Tired of bland, boring chicken dinners that leave you disappointed? Get ready to transform your meal with the ultimate Crispy Bang Bang Chicken – a recipe that promises maximum flavor and minimal effort. As a home cook who’s experimented with countless chicken recipes, I’ve discovered the secret to creating a dish that’s crispy, spicy, and absolutely irresistible.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know: from selecting the perfect chicken cuts to mastering the bang bang sauce that makes this dish a showstopper. Whether you’re a busy weeknight cook or a weekend culinary adventurer, this Crispy Bang Bang Chicken will become your new dinner hero.
Why This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Works
● Uses affordable, easy-to-find chicken cuts
● Requires just 15 minutes of marinating
● Perfect for quick weeknight meals or weekend gatherings
● Delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home
● Adaptable to multiple cooking styles
Choosing the Right Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
Best Cuts for This Recipe
Chicken thighs are the star of this recipe. Their higher fat content ensures juicy, tender meat that stands up perfectly to the crispy coating. Boneless, skinless thighs work best for even cooking and maximum crispiness.
Buying Tips
● Look for fresh, pink chicken with no discoloration
● Choose organic or free-range for best flavor
● Ask your butcher for freshly trimmed thighs
Substitution Options
● Swap thighs with chicken breasts for a leaner option
● Use tofu for a vegetarian version
● Try turkey thighs for a different protein
Ingredients & Prep Essentials for Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
Key Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs
- Vegetable oil for frying
Marinade Components
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 2 tbsp hot sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp sriracha
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
Prep Essentials
Chicken Preparation
- Trim excess fat from chicken thighs
- Cut into uniform 2-inch pieces
- Pat completely dry with paper towels
Coating Station Setup
Create three distinct stations:
- Cornstarch bowl
- Egg wash bowl
- Panko breadcrumb bowl
Pro Marination Tips
- Marinate chicken for 15-30 minutes
- Keep refrigerated during marination
- Allow excess marinade to drip off before coating
Equipment Checklist
- Heavy-bottom cast iron skillet
- Meat thermometer
- Wire cooling rack
- Paper towels
- Large mixing bowls
Food Safety Notes
- Use fresh chicken
- Maintain clean workspace
- Cook to internal temperature of 165°F
- Discard used marinades
This comprehensive ingredients and prep guide ensures you’ll have a foolproof foundation for creating restaurant-quality Crispy Bang Bang Chicken at home.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
Preparation Phase
- Remove chicken from marinade
- Let excess liquid drip off
- Pat chicken pieces completely dry
Dredging Process
Station 1: Cornstarch Coating
- Dredge each chicken piece in cornstarch
- Shake off excess
- Ensure light, even coverage
Station 2: Egg Wash
- Dip cornstarch-coated chicken in beaten eggs
- Allow excess to drip off
- Ensure complete egg coverage
Station 3: Panko Breadcrumbs
- Roll chicken in panko breadcrumbs
- Press gently to adhere coating
- Create uniform, crispy exterior
Frying Technique
- Heat oil to 350°F
- Use deep-fry thermometer
- Maintain consistent temperature
- Fry in Batches
- Don’t overcrowd skillet
- Cook 3-4 pieces simultaneously
- Maintain oil temperature
- Cooking Time
- Fry 3-4 minutes per side
- Achieve golden-brown color
- Internal temperature: 165°F
Draining & Resting
- Place fried chicken on wire rack
- Allow excess oil to drip
- Rest for 2-3 minutes before serving
Sauce Application
- Drizzle bang bang sauce
- Serve immediately for maximum crispiness
Pro Tip: Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness without overcooking.
Pro Tips for Perfect Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
Avoiding Dry Chicken
● Don’t overcrowd the pan
● Maintain consistent oil temperature
● Use a meat thermometer
Essential Tools
● Deep-fry thermometer
● Heavy-bottom cast iron skillet
● Wire cooling rack
Storage & Reheating
● Refrigerate in airtight container for 3 days
● Reheat in oven at 375°F for 10 minutes
● Avoid microwave to maintain crispiness
Flavor Variations for Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
Spice Level Modifications
- Mild Version: Reduce sriracha to 1 tbsp
- Extra Hot: Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- Smoky Twist: Mix in chipotle powder
Dietary Adaptations
Gluten-Free Option
- Replace panko with almond flour
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs
- Verify cornstarch is certified gluten-free
Low-Carb Alternatives
- Swap breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds
- Use coconut flour for coating
- Reduce honey in bang bang sauce
Global Flavor Profiles
- Korean-Inspired: Add gochujang to sauce
- Thai Twist: Mix in lime juice and fish sauce
- Mediterranean: Incorporate za’atar spice blend
Protein Substitutions
- Cauliflower: Vegetarian version
- Tofu: Plant-based alternative
- Shrimp: Seafood variation
Sauce Variations
- Honey Mustard Bang Bang
- Teriyaki Bang Bang
- Garlic Parmesan Twist
Pro Tip: Adjust seasonings to match your preferred flavor intensity and dietary needs.
Serving Suggestions
● Serve with steamed rice
● Pair with Asian slaw
● Drizzle extra bang bang sauce
● Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Thawing chicken completely before cooking is essential for even cooking and the best texture. When chicken is fully thawed, heat can penetrate evenly, ensuring the meat cooks thoroughly without leaving cold spots in the center. This also helps retain the natural juices, preventing the chicken from becoming dry or tough. Whether baking, frying, or grilling, starting with thawed chicken guarantees better flavor, tenderness, and safety.
How crispy will it stay?
For the best experience, this dish is best enjoyed fresh and hot, straight out of the oven or pan. The crispy texture and bold flavors are at their peak when served immediately, ensuring every bite is as satisfying as possible. If left to sit, the coating may lose its crunch, and the vibrant flavors might not shine as brightly. To truly savor the dish as intended, gather everyone at the table and dig in while it’s still warm and delicious!
Can I make it ahead?
Prepping your ingredients the night before can be a game-changer for a stress-free cooking experience. Chop vegetables, marinate meats, measure out spices, and organize everything in airtight containers. This not only saves you time but also allows flavors to develop, especially in marinades. When it’s time to cook, everything will be ready to go, making the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Conclusion
Your dinner game is about to level up! This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken isn’t just a meal – it’s a flavor explosion that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Join thousands of home cooks who’ve made this their go-to recipe.
Why Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Hero Dinner
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs whisked
- Oil for frying vegetable or canola oil
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha adjust to taste
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp lime juice optional, for a tangy kick
Garnish:
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 green onions thinly sliced
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Dip the chicken pieces into the whisked eggs, then coat them evenly in the flour mixture. Shake off excess.
Fry the Chicken
- Heat oil in a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes or until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and place on a wire rack or paper towel to drain excess oil.
Make the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth.
- Coat the Chicken
- Toss the crispy chicken in the bang bang sauce until evenly coated.
Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately with steamed rice, noodles, or as an appetizer.
Notes
Chef Sarah’s Notes:
- Customize the Heat: Adjust the sriracha to suit your spice preference.
- Baking Option: For a lighter version, bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to retain crispiness.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and cornstarch for the coating, and check that your sauces are gluten-free.