Homemade Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Craving something bold and delicious? Look no further than Homemade Bang Bang Chicken! This dish features crispy fried chicken coated in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. Inspired by the popular restaurant dish, this easy recipe lets you recreate that irresistible Bang Bang flavor right in your kitchen.

Whether you serve it as an appetizer, side, or main dish, Bang Bang Chicken is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or game nights. Follow this step-by-step guide to make your new favorite dish!

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• ½ cup buttermilk
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¾ cup cornstarch
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Bang Bang Sauce

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
• 2 tbsp sriracha (adjust for heat preference)
• 1 tbsp honey (optional, for added sweetness)
• 1 tsp lime juice

For Garnish

• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a bowl, combine buttermilk, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully coated in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

1. Place the cornstarch in a shallow dish.
2. Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Coat each piece in cornstarch, pressing lightly to ensure an even layer.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

1. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C).
2. Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking for 4-5 minutes per batch until golden brown and crispy.
3. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Toss and Serve

1. Place the fried chicken in a large mixing bowl. Pour the Bang Bang sauce over the chicken and toss gently to coat.
2. Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of white rice, fried rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
• Use Bang Bang Chicken as a topping for salads or wraps for a lighter option.

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: To maintain crispiness, reheat in an oven or air fryer at 350°F until warmed through.

Helpful Notes

1. Adjust Heat Level: Reduce sriracha for milder spice or add extra for a fiery kick.
2. No Buttermilk? Substitute with regular milk mixed with 1 tsp vinegar or lemon juice.
3. Baking Option: For a healthier twist, bake the chicken on a greased baking sheet at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
4. Air Fryer Method: Cook the coated chicken in an air fryer at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
5. Sauce Alternative: If you prefer less creaminess, mix sweet chili sauce and sriracha alone for a lighter version of the Bang Bang sauce.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

• Guy Fieri: Add a splash of soy sauce to the sauce for an umami boost.
• Rachael Ray: Use panko breadcrumbs instead of cornstarch for extra crunch.
• Jamie Oliver: Toss chicken in sesame oil before serving for a subtle nutty aroma.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, just make sure it’s fully thawed before marinating for even cooking.

2. What’s the best oil for frying?

Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are great choices due to their high smoke points.

3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free cornstarch and verify your sweet chili sauce and mayonnaise are gluten-free.

4. Is there a way to make the sauce healthier?

You can replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

5. Can I use a different protein?

Absolutely! Shrimp, tofu, or cauliflower work wonderfully as substitutes.

6. How do I keep the chicken crispy after frying?

Avoid covering the fried chicken before serving, as steam will make it soggy.

7. What brand of sweet chili sauce works best?

Mae Ploy or Trader Joe’s Sweet Chili Sauce are popular options for authentic flavor.

8. Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?

Yes, marinate the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead, but fry just before serving for best results.

9. What if I don’t have sriracha?

Replace with any hot sauce, such as Tabasco or Frank’s RedHot, but adjust the quantity to taste.

10. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, use a plant-based milk alternative for the marinade and dairy-free mayonnaise for the sauce.