What is Bang Bang Chicken?

Bang Bang Chicken is a dish made with bite-sized pieces of crispy fried chicken coated in a creamy, spicy sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili, and Sriracha. Though the name comes from a traditional Chinese dish, the modern version is an American-style comfort food favorite with bold fusion flavors.

What is Bang Bang Sauce Made Of?

The sauce typically includes mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha. It’s creamy, slightly sweet, and has just enough heat to make it exciting. Some variations add lime juice or garlic for an extra twist.

What Flavor Is Bang Bang?

The flavor of Bang Bang Chicken is a balance of sweet, spicy, creamy, and slightly tangy. The chicken delivers the crunch, while the sauce adds layers of heat and sweetness that make it completely addictive.

Why Is It Called Bang Bang?

The name comes from a traditional Chinese method of tenderizing chicken using a wooden stick that makes a “bang bang” sound. While today’s fried version is different from the original shredded recipe, the name stuck—and the flavor certainly still makes an impact.

How Do You Make Bang Bang Chicken?

Start by coating small pieces of chicken in egg and seasoned breadcrumbs. Then fry them until golden and toss with the sauce. For full details, check out the recipe instructions above for exact steps and pro tips.

What’s in Bang Bang Chicken?

Aside from the chicken itself, the key ingredients are mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and neutral oil for frying. Garnishes like scallions can be added for freshness.

Bang Bang Chicken: Calories?

On average, one serving of Bang Bang Chicken contains 400–500 calories, depending on frying method and how much sauce is used. Air frying and sauce adjustments can reduce the calorie count significantly.

Bang Bang Chicken Made Easy: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Name: Bang Bang Chicken
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Asian-American Fusion
Ingredients: 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce; 5 tsp Sriracha hot sauce (divided); 2 large eggs; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 2 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs; 1 3/4 tsp kosher salt (divided); 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 3/4 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into 1-inch pieces); 1 cup neutral oil (vegetable or canola) for frying; Thinly sliced scallions (optional garnish)

Description

Crispy, spicy, and creamy, this Bang Bang Chicken recipe is a bold fusion of flavor. Made with tender fried chicken bites tossed in a homemade sweet chili and Sriracha sauce, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish you can make in just 45 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Bang Bang Chicken Ingredients: Sweet Chili Sauce, Skinless Chicken, and More

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
5 tsp Sriracha hot sauce (divided)
2 large eggs
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
1 3/4 tsp kosher salt (divided)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 3/4 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into 1-inch pieces)
1 cup neutral oil (vegetable or canola) for frying
Thinly sliced scallions (optional garnish)

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Instructions

Make the Sauce: In a large bowl, mix 1/2 cup mayo, 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce, and 4 tsp Sriracha. Reserve half for dipping.
Prepare Coating: In one bowl, whisk eggs, 1 tsp Sriracha, and flour. In another, combine panko, 1 tsp salt, and garlic powder.
Bread the Chicken: Season chicken with remaining salt. Dip pieces in egg mixture, then in panko mixture.
Fry: Heat oil to 350°F. Fry 8–10 pieces at a time for 3–5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Drain on a rack or paper towels.
Toss & Serve: Toss hot chicken in reserved sauce. Garnish with scallions. Serve with extra sauce on the side.

Notes

Make ahead: The sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container.

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days. If the chicken is tossed with the sauce, the breading will soften upon storage.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course / Appetizer
Method: Frying or Baking (optional)
Cuisine: Asian-American Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4–6
Calories: ~460 kcal
Sugar: ~6 g
Sodium: ~900 mg
Fat: ~27 g
Saturated Fat: ~4.5 g
Carbohydrates: ~24 g
Fiber: ~1 g
Protein: ~28 g
Cholesterol: ~115 mg