Bang Bang Chicken with Crispy Coating Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that’s crispy, spicy, and downright irresistible, I’ve got just the thing for you. This Bang Bang Chicken with Crispy Coating Recipe is one of those meals I always turn to when I want to impress but keep things simple. The crunchy panko crust paired with the creamy, tangy, and spicy bang bang sauce is a match made in heaven — and I can’t wait to share my tips so you nail it every time.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the scoop on the ingredients for this Bang Bang Chicken with Crispy Coating Recipe — they’re simple, easy to find, and all work in harmony to bring you that perfect taste and crunch.

• Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and helps bind the bang bang sauce together.
• Sweet chili sauce: Brings a sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy kick that balances heat.
• Sriracha hot sauce: The heat hero — delivers a punch of spice and flavor.
• Eggs: They’re essential for helping the panko breadcrumbs stick to the chicken.
• All-purpose flour: Gives just a touch of structure to the egg mixture for better adhesion.
• Panko breadcrumbs: The key to that irresistible crispy coating.
• Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors, don’t skip or skimp!
• Garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory depth in the coating.
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and maximum crispiness.
• Neutral oil (vegetable or canola): For frying — these oils have a high smoke point and won’t overpower flavors.
• Scallions (optional): For a fresh, mild oniony garnish that brightens up the dish.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Bang Bang Chicken with Crispy Coating Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Whether you want it milder, gluten-free, or extra saucy, there’s room to tweak and make it your own.

• Mild Version: When I’m serving kids or folks who shy away from spice, I use less sriracha or swap it for a mild hot sauce – still tasty, still loved.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swapping all-purpose flour and panko for gluten-free alternatives works well — just be gentle when handling to keep the crunch.
• Baked Instead of Fried: I’ve tried baking coated chicken at 425°F for 15–20 minutes and it’s a lighter version that still holds up nicely.
• Extra Crunch: For an extra-crispy touch, mix some crushed cornflakes into the panko – it adds a fun texture twist.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken with Crispy Coating Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Bang Bang Sauce

Start by stirring together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and 4 teaspoons of sriracha in a large bowl. This creamy, spicy sauce carries the whole dish — I love that it’s both sweet and fiery. Keep half of this sauce aside in a small bowl for serving later; trust me, you’ll want that extra drizzle at the end!

Step 2: Prep Your Dredging Station

In one shallow bowl, whisk together the remaining sriracha, eggs, and flour until smooth. This helps the coating stick perfectly. In another bowl, combine your panko, garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. The garlic powder gives the crust that nice savory boost.

Step 3: Season and Coat the Chicken

Season the chicken pieces with the remaining ¾ teaspoon kosher salt. Working in batches, dip each piece into the egg mixture, then press them into the panko crumbs to fully coat. I like to gently press the panko so it really sticks — it makes a world of difference when you fry later. Lay the coated chicken on a rimmed baking sheet as you go.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken Until Golden and Crisp

Heat the oil in a large, high-sided skillet to 350°F (using a thermometer really helps). Fry about 8 pieces at a time, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through — around 3 to 5 minutes total. I use a wire rack lined baking sheet to drain the chicken right after frying; it keeps that crust crisp instead of getting soggy on paper towels.

Step 5: Toss with Sauce and Serve

Transfer the crispy chicken to the big bowl with the bang bang sauce and give it a gentle toss so every piece gets coated. Garnish with thinly sliced scallions if you like that fresh oniony note. Serve with the reserved sauce for dipping — and prepare to wow everyone.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken with Crispy Coating Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping mine with thinly sliced scallions for a fresh, pop of color and a little bite that balances the creamy sauce. Sometimes I sprinkle a few sesame seeds for a subtle nutty crunch. If you have fresh cilantro, that works beautifully too!

Side Dishes

My go-to side dishes are simple and fresh — think steamed jasmine rice or fluffy coconut rice to soak up the sauce, along with a crisp cucumber salad to cool down the heat. For something green, a quick sauté of garlic bok choy or a crunchy Asian slaw pairs perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, I like to transform this recipe into a bang bang chicken appetizer platter: serve the chicken bites skewered or on toothpicks with small dipping bowls of the reserved sauce and garnishes like sliced jalapeño and shredded carrots. It turns this humble dish into a real crowd-pleaser spotlight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftover chicken and sauce separate in airtight containers to help the breading stay its best. Once mixed, the coating softens pretty quickly in the fridge, so if you want to keep that crunch, separate is the way to go.

Freezing

Surprisingly, this Bang Bang Chicken with Crispy Coating Recipe freezes well if the chicken is frozen before tossing in the sauce. I flash-freeze the breaded chicken pieces on a tray, then transfer to a bag. When you’re ready, fry straight from frozen, just add a minute or two to cooking.

Reheating

To keep that crisp coating when reheating leftovers, I pop the chicken on a wire rack in a preheated 375°F oven for about 10 minutes. Microwaving? It’s faster but the coating will lose its crunch, so I try to avoid if possible.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Bang Bang Chicken with Crispy Coating Recipe is one of those dishes I always come back to. It’s got that perfect crispy bite, a delicious sauce that keeps you dipping, and it impresses every time without a ton of fuss. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do — once you nail these steps, it might just become your go-to meal for busy nights and casual dinner parties alike!

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