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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

ByCeleste Marlowe

Bang Bang Chicken is a dish that excites the taste buds with a delightful crunch, tender chicken, and a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce that makes it irresistible. Originating from Sichuan cuisine and later popularized with a crispy, deep-fried variation, this dish has taken the food world by storm. Whether you’re preparing it as an appetizer, snack, or main course, Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through every detail you need to know to make the perfect Crispy Bang Bang Chicken at home. From selecting the right ingredients to expert cooking tips, variations, and serving suggestions, this post will cover it all.

What is Crispy Bang Bang Chicken?

Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is a modern take on the traditional Bang Bang Chicken, which was originally a poached chicken dish from Sichuan, China. The name “Bang Bang” comes from the sound of wooden clubs pounding the chicken to shred it. However, the crispy version that gained popularity in Western kitchens is deep-fried to golden perfection and then coated or drizzled with a rich, flavorful Bang Bang sauce. This creamy, slightly spicy, and tangy sauce gives the dish its signature taste.

The dish is a fusion of textures and flavors: crispy and crunchy on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside, with a sauce that combines sweetness, tanginess, and a hint of spice.

Ingredients for Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

For the Chicken:

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • 1 cup buttermilk (for tenderizing)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)

For the Breading:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

For Frying:

  • 2-3 cups vegetable oil (or any high smoke-point oil like peanut oil or canola oil)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust for spice preference)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce (optional for umami boost)

Optional Garnishes:

  • Chopped green onions
  • Sesame seeds
  • Fresh cilantro

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
  2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated.
  3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 8 hours for maximum tenderness and flavor infusion).

Step 2: Prepare the Breading

  1. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  2. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade and let the excess drip off.
  3. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating.
  4. Place the coated chicken on a tray and let it sit for 5-10 minutes (this helps the breading adhere better during frying).

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

  1. Heat the oil in a deep skillet or frying pan to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Carefully drop a few pieces of chicken into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
  3. Fry for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
  4. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
  5. Repeat with the remaining chicken.

Step 4: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, vinegar, garlic powder, and soy sauce.
  2. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  3. Set aside.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

  1. Drizzle or toss the crispy fried chicken with the Bang Bang sauce.
  2. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or cilantro.
  3. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Tips for the Best Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

  • Use cornstarch in the breading – This ensures extra crispiness.
  • Double fry for extra crunch – Fry the chicken once at 325°F (163°C) for 3 minutes, then increase the heat to 375°F (190°C) and fry for another 1-2 minutes.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan – Fry in small batches to maintain even cooking.
  • Let the chicken rest – Allowing the breaded chicken to sit before frying helps the coating adhere better.
  • Adjust the sauce to taste – If you prefer a spicier sauce, add more Sriracha. For a tangier flavor, increase the vinegar.

Variations and Customizations

Baked Version

If you prefer a healthier version, bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Use a wire rack on a baking sheet to keep the chicken crispy.

Air-Fried Version

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Gluten-Free Option

Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure all other ingredients (like soy sauce) are gluten-free.

Keto-Friendly Version

Use crushed pork rinds instead of flour and cornstarch for the breading and opt for a sugar-free sweet chili sauce.

Serving Suggestions

  • With Rice: Serve over jasmine rice for a satisfying meal.
  • As a Wrap: Use crispy chicken in a tortilla with lettuce and extra Bang Bang sauce.
  • In a Salad: Toss over a fresh salad with an extra drizzle of sauce.
  • With Fries: Pair with crispy fries or sweet potato fries for a delicious combo.

Conclusion

Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is a must-try dish that delivers on crunch, flavor, and versatility. Whether you make it classic, baked, or air-fried, the irresistible Bang Bang sauce ties everything together for a meal that’s both comforting and exciting. Try this recipe today and bring restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen!

Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is a deliciously crunchy, deep-fried chicken dish coated in a creamy, spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce. This restaurant-quality recipe is easy to make at home and perfect for appetizers, snacks, or even a main course.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine American, Chinese
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:

  • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • 1 cup buttermilk for tenderizing
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for extra heat

For the Breading:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch for extra crispiness
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

For Frying:

  • 2-3 cups vegetable oil or any high smoke-point oil like peanut oil or canola oil

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Sriracha adjust for spice preference
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce optional for umami boost

Optional Garnishes:

  • Chopped green onions
  • Sesame seeds
  • Fresh cilantro

Instructions
 

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
  • Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 8 hours for maximum tenderness and flavor infusion).

Step 2: Prepare the Breading

  • In a separate bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  • Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade and let the excess drip off.
  • Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating.
  • Place the coated chicken on a tray and let it sit for 5-10 minutes (this helps the breading adhere better during frying).

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

  • Heat the oil in a deep skillet or frying pan to 350°F (175°C).
  • Carefully drop a few pieces of chicken into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
  • Fry for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
  • Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
  • Repeat with the remaining chicken.

Step 4: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

  • In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, vinegar, garlic powder, and soy sauce.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  • Set aside.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

  • Drizzle or toss the crispy fried chicken with the Bang Bang sauce.
  • Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or cilantro.
  • Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Double fry for extra crunch: Fry once at 325°F (163°C) for 3 minutes, then increase the heat to 375°F (190°C) and fry for another 1-2 minutes.
  • Baked Version: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
  • Air Fryer Version: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
  • Customization: Adjust sauce ingredients to match your preferred spice and sweetness levels.