Bang Bang Chicken Tacos

If you’re craving something bold, creamy, spicy, and totally addictive — Bang Bang Chicken Tacos are here to steal the show! 🔥 These tacos combine crispy, juicy chicken bites coated in a creamy-sweet-spicy bang bang sauce, all tucked into soft tortillas with fresh slaw and a drizzle of tangy lime. It’s the perfect mix of crunch, creaminess, and heat — a crowd-pleaser that disappears in minutes! 😋


The Story Behind the Recipe

The first time I tried bang bang chicken was at a small Asian fusion food truck. The sauce was so good — creamy, sweet, and fiery — that I knew I had to recreate it at home. Then I thought, why not turn that iconic flavor into tacos? 🌮 The result was magic — soft tortillas filled with crispy chicken, crisp veggies, and that signature bang bang drizzle. Now, these tacos have become a weekend favorite in my kitchen!


Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✨ Crispy fried or air-fried chicken that stays juicy inside.
✨ Signature bang bang sauce made with just 3 ingredients.
✨ Quick to prepare — ready in under 30 minutes!
✨ Easily customizable — make it spicy or mild.
✨ A total hit for taco nights, parties, or game-day feasts! 🎉


Ingredients – What You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

  • 1 lb boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces 🍗
  • 1 cup buttermilk (for marination)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Oil for frying (or use an air fryer for a lighter version)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste) 🌶️

For the Slaw:

  • 1 cup shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
  • ¼ cup shredded carrots 🥕
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp honey
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving:

  • 6 small flour or corn tortillas 🌮
  • Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish 🌿
  • Lime wedges for squeezing 🍋

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with buttermilk, salt, and pepper. Let it rest for at least 20 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge). This helps tenderize and flavor the chicken perfectly.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating
Mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in another bowl. Dredge each piece of marinated chicken in this mix until well coated.

Step 3: Fry or Air Fry

  • Frying method: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry chicken until golden and crispy (about 4–5 minutes).
  • Air fryer method: Spray chicken with oil and air fry at 390°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway.

Step 4: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha until smooth. Taste and adjust spice level as you like.

Step 5: Toss & Coat
Once chicken is done, toss it in the bang bang sauce while still warm — just enough to coat evenly without soaking.

Step 6: Assemble the Tacos
Warm tortillas, add a layer of slaw, then pile on saucy bang bang chicken. Drizzle with extra sauce, top with cilantro or green onions, and squeeze a little lime over the top. 🌶️🌮


Serving Suggestions – Make It a Feast

🥗 Pair with a light cucumber salad or Asian sesame slaw.
🍟 Serve with crispy fries or spicy roasted potatoes.
🍹 Drink idea: chilled lemonade, coconut water, or beer!


Customization Ideas

🔥 Want it spicier? Add extra sriracha or chili flakes.
🧄 Try adding garlic mayo instead of plain for richer flavor.
🥑 Add sliced avocado or mango salsa for a tropical twist.
🥬 Use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas for a low-carb version.


Storage & Reheating Tips

❄️ Store leftover chicken and sauce separately for up to 3 days.
🔥 Reheat chicken in the oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) to keep it crispy.
💡 Avoid microwaving the sauced chicken — it’ll lose crunch.


Nutritional Snapshot (Per Taco – Approx.)

  • Calories: 330 kcal
  • Protein: 23g
  • Carbs: 26g
  • Fat: 14g
  • Fiber: 2g

Reader Q&A – Quick Answers

1. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes! Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes until crispy.

2. Can I use shrimp instead of chicken?
Definitely — that’s the classic version of Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos! 🍤

3. Is this recipe spicy?
Mild to medium — adjust sriracha for your heat level.

4. Can I prep it ahead of time?
Yes! Prep slaw and sauce early; fry chicken before serving for best crunch.

5. What tortillas work best?
Small flour tortillas hold better, but corn adds great texture too. 🌮


Final Thoughts

These Bang Bang Chicken Tacos are the ultimate fusion of sweet, spicy, and creamy goodness — guaranteed to light up your dinner table. 🔥🌮 Every bite gives you crunchy chicken, refreshing slaw, and that signature bang bang kick! Perfect for family nights, date dinners, or your next taco Tuesday. ❤️

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