Easy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

There’s something irresistibly addictive about the combination of crispy chicken, creamy sauce, and a gentle kick of spice. This Easy Bang Bang Chicken delivers all that and more—without the hassle or extra steps of deep frying or complicated prep.

this Recipe

I first made this dish on a whim after craving something bold and satisfying on a rainy Friday night. To my surprise, the whole family cleaned their plates and immediately asked for it again the next night. It's quick, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor that tastes like it came straight from your favorite Asian-fusion restaurant.

Let’s dive into what makes this dish so special.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Bang Bang Chicken

Get ready to discover your new favorite weeknight dinner that checks every box—easy, tasty, fast, and family-approved.

First and foremost, it’s incredibly quick to make. From start to finish, you’ll have dinner on the table in about 25 minutes. That’s faster than takeout and much more rewarding.

It’s also a total breeze to prepare. There’s no deep frying involved—just simple stovetop searing that delivers crispy, golden-brown chicken every time. Plus, the sauce comes together with just a few pantry staples.

This recipe is light on the wallet but big on flavor. With affordable ingredients like boneless chicken thighs and a simple mayo-based sauce, it proves that you don’t have to spend a lot to eat like a king.

And let’s not forget how versatile it is. Serve it over rice, wrap it in lettuce cups, or toss it with noodles for a fun twist. You can easily adjust the spice level, swap in different proteins, or make it gluten-free if needed.

Once you see how easy and customizable it is, you’ll want to keep this in your regular rotation.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Easy Bang Bang Chicken is how it turns a few humble ingredients into something absolutely crave-worthy. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need.

Chicken thighs are the star of the show here. They stay juicy and flavorful even after pan-frying, and they’re more forgiving than chicken breasts. If you're in a pinch, you can substitute with chicken breast, but keep an eye on doneness to avoid drying it out.

Cornstarch is essential for that irresistibly crisp coating. It creates a delicate crust that holds up to the creamy sauce without getting soggy. Don’t skip this step—flour just doesn’t give the same crunch.

Mayonnaise forms the base of the bang bang sauce. It’s rich, creamy, and helps balance out the heat from the sriracha. Use full-fat mayo for the best flavor and texture.

Sweet chili sauce adds that signature sweet-and-spicy flavor. It’s easy to find in the international aisle of most grocery stores, and a little goes a long way in creating that iconic bang bang taste.

You’ll also want a large skillet for cooking the chicken and a mixing bowl for tossing everything together. No fancy tools required—just the basics from your kitchen cabinet.

How To Make This Easy Bang Bang Chicken

Making Bang Bang Chicken at home couldn’t be easier, and the results are absolutely worth it. Here’s how to bring it all together in a few simple steps.

Start by cutting your chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Aim for uniform chunks so they cook evenly. Toss them in a bowl with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. This is the key to getting that crispy exterior.

Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the chicken in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan—work in batches if needed. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes to form a golden crust before flipping.

While the chicken cooks, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a squirt of sriracha. Taste and adjust the spice level to your liking. The sauce should be creamy, slightly sweet, and have a little kick.

Once the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Let it cool slightly before tossing it in the bang bang sauce. This helps preserve that crunchy texture.

Serve immediately with rice, noodles, or a fresh slaw on the side. The whole process takes less than 30 minutes and yields a dish that feels like a restaurant-quality treat right from your own kitchen.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (which is rare in our house), this Bang Bang Chicken stores surprisingly well. Place any cooled leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

To keep the chicken as crispy as possible, store the sauce and chicken separately if you haven’t already mixed them together. This way, you can reheat the chicken on its own and toss it in sauce just before serving.

For reheating, the best method is to use a skillet over medium heat to re-crisp the chicken. You can also use an air fryer for 3–5 minutes. If you’re in a rush, a microwave works too, though the chicken won’t be quite as crispy.

This dish is not freezer-friendly, as the sauce and coating tend to lose their texture once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a couple of days.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can tweak it based on what you have or prefer.

For a lighter version, try baking or air frying the chicken instead of pan-frying. You’ll still get a crisp texture, especially if you spritz the chicken with a little oil beforehand.

Want it extra spicy? Add more sriracha to the sauce or sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. Conversely, you can tone down the heat by using less chili sauce and adding a teaspoon of honey to mellow the flavor.

You can also switch up the protein. Shrimp, tofu, or even cauliflower florets work beautifully with the same preparation and sauce. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Looking to make it gluten-free? Simply swap the sweet chili sauce for a gluten-free version, and double-check your mayo and sriracha labels.

This recipe is a great starting point, but don’t be afraid to make it your own. Whether you turn it into tacos, a rice bowl, or a salad topper, the flavor-packed possibilities are endless.

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