Few dishes strike the perfect balance between crispy, creamy, and spicy quite like Chicken with Zesty Bang Bang Sauce. This popular restaurant-inspired recipe combines tender, crunchy chicken bites with a tangy, slightly spicy sauce that coats every piece in irresistible flavor. The contrast between the golden crisp coating and the creamy, zesty glaze makes this dish both comforting and exciting.
What makes Bang Bang Chicken so appealing is its simplicity. You can prepare it in under 40 minutes with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, pairing it with rice or noodles for dinner, or adding it to tacos and wraps, this dish always brings a punch of flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients
This recipe serves 4 people and takes about 15 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook.
For the Chicken
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – 1 ½ lbs (680 g), cut into 1-inch cubes
- Salt – ½ teaspoon
- Black pepper – ¼ teaspoon
- Garlic powder – ½ teaspoon
- Cornstarch – ½ cup (60 g)
- Eggs – 2 large, lightly beaten
- All-purpose flour – ½ cup (65 g)
- Panko breadcrumbs – 1 cup (100 g) (for extra crunch)
- Vegetable or canola oil – 2 cups (480 ml) for frying
For the Zesty Bang Bang Sauce
- Mayonnaise – ½ cup (120 ml)
- Sweet chili sauce – ¼ cup (60 ml)
- Sriracha – 1 ½ tablespoons (adjust for spice level)
- Honey – 1 tablespoon
- Rice vinegar – 1 teaspoon
- Lime juice – 1 tablespoon
- Garlic – 1 clove, finely minced
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped green onions – 2 tablespoons
- Toasted sesame seeds – 1 teaspoon
- Fresh cilantro – 1 tablespoon, chopped
- Lime wedges – for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken breasts into even 1-inch cubes to ensure consistent cooking. Pat them dry with a paper towel — removing moisture helps the coating stick better and crisp up during frying. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
Prepare three shallow bowls or dishes:
- Flour bowl – add the all-purpose flour.
- Egg bowl – lightly beat the eggs.
- Panko bowl – mix panko breadcrumbs and cornstarch together for a light, crunchy coating.
Working in small batches, dredge the seasoned chicken pieces in flour, then dip them into the egg mixture, and finally roll them in the panko-cornstarch mix. Press gently to help the coating adhere.
Step 3: Fry Until Golden and Crisp
Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or saucepan to about 1 ½ inches depth and heat to 350°F (175°C). To check readiness, drop a small breadcrumb into the oil — if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.
Fry the chicken in batches for 4–5 minutes per side, turning occasionally until golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Transfer cooked pieces to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Avoid overcrowding the pan — it lowers the oil temperature and makes the coating soggy.
For a lighter version, you can also air fry at 390°F (200°C) for 14–16 minutes, flipping halfway through, or bake at 400°F (205°C) for 20–22 minutes on a wire rack-lined baking sheet.
Step 4: Make the Zesty Bang Bang Sauce
In a small mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, lime juice, and minced garlic. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust — add more sriracha for heat or honey for sweetness.
The sauce should strike a balance of creamy, tangy, and spicy.
Step 5: Toss and Serve
Place the hot, crispy chicken pieces in a large bowl. Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over them and toss until every bite is evenly coated. If you prefer crispier texture, drizzle just enough sauce to lightly coat the chicken and reserve extra for dipping.
Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or cilantro. Serve immediately while warm.
Conservation and Storage
Proper storage keeps the flavors and crunch intact.
- Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken (without sauce) in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separately in a small jar or container.
- Freezing: Breaded, uncooked chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. Place coated pieces on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.
- Reheating: To reheat fried chicken, use an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving as it softens the coating.
Always add the sauce after reheating to keep the chicken crunchy. The sauce stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 1 week — just whisk before using.
Variations
1. Grilled Bang Bang Chicken
Skip the breading and frying for a lighter version. Marinate chicken strips in olive oil, lime juice, and garlic for 30 minutes, then grill for 5–6 minutes per side. Toss in the Bang Bang sauce right before serving.
2. Bang Bang Shrimp or Tofu
Swap chicken for large shrimp or crispy tofu cubes. Follow the same breading and frying steps — the sauce works perfectly with both.
3. Spicy Mango Twist
Add 1 tablespoon of mango puree or finely diced mango to the sauce for a tropical sweetness that balances the heat.
4. Healthier Baked Version
Lightly spray breaded chicken with cooking oil and bake on a wire rack at 400°F (205°C) for 20 minutes. The result is crispy, golden pieces with less oil.
