Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that’s packed with bold flavors and a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy, Bang Bang Chicken is exactly what you need. This popular dish, known for its crispy fried chicken coated in a tangy, creamy sauce with just the right amount of heat, is an absolute crowd-pleaser. Whether you serve it as an appetizer, main course, or part of a party spread, Bang Bang Chicken will surely impress. Keep reading to discover the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for making this dish at home.

What Is "Bang Bang Chicken"?

Bang Bang Chicken is a popular dish that features crispy fried chicken, often coated in cornstarch or flour, and drizzled with a creamy, spicy sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a bit of sriracha or hot sauce for a kick. It’s known for its addictively sweet, tangy, and spicy flavor profile and is typically served as an appetizer or main course. The dish gets its name from the "bang" of the bold flavors in every bite, and it's easy to make at home for a restaurant-quality meal.

Ingredients List for Bang Bang Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to make Bang Bang Chicken:

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• ½ cup cornstarch (or all-purpose flour)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large egg, beaten
• ¼ cup buttermilk (optional, for extra tenderness)
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
• ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
• 1-2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste for spiciness)
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice (optional, for a tangy kick)

For Garnish:

• Chopped green onions
• Fresh cilantro (optional)
• Sesame seeds (optional)

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is highly customizable, so feel free to adapt it to suit your taste preferences. Here are some ideas:

• Air-Fried or Baked Chicken: For a healthier version, you can air fry or bake the chicken instead of deep-frying it. Air frying will give you a crispy texture without the extra oil.
• Shrimp or Tofu: Swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a seafood or vegetarian alternative.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch for dredging the chicken and make sure your sweet chili sauce is gluten-free.
• Spicy Level: Adjust the amount of sriracha depending on how spicy you like your sauce. You can also add red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps to make Bang Bang Chicken at home:

1. Prep the Chicken

Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, about 1 to 1.5 inches in size, and set aside. In a shallow dish, combine the cornstarch (or flour), garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg with buttermilk (if using).

2. Coat the Chicken

Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated, then dredge it in the cornstarch mixture, pressing gently to make sure the coating sticks. Set the coated chicken pieces aside on a plate or tray.

3. Fry the Chicken

Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil reaches about 350°F (175°C), add the chicken in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

4. Make the Bang Bang Sauce

While the chicken is frying, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (if using), and rice vinegar (if using). Taste and adjust the heat level by adding more sriracha if desired.

5. Coat the Chicken in Sauce

Once all the chicken is cooked and drained, toss the chicken pieces in the Bang Bang sauce until they are evenly coated. If you prefer, you can drizzle the sauce over the top instead of tossing for a lighter coating.

6. Garnish and Serve

Transfer the coated chicken to a serving platter and garnish with chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot as an appetizer, over rice, or as a main dish.

How to Cook Bang Bang Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide

For the best Bang Bang Chicken, follow these tips:

1. Keep the Oil Hot: Maintaining the correct oil temperature is key to getting crispy chicken. If the oil is too cool, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy. If it’s too hot, the coating will burn before the chicken is cooked through. A temperature of 350°F (175°C) is ideal for frying.
2. Work in Batches: Fry the chicken in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken.
3. Drain Well: After frying, make sure to drain the chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
4. Toss Just Before Serving: Toss the chicken in the sauce just before serving to keep the chicken crispy. If you let it sit too long, the sauce can make the chicken soggy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making Bang Bang Chicken:

• Overcrowding the Pan: Adding too many chicken pieces at once will lower the oil temperature, resulting in greasy, soggy chicken. Fry in batches for best results.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out if overcooked. Make sure to fry just until golden brown and cooked through, then remove from the oil to prevent drying out.
• Too Much Sauce: If you prefer a lighter dish, drizzle the sauce over the chicken instead of tossing it, which will allow the chicken to stay crisp longer.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Bang Bang Chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in several ways. Here are some ideas for serving and presenting it beautifully:

• As an Appetizer: Serve the Bang Bang Chicken on a large platter with toothpicks, topped with green onions, cilantro, and sesame seeds. Serve extra sauce on the side for dipping.
• With Rice or Noodles: For a heartier meal, serve the Bang Bang Chicken over white rice, fried rice, or noodles, drizzled with extra sauce.
• In a Wrap or Tacos: Stuff the crispy chicken in tortillas or wraps with lettuce, cabbage, and a drizzle of Bang Bang sauce for a fun twist.
• Bang Bang Chicken Salad: Serve the chicken over a bed of crisp lettuce and veggies, topped with extra sauce for a satisfying salad.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken

Once your Bang Bang Chicken is ready, you can serve it in several different ways:

• As an Appetizer: Arrange the chicken on a serving platter and drizzle with the Bang Bang sauce. Serve with toothpicks for easy snacking.
• Over Rice: Spoon the crispy chicken and sauce over a bed of white or fried rice for a simple yet flavorful meal.
• With Vegetables: Serve alongside stir-fried or steamed vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers for a balanced meal.

Presentation Ideas for Bang Bang Chicken

For a stunning presentation, consider these tips:

• Use a White Platter: The vibrant colors of the sauce and garnishes stand out beautifully against a white serving platter.
• Garnish Generously: Sprinkle generously with green onions, cilantro, and sesame seeds for added color and texture.
• Add a Lime Wedge: Serve with lime wedges for squeezing over the chicken, adding a fresh, tangy element that balances the richness of the sauce.

Bang Bang Chicken Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can fry the chicken ahead of time and store it in an airtight container. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken in the oven or air fryer and toss in the sauce just before serving.
• Leftovers: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an air fryer or oven to regain its crispiness before serving.
• Sauce for Other Dishes: The Bang Bang sauce is versatile! You can use it as a dip for shrimp, drizzle it over grilled vegetables, or use it as a spread for sandwiches.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes! For a healthier option, you can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until crispy and cooked through. You can also air-fry the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through.

2. Can I make Bang Bang Chicken gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free flour or cornstarch for dredging the chicken, and ensure your sweet chili sauce is gluten-free.

3. How spicy is Bang Bang Chicken?
The spice level can be adjusted based on your preference. Use less sriracha for a milder dish, or add more if you prefer extra heat. You can also skip the sriracha altogether and just use the sweet chili sauce for a very mild version.

4. What else can I use the Bang Bang sauce for?
The Bang Bang sauce is versatile and can be used as a dip for shrimp, vegetables, or fries. It’s also great as a sandwich spread or a dressing for salads.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Chicken is an irresistible dish that brings together crispy chicken with a sweet, spicy, and creamy sauce that hits all the right notes. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, main course, or a party snack, it’s bound to be a hit with family and friends. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can make this restaurant-quality dish at home and enjoy it anytime. Try this recipe today for an explosion of flavor in every bite!

Happy cooking, and enjoy your delicious Bang Bang Chicken! 🍗

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