Crispy Bang Bang Chicken – Crunchy, Saucy, and Irresistibly Flavorful

This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is a lightened-up take on the restaurant favorite, featuring tender bites of chicken coated in a golden, crunchy crust and tossed in a creamy, slightly spicy Bang Bang sauce. Perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or even a main dish over rice or salad, it delivers a balance of crispy texture and bold flavor that’s hard to resist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy Without Deep Frying – Achieves golden crunch using baking or air-frying.
Sweet-Heat Sauce – Creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of spicy.
Better-for-You Twist – Uses lean chicken breast and lighter sauce ingredients.
Quick to Make – Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.

Ingredients

For the chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup whole wheat flour (or all-purpose)
• 1 large egg, beaten
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Cooking spray

For the Bang Bang sauce:

• ¼ cup light mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for lighter option)
• 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
• 1 tsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
Set up a breading station with three bowls: one for flour mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper; one for beaten egg; and one for panko breadcrumbs.

2. Bread the Chicken
Dip each chicken piece into flour, then egg, then coat in panko. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet or air fryer basket. Lightly spray with cooking spray.

3. Cook Until Crispy
Bake for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway, or air-fry for 10–12 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

4. Make the Sauce
While chicken cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey in a small bowl until smooth.

5. Toss and Serve
Transfer cooked chicken to a bowl, drizzle with Bang Bang sauce, and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 220
Protein: 24g
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 13g
Sugar: 4g
Fiber: 1g

Tips for Success

• Adjust Heat – Add more sriracha for extra spice or reduce for a milder version.
• Sauce on the Side – For extra crispiness, serve sauce separately for dipping.
• Air Fry for Best Crunch – The air fryer gives an even crisp with minimal oil.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of panko breadcrumbs and seasonings ensures the chicken comes out golden and crispy without deep frying. The Bang Bang sauce delivers that addictive sweet-heat creaminess, while the lighter ingredients keep it fresh and balanced.

Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is a flavorful, crunchy, and satisfying dish you’ll want to make on repeat. With its golden coating, bold sauce, and quick cooking time, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as easy as it is delicious.