How do you make the chicken extra crispy?

For extra crunch, double-dip the pieces in buttermilk and flour mixture before frying.

Can I adjust the spice level?

Yes, add more or less sriracha in the sauce to suit your spice preference.

What’s the best oil for frying?

Vegetable oil is ideal due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor for frying chicken.

Can I use chicken thighs instead?

Absolutely. Boneless, skinless thighs also work well and remain juicy after frying.

How should I serve this dish?

Serve warm over rice, in wraps, on salads, or as an appetizer with extra sauce for dipping.

Is buttermilk essential for marinating?

Buttermilk helps tenderize and add flavor, but you can substitute with milk and a splash of lemon juice.

Crispy Juicy Bang Bang Chicken with Sweet Chili Sauce

A plate of Crispy & Juicy Bang Bang Chicken with rice and a dipping sauce. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Crispy juicy bang bang chicken brings restaurant-style flavor to your table with simple steps and bold sauce. This is the ultimate weeknight comfort food for anyone craving something crunchy with a sweet spicy kick.

I discovered bang bang chicken while searching for something crowd-pleasing for game night and it turned into a family favorite. That combination of crunchy fried chicken and finger-licking sauce is impossible to resist around here.

Ingredients

Chicken breasts: Select chicken that feels firm and looks pink with no gray areas it ensures the juiciest bite
Buttermilk: Makes the chicken extra tender use real buttermilk for flavor depth
All-purpose flour: Creates the main crunch if possible sift before coating for the lightest texture
Cornstarch: Helps achieve that airy shattering crispness
Salt and pepper: Brings out all the flavors always season to your taste
Vegetable oil: Use fresh oil with a high smoke point like peanut or sunflower for best frying results
Mayonnaise: Pick a creamy full-fat variety since it’s the sauce’s backbone
Sweet chili sauce: Adds heat and a sticky sweet note try to find one with visible flecks of chili
Sriracha sauce: Brings the spice a little goes a long way increase for more heat
Honey: Balances the saucy fire with mellow sweetness look for local honey if possible

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:: Let the chicken bathe in buttermilk for at least thirty minutes in the refrigerator this step infuses flavor and lends a juicy bite your patience makes all the difference
Prepare the Coating:: In a separate bowl whisk together flour cornstarch salt and pepper dredge each piece of marinated chicken in this mixture coat thoroughly tap off any excess do not rush this step since a solid coating makes the crunch
Fry the Chicken:: Pour oil into a skillet or Dutch oven enough to submerge the chicken pieces set over medium high heat test with a small bit of coating which should bubble immediately fry chicken in batches so pieces do not touch cook until golden brown and crisp about five to seven minutes remove pieces as they finish and rest on paper towels
Make the Bang Bang Sauce:: Whisk mayonnaise sweet chili sauce sriracha and honey until completely smooth taste and adjust the sriracha for preferred spice level this sauce should be velvety but pourable and blend all flavors evenly
Toss and Serve:: Place hot fried chicken into a large bowl pour sauce over top toss gently with a spatula or spoon so each piece gets covered serve immediately while piping hot I promise someone will sneak pieces straight from the bowl

A plate of fried chicken with a dipping sauce. | myhomemaderecipe.com

My favorite part is the shattering crunch when you first bite in and the sweet heat that follows it always reminds me of summer gatherings where this dish disappears in minutes sometimes I double the batch just so we can have leftovers

Storage Tips

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days Reheat uncovered in a toaster oven or hot oven to return the crispness The sauce keeps well in a lidded jar in the refrigerator for up to a week simply give it a quick stir before using

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re out of buttermilk try mixing regular milk with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar Greek yogurt thinned with water also works For a gluten free option use a blend of rice flour and cornstarch in the coating If mayo isn’t your thing blend plain Greek yogurt with a little olive oil for tang

Serving Suggestions

Bang bang chicken steals the spotlight alongside steamed rice or tucked into lettuce wraps For a hearty salad top fresh greens and shredded carrots with chicken and a drizzle of extra sauce It makes unforgettable sliders on mini buns with crisp slaw

Cultural Context

Bang bang chicken traces its playful name to a popular dish from Chinese street stalls where chicken is pounded for tenderness My version borrows from the American fried chicken and southern dipping sauce tradition combining texture with a bold creamy finish

A plate of fried chicken with a dipping sauce on the side. | myhomemaderecipe.com

No matter how many times I make bang bang chicken it still gets that wow from my guests The color and crisp offer instant comfort and every bite tastes like an occasion

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do you make the chicken extra crispy?: For extra crunch, double-dip the pieces in buttermilk and flour mixture before frying.
→ Can I adjust the spice level?: Yes, add more or less sriracha in the sauce to suit your spice preference.
→ What’s the best oil for frying?: Vegetable oil is ideal due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor for frying chicken.
→ Can I use chicken thighs instead?: Absolutely. Boneless, skinless thighs also work well and remain juicy after frying.
→ How should I serve this dish?: Serve warm over rice, in wraps, on salads, or as an appetizer with extra sauce for dipping.
→ Is buttermilk essential for marinating?: Buttermilk helps tenderize and add flavor, but you can substitute with milk and a splash of lemon juice.