Bang Bang Chicken is one of those things you crave after a long day when you just need something good—fast. Ever find yourself standing in front of the fridge, totally stumped? Yeah… happened to me a thousand times. Then I discovered this bowl of joy, and the whole mood shifted. We’re talking crispy chicken, sweet-spicy sauce that wakes your tastebuds, all piled over a heap of rice. If you like your chicken loud (and want more ideas for dinner), check out this Crispy Bang Bang Chicken or maybe even take a peek at this super creative Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice. Both will knock your socks off, promise. 
Table of Contents
What Is Bang Bang Chicken?
Okay, so Bang Bang Chicken is basically fried or baked chicken bites tossed in a creamy, spicy, a little bit sweet sauce. Think of it as the cousin who makes every party exciting. The name, legend has it, comes from the “bang bang” sound made when the chicken is tenderized or broken into pieces, but honestly (and this is just me being me) I think it just describes the flavor punch. You get crunch, then heat, then a hint of sweetness that lingers. This thing started in China, took a jet to America, and now shows up on all those Instagram feeds and restaurant menus. The best part? You don’t need professional skills to pull it off at home. Once you nail it, you’ll probably never go back to plain chicken strips again.
“I made Bang Bang Chicken for a family BBQ, and people kept coming back for seconds. The sauce is just gangster good!” – Jamie, reader from Texas
Why You’ll Love It
Let’s just say—Bang Bang Chicken checks all the fun meal boxes. First, it comes together quicker than most takeout (I timed it once… twenty-five minutes!). The sauce is addictive. You can control the heat so even picky eaters will be on board.
- Perfect for busy nights when you want something tastier than a sandwich
- Ideal for meal prepping since leftovers taste great
- Makes you feel like a five-star chef even though it’s super simple
- Goes with almost literally anything… tacos, wraps, on salad, with rice
If you’re a sauce fanatic like me or just bored with bland chicken, this is a must-try. 
Key Ingredients in Bang Bang Chicken
Alright, let’s chat ingredients. Bang Bang Chicken bowls mostly hang out with basic pantry pals, so you won’t need a trip across town. The main player, obviously, is chicken. I usually grab boneless, skinless thighs but breast works too if you’re that kinda person. Cornstarch gives it that stellar crunch (skip flour, trust me). The real secret though? That saucy sauce.
You need mayo (not salad dressing—no way), sweet chili sauce, a touch of sriracha for the good kinda burn, and a sprinkle of sugar. I toss in garlic powder, salt, and sometimes a squeeze of fresh lime if I’m feeling fancy. Rice soaks up the leftover sauce like a champ. If you want a veggie, cucumbers or shredded carrots freshen it up—easy peasy and super colorful for the ‘Gram.
Some folks put crushed peanuts on top… which, oddly, makes the whole thing taste like a street-food classic. If you dig these flavors, you’d probably love this black pepper chicken or even a saucy broccoli cheddar chicken rice casserole. They’re winners in my kitchen. 
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken
Okay, here comes the fun part. Don’t stress, this isn’t one of those “dirty every dish in the kitchen” recipes.
First, cube your chicken and toss it with cornstarch, salt, pepper. Heat a splash of oil in a skillet and fry those chicken bites. You want them golden and crispy, so don’t move them too much at first. Flip once, cook a couple more minutes, done.
While chicken’s working, stir together the mayo, chili sauce, sriracha, sugar, garlic powder in a bowl. Taste-test—if it blows your hair back, add more mayo. If it’s too chill, more chili sauce. Totally up to you. When chicken’s ready, toss it right in the sauce. That’s the secret—coat those bites while they’re still hot.
Pile on hot cooked rice. Sprinkle with green onions, sesame seeds, or even chives. Eat. Fight off family members armed with forks. Let’s keep it real: the leftovers don’t make it overnight. If you want an orange twist for your next experiment, this 4-ingredient orange chicken is a crowd-pleaser.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Alright, let me keep it honest here: Bang Bang Chicken is best fresh, but sometimes life’s just too busy. Leftovers? Store them in a sealed container in the fridge. I wouldn’t go past two days, since that crispy coating gets soft (but the flavor… still a hit). To “bring back the magic,” reheat in a super-hot oven or air fryer for a few minutes—not the microwave, unless you’re cool with soggy chicken.
Prepping early? Fry the chicken ahead, let it cool, then store. Keep sauce separate in a jar. Combine right before you eat—trust me, the crunch returns if you do the reheat right.
If freezing, skip the sauce til serving time. I learned the hard way that mayo sauce doesn’t like the freezer much. But the chicken pieces? They’re freezer champs.
Common Questions
Can I make Bang Bang Chicken gluten-free?
Yep, just swap the regular cornstarch with a gluten-free brand and avoid sauces that have wheat added.
Is Bang Bang Chicken spicy?
A little, but you control the fire! Start with less sriracha for mild, more if you dare.
What veggies go best in the bowl?
Shredded carrots, cucumbers, green onions, even avocado. Honestly, whatever’s about to expire in your fridge.
Can I use an air fryer instead of pan frying?
Totally! Toss the chicken in oil and pop it in the air fryer for 12-15 minutes at 375°F. It gets plenty crispy (and you avoid splatters).
Should I use chicken breast or thighs?
Both work. I use thighs for juiciness, but chicken breast is leaner if that’s your thing.
Try This Game-Changer Tonight
By now, you’re probably dreaming of Bang Bang Chicken bowls. It’s honestly easier than it sounds, and way more rewarding than basic weeknight dinners. Make extra—the sauce alone is worth it! If you want extra tips, you can check out this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe | Simple Home Edit, the super detailed recipe at Bang Bang Chicken – Damn Delicious, or Crispy secrets from Bang Bang Chicken Recipe (Incredibly Crispy) | The Kitchn. Let’s be real: after tonight, regular chicken might never be enough. 
Bang Bang Chicken
Ingredients
Chicken Preparation
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs Can also use chicken breast.
- ½ cup cornstarch For coating the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons oil For frying the chicken.
Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise Do not use salad dressing.
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha Adjust to taste for heat.
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Serving Suggestions
- 4 cups cooked rice White or brown rice works well.
- 1 cup sliced green onions For garnish.
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds Optional garnish.
- 1 cup shredded carrots Optional for freshness.
Instructions
Cooking the Chicken
- Cube the chicken and toss it with cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Fry the chicken bites until golden and crispy, flipping once.
Preparing the Sauce
- In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, sugar, and garlic powder.
- Taste-test the sauce and adjust levels of mayo and chili sauce to your preference.
Assembling the Dish
- Once the chicken is cooked, toss it in the sauce while still hot.
- Serve over cooked rice and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
