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Bang Bang Chicken Pasta with crispy chicken tossed in creamy sweet and spicy bang bang sauce served in a skillet

Bang Bang Chicken Pasta

Crispy golden chicken bites tossed with pasta in a creamy, sweet, and spicy bang bang sauce — a bold, restaurant-quality dinner ready in 35 minutes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Asian-American
Calories: 680

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 0.5 cup all-purpose flour for the coating
  • 0.5 cup cornstarch use both flour and cornstarch for crispiest results
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • vegetable oil enough for about 1/2 inch depth in skillet for frying
  • 0.5 cup mayonnaise full-fat preferred for richest sauce
  • 0.25 cup sweet chili sauce
  • 2 tbsp sriracha adjust to taste; reduce to 1 tsp for milder heat
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp rice vinegar
  • 12 oz pasta penne or rigatoni recommended; avoid thin pasta like angel hair
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 0.25 cup green onions sliced, for garnish
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds for garnish
  • fresh cilantro for garnish

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Large pot for pasta
  • Mixing bowl
  • Small bowl for sauce
  • Paper towel-lined plate
  • Tongs
  • Instant-read thermometer

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of starchy pasta water and set aside. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add chicken pieces and toss until every piece is thoroughly and evenly coated.
  3. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to 350 degrees F. Test by dropping a small pinch of coating into the oil — it should sizzle right away. Fry chicken in batches without crowding the pan, 3 to 4 minutes per side, until deep golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar. Taste and adjust sriracha as needed.
  5. Carefully wipe the skillet clean. Melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and saute for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  6. Add cooked pasta and bang bang sauce to the skillet. Toss together, adding reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until the sauce reaches the desired consistency and coats every piece evenly. Gently fold in the crispy chicken pieces at the very end to keep them as crunchy as possible.
  7. Serve immediately topped with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro.

Notes

Use both flour and cornstarch — this combination is what makes the coating extra crispy. Never crowd the pan while frying or the oil temperature will drop and the chicken will steam instead of crisp. To keep leftover chicken crunchy, store it separately from the pasta and reheat in a dry skillet or air fryer before combining.