Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayo Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that’s crispy, saucy, and packs a little kick, then this Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayo Recipe is an absolute must-try. I promise you, once you’ve made it, you’ll be hooked on that creamy, spicy mayo paired with golden, crunchy chicken bites. Whether you’re looking to impress friends or just want a fun dinner at home, this recipe delivers big flavor with surprisingly simple steps. Let me walk you through exactly how to nail it every time!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayo Recipe comes together with a simple set of ingredients you probably already have or can easily find at the store. The combo of creamy mayo, sweet chili sauce, and a hit of Sriracha forms a sauce that’s both spicy and approachable.

• Mayonnaise: It creates that rich and creamy base for the sauce that balances the spice perfectly.
• Sweet chili sauce: Adds a subtle sweetness and tang that makes the sauce irresistible.
• Sriracha hot sauce: Use this to control the heat level; I usually keep it steady for a nice spicy kick without overpowering.
• Eggs: They help the panko breadcrumbs stick beautifully to the chicken for that crispy finish.
• All-purpose flour: A little flour in the egg wash keeps the coating extra crispy when frying.
• Panko breadcrumbs: The secret to an airy, crunchy crust that’s not heavy or greasy.
• Kosher salt & garlic powder: Simple seasonings that elevate the chicken’s flavor.
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easy dipping.
• Neutral oil (vegetable or canola): For frying – you want an oil with a high smoke point that doesn’t compete with the sauce flavors.
• Scallions: They add a fresh pop of color and a mild oniony crunch as a garnish.

Variations

I love making this Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayo Recipe a little different every time to suit the occasion or my mood. Don’t hesitate to tweak it to make it your own!

• For extra crunch: I’ve doubled the panko for a super crispy coating—just be gentle coating the chicken so it doesn’t fall off.
• Milder version: If you’re serving kids or guests who don’t love spice, reduce the Sriracha or swap it for a mild chili sauce.
• Make it gluten-free: Swap panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs and use gluten-free flour to keep everyone happy.
• Air-fried option: I sometimes use an air fryer for a lighter take—just spray chicken with oil and air fry at 375°F for 12-15 mins.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayo Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up That Luscious Spicy Mayo Sauce

Start by mixing together half a cup of mayonnaise, a quarter cup of sweet chili sauce, and four teaspoons of Sriracha in a large bowl. This sauce is the heart of the dish — creamy, sweet, and spicy all at once. Save half of this sauce in a small bowl for dipping later. Trust me, you want extras on the side for dunking every last bite!

Step 2: Prep the Breading Station

In a medium shallow bowl, whisk together one teaspoon of Sriracha, two eggs, and two tablespoons of all-purpose flour until smooth. This mix helps the panko stick perfectly. In another shallow dish, combine 2 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs with one teaspoon kosher salt and a teaspoon of garlic powder. This seasoning combo amps up the crust’s flavor beautifully.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken Pieces

Take 1 ½ pounds of chicken breast cut into 1-inch pieces and season them with the remaining ¾ teaspoon kosher salt. Working in batches, dip the chicken pieces into your egg mixture, then press them gently into the panko mixture, flipping to coat evenly. Lay the coated chicken in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. This ensures the chicken doesn’t clump together when frying and cooks evenly.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Pour 1 cup of neutral oil into a large, deep skillet and heat it over medium until it reaches 350°F (a kitchen thermometer helps here). Fry about 8 pieces at a time, flipping once, until golden brown and cooked through—usually about 3 to 5 minutes. Don’t overcrowd your pan or the chicken won’t crisp up properly. Transfer cooked chicken to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Toss and Serve!

Once fried, toss the chicken in the large bowl with half of the spicy mayo sauce until each piece is coated in that delicious glaze. Garnish with thinly sliced scallions for some freshness and pop of color. Serve right away with the remaining sauce on the side for dipping—you won’t want to miss a bite!

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayo Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of finishing this dish with thinly sliced scallions—they add a mild oniony bite that cuts through the richness perfectly. Sometimes, I sprinkle a few toasted sesame seeds for extra nuttiness and crunch. A squeeze of lime wedges on the side brightens the whole thing too.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are simple but tasty: steamed jasmine rice or sticky rice is classic and soaks up any extra sauce. For a fresh crunch, quick pickled cucumbers or a crisp Asian slaw complement the spicy mayo beautifully. And if you’re feeling indulgent, sweet potato fries or crispy wonton chips are fantastic partners.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at parties, I’ve served the Bang Bang Chicken skewered on toothpicks with mini dipping bowls of the spicy mayo. It’s great finger food! Another favorite is building lettuce wraps with the chicken, fresh veggies, and a drizzle of sauce—super fresh and perfect for warmer days.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to keep leftover chicken and sauce stored separately in airtight containers in the fridge. That way the chicken stays crunchy longer, and I can toss them together fresh right before eating. Leftovers last about 3 to 4 days.

Freezing

Freezing works better with just the plain fried chicken pieces before tossing in sauce. Wrap them well in freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep that crunch.

Reheating

I recommend reheating leftover chicken in an air fryer or a hot oven rather than the microwave to avoid sogginess. Heat at 375°F for a few minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Add sauce right before serving for the best texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayo Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites to make for friends and family because it’s just so darn delicious and straightforward. I love how the crispy chicken and spicy-sweet mayo sauce come together for a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. You’ll enjoy the crunch, the heat, and the ease all rolled into one. Give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did, and I bet you’ll find yourself making it on repeat just like me!

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