If you’ve ever craved a dish that’s flavorful, crispy, and just bursting with a creamy spicy kick, then you absolutely have to try this Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayo Sauce Recipe. It’s the perfect balance of crunchy fried chicken coated in a luscious sauce that dances on your taste buds with sweet, tangy, and spicy notes. This recipe has quickly become a favorite of mine to serve when friends come over or when I simply want a comforting meal that feels like a restaurant-quality treat right at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayo Sauce Recipe right is all about simple, quality ingredients that work together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each ingredient was carefully chosen to build that irresistible crispy coating, juicy chicken interior, and rich, spicy sauce that ties it all together.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, tender and perfect for bite-sized pieces.
- Buttermilk: Adds moisture and acts as a tenderizing marinade for the chicken.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the crispy exterior when combined with seasonings.
- Garlic powder: Infuses savory depth into the coating mix.
- Onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and complexity to the batter.
- Paprika: Gives a mild smoky flavor and vibrant color.
- Salt and black pepper: Enhance all the flavors perfectly.
- Vegetable oil: Essential for frying to golden perfection.
- Mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base of the spicy mayo sauce.
- Sweet chili sauce: Offers a delightful balance of sweet heat.
- Sriracha: Brings adjustable heat and a punch of spice to the sauce.
- Lime juice: Adds brightness and a touch of acidity to balance richness.
- Honey (optional): Provides an extra hint of sweetness for those who love a touch of contrast.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayo Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces—this helps the marinade soak in and ensures every piece crisps up evenly. It’s all about bite-sized goodness that’s easy to enjoy in a single mouthful.
Step 2: Marinate with Buttermilk
Next, submerge your chicken pieces in buttermilk. This step is a game-changer because the acidity tenderizes the chicken while locking in moisture, making every bite juicy and tender. Cover and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to soak up all that richness.
Step 3: Make the Flour Coating
While your chicken marinates, mix together flour with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. These spices aren’t just there for flavor—they also enhance that golden crust and add a subtle warmth to every bite.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then dredge thoroughly in your seasoned flour mix. For that perfect crisp, let the coated chicken rest on a wire rack for about 10 minutes—this helps the flour adhere better when frying.
Step 5: Whip Up the Spicy Mayo Sauce
In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, and a touch of honey if you want extra sweetness. This sauce is the heart of the Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayo Sauce Recipe. It’s creamy, tangy, sweet, and packs just the right amount of heat.
Step 6: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken pieces in batches, carefully turning them to get a golden brown crust on each side. Cooking in batches ensures the oil temperature stays consistent and the chicken crisps up beautifully.
Step 7: Drain and Prepare to Serve
Once cooked, transfer the fried chicken to paper towels to drain excess oil. This keeps the coating crispy and prevents sogginess. Get ready to drizzle or dip your chicken in that amazing spicy mayo sauce for the ultimate flavor combo.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayo Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes can elevate this dish visually and flavor-wise. I love scattering chopped green onions or sprinkling toasted sesame seeds on top. They add a pop of color and a bit of crunch to contrast the creamy sauce and crispy chicken.
Side Dishes
Bang Bang Chicken pairs exceptionally well with light and refreshing sides. Consider serving it alongside a crunchy cucumber salad, steamed jasmine rice, or even some roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the dish. These sides complement without overpowering the bold flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your presentation up a notch by serving the chicken on a large platter with the sauce drizzled artfully or in small dipping bowls for a fun, interactive meal. For gatherings, stacking the chicken on a bed of shredded cabbage or leafy greens adds texture and makes it look irresistibly inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the fried chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keeping the sauce apart prevents the chicken from getting soggy overnight and ensures both stay fresh and tasty.
Freezing
You can freeze the fried chicken pieces once cooled by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freezing, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. This Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayo Sauce Recipe stays delicious for up to 2 months frozen, perfect for quick meals later on.
Reheating
To reheat without losing that crispy texture, bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Reheat the sauce gently on the stove or microwave separately to avoid breaking the emulsion. This way, you keep every bite wonderfully crunchy and saucy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and often provide even more juicy, flavorful results due to their slightly higher fat content. Just cut them into similar bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
How spicy is this Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayo Sauce Recipe?
The level of heat can easily be adjusted by the amount of sriracha you add to the sauce. Start with a tablespoon and taste as you go—this recipe balances spicy, sweet, and tangy, so you can customize it to your preference.
Is there a healthier way to make this recipe?
You can bake the coated chicken pieces in the oven instead of deep frying for a lighter option. Just spray them with cooking oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) until crispy. The sauce is already creamy and indulgent, so balance it out with a lighter cooking method if desired.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! The spicy mayo sauce actually tastes better if it sits for an hour or two as the flavors meld together. Just store it in the fridge in an airtight container and bring it to room temperature before serving.
What should I serve this dish with for a full meal?
A side of steamed rice, fresh veggies, or a simple salad complements this dish perfectly. You can also add some pickled vegetables or a crunchy slaw for extra texture and a refreshing bite alongside the creamy chicken.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the satisfying crunch of perfectly fried chicken combined with a creamy, spicy, and tangy mayo sauce to brighten up your meals. This Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayo Sauce Recipe is straightforward to prepare yet impressive enough to become a go-to favorite. Give it a try for your next dinner — I promise it’s a dish that will quickly have everyone asking for seconds!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayo Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Bang Bang Chicken recipe features crispy, golden-fried chicken bites coated in a flavorful homemade Bang Bang sauce made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, and honey. Perfect as a spicy appetizer or a main course, this dish combines creamy, sweet, and spicy flavors with a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 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 (enough to cover 1/2 inch of skillet)
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
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are uniform for even cooking.
- Marinate: Place the chicken pieces in a medium bowl with buttermilk, fully submerging them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and add flavor.
- Mix coating: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Coat chicken: Remove chicken from buttermilk one piece at a time, letting excess drip off, then dredge thoroughly in flour mixture to create an even coating.
- Rest coated chicken: Arrange floured chicken on a wire rack and let them rest for about 10 minutes to help the coating set.
- Make sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, and optional honey. Mix thoroughly and adjust sriracha to preferred spice level. Set aside.
- Heat oil: Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet or deep frying pan to a depth of 1/2 inch. Heat over medium-high heat until oil reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken: Fry chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Drain: Remove fried chicken with a slotted spoon and place on paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Repeat with all pieces.
- Serve: Arrange chicken on a platter or individual plates. Drizzle Bang Bang sauce over the chicken or serve it on the side for dipping.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Adjust sriracha amount in the sauce to control the spice level to your preference.
- Using a wire rack for resting the coated chicken helps keep the crust crispy by allowing air circulation.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the pan during frying to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
- Check internal temperature with a kitchen thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Leftover Bang Bang sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
