Bang Bang Chicken

Introduction

Bang Bang Chicken is one of those dishes that really hits the spot when you’re craving something with bold flavors and a bit of a kick. The crispy chicken, paired with a creamy, spicy sauce, creates a delicious contrast that’s both satisfying and addictive. The sauce, which is the star of the dish, blends the heat of sriracha, the sweetness of honey, and the richness of mayo to create the perfect balance of flavors.

I love making Bang Bang Chicken for weeknight dinners because it’s quick, easy, and absolutely delicious. Plus, it’s one of those recipes that everyone loves, no matter their taste preferences. Whether I’m serving it as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, it always disappears fast! The crispy chicken is perfectly coated in that creamy sauce, making each bite irresistible.

What’s great about Bang Bang Chicken is its versatility. You can serve it with a side of rice, tossed into a salad, or enjoy it just as it is. It’s also a hit at parties and gatherings—everyone loves the flavor-packed sauce, and it’s simple enough to prepare in a short amount of time. This dish quickly became a favorite in our household, and I’m sure it will in yours too!

Perfect for:

• Weeknight dinners
• Party appetizers
• Family meals
• Date night dinners
• Asian-inspired meals

Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Chicken

Bang Bang Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that is sure to impress. Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Sweet and Spicy Flavor: The creamy sauce has the perfect combination of sweet and spicy, with a little kick from the sriracha and a smooth finish from the mayo.
• Crispy Chicken: The crispy chicken provides a wonderful contrast to the creamy sauce, making every bite satisfying.
• Quick and Easy: This dish is quick to prepare, with minimal ingredients and steps, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Customizable Spice Level: You can easily adjust the level of heat in the sauce, making it as spicy or mild as you like.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or a main dish, Bang Bang Chicken is versatile enough for any occasion.
• Family-Friendly: The sweet-spicy balance makes it a hit with both adults and kids alike.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4-6
• Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
• Key Nutrients: Carbs: 15g, Fat: 20g, Protein: 20g

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your Bang Bang Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1 egg (beaten)
• 1/4 cup milk
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the sauce:

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
• 2 tbsp sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp ginger powder (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are perfect for this recipe, providing tender meat with a crispy exterior.
• Flour and Cornstarch: A combination of flour and cornstarch ensures the chicken gets extra crispy when fried.
• Sweet Chili Sauce and Sriracha: These sauces provide the signature sweet and spicy flavor that makes Bang Bang Chicken so irresistible.
• Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the sauce, adding smoothness and richness to the overall flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Bang Bang Chicken:

Prepare the Chicken:

1. Cut the Chicken: Start by cutting your chicken breast or thighs into bite-sized pieces. This ensures that the chicken cooks quickly and evenly.
2. Season the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.

Coat the Chicken:

3. Create the Batter: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and milk to make a simple batter. Dip each piece of chicken into the batter, making sure it is evenly coated.
4. Coat in the Dry Mixture: After dipping the chicken in the wet batter, dredge each piece in the flour and cornstarch mixture, pressing down lightly to coat well.

Fry the Chicken:

5. Heat the Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough to fry the chicken but not smoking.
6. Fry the Chicken: Carefully add the battered chicken pieces to the hot oil, frying in batches if necessary. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Make the Sauce:

7. Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and ginger powder (if using) until smooth and well combined.

Toss the Chicken in the Sauce:

8. Coat the Chicken: Once the chicken is fried and drained, place it in a large bowl and pour the sauce over it. Gently toss the chicken in the sauce until all the pieces are coated.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken

Here are a few serving suggestions for your Bang Bang Chicken:

• Serve with Rice: Serve the chicken over steamed white or brown rice to soak up the extra sauce.
• As an Appetizer: Serve as a starter at parties or gatherings with toothpicks for easy serving.
• With a Side Salad: Pair with a simple green salad for a complete meal.
• On Tacos or Wraps: Serve the chicken in tortillas for a fun, fusion-style dish.
• With Vegetables: Serve alongside steamed vegetables, like broccoli or snap peas, for a balanced meal.

