Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

If you're looking for a dish that's crispy, creamy, and has a little kick of spice, this Bang Bang Chicken recipe is a must-try! A fan-favorite at many restaurants, Bang Bang Chicken features tender, juicy chicken pieces coated in a crunchy batter and tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a hint of sriracha. It's the perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and creamy, all in one bite. Whether served as an appetizer or main dish, it’s sure to become a crowd favorite. Let’s dive into the full recipe, tips, and variations to help you recreate this restaurant-quality dish at home!

What is Bang Bang Chicken?

Bang Bang Chicken is a popular appetizer or main dish known for its crispy, fried chicken bites tossed in a tangy, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce. The dish originates from Asian fusion cuisine, typically involving crispy fried or baked chicken pieces coated in a "bang bang sauce" made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a dash of sriracha. The chicken is light, crunchy, and perfectly coated in the creamy sauce that adds both heat and sweetness. It’s a fun, flavorful dish that can be served as an appetizer, alongside rice, or even in tacos or wraps!

Ingredients List for Bang Bang Chicken

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious Bang Bang Chicken:

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying (vegetable oil or canola oil)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
• 1-2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste for spiciness)
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (optional, for tang)

Garnishes (Optional):

• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Chopped cilantro

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is versatile, and you can make adjustments based on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some common substitutions and variations:

• Baked Option: If you prefer not to fry the chicken, you can bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Coat the chicken with a bit of oil for crispiness before baking.
• Healthier Alternative: To make a lighter version, you can air-fry the chicken. Cook at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through for even cooking.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to make this dish gluten-free.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce based on how spicy you want the dish. Add more for extra heat or reduce it for a milder flavor.
• Greek Yogurt: Swap out the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt if you want a tangier, lighter sauce with fewer calories.
• Protein Variations: You can make Bang Bang Shrimp or Bang Bang Tofu using the same sauce and technique but replacing the chicken with shrimp or tofu.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s get started with the step-by-step process for making Bang Bang Chicken:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

• Cut the chicken: Cut your chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces. This will help the chicken cook evenly and get a nice crispy coating.
• Season the chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This will add extra flavor to the chicken itself before it’s coated and fried.

Step 2: Set Up Your Coating Station

• Flour and cornstarch mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
• Egg wash: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs.
• Breadcrumbs: In a third bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs. These will give the chicken an extra crispy coating.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

• Dredge the chicken pieces: First, dip each piece of chicken into the flour and cornstarch mixture, coating it thoroughly. Then dip the chicken into the egg wash, and finally, press it into the panko breadcrumbs until fully coated. Set the coated chicken pieces aside on a plate.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

• Heat the oil: Heat about 1 inch of oil in a large skillet or deep frying pan over medium-high heat. You want the oil hot but not smoking, around 350°F (175°C).
• Fry the chicken: Fry the chicken in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
• Drain the chicken: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat until all chicken is cooked.

Step 5: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

• Mix the sauce ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey (if using). You can also add a splash of rice vinegar for extra tanginess. Taste and adjust the seasoning—add more sriracha for extra heat, or more sweet chili sauce for sweetness.

Step 6: Toss the Chicken in Sauce

• Coat the chicken: Once the chicken is fried and still warm, toss the crispy chicken bites in the bang bang sauce until each piece is fully coated. Alternatively, you can serve the sauce on the side if you prefer the chicken to remain extra crispy.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

• Garnish the chicken: Transfer the coated chicken to a serving plate and garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro if desired.

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

1. Prep and Season Chicken: Cut and season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic, and onion powder.
2. Coat the Chicken: Set up a dredging station with flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs, and coat the chicken.
3. Fry or Bake the Chicken: Fry the chicken until golden brown and crispy, or bake/air-fry for a lighter version.
4. Mix the Sauce: Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey to make the bang bang sauce.
5. Toss and Serve: Toss the crispy chicken in the sauce and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your Bang Bang Chicken turns out perfect every time:

• Overcrowding the Pan: Fry the chicken in batches so that each piece cooks evenly and crisps up properly. Overcrowding the pan will lower the oil temperature and make the chicken soggy.
• Oil Temperature: Make sure your oil is hot enough. If the oil isn’t hot, the chicken will absorb too much oil and won’t get crispy.
• Coating Slips Off: Be sure to thoroughly coat each piece of chicken with flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. Lightly pressing the breadcrumbs into the chicken helps the coating stick.
• Too Much Sauce: If you want your chicken to remain crispy, lightly toss it in the sauce or serve the sauce on the side for dipping instead of coating all the chicken at once.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Bang Bang Chicken is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer or main course. Here are some ideas for serving and presentation:

• As an Appetizer: Serve the chicken with the sauce on the side for dipping and garnish with green onions, cilantro, and sesame seeds.
• Main Course: Pair the chicken with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or noodles. It’s also delicious served alongside a fresh cucumber salad or slaw.
• Tacos or Wraps: For a fun twist, serve Bang Bang Chicken in tacos or lettuce wraps, topped with shredded cabbage, avocado, and extra sauce.
• Party Platter: Serve the crispy chicken on a large platter with toothpicks for easy party finger food.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken

• Appetizer: Serve as a starter or finger food at parties with extra sauce on the side for dipping.
• Main Dish: Pair with rice, noodles, or roasted veggies for a satisfying main course.
• In a Bowl: Make a Bang Bang Chicken rice bowl with jasmine rice, cucumber slices, and a drizzle of extra sauce.

Presentation Ideas for Bang Bang Chicken

• Serve the chicken in a shallow dish and garnish with fresh cilantro, green onions, and sesame seeds.
• Plate the chicken on a bed of lettuce or greens for a fresh contrast to the rich sauce.
• Drizzle extra sauce artistically over the top for a restaurant-style presentation.

Bang Bang Chicken Recipe Tips

• Double the Sauce: If you love extra sauce, make a little more than the recipe calls for! It’s great for drizzling over rice or veggies, too.
• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and sauce separately ahead of time. Fry the chicken just before serving to keep it crispy.
• Storage and Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make Bang Bang Chicken without frying?
Yes! You can bake or air-fry the chicken for a healthier option. Bake at 400°F for 18-20 minutes or air-fry at 375°F for 12-15 minutes.

2. How do I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of sriracha in the sauce or sprinkle in red pepper flakes.

3. Can I use shrimp instead of chicken?
Yes! Bang Bang Shrimp is a popular variation. Use the same coating and sauce, but cook the shrimp until pink and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.

4. What should I do if my sauce is too thick?
If the sauce seems too thick, you can thin it out with a splash of water, lime juice, or additional sweet chili sauce.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Chicken is a delicious, crispy, and creamy dish that packs the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors. Whether served as an appetizer or main dish, this crowd-pleaser is sure to become a favorite in your home. It’s easy to make, customizable, and can be fried, baked, or air-fried depending on your preference. Try this recipe for your next dinner, party, or game night and enjoy the irresistible flavor of Bang Bang Chicken!

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