This healthy bang bang chicken is crispy, juicy, and coated in a creamy sweet-spicy sauce. Made paleo and gluten-free, it’s better than takeout and easy to turn into a high-protein bowl!
If you love crispy, saucy takeout-style chicken, this healthy bang bang chicken is about to become your new go-to dinner! I haven’t been able to stop making this chicken since I first tested it.
It’s made with juicy chicken, a light crispy coating, and tossed in a creamy sweet and spicy bang bang sauce that tastes just like your favorite restaurant version – only made healthier!
This recipe is paleo, gluten-free, and easy to make at home with simple ingredients. You can serve it on its own, or turn it into a high-protein bang bang chicken bowl for a fresh, balanced meal.
🥢 What Is Bang Bang Chicken?
Bang bang chicken is a popular dish made with crispy chicken tossed in a creamy, sweet and spicy sauce. The sauce is typically made with mayo, chili sauce, and a sweetener, creating the signature bold flavor.
This healthier version keeps everything you love while using simple, wholesome ingredients.
🍗 Why You’ll Love This Healthy Bang Bang Chicken
- Crispy without deep frying
- Juicy, flavorful chicken thighs
- Creamy sweet and spicy sauce
- Paleo and gluten-free friendly (plus a Whole30 option!)
- Better than takeout and easy to make
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs
- Tapioca flour (or arrowroot)
- Almond flour
- Egg
- Garlic powder, onion powder
- Salt and pepper
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- Avocado oil mayo (or any mayo you like)
- Sweet chili sauce – Whole30 option linked
- Hot sauce
- Honey or maple syrup (date syrup for Whole30, or omit this)
- fresh lime juice
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken breast: can be used instead of thighs
- Nut-free: replace almond flour with more tapioca
- Egg-free: use coconut milk for coating
- Lower sugar: replace honey/maple with date syrup, or reduce amount of sweetener and increase spice
How To Make Healthy Bang Bang Chicken
- Cut chicken into evenly sized pieces and pat dry
- Season well with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder
- Dip in egg, then coat in flour mixture
- Pan fry or air fry until golden and crispy
- Whisk together the sauce until smooth and pourable
- Toss chicken gently in sauce and serve immediately
🔥 Can I Make This In The Air Fryer?
Yes! Air frying works well for a lighter version:
- Preheat to 400°F
- Cook for 12–14 minutes, shaking halfway
- Toss in sauce after cooking
How To Make a Bang Bang Chicken Bowl (High Protein Option)
To turn this into a high-protein bang bang chicken bowl, simply serve the chicken over a base with fresh toppings. This is what I’ve been eating on repeat for lunch!
Build Your Bowl:
- Base: white rice, cauliflower rice, or greens
- Protein: bang bang chicken
- Veggies: shredded cabbage, cucumber, carrots
- Toppings: green onions, sesame seeds
This is perfect for meal prep and adds a fresh, balanced contrast to the rich, creamy chicken!
Expert Tips For The BEST Texture
- Pat the chicken dry before coating
- Don’t overcrowd the pan
- Cook at medium-high heat for a golden crust
- Thin the sauce slightly so it coats evenly
- Toss right before serving to keep it crispy
❄️ Storage and Reheating
- Store in an airtight container up to 3 days
- Reheat in air fryer or skillet for best texture
- Store sauce separately if possible
FAQ
What is bang bang sauce made of?
Bang bang sauce is typically made with mayo, sweet chili sauce, and hot sauce for a creamy, sweet and spicy flavor.
Is bang bang chicken spicy?
It has a mild to medium heat level, but you can adjust the spice by adding more or less hot sauce.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes, chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful, making them perfect for this recipe. I always prefer them!
Can I make this without frying?
Yes, you can air fry or bake it for a lighter version.
Is this recipe paleo?
Yes, when using compliant ingredients, this recipe is paleo and gluten-free. For a paleo and Whole30 friendly sweet chili sauce, use this option which is sweetened with dates.
Other clean-ingredient sweet chili sauces – another clean option, another clean option
This healthy bang bang chicken is one of those recipes that’s perfect for busy weeknights but also feels like a treat!
It’s crispy, saucy, and packed with flavor! It’s everything you want in a takeout-style dish made right at home.
If you try it, be sure to leave a comment and let me know how it turned out!
If you love homemade versions of your favorite takeout, try one of these!
Healthy Bang Bang Chicken (Crispy, Juicy Chicken Thighs, Better Than Takeout)
Ingredients
Sauce:
- 1/3 cup mayo homemade or store bought
- 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce paleo option linked
- 1 1/2 tablespoons hot sauce adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, or date syrup
- 1-2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (adjust for taste and consistency)
- Water to thin the sauce (only if necessary)zz
Chicken:
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs trimmed and cut into 1-1.5 inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 large egg
- 2/3 cup tapioca flour or arrowroot
- 1/4 cup almond flour
Instructions
-
Make the sauce first. Whisk together all ingredients in a bowl, adjusting the lime juice for taste and consistency. The sauce should be pourable but also creamy. Once adjusted to taste, add water in small amounts only if needed. Set the sauce aside while you cook the chicken.
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Cut your chicken thighs or breasts into 1-1.5” pieces and pat dry very well.
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Toss chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
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Beat the egg in one bowl. In another, mix the tapioca + almond flour plus a pinch of salt and pepper.
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Dip the chicken pieces in egg, shaking off excess, then coat thoroughly in flour mixture.
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Pan Fry Method (best result!) see notes for air fryer method
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Heat 3-4 tbsp avocado oil or light olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once oil is hot, add the chicken in a single layer. I cook mine in 2 batches.
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Cook 4–5 minutes per side, turning once or twice to brown evenly. Cook until deep golden brown and internal temp reaches 165–175°F.
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Transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined platter and repeat with the second batch.
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Place the chicken in a serving bowl and drizzle all over with the sauce until evenly coated. Garnish with plenty of sliced green onions and serve right away!
Recipe Notes
Air Fryer Method:
Preheat air fryer to 400°F
Spray chicken lightly with oil
Cook 12–14 minutes, shaking halfway
Slightly less crispy, but still great
paleo sweet chili sauce - date sweetened, Whole30
another clean option
another clean option
Nutrition
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