If you are craving a dish that bursts with flavor and crunch, the Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayo and Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe is going to become your new favorite go-to. This dish masterfully combines crispy golden chicken bites with a creamy, zesty sauce that has just the right kick of heat and a touch of sweetness. It’s a perfect harmony of textures and tastes that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re looking to impress friends, enjoy a family dinner, or simply treat yourself, this recipe is as fun to make as it is delicious to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayo and Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe is straightforward, but each one plays an important role. From the tender chicken marinated in buttermilk to the spices that add depth, and the sauces that bring together creamy, spicy, and sweet notes, these essentials make all the difference in achieving that perfect balance.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, providing juicy and tender protein once fried to perfection.
- Buttermilk: Adds moisture and tenderizes the chicken while giving a subtle tang.
- All-purpose flour: Creates the crispy coating when combined with aromatic spices.
- Garlic powder: Infuses a warm, savory note to the breading mix.
- Onion powder: Adds a mild, sweet depth of flavor to complement the garlic.
- Paprika: Enhances both color and smoky undertones in the crust.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
- Vegetable oil: For frying the chicken to a glorious golden crisp.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the spicy mayo sauce that coats the chicken.
- Sweet chili sauce: Balances heat with a touch of sweetness in the signature sauce.
- Sriracha: Adds a spicy kick adjustable to your heat preference.
- Lime juice: Brings bright acidity to lift the sauce’s flavors.
- Honey (optional): Adds natural sweetness to mellow the spice and round out the sauce.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayo and Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces so that every piece gets crispy and flavorful. Marinate the chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This step is key to tenderizing the chicken and adding a slight tang that perfectly balances the richness of the final dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating Mix
In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will give your chicken a beautifully seasoned crust with layers of flavor that pop when fried.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk and thoroughly coat it in the flour and spice mixture. Let the coated chicken rest on a wire rack for about 10 minutes to help the crust set, ensuring an irresistibly crispy texture when fried.
Step 4: Make the Signature Bang Bang Sauce
While the chicken rests, whip up the sauce by mixing mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, and a touch of honey in a small bowl. The sweet and spicy flavors meld beautifully, creating that iconic bang bang sauce that’s creamy with a vibrant kick.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken pieces in batches for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. This temperature ensures the outside gets crunchy while locking in the juicy tenderness inside.
Step 6: Drain and Serve
Drain the fried chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil before serving. You can drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the chicken or serve it on the side for dipping — either way, every bite is a dance of crispy chicken coated in creamy, spicy, and sweet deliciousness.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayo and Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
To brighten up the plate and add texture, sprinkle thinly sliced green onions or fresh cilantro on top. A few toasted sesame seeds can also lend a nutty crunch that pairs wonderfully with the crispy chicken and rich sauce.
Side Dishes
This Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayo and Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or a light Asian cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar and sesame oil. You can also serve it alongside crispy fries or fresh vegetable sticks to balance the spice.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual gathering, serve the chicken in lettuce wraps garnished with diced mango or avocado for a refreshing twist. Alternatively, skewer the pieces and offer the Bang Bang sauce as a dip for an irresistible party appetizer that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayo and Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate if possible to maintain the chicken’s crisp texture.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the chicken, place the fried pieces on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 1 month. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven or air fryer at 350°F to crispen the coating again—microwaving may soften the crust. Add fresh sauce after warming for the best flavor and texture experience.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even more flavorful and stay juicy, but just keep in mind they might take a little longer to cook through when frying.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
You can substitute the chicken with fried cauliflower florets or tofu for a vegetarian spin, then toss them in the Bang Bang sauce for the same spicy, sweet, creamy experience.
How spicy is this Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayo and Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe?
The heat level is moderate thanks to the balance of sriracha and sweet chili sauce. You can easily adjust the amount of sriracha to suit your taste, whether you like it milder or with a serious kick.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the Bang Bang sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. It actually tastes even better once the flavors have melded overnight.
What’s the best oil for frying?
Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are all excellent choices as they have high smoke points and neutral flavors that help achieve perfectly crispy chicken.
Final Thoughts
Diving into this Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayo and Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe is like welcoming a party of flavors right at your dinner table. It’s easy enough for a weeknight meal but impressive enough for guests. I can’t recommend it enough to anyone who loves crispy, spicy, creamy food with a hint of sweetness. Go ahead and give it a try—you might just find your new all-time favorite recipe!
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Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayo and Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Bang Bang Chicken recipe features tender, crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a spicy, sweet, and creamy sauce with flavors of mayonnaise, sweet chili, sriracha, lime, and honey. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, it combines a flavorful marinade, a seasoned flour coating, and a vibrant homemade sauce for an irresistible, crowd-pleasing treat.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and place them in a bowl with the buttermilk. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and enhance flavor.
- Prepare the Flour Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure even seasoning.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, coating all sides. Place the coated chicken pieces on a wire rack and let them rest for about 10 minutes to set the coating.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, and honey until smooth and well combined. Adjust the sriracha for desired spiciness.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the coated chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each side for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the fried chicken pieces and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve immediately, drizzled with the Bang Bang sauce or with the sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Marinating chicken in buttermilk helps make it tender and juicy.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce according to your heat preference.
- Use a wire rack to allow the coating to set and stay crispy before frying.
- Ensure the oil temperature is maintained at 350°F for even frying and a crispy crust.
- Serve Bang Bang Chicken with steamed rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
