Budget Bang Bang Chicken for Two (Crispy Skillet Dinner)

This budget Bang Bang chicken for two features crispy skillet-fried chicken tossed in a creamy sweet-spicy sauce for an easy, affordable dinner that feels like takeout at home. Perfectly portioned for small households, this recipe delivers bold flavor without waste or overspending.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 2

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Budget-friendly ingredients
• Crispy outside, tender inside
• Sweet and spicy sauce with simple pantry staples
• Easy skillet dinner ready in under 30 minutes
• Perfect portion for two without leftovers

Ingredients For Bang Bang Chicken

Chicken:

• 2 small chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 egg, beaten
• ½ cup flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• ½ cup oil (for shallow pan-frying)

Bang Bang Sauce:

• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 teaspoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon lime juice (optional)

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken

1. In a small bowl, whisk together all Bang Bang sauce ingredients. Set aside.
2. In a shallow dish, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip chicken pieces into beaten egg, then coat in flour mixture.
4. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Fry chicken in batches for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F).
6. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
7. Toss chicken in sauce or drizzle sauce over top before serving.

Serve immediately for best crispiness.

Kitchen Tools You Will Need

• Non-Stick 10” Skillet
  ⭐🙌 View on Amazon: https://a.co/d/hIcdiHS
  Easy to clean and great for quick cooking.
• Stainless Steel Measuring Cups
  ⭐🙌 View on Amazon: https://a.co/d/b8zgPuE
  Durable, & easy to clean.
• 8-Piece Mixing Bowl Set With Lids
  ⭐🙌 View on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4oZ6HBz
  Handy for prepping, storage & stackable.

Tips

• Do not overcrowd the skillet; cook in batches for maximum crispiness.
• Maintain medium-high heat to avoid greasy coating.
• For extra crunch, double-coat chicken in flour mixture.
• Adjust sriracha for preferred spice level.

Serving Suggestions

Turn this into a complete budget dinner by serving with:

• Steamed broccoli
• Seasoned potato wedges
• Corn on the cob
• White or brown rice to stretch servings

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 2 days.
Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crisp texture.
Freeze up to 2 weeks for best quality.

Budget Tips

• Substitute boneless chicken thighs for a lower-cost option.
• Use store-brand sweet chili sauce to reduce cost.
• Skip lime juice if not on hand — flavor remains strong.
• Serve over rice to make the meal more filling without increasing meat cost.

Estimated Cost: Approximately $6–$8 for two servings depending on local prices.

FAQ

Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes. Bake at 400°F for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until fully cooked.

Is this recipe very spicy?
It has mild heat. Reduce or omit sriracha for a milder version.

Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but thaw completely and pat dry before coating.

Try These Next

• Budget Garlic Butter Steak for Two
• One-Pot Goulash for Two
• Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy for Two
• Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole for Two

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