Bang Bang Chicken

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Introduction

Bang Bang Chicken is a bold, irresistible dish that perfectly balances crispy, creamy, and spicy flavors in every bite. Tender pieces of chicken are coated in a crunchy batter and then tossed in a luscious sauce made with creamy mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a kick of sriracha for just the right amount of heat. This Asian-inspired dish delivers a perfect mix of savory, sweet, and spicy notes, making it the ultimate appetizer or main course for any occasion.

The first time I made Bang Bang Chicken, I was amazed by how simple yet flavorful it turned out. Coating the chicken in the crispy batter and then smothering it in the creamy sauce felt like a fun and satisfying process. As soon as it hit the table, everyone dove in—its unique combination of crunch and creamy, tangy sauce left everyone wanting more.

What I love most about Bang Bang Chicken is how versatile it is. Serve it as an appetizer, over a bed of rice for a main dish, or even tucked into a wrap for a delicious lunch. You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste by varying the amount of sriracha, or add a drizzle of honey for a touch of sweetness. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving something exciting for dinner, Bang Bang Chicken is sure to be a hit.

Perfect for:

  • Dinner parties
  • Family meals
  • Casual gatherings
  • Game day snacks
  • Asian-inspired feasts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Bang Bang Chicken will become a new favorite in your recipe collection:

  • Crispy and Tender: The chicken is perfectly fried, crispy on the outside, and juicy on the inside.
  • Bold Flavor: The creamy, spicy sauce brings together the perfect balance of sweetness, heat, and tanginess.
  • Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a last-minute appetizer.
  • Customizable Heat: Adjust the level of spiciness to suit your taste with sriracha or other chili-based sauces.
  • Crowd-Pleasing: This dish is guaranteed to be a hit at parties, family dinners, or gatherings, as it’s packed with flavor and texture.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes
  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 20g, Fat: 25g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Bang Bang Chicken:

  • 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust for desired heat)
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Boneless Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are perfect for this dish, providing tender meat that cooks quickly.
  • Bang Bang Sauce: The sauce, made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha, is the key to this dish’s addictive flavor.
  • Cornstarch and Flour: The combination of flour and cornstarch ensures a light and crispy coating on the chicken.
  • Buttermilk: The buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken while ensuring a crispy crust when fried.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

  1. Cut the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces, ensuring uniform size for even cooking.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and cover with buttermilk. Let the chicken soak for about 10-15 minutes.

Prepare the Coating:

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  2. Dip the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and coat each piece in the dry mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

Fry the Chicken:

  1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Fry the Chicken: Fry the chicken in batches for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  3. Drain Excess Oil: Remove the fried chicken and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce:

  1. Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and honey (if using). Stir until smooth and well combined.

Toss the Chicken in the Sauce:

  1. Coat the Chicken: Place the fried chicken in a large bowl, pour the Bang Bang sauce over the top, and toss gently to coat each piece.

How to Serve

  • Platter Style: Serve the Bang Bang Chicken on a large platter with additional sauce for dipping.
  • With Rice: Serve over steamed white rice or jasmine rice for a complete meal.
  • As an Appetizer: Serve with toothpicks or skewers for easy sharing at parties or gatherings.
  • With Veggies: Pair with a side of crispy roasted vegetables or a light salad for balance.
  • With Noodles: Serve over a bed of noodles or with Asian-style noodles for a satisfying main course.

Additional Tips

  • Use a Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked through and not overcooked, use a meat thermometer.
  • Crispy Coating: For extra crispiness, double-coat the chicken by dipping it back into the buttermilk and then into the flour mixture before frying.
  • Adjust the Sauce Heat: Increase or decrease the amount of sriracha in the sauce to suit your spice preference.
  • Alternative Proteins: You can also use shrimp or tofu for a different take on this recipe.
  • Make It Ahead: Prepare the sauce and chicken ahead of time, then fry the chicken and toss in the sauce right before serving.

Recipe Variations

  1. Bang Bang Shrimp: Substitute the chicken with shrimp for a seafood version of this dish.
  2. Bang Bang Cauliflower: For a vegetarian option, use cauliflower florets instead of chicken, and fry them for a crispy alternative.
  3. Lemon Bang Bang Chicken: Add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the sauce for a citrusy twist.
  4. Crispy Bang Bang Tofu: Replace chicken with crispy tofu for a plant-based alternative.
  5. Spicy Bang Bang Chicken: Increase the sriracha in the sauce to make the dish spicier.
  6. Coconut Bang Bang Chicken: Coat the chicken in shredded coconut before frying for added texture and flavor.
  7. Garlic Bang Bang Chicken: Add extra garlic powder to the dry mixture for a stronger garlic flavor.
  8. Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites: Cut the chicken into smaller pieces for bite-sized portions, perfect for appetizers.
  9. Bang Bang Chicken Wraps: Wrap the coated chicken in lettuce leaves or tortillas for a light and tasty wrap.
  10. Honey Mustard Bang Bang Chicken: Swap the sweet chili sauce for honey mustard for a different flavor profile.

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: Freeze uncooked, breaded chicken pieces on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. Fry or bake directly from frozen.
  • Storage: Store leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for crispy results.

Special Equipment

  • Deep Fryer: A deep fryer ensures that the chicken is crispy and evenly cooked without the mess of frying in a pot.
  • Thermometer: An instant-read thermometer helps you check the internal temperature of the chicken, ensuring it’s fully cooked (165°F).
  • Food Processor: For quickly chopping or mincing garlic, ginger, or even the chicken if you’re using it for a different preparation method.
  • Wok or Large Skillet: Ideal for stir-frying or tossing the chicken with the bang-bang sauce. The high sides help prevent splatter.
  • Basting Brush: Use this to coat the chicken evenly with the creamy sauce for a delicious, uniform glaze.
  • Mixing Bowls: Multiple bowls are needed for coating the chicken in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs before frying.
  • Tongs: Tongs allow you to easily handle the chicken when deep-frying, making sure you don’t burn yourself and achieve an even crisp.
  • Cooling Rack: Place the fried chicken on a cooling rack to drain excess oil, ensuring the coating stays crispy.
  • Blender or Immersion Blender: Perfect for quickly blending the sauce ingredients into a smooth, creamy consistency.
  • Parchment Paper: Ideal for lining trays or cooling racks, making cleanup easier after frying or tossing the chicken in sauce.

FAQ

  1. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it? Yes, bake the breaded chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  2. Can I make this dish gluten-free? Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
  3. Can I use another type of sauce? Yes, you can experiment with other sauces like teriyaki, hoisin, or barbecue for a different flavor profile.
  4. Can I make the sauce ahead of time? Yes, the Bang Bang sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a week.
  5. Can I serve this dish cold? While best served warm, you can serve it cold for a different texture.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Chicken is a deliciously crispy, spicy, and creamy dish that’s bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection. These tender, crispy chicken bites are coated in a rich, flavorful sauce with just the right amount of heat and creaminess, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, main course, or party snack, they’re packed with flavor and sure to impress.

Quick to prepare and fully customizable, you can adjust the spice level to your liking and pair them with a variety of sides. Serve them with rice, veggies, or over a bed of greens for a complete meal, or just enjoy them as a finger food with your favorite dipping sauce.

I can’t wait to see your Bang Bang Chicken creations! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see how you bring this dish to life. Don’t forget to share your own flavor twists in the comments. Happy cooking!

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