What is Bang Bang Chicken made of?

Bang bang chicken consists of tender chicken (typically thighs) marinated in a flavorful blend of spices, soy sauce, and brown sugar, then baked until golden and topped with a signature sauce. The bang bang sauce is made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice, creating a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and spicy flavors.

Why is it called Bang Bang Chicken?

The name "bang bang chicken" originates from a traditional Szechuan dish where chicken was tenderized using a wooden mallet or stick, creating a "bang bang" sound. Today's westernized version has evolved considerably from its origins but maintains the catchy name that now refers more to its explosive flavor profile than the preparation method.

What does Bang Bang Chicken sauce taste like?

Bang bang sauce has a complex flavor profile that balances creamy, sweet, tangy, and spicy elements. The mayonnaise base provides richness and creaminess, sweet chili sauce adds sweetness with mild heat, sriracha contributes spiciness, honey enhances the sweetness, and lime juice adds brightness and acidity. The result is an addictively delicious sauce with depth and complexity.

Is Bang Bang Chicken spicy?

Bang bang chicken can be adjusted to your preferred spice level. The basic recipe has a mild to medium heat from the sweet chili sauce, while the optional sriracha adds additional spiciness. You can easily reduce or increase the hot sauce component to customize the spice level. For a milder version, omit the sriracha entirely or reduce the amount.

What is Bang Bang sauce made from?

Authentic bang bang sauce combines whole-egg mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha or hot chili sauce, honey, and lime juice. This creates a perfectly balanced condiment with creamy texture and complex flavors. Some variations might include additions like garlic, ginger, or rice vinegar, but these five core ingredients form the foundation of classic bang bang sauce.

Can I make Bang Bang Chicken in the air fryer?

Yes, bang bang chicken adapts beautifully to air fryer preparation. Simply marinate the chicken as directed, then cook in an air fryer preheated to 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through. Brush with the bang bang sauce during the last few minutes of cooking, and serve with additional sauce. This method creates exceptionally crispy results with less oil.

Bang Bang Chicken: Best Sweet-Spicy Asian-Inspired Recipe

Bang Bang Chicken

Print Recipe

Crispy baked chicken thighs smothered in a sweet and spicy bang bang sauce for an irresistible Asian-inspired meal.

Author: Chef Rina
Prep Time: 15
Cook Time: 30
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 1x
Category: Main Dish
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Ingredients

Scale

BANG BANG SAUCE
1 cup (250 g) whole-egg mayonnaise (see note 1 about gluten)
¼ cup (60 g) sweet chilli sauce (see note 1 about gluten)
1 tbsp sriracha or hot chilli sauce (optional) (see note 1 about gluten)
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp lime juice
CHICKEN
600 g (1 lb 5 oz) boneless chicken thighs, skin on or off
1 tsp sweet paprika
1 tsp onion powder
¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
1 tbsp tamari or regular soy sauce
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp olive oil
¼ cup (60 g) bang bang sauce (see above)
1 spring onion (scallion), sliced
TO SERVE
Steamed rice
1 cup (75 g) shredded red cabbage
2 carrots, grated or julienned
1 cucumber, sliced
1 spring onion (scallion), finely sliced

Instructions

Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Make bang bang sauce by combining mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha (if using), honey, and lime juice in a bowl. Set aside ¼ of the sauce for the chicken.
Pound chicken to even thickness and cut each piece in half vertically.
In a large bowl, combine chicken with paprika, onion powder, black pepper, tamari, brown sugar, and olive oil.
Arrange chicken on baking tray without overlapping pieces.
Brush tops of chicken with the reserved bang bang sauce.
Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and fully cooked.
Serve with steamed rice, vegetables, remaining bang bang sauce, and sliced spring onions.

Notes

Check labels on mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha to ensure they’re gluten-free if needed. If chicken isn’t browning well, you can broil for the final 2 minutes. Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used, portion sizes, and preparation methods.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4
Calories: 485 Kcal
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 36g
Cholesterol: 180mg

Keywords: bang bang chicken, sweet spicy chicken, Asian chicken recipe, bang bang sauce

Find it online: https://www.joyliciousrecipes.com/bang-bang-chicken-recipe/