Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayonnaise Sauce Recipe

If you’re in the mood for something that’s both crispy and packed with a punch of flavor, you’ve got to try this Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayonnaise Sauce Recipe. It’s that perfect balance of tender, crunchy chicken paired with a creamy, spicy sauce that dances on your tongue and leaves you craving more. Every bite is a delightful explosion of heat, sweetness, and zest, making it a definite crowd-pleaser whether you’re feeding family or hosting friends. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll quickly become one of your go-to recipes for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayonnaise Sauce Recipe lies in its simplicity. Just a handful of pantry staples come together to create layers of texture and flavor, from the crispy coating on the chicken to the spicy, tangy sauce that ties it all together beautifully.

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that’s easy to cook and always juicy when treated right.
• 1 cup buttermilk: Helps tenderize the chicken, keeping it moist and flavorful inside the crispy crust.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base for the crispy coating that delivers that satisfying crunch.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a warm, savory depth to the breading.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory profile with mild sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon paprika: Gives a subtle smoky flavor and a gorgeous color to the coating.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle bite that wakes up the palate.
• Vegetable oil for frying: Chosen for its neutral taste and high smoke point for perfect frying.
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise: The creamy base of the spicy mayonnaise sauce that adds richness.
• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce: Brings a sweet heat that balances the sauce perfectly.
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste): Packs that signature spicy punch and vibrant heat.
• 1 teaspoon lime juice: Adds a zesty brightness to cut through the richness.
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional): Just a touch of sweetness that mellows out the spice beautifully.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayonnaise Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Chicken

Begin by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This bite-friendly size means every piece will be perfectly coated and cooked through, creating that ideal balance of crunchy outside and juicy interior.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken pieces in a bowl filled with buttermilk. Make sure they’re fully submerged and cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Let this chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. That buttermilk soak works wonders, tenderizing the meat and locking in moisture.

Step 3: Mix the Coating

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This flavorful blend will give your chicken that irresistible golden crust loaded with tasty layers.

Step 4: Dredge the Chicken

After marinating, lift each chicken piece from the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off. Dredge thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture until coated evenly. This coating is where the crunch begins!

Step 5: Let the Coating Set

Place the coated chicken pieces on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. This rest allows the coating to adhere well, ensuring it stays crispy during frying instead of falling off.

Step 6: Make the Spicy Mayonnaise Sauce

In a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, and honey if using. Adjust the sriracha depending on how fiery you want your sauce. This creamy, spicy concoction is the soul of the Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayonnaise Sauce Recipe.

Step 7: Heat the Oil

Pour vegetable oil into a skillet, about half an inch deep, and heat it over medium-high until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Proper oil temperature is key to frying the chicken to golden perfection without soaking up too much oil.

Step 8: Fry the Chicken

Working in batches, carefully add the chicken to the hot oil. Fry for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked (an internal temp of 165°F is perfect). Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain oil temperature and crispiness.

Step 9: Drain and Rest

Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. This step keeps your chicken delightfully crisp rather than greasy.

Step 10: Assemble and Serve

Arrange the fried chicken on a large serving platter or individual plates. Drizzle generously with your homemade spicy mayonnaise sauce or serve it on the side for dipping—the choice is yours!

Step 11: Garnish for Extra Flair

Sprinkle chopped green onions or sesame seeds over the top. These little touches add bursts of fresh flavor and a pop of color that makes this dish even more inviting.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayonnaise Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or scallions add brightness and a contrasting crunch. Toasted sesame seeds bring a nutty flavor and a slight textural twist. These simple garnishes make every bite exciting and visually appealing.

Side Dishes

Pair this dish with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice to soak up that luscious sauce. For a veggie boost, a crisp Asian cucumber salad or sautéed bok choy with garlic balances the richness with refreshing notes. Simple roasted broccoli or snap peas are also fantastic companions.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayonnaise Sauce Recipe in lettuce wraps, offering a fresh crunch and perfect handheld bites. Another idea is to pile the chicken onto a noodle bowl with soba or rice noodles, drizzled with extra sauce and topped with crunchy peanuts for a textural contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate if possible to preserve the crispy texture of the chicken.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked chicken pieces in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze without the sauce and add it fresh after reheating to keep textures perfect.

Reheating

Reheat leftover chicken in an oven or air fryer at 350°F for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that crunch. Warm the sauce separately and drizzle on just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit juicier and have more flavor, which makes them a fantastic alternative. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces and follow the same marinade and frying steps.

How spicy is this Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayonnaise Sauce Recipe?

The level of heat is customizable. The sriracha provides moderate spice, but you can easily dial it down or up by adjusting the amount. The sweet chili sauce and honey also help balance the spice with sweetness.

Is buttermilk necessary for the marinade?

While buttermilk is ideal because it tenderizes and adds subtle tang, you can substitute it with plain yogurt or milk with a splash of lemon juice if needed, though the texture might vary slightly.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes, baking is a healthier option. Coat the chicken as directed and place it on a greased baking sheet. Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through. The texture won’t be quite as crispy, but the flavor shines just as bright.

What else can I use the Bang Bang sauce for?

This spicy mayonnaise sauce is super versatile! Try it as a dip for veggies, a spread on sandwiches or burgers, or even drizzled over grilled shrimp or tofu for an extra kick.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe inspires you to bring some excitement to your dinner table. The Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayonnaise Sauce Recipe perfectly combines crispy chicken and rich, spicy sauce for a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Once you try it, I’m sure it’ll become a beloved favorite you’ll reach for again and again!

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