Name: Crispy Bang Bang Chicken: Sweet & Spicy Sensation
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 4-6 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup cornstarch (divided); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs, beaten; 1/4 cup milk or water; 4 cups vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil (for frying); 1 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce; 2-4 tablespoons Sriracha (to taste); 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional); 1 clove garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh green onions; 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds; Cooked white rice or a bed of fresh lettuce (for serving)

Crispy Bang Bang Chicken An Incredible Sweet And Spicy Sensation is more than just a dish; it’s an unforgettable culinary experience that promises to ignite your taste buds with every single bite. Prepare yourself for an explosion of flavors and textures, where succulent chicken is coated in a remarkably crisp batter, then drenched in a vibrant, creamy sauce that perfectly balances the sweet heat we all crave. It’s the kind of dish that makes an instant impression, captivating diners with its dynamic profile and leaving them eager for more.

Originating from Sichuan, China, the traditional “Bang Bang” in Bang Bang Chicken (also known as Bon Bon Chicken) historically refers to the method of tenderizing the cooked chicken by literally “banging” it with a stick or mallet. This unique technique not only tenders the meat but also helps it absorb the rich, aromatic sauce more effectively. While our recipe adapts the preparation for a lusciously crispy fried finish, it proudly retains that classic spirit of deep flavor integration and irresistible texture.

People absolutely adore this dish not just for its undeniable deliciousness, but for the satisfying textural contrast – the initial crunch giving way to tender chicken, all enveloped in that luscious, complex sauce. This truly is Crispy Bang Bang Chicken An Incredible Sweet And Spicy Sensation, perfect as an exciting appetizer for gatherings or a show-stopping main course for family dinner. We are thrilled to guide you through creating this globally beloved recipe right in your own kitchen!

Ingredients:

For the Crispy Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch, divided (1/4 cup for flour mix, 1/4 cup for separate dredge)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup milk or water (for egg wash)
- 4 cups vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil, for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1 cup good quality mayonnaise (I prefer a rich, creamy one for this!)
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2-4 tablespoons Sriracha (adjust to your preferred level of heat, I like it spicy!)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, but adds a lovely depth)
- 1 clove garlic, minced very finely
For Garnish and Serving (highly recommended!):
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh green onions (scallions)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- Cooked white rice or a bed of fresh lettuce for serving

Preparing the Chicken & Coating for Unbeatable Crispiness

The first step to achieving that incredible Crispy Bang Bang Chicken An Incredible Sweet And Spicy Sensation is all about the chicken preparation. Start by patting your chicken pieces thoroughly dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step! Any excess moisture on the chicken will prevent the coating from adhering properly and result in a less crispy finish. We’re aiming for maximum crispiness here, so don’t skip this. Cut your boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs into uniform 1-inch bite-sized pieces. Uniformity is key for even cooking, ensuring every piece of chicken is perfectly done at the same time.

Next, let’s set up our dredging station. You’ll need three shallow dishes or bowls.
- In the first dish, combine the all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of the cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are thoroughly mixed. This seasoned flour will be our primary coating layer, adding both flavor and structure.
- In the second dish, whisk together the two large eggs with the milk or water until well combined. This is our egg wash, which acts as the “glue” for our next layer, ensuring everything sticks beautifully.
- In the third dish, place the remaining 1/4 cup of cornstarch. This final cornstarch dredge is my secret weapon for achieving that extra-crispy, almost tempura-like crust that truly defines an amazing “Crispy Bang Bang Chicken.” It creates a delicate, airy crunch that holds up wonderfully against the sauce.
Now, for the coating process! Working in batches, take a few pieces of chicken at a time.
- First, dredge the chicken pieces in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring they are completely coated. Gently shake off any excess flour. We want a thin, even layer.
- Next, dip the flour-coated chicken into the egg wash, letting any excess drip off. The egg wash should lightly coat the chicken.
- Finally, transfer the egg-washed chicken into the separate cornstarch dish. Toss the chicken in the cornstarch until it’s fully coated. Again, gently shake off any excess. This triple-dredging method, especially with the final cornstarch step, is what makes our chicken exceptionally crispy and locks in the juiciness.
Place the coated chicken pieces on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This allows air to circulate around the chicken, preventing the coating from becoming soggy while you finish the rest. Repeat this process until all your chicken is coated. Let the coated chicken rest for at least 10-15 minutes at room temperature. This resting period allows the coating to adhere even better, leading to a more robust and crispier crust when fried.