5. Asian Fusion Bowl
Serve the sauced chicken over steamed jasmine rice, with sautéed vegetables and a drizzle of extra sauce. Add crushed peanuts for texture.
Serving Suggestions
Bang Bang Chicken is versatile and works in many meals and occasions.
- As an Appetizer: Serve bite-sized portions on skewers with extra sauce on the side for dipping. Perfect for parties or game nights.
- With Rice or Noodles: Spoon over jasmine rice, fried rice, or lo mein noodles. The sauce coats beautifully and ties the dish together.
- In Wraps or Tacos: Stuff sauced chicken in tortillas with shredded lettuce, cabbage, and avocado for a flavorful twist on chicken tacos.
- Salad Bowl: Layer mixed greens, shredded carrots, cucumbers, and crispy chicken. Drizzle extra sauce as dressing for a satisfying salad meal.
- Slider Sandwiches: Serve in mini buns with lettuce and pickles for fun, shareable sandwiches.
Pair with fresh lime wedges or a side of crisp vegetables to balance the creamy heat.
Tips for Perfecting the Dish
- Keep oil at steady temperature: Too hot burns the coating; too cool makes it greasy. Aim for 350°F (175°C).
- Use cornstarch with breadcrumbs: This combination yields the crispiest texture.
- Double coat for crunch: Dip chicken twice — flour, egg, then panko-cornstarch — for an extra-crispy crust.
- Add sauce last: Always toss chicken in sauce right before serving to avoid sogginess.
- Adjust the spice: Control the heat by varying the amount of sriracha. Start mild, then build up.
Conclusion
Chicken with Zesty Bang Bang Sauce captures the perfect trifecta of flavors — crispy, creamy, and spicy. It’s a dish that’s simple to prepare yet bold enough to impress any crowd. The golden, crunchy chicken pairs beautifully with the tangy-sweet heat of the Bang Bang sauce, creating a balance that excites every bite.
Its versatility makes it a winner for any occasion — serve it as a main course, an appetizer, or a creative fusion dish. You can customize it easily with shrimp, tofu, or grilled chicken for a lighter twist.
Ultimately, this recipe celebrates everything people love about comfort food: rich flavor, satisfying crunch, and a little heat to wake up the palate. Once you make Chicken with Zesty Bang Bang Sauce, it’s bound to become a go-to favorite for quick weeknight dinners and weekend indulgence alike.
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Chicken with Zesty Bang Bang Sauce: Crispy, Creamy, and Irresistibly BoldIntroduction
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Chicken with Zesty Bang Bang Sauce recipe delivers crispy, tender chicken bites coated in a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce that’s impossible to resist. Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s an easy restaurant-style meal perfect for weeknights, appetizers, or meal prep.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
1 ½ lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ cup (60 g) cornstarch
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
½ cup (65 g) all-purpose flour
1 cup (100 g) panko breadcrumbs
2 cups (480 ml) vegetable or canola oil for frying
For the Zesty Bang Bang Sauce
½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
¼ cup (60 ml) sweet chili sauce
1 ½ tablespoons sriracha (adjust to spice preference)
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 clove garlic, finely minced
Optional Garnishes
2 tablespoons chopped green onions
1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
Cut chicken into 1-inch cubes and pat dry. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Set Up Breading Station
Prepare three bowls:
Bowl 1: flour
Bowl 2: beaten eggs
Bowl 3: panko breadcrumbs + cornstarch mix
Dredge chicken in flour, dip in egg, then coat in panko-cornstarch. Press gently to help coating stick.
Fry Until Golden
Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F / 74°C internal temp). Drain on paper towels.
Alternative: Bake at 400°F (205°C) for 20 minutes or air fry at 390°F (200°C) for 14–16 minutes.
Make the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, lime juice, and minced garlic until smooth.
Toss and Serve
Combine hot chicken with sauce in a large bowl and toss until coated. Garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, and cilantro. Serve immediately.
Notes
Keep the oil temperature steady for maximum crispiness.
Add the sauce right before serving to prevent sogginess.
Adjust sriracha and honey levels for your preferred heat and sweetness.
Sauce can be made ahead and stored for up to 1 week in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish / Appetizer
- Method: Frying (or Air Fry/Bake Alternative)
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired / American Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (about 6 oz chicken + sauce)
- Calories: 510 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg
Keywords: Chicken with Bang Bang Sauce, crispy chicken recipe, zesty bang bang chicken, spicy sweet chicken, Asian fusion dish
