Bang Bang Chicken Sauce

By Tyla | Last modified on Dec 15, 2025

Featured in: Dinner

Bang Bang Chicken is a flavor-packed dish that perfectly balances crispy, tender chicken with a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce that excites your taste buds. Whether served as a snack to impress guests or a satisfying main dish, this chicken preparation brings vibrant flavors and textures to your table.

This recipe highlights the magic of marinating chicken in buttermilk for juiciness, then coating it in seasoned flour for a crunchy finish, all complemented by a luscious Bang Bang sauce that combines mayonnaise, sweet chili, and sriracha for a delightful kick.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy, tender chicken pieces with a perfectly balanced spicy-sweet sauce.
Simple ingredients come together to create a bold, restaurant-quality flavor.
Versatile dish that works great as an appetizer or main course.

Ingredients

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Lean, versatile chicken cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and crispiness.
Buttermilk: Adds moisture and tenderizes chicken while infusing a subtle tangy flavor.
All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the crisp batter, providing structure and crunch.
Garlic powder: Enhances the batter with savory, aromatic notes.
Onion powder: Adds depth and a mild sweetness to the seasoning mix.
Paprika: Provides a smoky undertone and vibrant color to the coating.
Salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the seasoning throughout the chicken.
Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and pungency to the flour mix.
Vegetable oil: Neutral oil used for frying to achieve perfect crispness without overpowering flavors.
Mayonnaise: Creamy base for the Bang Bang sauce, lending richness and smooth texture.
Sweet chili sauce: Brings sweet and mildly spicy elements, giving the sauce a signature flavor.
Sriracha: Adds a bold, spicy kick that can be adjusted to your preferred heat level.
Lime juice: Provides bright acidity to balance the richness of the sauce.
Honey (optional): Adds a touch of natural sweetness to enhance flavor harmony.

Instructions

Prepare and Marinate the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and easy eating. Soaking the chicken in buttermilk tenderizes the meat and adds moisture, resulting in a juicy interior that contrasts beautifully with the crispy exterior.
Mix the Flour and Dry Seasonings: Combine all-purpose flour with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. This seasoned flour mixture flavors the chicken crust and helps develop a golden, crunchy coating when fried.
Coat the Chicken Pieces: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and allow excess to drip off to avoid sogginess. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coating for a crisp texture. Letting the coated pieces rest on a wire rack enhances the batter’s adherence and crispiness during frying.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce: Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, and optional honey in a small bowl. This combination creates a creamy, spicy, and tangy sauce that perfectly complements the crunchy chicken, with adjustable heat to suit personal preference.
Fry the Chicken to Perfection: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C) to ensure the chicken cooks quickly and evenly without absorbing excess oil. Fry the chicken in batches, turning after 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), indicating safe consumption.
Drain and Serve: Place fried chicken pieces on paper towels to absorb excess oil, preserving their crisp texture. Arrange on a platter and drizzle generously with Bang Bang sauce or serve it on the side for dipping. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds to add a fresh pop of color and added flavor.

You Must Know

Maintaining oil temperature is crucial for crispness; use a thermometer to avoid greasy chicken.
Adjust sriracha to control spiciness and customize the sauce to your liking.
Resting coated chicken before frying enhances batter adhesion and results in better texture.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness, avoiding the microwave which can make the coating soggy.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or sticky rice for a filling meal. Complement with fresh stir-fried vegetables or a crisp coleslaw to balance the spicy richness. Keeping extra Bang Bang sauce on hand allows for dipping and adds extra flavor to each bite.

Professional Tips

Use a wire rack to rest the coated chicken before frying to prevent sogginess and improve texture.
Monitor oil temperature carefully; too low causes greasy chicken, too high burns the coating.
Customize sauce heat level by starting with less sriracha, adding gradually to taste.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?: Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and provide extra juiciness and flavor, but cooking times may vary slightly.
Is it possible to bake the chicken instead of frying?: Baking is a healthier option; coat chicken as instructed and bake at 425°F (220°C) until crispy and cooked through, about 20-25 minutes.
How long can I store leftover Bang Bang Sauce?: Store the sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Stir well before using.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?: Absolutely, preparing the sauce ahead allows flavors to meld and saves time when assembling the dish.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?: If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using as a marinade.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?: Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for frying to keep the coating crispy and flavorful.
What can be served alongside Bang Bang Chicken?: Steamed rice, fresh salads, stir-fried vegetables, or light coleslaw complement the spicy and creamy flavors nicely.