Crafting the Irresistible Bang Bang Sauce

While your coated chicken is resting, let’s get started on the star of the show – the incredible Bang Bang Sauce! This sauce is truly what transforms crispy fried chicken into the glorious Crispy Bang Bang Chicken An Incredible Sweet And Spicy Sensation. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, and the optional but highly recommended sesame oil.
Add the minced garlic. I always recommend mincing it really finely, almost to a paste, so you get the flavor without any chunky bits. Whisk all these ingredients together until the sauce is completely smooth and beautifully emulsified.
Now, for the best part – taste and adjust! This is your sauce, so make it perfect for your palate. Do you like it spicier? Add another splash of Sriracha. Prefer it a little sweeter? A touch more honey. Want a bit more tang? A dash more rice vinegar. The beauty of homemade sauce is that you are in complete control. Once you’re happy with the flavor profile, cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. Allowing the sauce to chill and for the flavors to meld for a bit truly enhances its depth and character.

Frying the Crispy Chicken to Golden Perfection

It’s time to achieve that perfect golden-brown crispiness! In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or a deep fryer, pour in your vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil. You’ll want about 2-3 inches of oil, enough to submerge most of the chicken pieces. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Using a deep-fry thermometer is highly recommended here! Maintaining the correct oil temperature is paramount for achieving truly crispy chicken without it becoming greasy or burnt. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the chicken will soak up too much oil and be soggy. If it’s too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks through.
Once the oil is at the correct temperature, carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches. Do not overcrowd the pot! Overcrowding will drastically drop the oil temperature, leading to less crispy chicken and potentially uneven cooking. Give the chicken pieces enough space to fry properly. I usually fry about 6-8 pieces at a time, depending on the size of my pot.
Fry the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per batch, or until the chicken is a beautiful golden brown and thoroughly cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). You’ll notice the coating will be incredibly crisp and beautifully colored. Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to carefully remove the cooked chicken from the oil.

As you remove each batch, immediately transfer the fried chicken to a clean wire rack set over a baking sheet. This is important because it allows any excess oil to drip away, and more importantly, it keeps the chicken crispy by allowing air to circulate around it. If you place it on paper towels, the bottom side can steam and lose its crispness. Keep the cooked batches warm in a low oven (around 200°F/95°C) while you continue frying the remaining chicken.
Continue frying the rest of the chicken in batches, ensuring the oil temperature returns to 350°F (175°C) between each batch. This consistency in temperature is a key factor in making every piece of your Crispy Bang Bang Chicken An Incredible Sweet And Spicy Sensation perfectly golden and crunchy.

Assembling and Serving Your Sweet and Spicy Sensation

Once all the chicken is fried to crispy perfection, it’s time for the grand finale – assembling your Bang Bang Chicken! There are a couple of popular ways to do this, both equally delicious.
- For maximum crispiness: You can place the freshly fried chicken pieces into a large bowl and drizzle about half to two-thirds of the chilled Bang Bang Sauce over them. Gently toss the chicken to ensure every crispy piece is coated in that luscious, sweet, and spicy sauce. I find that using tongs helps to coat evenly without damaging the beautiful crust.
- For a slightly lighter touch: You can serve the crispy chicken immediately, hot and fresh, with the Bang Bang Sauce served on the side for dipping. This allows everyone to control the amount of sauce they get, and the chicken retains its maximum crunch for a longer period. Both methods are absolutely delightful, it just depends on your preference!
Finally, plate your magnificent Crispy Bang Bang Chicken An Incredible Sweet And Spicy Sensation. I love serving it alongside fluffy white rice to soak up all that extra sauce, or on a bed of fresh, crisp lettuce wraps for a lighter meal.

