Easy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

There's nothing quite like the zesty, creamy, and slightly spicy flavor of Bang Bang Chicken to turn an ordinary meal into something extraordinary. This easy version brings all the restaurant-style flavors straight to your kitchen, with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.

this Recipe

I first discovered Bang Bang Chicken during a weeknight craving for something bold yet quick. After a few tweaks and experiments, I landed on this easy recipe that my family now requests regularly. The best part? It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings or last-minute guests.

Let's dive right in!

Why You'll Love This Easy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Get ready to fall head over heels for your new favorite dinner recipe. This Easy Bang Bang Chicken isn't just bursting with flavor—it’s the ultimate solution for anyone looking to whip up a quick, crowd-pleasing meal.

First off, it’s incredibly fast and simple to prepare. With just a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients, you’ll have dinner on the table in no time. There’s no need to marinate for hours or dirty every pan in your kitchen.

Budget-friendly? Absolutely. This dish uses affordable cuts of chicken and simple sauces you likely already have. Even with the bold, complex flavors, you’ll be feeding your family without breaking the bank.

Versatility is another huge plus. Whether you want to serve it over rice, tucked into lettuce wraps, or alongside roasted veggies, Bang Bang Chicken adapts to whatever you’re craving.

And of course, it’s a total crowd-pleaser. The creamy, spicy sauce has just the right balance of heat and sweetness, making it appealing even to those who are spice-shy. Kids love it, adults love it—it’s a win-win every time.

Now that you're hungry, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients you'll need.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Easy Bang Bang Chicken lies in its simple but perfectly balanced ingredients. Each component plays an essential role in creating that irresistible combination of creamy, tangy, sweet, and spicy.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star of the show. They cook quickly and absorb the flavorful coating beautifully. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier, more tender bite.

The cornstarch coating gives the chicken its signature crispy texture without the need for deep frying. When lightly pan-fried, it creates the perfect golden crust that holds up well to the creamy sauce.

Mayonnaise forms the rich, creamy base of the Bang Bang sauce. Full-fat mayo works best for that luscious texture, but you can substitute with light mayo or even Greek yogurt for a slightly healthier twist.

Sweet chili sauce adds sweetness and a subtle tang that balances the heat. This is the ingredient that gives Bang Bang Chicken its signature flavor profile—don’t skip it! Look for it in the international aisle of your grocery store.

Finally, a bit of Sriracha brings just the right amount of heat. You can easily adjust the amount depending on your spice tolerance. A squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end brightens everything up perfectly.

You’ll also need a large skillet or non-stick frying pan for cooking the chicken, along with a small mixing bowl for whisking up the sauce.

How To Make This Easy Bang Bang Chicken

Creating this mouthwatering Bang Bang Chicken is wonderfully straightforward. Let’s walk through the steps together.

Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes. Keeping the pieces uniform ensures even cooking. Season them lightly with salt and pepper before dredging them in cornstarch, ensuring each piece is fully coated. This step is key for achieving that signature crispy exterior.

Heat a generous splash of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan—work in batches if needed. Allow the chicken to cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. The crust should be crisp, and the inside perfectly juicy.

While the chicken cooks, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha. Stir until completely smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the heat level by adding more Sriracha if you like it spicier.

Once all the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. While the chicken is still hot, pour the sauce over the top and gently toss to coat every piece thoroughly. The residual heat helps the sauce cling to the crispy coating.

Serve the Bang Bang Chicken immediately, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for a touch of freshness and crunch. From start to finish, this recipe comes together in about 25 minutes—perfect for even the busiest weeknights.

Storage Options

Leftovers of this Easy Bang Bang Chicken store surprisingly well, making it a great option for meal prep or next-day lunches.

For short-term storage, place any cooled leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The chicken will lose a bit of its crispiness, but the flavors remain delicious.

If you want to freeze it, let the chicken cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. You can freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

When reheating, use a skillet over medium heat to help revive some of the chicken’s original crisp texture. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it tends to make the coating soggy.

Variations and Substitutions

One of my favorite things about this Easy Bang Bang Chicken recipe is how adaptable it is. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!

For a healthier version, bake the cornstarch-coated chicken pieces at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. You'll still get great texture with less oil.

If you're craving even more crunch, try using panko breadcrumbs mixed with cornstarch for an extra crispy coating. Just be careful not to let them burn while pan-frying.

Looking to lower the heat? Simply reduce the amount of Sriracha or omit it altogether for a mild, kid-friendly version. The sweet chili sauce still provides plenty of flavor.

For a fun twist, turn it into Bang Bang Chicken tacos. Pile the saucy chicken into warm tortillas, add some slaw, and drizzle with extra sauce for a flavor-packed taco night.

And if you're not a fan of chicken, this recipe works wonderfully with shrimp or tofu as well. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure everything is cooked perfectly.

Don’t be afraid to get creative—this recipe is endlessly customizable and always delicious.

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