If you are craving a dish that is bursting with creamy, spicy, and sweet flavors all at once, then let me introduce you to the magic of Bang Bang Chicken Sauce. This sauce perfectly complements crispy, tender chicken pieces, creating an addictive taste sensation that’s perfect for casual dinners, party appetizers, or whenever you want to jazz up your meal with bold and exciting flavors. Once you try this sauce, it will quickly become your go-to for adding that irresistible kick and creamy texture to your favorite chicken dishes.

Bang Bang Chicken Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Bang Bang Chicken Sauce recipe are wonderfully simple but pack a punch in terms of flavor and texture. From the crispiness of fried chicken to the creamy, tangy, and spicy notes in the sauce, each component plays an essential role in making this dish unforgettable.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender and juicy, the perfect canvas for absorbing flavors and becoming crispy on the outside.
Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and tenderizes the chicken beautifully while marinating.
All-purpose flour: Creates that crispy, crunchy coating everyone loves.
Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper: These spices elevate the chicken’s savory profile.
Vegetable oil: Perfect for frying to golden perfection.
Mayonnaise: Creates a rich and creamy base for the sauce.
Sweet chili sauce: Brings sweetness with a mild heat that balances the flavors.
Sriracha: Adds that fiery punch; adjust based on your heat preference.
Lime juice: A splash of brightness that keeps the sauce fresh and vibrant.
Honey (optional): A touch of sweetness to round out the flavors perfectly.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, perfect for frying and easy to eat. The size allows the sauce to cling to each morsel, ensuring every bite is flavorful. Then, marinate the chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes – this step is crucial to achieve tender, juicy chicken as the acidity breaks down the proteins gently.

Step 2: Mix the Flour and Spices

Combine the all-purpose flour with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. This seasoned flour mix not only flavors the chicken but also builds the foundation for that crispy exterior everyone craves. Whisking helps to distribute the spices evenly.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Remove each chicken piece from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off, and then dredge thoroughly in the flour mixture. Let the coated chicken rest on a wire rack for about 10 minutes – this rest creates a better crust when frying because it allows the coating to set.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a skillet to about 350°F (175°C), then carefully add the chicken pieces in batches. Fry each side for 4 to 5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Using a thermometer ensures that your chicken reaches a safe internal temperature while staying juicy inside.

Step 5: Prepare the Bang Bang Chicken Sauce

While the chicken fries, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, and honey in a small bowl. This combination forms the luscious Bang Bang Chicken Sauce that’s creamy, spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet – an incredible contrast to the crunchy fried chicken.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Sauce

Garnishes

Sprinkling chopped green onions or sesame seeds on top adds a fresh crunch and vibrant color that elevate the dish visually and in flavor. These subtle touches bring out the fusion of Asian-inspired ingredients beautifully.

Side Dishes

This sauce and chicken combo work wonderfully alongside simple steamed rice or a light cucumber salad. The rice soaks up any extra sauce, while the salad’s freshness balances the richness of the dish. Roasted veggies also make a hearty and colorful pairing to complete the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the crispy chicken drizzled with Bang Bang Chicken Sauce on a bed of lettuce wraps for a fresh handheld snack. You can also toss the chicken and sauce together for an easier mixing option, perfect for parties where guests can dig in without fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps the chicken crunchy when reheated and preserves the creamy texture of the sauce. Consume within 2 to 3 days for best taste and safety.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. It’s best to freeze the sauce separately in a small container to preserve its texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, warm chicken pieces in a hot oven or air fryer to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess. Add fresh Bang Bang Chicken Sauce right before serving to enjoy that classic creamy, spicy kick.

FAQs

What is Bang Bang Chicken Sauce made of?

Bang Bang Chicken Sauce is a creamy, sweet, spicy, and tangy sauce typically made by combining mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, and sometimes honey. It perfectly balances heat and sweetness to complement crispy chicken.

Can I make Bang Bang Chicken Sauce vegan?

Yes! You can substitute mayonnaise with a vegan mayo and use vegan-friendly sweet chili sauce and sriracha to create a delicious plant-based version of Bang Bang Chicken Sauce.

How spicy is Bang Bang Chicken Sauce?

The spiciness largely depends on the amount of sriracha you add. You can adjust the heat to your liking – from mildly zesty to fiery hot – making it a versatile sauce for all heat preferences.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Absolutely! Baking the chicken is a healthier alternative. Coat the chicken as directed and bake at 400°F (200°C) on a greased rack until crisp and cooked through, though frying will give the most classic crunchy texture.

Is Bang Bang Chicken Sauce only for chicken?

Not at all! This sauce is wonderful with shrimp, tofu, or even drizzled over roasted vegetables. Its creamy, spicy sweetness makes it a fantastic addition to many dishes.

Final Thoughts

Making your own Bang Bang Chicken Sauce at home is not just simple – it’s downright rewarding. The way the creamy, spicy sauce clings to crispy chicken makes every bite a joy. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, I promise this recipe will become a favorite fast. So grab those ingredients and get ready to enjoy one of the tastiest, most satisfying sauces you’ll ever make!

Bang Bang Chicken Sauce Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 14 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

This Bang Bang Chicken recipe features crispy, bite-sized fried chicken pieces coated in a flavorful, creamy sauce that combines mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, and honey. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, it offers a delicious balance of spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors with a satisfying crunch.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces for easy frying and serving.
Marinate: Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and pour in the buttermilk, ensuring all pieces are submerged. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
Mix Dry Coating: In a large bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk well to blend all dry ingredients evenly.
Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and let excess drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture until fully coated.
Rest Coated Chicken: Place the coated chicken pieces on a wire rack and let them sit for about 10 minutes to help the coating adhere better during frying.
Prepare Sauce: Combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, and honey in a small bowl. Mix well and adjust the sriracha according to your preferred spice level. Set aside.
Heat Oil: Pour enough vegetable oil into a large skillet or deep frying pan to cover the bottom to about 1/2 inch. Heat over medium-high until the oil reaches 350°F (175°C).
Fry Chicken: Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Fry for 4-5 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Drain: Remove the fried chicken pieces and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat with all batches.
Serve: Arrange the fried chicken on a platter or individual plates and drizzle generously with the Bang Bang sauce or serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
Garnish: Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the chicken for added flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

Marinating the chicken in buttermilk helps tenderize the meat and improves the coating adherence.
Adjust sriracha quantity based on your preferred spice level.
Use a thermometer to ensure oil temperature remains steady for even frying.
Serving the sauce on the side allows guests to control the amount of sauce on their chicken.
For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish, Appetizer
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American