If you’re craving something that bursts with flavor, crispiness, and a spicy kick, you’ve just found your new favorite: the Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayo and Crispy Fried Chunks Recipe. This dish combines juicy, tender chicken pieces fried to golden perfection and coated in a creamy, spicy mayo that sings with sweet chili and sriracha. Every bite is an exciting mix of textures and tastes that feels like a party in your mouth. Whether you’re serving it up for a casual dinner or impressing friends at your next gathering, this recipe is guaranteed to wow with its addictive sauce and satisfyingly crunchy chicken.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential, each playing a unique role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, crunch, and creaminess in your Bang Bang Chicken. From the rich depth of sweet chili sauce to the crispy coating resulting from a clever flour mix, every item on this list helps bring this dish to life.
- Mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt: Provides a creamy base for the spicy mayo that’s smooth and luscious.
- Sweet chili sauce: Adds the perfect blend of sweetness and gentle heat for that classic bang bang tang.
- Honey: Balances the spice with a touch of natural sweetness.
- Sriracha or gochujang sauce: Delivers the spicy punch that wakes up your taste buds.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts: The star protein, chopped into perfect bite-sized chunks.
- Egg: Acts as the essential binder to help the flour stick to every piece.
- Milk or water: Lightens the egg wash for easy dredging of chicken.
- Gluten-free or regular all-purpose flour: One half of the crispy coating mix that ensures crunchiness.
- Tapioca flour or potato starch: Adds even more crisp to the chicken’s coating for that satisfying crunch.
- Garlic powder, sea salt, black pepper, and paprika: Infuse the chicken coating with savory, smoky, and slightly spicy notes.
- Avocado oil: The frying star, chosen for its high smoke point and light flavor that lets the chicken shine.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayo and Crispy Fried Chunks Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
Start by mixing the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, and sriracha in a small bowl until the sauce is smooth and well combined. Taste it and feel free to tweak the sweetness or heat to your liking. This creamy and zesty sauce is the magic that brings your fried chicken to life. Chill it in the fridge while you work on the chicken, so the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 2: Chop and Dry the Chicken
Take your boneless chicken thighs or breasts and chop them into 2-inch chunks for the perfect bite. Patting the chicken dry with paper towels is a crucial step; removing excess moisture helps the flour coating stick better, ensuring each piece fries up crispy and golden.
Step 3: Prepare the Coating Mix and Egg Wash
Whisk the egg and milk together to form the egg wash. On a separate plate, combine your flours with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika to create the flavorful coating mix. This duo of flour and starch gives the chicken its irresistible crunch.
Step 4: Dredge the Chicken
Dip each chicken chunk first into the egg wash, then coat it thoroughly with the flour mixture. Lay the coated pieces on a plate, making sure none stick together. This process locks in moisture while helping create that crispy outer shell.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken Until Golden
Heat avocado oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until it’s sizzling hot. Carefully add chicken pieces in a single layer, without overcrowding the pan. Fry them for 3 to 5 minutes per side, turning once they reach a gorgeous golden brown. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness: thighs should hit 180°F and breasts 165°F, ensuring juicy, safe-to-eat chicken. This step is where the magic happens — the crispy fried chunks you’ve been dreaming of.
Step 6: Serve with the Spicy Mayo
Plate your crispy fried chicken chunks and generously drizzle with the chilled bang bang sauce or serve it on the side for dipping. The creamy, sweet, and spicy mayo perfectly complements the crunchy chicken, inviting you to dig in.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayo and Crispy Fried Chunks Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes bring brightness and texture contrast — think finely chopped green onions or cilantro sprinkled on top, some toasted sesame seeds for a nutty crunch, or a wedge of lime for a zesty squeeze. These simple add-ons elevate the dish and make every bite fresh and exciting.
Side Dishes
Bang Bang Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Classic steamed jasmine or brown rice balances the bold flavors, while fried rice adds an extra layer of savory richness. For a lighter touch, sautéed vegetables such as snap peas, bell peppers, or broccoli lend crunch and vibrant color that complement the dish perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not use this dish as a filling for wraps or tacos? Slather some bang bang sauce inside a warm tortilla, pop in a few crispy chicken chunks, and add your favorite crunchy slaw. Alternatively, toss the crispy chicken and sauce over a cooling salad with shredded cabbage and carrots for a delightful Asian-inspired dish. The possibilities to enjoy your Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayo and Crispy Fried Chunks Recipe are endless and fun to explore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover bang bang chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate if possible to preserve the coating’s crunch, then reapply after reheating for maximum deliciousness.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked, cooled chicken chunks in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. Frozen bang bang chicken lasts up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
To keep the chicken crispy, reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving directly as it can make the coating soggy. Reapply your bang bang sauce or spicy mayo after reheating for that fresh-out-of-the-fryer experience.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat. Just keep an eye on cooking times as breasts cook a bit faster and can dry out if overcooked. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F for juicy, safe chicken.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to this recipe?