Additional Tips for Bang Bang Chicken

Here are some additional tips to make your Bang Bang Chicken even better:

• Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, use less sriracha sauce or substitute it with a milder hot sauce.
• Use Chicken Thighs: For a juicier option, try using boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts.
• Fry in Batches: Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying the chicken. Fry in batches for the crispiest results.
• Add Toppings: Top with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend and cornstarch to make the recipe gluten-free.
• Prep the Sauce Ahead of Time: You can prepare the sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator for extra convenience.
• Use an Air Fryer: For a healthier alternative, cook the chicken in an air fryer at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Crispy Chicken: Make sure your oil is hot enough to fry the chicken. This ensures that the coating gets crispy without absorbing too much oil.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: If you can’t find sweet chili sauce, you can substitute with a combination of regular chili sauce and a bit of sugar or honey.
• Serve with Dipping Sauce: Serve the Bang Bang Chicken with extra sauce on the side for dipping.

Recipe Variations for Bang Bang Chicken

Here are 10 fun variations of Bang Bang Chicken to try:

• Bang Bang Shrimp: Swap the chicken for shrimp for a seafood twist on this dish.
• Spicy Mango Sauce: Substitute honey with mango puree for a tropical, sweet-spicy flavor.
• Vegetarian Bang Bang: Use crispy tofu in place of chicken for a vegetarian version.
• Lemon Bang Bang: Add a little lemon juice to the sauce for a refreshing citrusy twist.
• Bang Bang Pork: Substitute the chicken with pork tenderloin pieces for a different take.
• Bacon-Wrapped Bang Bang: Wrap the chicken pieces in bacon before frying for a smoky flavor.
• Bang Bang Bites: Serve the chicken as smaller, bite-sized pieces for easy snacking or appetizers.
• Coconut Bang Bang: Add shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical, crispy crunch.
• Buffalo Bang Bang: Use buffalo sauce in place of sweet chili sauce for a spicy kick.
• Bang Bang Meatballs: Instead of chicken, make meatballs and toss them in the sauce for a fun twist.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: To freeze Bang Bang Chicken, place the fried chicken pieces on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months.
• Storage: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for the best texture.

Special Equipment for Bang Bang Chicken

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Bang Bang Chicken easier:

• Deep Fryer or Frying Pan: A deep fryer or heavy-bottomed frying pan is essential for frying the chicken evenly.
• Slotted Spoon: Use this tool to carefully remove the chicken from the oil without losing any crispy coating.
• Bowl for Coating: A large mixing bowl is ideal for coating the chicken in the flour mixture and the sauce.
• Whisk: A small whisk helps ensure the sauce is smooth and well-combined.
• Paper Towels: Use paper towels to drain excess oil from the fried chicken pieces.

FAQ Section for Bang Bang Chicken

1. Can I make Bang Bang Chicken without frying?
   Yes, you can bake the chicken at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or cook it in an air fryer for a healthier version.
2. What can I substitute for sweet chili sauce?
   You can use a mixture of regular chili sauce with a bit of honey or sugar to mimic the sweetness and spice.
3. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?
   Yes, chicken thighs are a great substitute and will make the dish even juicier.
4. How can I make the sauce less spicy?
   Reduce the amount of sriracha or substitute with a milder hot sauce.
5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
   You can prepare the chicken and sauce separately, and then toss them together just before serving.
6. Can I use store-bought batter?
   Yes, you can use a pre-made tempura or frying batter to save time.
7. How can I make Bang Bang Chicken spicier?
   Add more sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for extra heat.
8. Can I add vegetables to the dish?
   Yes, you can add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for a well-rounded meal.
9. How long will the leftovers last?
   Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to retain crispiness.
10. Can I use another type of meat?
    Yes, you can substitute chicken with shrimp, pork, or even tofu for a different variation.

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Conclusion

Bang Bang Chicken is an irresistible dish that combines crispy, tender chicken with a deliciously creamy, spicy sauce that will leave your taste buds craving more. The rich, bold flavors of the sauce, balanced by the crunchy texture of the chicken, create a perfect harmony that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home.

With its easy preparation and customizable spice level, Bang Bang Chicken is perfect for all types of occasions. Serve it over rice, with a side of veggies, or on its own as an appetizer—this dish never disappoints. Get ready to savor the perfect combination of creamy, spicy, and crispy goodness!

Give this delicious recipe a try, and I can’t wait to hear how your Bang Bang Chicken turns out! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I love seeing your culinary creations! Happy cooking!