Get ready to whip up a dish that’s packed with flavor! Our Bang Bang Chicken comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or even a last-minute appetizer. The combination of panko breadcrumbs and cornstarch gives you an extra crispy coating that stays crunchy, even after being tossed in the flavorful Bang Bang sauce.

You can make the Bang Bang Sauce by itself anytime you want, or try your hand at Bang Bang Shrimp.

Why Our Recipe

  • Comes together in under 30 minutes.
  • Our special coating ensures your chicken stays crunchy, even when it’s smothered in that delicious Bang Bang sauce.
  • Easily adjust the heat to make it as mild or as spicy as you want.
A fork with a piece of bang bang chicken on it.

Feel free to turn up the heat or kick it all the way down. Whether you’re serving spice lovers or keeping it mild for the family, this recipe lets you adjust the sriracha to your preferred level. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that offers restaurant-quality flavor right from your own kitchen!

Ingredient Notes

  • Chicken: Try to cut the chicken into even bite-size pieces. You can also use boneless skinless chicken thighs for a juicier result.
  • Egg Whites: The egg whites help the coating stick to the chicken. Make sure to whisk them well to ensure an even coating.
  • Panko: If you can’t find panko, you can substitute with regular breadcrumbs, but the texture won’t be as crispy.
  • Cornstarch: This ingredient is key to achieving a light and crispy coating.
  • White Pepper: If you don’t have white pepper, you can use black pepper instead, but you’ll have those pesky little black specks.
  • Vegetable Oil: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil, to fry the chicken.
  • Mayonnaise: The base of the Bang Bang sauce. Feel free to use light mayonnaise for a lower-calorie option.
  • Sweet Chili Sauce: This adds sweetness and a mild heat to the sauce. If you like a spicier kick, you can increase the amount of sweet chili sauce or add more sriracha.
  • Sriracha: This is where the heat comes in. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your taste. You can even offer it on the side for those who demand the heat.
  • Honey: You can substitute it with maple syrup or agave nectar.

Frying Tips

Maintain the Oil Temperature: Keep the oil at a steady 350°F by adjusting the heat up or down as needed. Use an instant-read thermometer to keep an eye on things.

Fry in Small Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pot by frying the chicken in small batches. Overcrowding can cause the oil temperature to drop, leading to soggy and unevenly cooked chicken.

Check for Doneness: The chicken should be golden brown and crispy after frying for about 3-4 minutes. To ensure it’s fully cooked, check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. You can use a meat thermometer for accuracy, or simply cut into a piece to check that the juices run clear.

Be Sure to Drain: Once the chicken is done frying, place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. This step helps keep the chicken crispy by removing any residual oil that could make the coating soggy.

Keep It Crispy: If you’re frying multiple batches and want to keep the first batch warm and crispy, place the fried chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet and keep it in a 200°F oven.

Overhead view of a black bowl filled with bang bang chicken.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheat in the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Reheat in the Air Fryer: For an even quicker option, reheat the chicken in an air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes.

Reheat in the Microwave: If you’re in a hurry, you can reheat the chicken in a microwave-safe dish in 30-second increments on high, flipping halfway through. Note that this method may result in a less crispy texture.

More takeout-inspired chicken…

Watch the video below where Caytlin will walk you through every step of this recipe. Sometimes it helps to have a visual, and we’ve always got you covered with our cooking show. You can find the complete collection of recipes on YouTube, our Facebook Page, or right here on our website with their corresponding recipes.