Yes! You can swap the chicken for firm tofu chunks or cauliflower florets. Coat and fry them the same way, and you’ll enjoy similar crispy deliciousness with a plant-based twist.
How spicy is the Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayo and Crispy Fried Chunks Recipe?
The spice level is moderate and can be adjusted easily. If you prefer less heat, reduce the sriracha or omit it altogether. For extra kick, add more sriracha or a sprinkle of chili flakes for fiery flavor.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! The sauce actually tastes better when flavors have had time to mingle. Make it up to 4 days ahead and keep refrigerated in an airtight container. Just give it a good stir before serving.
What type of oil is best for frying?
Oils with a high smoke point, like avocado oil, peanut oil, or vegetable oil, are ideal. They fry the chicken nicely without burning or overpowering flavors. Avoid olive oil for frying here since its smoke point is lower.
Final Thoughts
This Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayo and Crispy Fried Chunks Recipe is pure joy on a plate. From the crispy fried chicken bites to the irresistible creamy and spicy sauce, every mouthful dances with flavor. It’s a fantastic way to bring excitement to your weeknight dinners or impress guests with minimal fuss. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become a go-to dish you can’t wait to share and enjoy again and again.
PrintBang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayo and Crispy Fried Chunks Recipe
Bang Bang Chicken is a crispy, flavorful fried chicken dish coated in a spicy-sweet bang bang sauce. This recipe features tender chicken chunks that are dredged in a seasoned flour mixture and fried to a golden brown, then served with a creamy, tangy sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, and sriracha. Perfect for a quick yet indulgent meal, it pairs wonderfully with rice or sautéed veggies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American Asian Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise (or plain Greek yogurt)
- 4 Tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 Tbsp honey
- 2 tsp sriracha (or gochujang sauce)
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, chopped into 2 inch chunks
- 1 large egg
- 2 Tbsp milk (or water)
- 1/3 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour (or regular all-purpose flour)
- 1/3 cup tapioca flour (or potato starch)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 4 to 5 Tbsp avocado oil for frying (as needed)
Instructions
- Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: Mix all the sauce ingredients (mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, and sriracha) in a small bowl until smooth and combined. Adjust sweetness or heat to taste by adding more sweet chili sauce or a splash of lemon juice or chili oil. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Chop into 2-inch chunks if not already done.
- Make Egg Wash: In a large bowl, whisk together the egg and milk (or water) until fully blended.
- Mix Dry Coating: On a plate, combine gluten-free all-purpose flour, tapioca flour, garlic powder, sea salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Dredge the Chicken: Dip chicken pieces first into the egg wash, then coat evenly with the seasoned flour mixture. Place coated chicken on a clean plate.
- Heat Oil: Warm 4 to 5 tablespoons avocado oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil shimmers and sizzles when tested with a flick of water.
- Fry Chicken – First Side: Using tongs, add chicken pieces in a single layer to the hot oil, leaving space between pieces. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the underside is deeply golden brown.
- Fry Chicken – Second Side: Flip chicken pieces carefully and fry for another 3 to 5 minutes until all sides are golden brown and chicken is cooked through. Check doneness by inserting a digital thermometer: chicken thighs should reach 180°F, breasts 165°F.
- Serve: Transfer the fried chicken to a plate and serve hot with the prepared bang bang sauce for dipping.
- Serving Suggestions: Enjoy bang bang chicken as a main dish alongside steamed white or brown rice, fried rice, or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt to reduce fat content.
- Adjust the spiciness of the sauce by adding more or less sriracha or gochujang.
- Use avocado oil or any high smoke point oil suitable for frying.
- The sauce will keep well refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Chicken breasts cook faster than thighs; carefully monitor cooking time to prevent dryness.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free all-purpose flour; otherwise, regular flour works fine.
