How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Recipe from Scratch

Craving restaurant-quality chicken at home? This bang bang chicken recipe delivers crispy, tender chicken coated in an irresistible sweet and spicy sauce that’s guaranteed to become your new favorite weeknight dinner.

What Is Bang Bang Chicken?

Bang bang chicken is a popular dish featuring bite-sized pieces of chicken covered in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce. Originally inspired by Asian flavors, this dish has become a beloved American takeout favorite.

What makes this bang bang chicken recipe truly special is its signature sauce – a perfect balance of creamy mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and just enough heat to keep things interesting. Unlike heavy, oil-laden restaurant versions, our homemade approach uses oven-baking for a healthier twist that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.

Many people think bang bang chicken requires deep frying or complicated techniques, but this recipe proves you can create restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen with simple ingredients and easy methods.

Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

This bang bang chicken recipe checks all the boxes for busy home cooks. It’s incredibly beginner-friendly – even if you’ve never made Asian-inspired dishes before, you’ll have success with this straightforward approach.

The baking method means less mess in your kitchen and fewer calories on your plate compared to traditional fried versions. You’ll get that coveted crispy exterior without dealing with hot oil or cleanup headaches.

This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding picky kids or hosting dinner guests, the sweet and mildly spicy flavors appeal to nearly everyone. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep – make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy quick lunches all week.

The versatility factor is another huge win. Serve your bang bang chicken over steamed rice for a classic approach, toss it with noodles for an Asian fusion twist, or pile it on fresh greens for a lighter meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken

• 2 pounds boneless chicken breast (or chicken thighs for extra juiciness)
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (use low-sodium if preferred)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, for heat)

For the Bang Bang Sauce

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (use quality mayo for best results)
• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
• 1-2 tablespoons sriracha or hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (for brightness)

The key to an outstanding bang bang chicken recipe lies in using quality ingredients. Don’t skimp on the mayonnaise – it forms the creamy base of your sauce. Look for sweet chili sauce in the Asian condiment aisle of your grocery store, as it provides the perfect sweet-heat balance this dish needs.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Recipe from Scratch

Step 1 – Marinate the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. This ensures even cooking and perfect sauce coverage.

In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce, minced garlic, and chili flakes if using. Mix thoroughly to coat every piece. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes, though 30 minutes will give you deeper flavor. This step is crucial for building taste from the inside out.

Step 2 – Mix the Bang Bang Sauce

While your chicken marinates, prepare the star of the show – the bang bang sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha.

Start with less sriracha and taste as you go – you can always add more heat, but you can’t take it away. The sauce should be creamy with a noticeable sweet-spicy kick. Add the rice vinegar for a subtle tang that brightens the overall flavor.

Step 3 – Bake the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Arrange the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they don’t overlap. This allows for proper browning and prevents steaming.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The pieces should look slightly caramelized on the edges.

Step 4 – Coat with Sauce

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it cool for 2-3 minutes. Transfer the hot chicken to a large bowl and pour the bang bang sauce over it.

Toss gently but thoroughly to coat every piece. The residual heat from the chicken will warm the sauce slightly, helping it adhere better. Serve immediately while the chicken is still warm and crispy.

Serving Suggestions for Bang Bang Chicken

The beauty of this bang bang chicken recipe lies in its versatility. For a traditional approach, serve it over fluffy jasmine rice or nutty brown rice to soak up every drop of that delicious sauce.

Create an Asian-inspired bowl by pairing your chicken with quick-pickled cucumbers, shredded carrots, and steamed broccoli. The fresh vegetables provide a nice contrast to the rich, creamy sauce.

For a lighter option, serve the chicken over mixed greens or in butter lettuce cups for a fun, hands-on meal. Kids especially love the interactive element of lettuce wraps.

Noodle lovers can toss the sauced chicken with cooked rice noodles or even regular spaghetti for a fusion twist that works surprisingly well.

Expert Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Chicken

Don’t rush the marinating process – even an extra 15 minutes makes a noticeable difference in flavor depth. For meal prep enthusiasts, marinate your chicken the night before for maximum taste impact.

Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice to your finished dish for a bright, restaurant-quality finish that cuts through the richness of the sauce.

Want a lighter version? Substitute half the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt. You’ll still get creaminess but with added protein and fewer calories.

Make this bang bang chicken recipe gluten-free by using tamari instead of regular soy sauce. The flavor remains virtually identical, making it accessible for those with dietary restrictions.

For extra crispy results, pat your chicken completely dry before marinating, and don’t overcrowd your baking sheet. Give each piece room to breathe for optimal browning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs actually work wonderfully in this bang bang chicken recipe. They stay juicier during baking and have more flavor than breasts. Just adjust cooking time to 25-30 minutes since thighs are slightly thicker.

Can I make Bang Bang Chicken ahead of time?

You can prep components separately. Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead, and make the sauce 2-3 days in advance. However, for best texture, bake and sauce the chicken just before serving. The coating stays crispiest when fresh.

Is Bang Bang Chicken spicy?

This recipe delivers a mild heat level that most people find pleasant rather than overwhelming. The sweetness balances the spice beautifully. You control the heat by adjusting the sriracha amount, so start small and build up to your preference.

How to store leftovers?

Store leftover bang bang chicken in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore some crispiness, though the texture will be softer than when freshly made.

Final Thoughts on Making Bang Bang Chicken from Scratch

This bang bang chicken recipe proves that restaurant-quality meals don’t require complicated techniques or expensive ingredients. With simple preparation and smart baking methods, you can create a dish that rivals your favorite takeout spot.

The beauty of making bang bang chicken from scratch lies in the customization possibilities. Adjust the spice level to suit your family’s taste, experiment with different serving styles, or add your own creative twists to make it uniquely yours.

Why not give this recipe a try tonight? Your kitchen will smell amazing, your family will be impressed, and you’ll have discovered a new go-to dinner solution. Don’t forget to share your results – we’d love to see how your homemade bang bang chicken turns out!