step 4: Brown the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and fry the coated chicken pieces until they’re golden brown on all sides, usually 3 to 4 minutes per side. This initial sear adds crunch and helps seal in the juices before baking.
Step 5: Bake to Finish Cooking
Transfer the beautifully browned chicken into a baking dish and pop it in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes. This step ensures every piece is cooked through and tender without drying out.
Step 6: Toss with the Sauce and Garnish
Once out of the oven, give the chicken a moment to cool just slightly. Then drizzle the sauce over the chicken and toss gently so every bite is coated in that irresistible creamy and spicy mixture. Finish things off with a scattering of thinly sliced green onions for freshness, texture, and a lovely color contrast.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Green onions are your go-to garnish to add a fresh bite and some visual appeal. You could also sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds for crunch or a squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten the dish just before serving. These small touches elevate the experience and highlight the flavors in the Bang Bang Chicken Recipe.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple steamed jasmine rice or fluffy coconut rice for an extra touch of richness. A light, crisp salad with cucumber and carrot ribbons wrapped in a tangy vinaigrette also balances the richness of the chicken perfectly. You want sides that complement without overpowering the bold flavors of this recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Bang Bang Chicken Recipe in lettuce wraps for a fresh, handheld option. You can also place the sauced chicken over quinoa or cauliflower rice for a healthier spin, or even pile it on top of a noodle bowl with crunchy vegetables for an Asian-inspired feast. Presentation is your playground here—don’t hesitate to get creative!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, let the Bang Bang Chicken cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep nicely in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a perfect meal prep choice for busy days.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well, too. Freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately if possible to maintain the best texture. Store in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Thawed properly, it still delivers the delicious flavors you love.
Reheating
When reheating, do so gently to keep the chicken tender and the sauce creamy. The best way is to warm it in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it sometimes changes the sauce texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add even more juiciness and flavor to the Bang Bang Chicken Recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
Is this dish very spicy?
The spice level is moderate, thanks to the sweet chili sauce and paprika, making it approachable for most palates. You can always adjust by adding less sweet chili sauce or using a milder version if you’re sensitive to heat.
What’s the best way to get the chicken crispy?
Coating the chicken pieces in cornstarch and pan-frying them before baking is key. The cornstarch helps form a crispy crust, and browning in the skillet locks in the juices while creating that wonderful crunch.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a week. This makes assembling the Bang Bang Chicken Recipe even faster and easier when you’re ready to cook.
What can I substitute for Thai sweet chili sauce?
If you can’t find Thai sweet chili sauce, a mix of honey and a mild chili sauce or sriracha with a little sugar works well as a substitute. Just be sure to balance the sweetness and spice for that signature Bang Bang flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Bang Bang Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that instantly feels like a celebration on your plate. The combination of crispy chicken and creamy, tangy sauce is delightfully addictive, easy to whip up, and perfect for sharing. I wholeheartedly recommend giving it a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner or casual get-together highlight!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
- Diet: Halal
Description
Bang Bang Chicken is a flavorful and crispy dish featuring tender bite-sized chicken pieces coated in cornstarch, pan-fried to a golden brown, then baked to finish cooking. The chicken is tossed in a tangy, sweet, and spicy sauce made with mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, honey, and spices, and garnished with fresh green onions. This recipe blends Asian-inspired flavors with crispy texture for a satisfying main course.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken after initial frying.
- Make Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to form a smooth, flavorful sauce.
- Prepare Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season them with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Coat Chicken: Dredge each chicken piece thoroughly in cornstarch until fully coated, ensuring a crispy outer layer after frying.
- Heat Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and hot enough for frying.
- Pan-Fry Chicken: Add the coated chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden brown and crispy.
- Bake Chicken: Transfer the browned chicken pieces to a baking dish. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Cool Slightly: Remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to cool slightly for easier handling and better sauce absorption.
- Toss with Sauce: Drizzle the prepared sauce over the warm chicken and toss gently to coat all pieces evenly.
- Garnish: Sprinkle thinly sliced green onions on top for a fresh, crisp garnish and added flavor.
- Serve: Serve the Bang Bang Chicken hot as a delicious main dish, perfect alongside steamed rice or a fresh salad.
Notes
- For extra crunch, you can double coat the chicken by dipping it back into the cornstarch after the first fry.
- Adjust the amount of Thai sweet chili sauce to control the level of sweetness and spiciness.
- If you prefer, substitute vegetable oil with peanut oil for a nuttier flavor.
- To make this dish gluten-free, confirm the Thai sweet chili sauce contains no gluten or use a gluten-free variety.
- Leftover Bang Bang Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