Garnish generously with the chopped fresh green onions and toasted sesame seeds. The green onions add a lovely fresh crunch and pop of color, while the sesame seeds contribute a subtle nutty flavor and elegant finish.
Serve immediately and prepare for rave reviews! This dish is truly an explosion of flavors and textures – the ultra-crispy chicken, the creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce, all coming together in one unforgettable bite. It’s truly an incredible sweet and spicy sensation that you’ll want to make again and again! Enjoy every moment of this delightful culinary creation.

Conclusion:

If there’s one recipe I absolutely insist you add to your culinary repertoire, it’s this one. Truly, I’ve found myself making it again and again, not just because it’s incredibly delicious, but because it brings a genuine sense of satisfaction with every single bite. We’ve explored the journey of creating tender, juicy chicken pieces, achieving that perfect, ethereal crunch, and then coating them in a sauce that’s a masterful dance of sweet, spicy, and creamy elements. This isn’t just another chicken dish; it’s an experience. The textural contrast between the ultra-crispy exterior and the succulent interior is simply divine, creating an addictive quality that will have everyone reaching for more. I genuinely believe that once you taste the culmination of these flavors and textures, you’ll quickly understand why I call this Crispy Bang Bang Chicken An Incredible Sweet And Spicy Sensation – it truly lives up to its name and then some. It’s a dish that manages to be both comforting and exciting, familiar yet uniquely captivating, making it a perfect candidate for a vibrant weeknight meal or a show-stopping centerpiece for your next gathering. Forget bland, forget boring; this recipe elevates the humble chicken to something truly extraordinary, proving that a little effort in the kitchen can yield immensely rewarding results that delight the palate and impress even the most discerning diners.

Now that your kitchen is about to be filled with the tantalizing aroma of this fantastic creation, let’s talk about how to serve it and how you can make it your own. For a classic presentation, I love serving my Crispy Bang Bang Chicken over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice, which perfectly soaks up any extra delicious sauce. Sticky rice or even a light coconut rice would also be absolutely delightful choices. If you’re a noodle lover, feel free to spoon it over some warm, wok-tossed lo mein or thin rice vermicelli for an extra hearty meal. To balance out the richness, a simple side of steamed or stir-fried broccoli, asparagus, or even some quick-blanched green beans with a dash of sesame oil makes a wonderful accompaniment. Don’t forget a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions for that essential pop of color and freshness. These small garnishes truly elevate the dish, adding both visual appeal and a burst of complementary flavor.

Beyond the classic pairings, feel free to get creative! You could serve smaller pieces of this chicken as an appetizer, perhaps skewered for easy dipping. For those who enjoy a little extra kick, a drizzle of sriracha directly onto your plate can customize the heat level to perfection. And what about variations? This recipe is incredibly versatile. If you prefer a lighter option, you could try baking or air-frying the chicken for less oil, though the deep-fried crispness is truly part of its charm. For a vegetarian twist, consider using crispy fried cauliflower florets or firm tofu cubes instead of chicken – the sauce works beautifully with almost anything. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a touch of lime juice or a tiny bit of fresh ginger to the sauce for an even brighter profile, or a spoonful of peanut butter for a richer, satay-like undertone. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the sauce ingredients; it’s your kitchen, your masterpiece! This dish is robust enough to handle personal touches, inviting you to put your own spin on a truly fantastic base.

So, there you have it. My heartfelt plea to you is to set aside some time soon and give this incredible recipe a try. I promise you won’t regret it. The joy of creating something so utterly delicious from scratch is an experience in itself, and the satisfaction of sharing it with loved ones (or simply savoring it all by yourself!) is unparalleled. I am genuinely so excited for you to experience the magic of this dish. Once you’ve whipped up your batch of Crispy Bang Bang Chicken, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience. Please, come back and share your thoughts, your successes, and even your creative variations in the comments section below. Did you love the crispy texture as much as I do? Did you find a new favorite serving suggestion? Your feedback not only helps me, but it also inspires other home cooks in our community. Happy cooking, my friends! I can’t wait to hear all about your incredible sweet and spicy culinary adventure.