Looking for a flavorful dish that’s crispy, creamy, and bursting with both sweetness and heat? Look no further than this Bang Bang Chicken recipe. Inspired by the famous dish from Asian fusion restaurants, this recipe is perfect for those who love a balance of flavors, all wrapped in a crunchy, golden-brown coating. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, main course, or party favorite, the combination of spicy sauce and crispy chicken will keep everyone coming back for more.
What is Bang Bang Chicken?
Bang Bang Chicken is a crispy chicken dish known for its mouthwatering combination of creamy, spicy, and sweet flavors. Typically served with a tangy mayo-based sauce, it’s become a fan favorite for its balance of heat and creaminess. The key to this dish lies in the sauce—often made with mayo, sriracha, and a touch of sweetness like honey or sweet chili sauce.
Ingredients for Bang Bang Chicken
To make this delicious dish at home, you’ll need some basic ingredients for both the crispy chicken and the signature sauce. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sriracha (adjust based on your spice preference)
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp rice vinegar (optional, for added tang)
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken
Now, let’s walk through the steps to create the perfect Bang Bang Chicken recipe that’s crispy, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
- In one bowl, whisk the eggs. In another, combine the flour and cornstarch.
- Dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it again with the flour and cornstarch mix. This double coating ensures a super crispy texture.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil reaches 350°F (175°C), carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the oil, frying them in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Fry the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per batch, or until golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Remove the chicken pieces with a slotted spoon and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
- While the chicken is frying, whisk together the mayonnaise, sriracha, sweet chili sauce, honey, and rice vinegar in a small bowl until smooth.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the level of heat by adding more sriracha if you like it spicier, or more honey for a touch of sweetness.
Step 4: Toss the Chicken in Sauce
- Once all the chicken pieces are fried and crispy, place them in a large bowl.
- Drizzle the bang bang sauce over the chicken, tossing to coat each piece evenly.
- Serve immediately while the chicken is still crispy, topped with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro for garnish.
Tips for the Best Bang Bang Chicken
- Double Dredge for Extra Crunch: The combination of flour and cornstarch helps the chicken get that perfect crunch. Don’t skip the double dredging step—it makes all the difference.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Fryer: Fry the chicken in batches so the oil temperature stays consistent, ensuring each piece gets crispy and golden.
- Adjust the Heat: You can control the spice level by adding more or less sriracha to the sauce. If you prefer a milder dish, use a smaller amount and increase the sweetness with extra honey or sweet chili sauce.
- Serve Immediately: For the crispiest texture, serve the chicken right after tossing it with the sauce. The longer it sits, the more the sauce will soak into the breading.
Variations of Bang Bang Chicken
This Bang Bang Chicken recipe is versatile and can be adapted in different ways to suit your taste. Here are a few ideas to make this dish your own:
- Baked Bang Bang Chicken: If you prefer a lighter option, you can bake the chicken instead of frying. Simply coat the chicken as instructed, then bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or until crispy.
- Grilled Bang Bang Chicken: For a healthier, smoky flavor, grill the chicken pieces instead of frying them. Toss the grilled chicken in the bang bang sauce for a lighter twist.
- Bang Bang Chicken Tacos: Stuff crispy bang bang chicken into soft tortillas and top with shredded lettuce, avocado, and a drizzle of extra sauce for a fun and flavorful taco night.
- Shrimp Substitute: Try using shrimp in place of chicken for a variation on the classic Bang Bang Shrimp.
Serving Suggestions
Bang Bang Chicken can be served as an appetizer, snack, or main dish. Here are a few ideas to round out your meal:
- With Rice: Serve the chicken over steamed white rice or coconut rice for a hearty, balanced meal.
- As a Salad: Toss the chicken over a bed of greens and drizzle with extra sauce for a satisfying salad.
- In Wraps or Sandwiches: Stuff the crispy chicken into wraps or sandwiches for a delicious meal on the go.
- With Vegetables: Serve alongside stir-fried or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal that’s full of texture and flavor.
Conclusion
This Bang Bang Chicken recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves a combination of crispy, creamy, sweet, and spicy flavors. It’s a quick and easy dish that delivers restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just a casual dinner, this recipe is sure to impress with its bold taste and satisfying crunch.