What Makes This Bang Bang Chicken Stand Out

This Bang Bang Chicken is, for me, everything I love about a quick weeknight dinner. It’s crispy, coated in a creamy sweet and spicy sauce, and is something I always want to keep eating, even if it feels too spicy sometimes! It’s also pretty healthy and it’s one of those meals that I always prefer over takeout, and I’m not just saying that. The absolute best part of this Bang Bang Chicken is it’s ready in under 25 minutes, which makes it both perfect for a weeknight dinner but also tasty enough for those special weekend dinners.

Why This Bang Bang Sauce Is So Good

I love Bang Bang sauce because it makes literally everything so good. All it is is a simple combination of mayo (or light mayo), Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and salt, and it’s already perfectly balanced thanks to the Thai sweet chili sauce doing a lot of the work. On top of crispy air fried chicken, this sauce really shines because of the contrasting flavors. The sauce is creamy, the chicken is crunchy, and because the sauce is thick, the chicken doesn’t get soggy at all. When you make this sauce, you’ll be scraping the bowl with the spoon to get every last drop!

---

What You’ll Need To Make Bang Bang Chicken

Crispy Chicken

• 16 oz boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• ½ tsp salt
• Neutral oil spray

Bang Bang Sauce

• ¼ cup mayo
• 2 tbsp Thai chili sauce
• 1 tbsp sriracha
• Pinch of salt

Optional Servings

• Steamed rice
• Scallions
• Steamed greens

---

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken

In a bowl, combine cornstarch and salt. Add the cubed chicken thighs and toss until every piece is evenly coated.

Lightly oil your air fryer basket, add the chicken in a single layer, and spray the tops with more oil. Air fry at 400°F (205°C) for 13 minutes until golden and crispy.

While the chicken cooks, combine mayo, Thai chili sauce, sriracha, and salt in a bowl and mix until smooth.

Transfer the cooked chicken to a mixing bowl, add the bang bang sauce, and toss thoroughly until every piece is coated.

Serve over a fresh bowl of rice and garnish with scallions or steamed greens if desired.

---

Tips & Variations

If you want an even lighter version of the bang bang sauce, feel free to use light mayo, or even a combo of half light mayo and half greek yogurt. It’ll be higher in protein while still maintaining the same flavors!

To add extra texture to your chicken, add a few tablespoons of panko to the cornstarch dredge before you cook your chicken.

I’ve had some friends say that my bang bang sauce isn’t spicy enough, and if that’s the case for you as well, add more sriracha to the sauce to make it even spicier.

If you don’t want to use chicken, feel free to use any protein you like! I personally also like to use shrimp to make Bang Bang Shrimp, which is also another recipe I have on my page!

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

You absolutely can! I would air fry it for only 10 minutes instead of 13 minutes just because chicken breast is a little bit leaner.

What’s a good substitute for Thai chili sauce?

I highly recommend using Thai chili sauce, you can find it in the Asian aisle at any major grocery store. If you can’t find it or don’t have access to it, you can mix honey, sriracha, and rice vinegar in a 2:2:1 ratio for a similar flavor profile.

Can I make this in the oven instead?

I highly recommend using an air fryer, but you can also bake the chicken at 425°F (220°C) for about 20–22 minutes, flipping halfway through. It won’t be as crispy as putting it in the air fryer, but the flavors will all still be there.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to a week. Before using, give the sauce a quick stir before you use it.

---

What to Make Next

Want more easy air fryer recipes? You’ll love my Air Fryer Chicken Katsu!

Craving more spicy dishes? Check out my Chili Garlic Butter Noodles!

Looking for more meal prep ideas? Try my Chicken Bibimbap!