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
