Name: Bang Bang Chicken (Easy Dinner Recipe) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Fusion (Asian-inspired American)
Ingredients: 1/3 cup milk; 1 egg; 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1/4 cup potato starch; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon shichimi togarashi (Japanese red pepper condiment); Oil, for frying; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons honey; 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce; 1 teaspoon gochujang (Korean hot pepper paste)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 82 reviews

If you’re hunting for a dish that thrills your taste buds without demanding hours in the kitchen, this Bang Bang Chicken (Easy Dinner Recipe) Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a playful twist on traditional flavors that combines crispy, tender chicken chunks with a luscious, spicy-sweet sauce that will have you reaching for seconds in no time. Whether you’re cooking a weeknight meal or impressing friends over dinner, this recipe has the kind of vibrant, comforting vibe that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clean white marbled surface holds several small white bowls and clear glass containers with various ingredients arranged neatly across it. In the top right, a white bowl contains raw, pale pink chicken pieces. Below it to the right, a small white bowl has bright red chili sauce with visible chili seeds. Below that is another white bowl filled with white powder, likely flour or cornstarch. Near the center right, a clear glass bowl holds a small amount of thick red sauce. In the bottom right sits a transparent glass bowl filled with golden honey. To the left of it, another white bowl contains thick white mayonnaise. Above this bowl, a larger white bowl has white flour. Slightly left to the center top, a smaller green bowl has one brown egg. Moving upwards, a transparent yellow plastic cup holds cooking oil. Centered near the top is a small white bowl filled with white milk. Centered a bit below that, a tiny clear bowl holds salt and black pepper. The overall setup is bright and clean with soft natural light. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple, straightforward ingredients come together in this recipe, each one playing its own vital role to build layers of flavor and texture. From the tender chicken to the perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and creamy in the sauce, every component counts to make this dish a standout.

Milk (1/3 cup): Helps tenderize the chicken while adding a subtle richness to the marinade.
Egg (1): Acts as a binder so the coating sticks perfectly to each piece of chicken.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 pound, cut into 1-inch cubes): The star protein, providing juicy, tender bites.
Potato starch (1/4 cup): Gives the chicken a wonderfully light and crispy exterior when fried.
All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): Adds structure to the coating, ensuring a satisfying crunch.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and seasoning.
Ground black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds just a gentle kick of heat and depth.
Shichimi togarashi (1/4 teaspoon): A Japanese red pepper seasoning that brings a unique, aromatic spice note.
Oil, for frying: Essential for that perfect deep-fried crispiness.
Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): Creates the creamy base of the signature bang bang sauce.
Honey (2 tablespoons): Balances out the spice with a natural sweetness.
Sweet chili sauce (2 tablespoons): Injects a lovely sweet-spicy tang.
Gochujang (1 teaspoon): A Korean chili paste that adds depth and a subtly smoky heat.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken (Easy Dinner Recipe) Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Begin by whisking the milk and egg together in a large bowl until smooth and well combined. Then, add your cubed chicken breasts and let them soak up these flavors by marinating for 15 minutes. This simple step tenderizes the chicken and sets the stage for a juicy outcome that melts in your mouth.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating Mix

While the chicken marinates, combine potato starch, all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, and shichimi togarashi in a large resealable bag. Seal it tight and shake well until the mixture is evenly blended. This seasoned coating blend is critical for achieving that crispy, flavorful crust you know and love in Bang Bang Chicken.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Drain the chicken pieces from the marinade and add them to the bag with your dry mix. Seal the bag and shake it until each piece is thoroughly coated in the seasoned flour and starch mixture. This method ensures an even crust with minimal mess and maximum crunch.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken – First Fry

Heat your oil in a skillet to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Carefully drop about 5 to 8 pieces of the coated chicken into the hot oil, frying them gently for 90 seconds. This initial fry cooks the chicken through and starts forming the crispy outer shell. Remove and drain on paper towels to maintain that perfect crunch.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken – Second Fry

Increase the oil temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for a quick second fry. Again, fry the chicken in batches for another 90 seconds. This boosts the crispiness and locks in juiciness, delivering that irresistible bang bang texture you’re craving. Drain on paper towels once more.

Step 6: Make the Signature Sauce and Toss

Whisk together the mayonnaise, honey, sweet chili sauce, and gochujang in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Add the juicy fried chicken pieces to the bowl and toss gently until each morsel is luxuriously coated in this tangy, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken (Easy Dinner Recipe) Recipe

A white bowl lined with white parchment paper holds many small golden brown fried chicken pieces, each covered in a shiny, sticky orange sauce with light cream drizzles. The chicken pieces are garnished with bright green chopped spring onions scattered evenly on top. A silver fork is placed in the bowl, lifting some chicken pieces. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Garnishes can elevate your dish from great to unforgettable. Sprinkle some finely sliced green onions or chopped fresh cilantro over the top to add a burst of color and fresh herbal notes. If you like a little crunch, toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts work beautifully. A wedge of lime on the side can brighten up every bite with a splash of acidity.

Side Dishes

Bang Bang Chicken pairs wonderfully with light, crisp sides like steamed jasmine rice or fluffy coconut rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. A quick cucumber salad or a simple slaw with a zesty vinaigrette can introduce a refreshing contrast. For a heartier meal, serve alongside sautéed greens or roasted vegetables for a balanced dinner plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Get a little creative by plating your Bang Bang Chicken on a bed of mixed greens for a vibrant salad twist or serve it over warm noodles tossed in a touch of sesame oil and soy sauce for a comforting bowl. You can also stuff the saucy chicken into wraps or tacos with crunchy slaw for a fun finger food option that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Bang Bang Chicken keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To retain the best texture, store the sauce separately from the chicken if possible, then toss together just before serving. This helps maintain the crispiness of the chicken rather than letting it become soggy.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked, un-sauced chicken bites in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Freeze the sauce separately in a small container or freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw both overnight in the fridge and reheat the chicken before coating it freshly with the sauce.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the chicken in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes or until warmed through. This will help re-crisp the coating. Warm the sauce gently on the stove or in the microwave, then toss the chicken in the sauce immediately before serving to keep that fresh, zingy flavor.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great because they’re even juicier and more flavorful, though the cooking time might be slightly longer depending on size. Just be sure to cut them into evenly sized pieces for uniform cooking.

Is there a vegetarian version of Bang Bang Chicken?

Yes! You can swap out chicken for crispy tofu or cauliflower florets. Using the same batter and sauce method, frying tofu or cauliflower delivers a similarly delicious, crunchy bite with all the bang bang flavor.

What can I substitute for gochujang?

If you don’t have gochujang, a mix of chili garlic sauce and a little miso paste or even a touch of sriracha will bring some heat and depth. Adjust amounts to taste since gochujang has a unique sweetness and complexity.

Can I bake instead of fry the chicken?

Yes, you can bake the chicken pieces at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, but keep in mind they won’t be quite as crispy as the double-fried version. For extra crunch, a quick broil at the end helps.

How spicy is this Bang Bang Chicken (Easy Dinner Recipe) Recipe?

This recipe strikes a nice balance, with a mild to medium heat level thanks to the shichimi togarashi and gochujang. You can always dial up the spice by adding extra chili paste or togarashi, or keep it gentle for kids by reducing those ingredients.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about mastering a Bang Bang Chicken (Easy Dinner Recipe) Recipe that’s full of big flavors, crunchy textures, and just the right kick of heat. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that doesn’t require hours to make, so dive in, gather your ingredients, and get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with every delicious bite.