Sizzling, Crispy, Irresistible: Your New Favorite Chicken Recipe is Here!
Imagine biting into a piece of chicken so perfectly crispy it crackles, coated in a creamy, sweet-spicy sauce that makes your taste buds dance. That’s exactly what you’ll get with this Easy Crispy Bang Bang Chicken—ready in just 20 minutes! No need for takeout or complicated steps—this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.
Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or a meal prep hero, this dish checks all the boxes. Plus, I’m sharing chef-approved secrets (like why cornstarch beats flour for crunch and how to nail the sauce every time) to ensure your chicken comes out golden, juicy, and packed with flavor.
Why you’ll love this recipe:
Foolproof crispy coating (no frying fails!)
Customizable heat level—make it mild or fiery
Faster than delivery (and way more satisfying)
Pro Tip: For extra crunch, double-fry the chicken—it’s a game-changer!
Ready to make the crispiest, sauciest chicken of your life? Let’s get cooking!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
The Essentials
- Chicken: Boneless thighs (juicier!) or breasts.
- Cornstarch: The secret to ultra-crispy coating (no flour needed!).
- Bang Bang Sauce: Mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey.
Dietary Swaps
- Gluten-free? Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Spice level? Adjust sriracha to taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Coat & Fry
- Toss chicken in cornstarch + salt (no egg wash—cornstarch = max crispiness!).
- Fry in 375°F oil for 3-4 minutes until golden.
Step 2: Sauce & Serve
- Toss fried chicken in Bang Bang sauce (recipe below) or drizzle on top.
Chef Andrew’s Pro Tips
Extra Crispy: Double-fry (let chicken rest 5 minutes, then fry 1 more minute).
Sauce Consistency: Thin with 1 tbsp water if too thick.
Air Fryer & Baking Options
- Air Fryer: 400°F for 10 mins, flip halfway.
- Baked: 425°F for 20 mins on a wire rack (spritz with oil!).
Flavor Variations
- Mango Bang Bang: Add mango puree to the sauce.
- Keto: Use almond flour + erythritol.
FAQs
What is bang bang chicken made of?
Traditional Bang Bang Chicken consists of crispy fried chicken tossed in a creamy, sweet-spicy sauce. Our version uses:
Chicken: Boneless thighs or breasts (thighs stay juicier!)
Coating: Cornstarch (for ultimate crispiness)
Sauce: Mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey
What is bang bang sauce made of?
The iconic Bang Bang Sauce is a 4-ingredient blend:
Mayo (base for creaminess)
Sweet chili sauce (for tangy sweetness)
Sriracha (adjust for heat)
Honey (balances the spice)
Pro Tip: For a lighter version, swap mayo with Greek yogurt!
Is bang bang sauce good on chicken?
Absolutely! The sauce’s creamy-spicy-sweet combo clings perfectly to crispy chicken. Try it on:
Fried shrimp
Roasted veggies
Tacos
What is Bang Bang made of?
“Bang Bang” refers to the sauce’s explosive flavor (not ingredients). It’s a Chinese-American creation popularized by seafood chains like Bonefish Grill.
How to make crispy chicken with cornflakes?
For a cornflake-crusted version:
Dip chicken in flour → egg wash → crushed cornflakes.
Bake at 400°F for 15-20 mins. (Great for oven-baked crunch!)
Easy Crispy Bang Bang Chicken (Ready in 20 Minutes!)
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless chicken (thighs or breasts)
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- 1 tsp honey
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Cut chicken into 1-inch pieces; toss with cornstarch
- Fry in 375°F oil for 3-4 minutes until golden.
- Whisk sauce ingredients; toss with chicken.
Crispy, Saucy, and Done in 20 Minutes – Who Needs Takeout?
There you have it—the easiest, crunchiest, most addictive Bang Bang Chicken you’ll ever make at home! Whether you served it over rice, tucked it into tacos, or devoured it straight from the pan (no judgment here), I hope this recipe brought a little sweet, spicy joy to your table.
Before you go:
1️⃣ Send me in [[email protected]] when you make this—I love seeing your creations!
2️⃣ Pin this recipe for your next “I need dinner FAST” emergency (we all have those nights).
3️⃣ Craving more? Try my [Easy Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe – 30 Minutes!] or [Easy BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich – Ready in 15 Minutes!] next!
Happy cooking, and even happier eating!