Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Craving a dish that’s crispy, spicy, and coated in a creamy sauce? Look no further than this Bang Bang Chicken recipe! Inspired by the famous dish served in many restaurants, Bang Bang Chicken is crispy fried chicken coated in a creamy, spicy sauce that has just the right balance of heat and sweetness. This recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight meal, party appetizer, or even a game-day snack.

The signature of Bang Bang Chicken is its delicious sauce—creamy mayo, sweet chili sauce, and a hint of spice from sriracha. The chicken is fried to crispy perfection and then tossed in the sauce, creating a mouthwatering contrast of textures. Keep reading to learn how to make this incredibly satisfying dish!

this Recipe

What is Bang Bang Chicken?

Bang Bang Chicken is a crispy, fried chicken dish that gets its name from the "bang" of flavors from its creamy, spicy sauce. The dish usually features bite-sized pieces of chicken, dredged in a light batter and fried until golden and crispy, then tossed in a sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. The result is a crunchy, flavorful chicken coated in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce. It’s perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main dish served over rice or alongside a salad.

Ingredients List for Bang Bang Chicken

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious Bang Bang Chicken:

For the Chicken:

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• ½ cup buttermilk
• 1 egg
• 1 cup cornstarch (or all-purpose flour)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
• 1-2 tablespoons sriracha (depending on your spice preference)
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon lime juice (optional, for a tangy kick)

For Garnish:

• Sliced green onions
• Fresh cilantro (optional)
• Toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Substitutions and Variations

Here are some ways to customize or adapt the recipe to suit your taste:

• Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by combining ½ cup milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
• Cornstarch vs. Flour: Cornstarch makes for a crispier coating, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can use all-purpose flour instead.
• Chicken Thighs: For extra juicy chicken, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts.
• Baked Version: If you want a healthier option, you can bake the chicken instead of frying. Toss the chicken pieces in a little oil, then bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

These variations will allow you to adjust the recipe to fit your preferences while maintaining the core flavors of Bang Bang Chicken.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make the perfect Bang Bang Chicken:

1. Prepare the Chicken

Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season them with salt and pepper. In a shallow dish, whisk together the buttermilk and egg. In a separate dish, mix the cornstarch (or flour), garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

2. Coat the Chicken

Dip each piece of chicken into the buttermilk mixture, allowing the excess to drip off, then coat it in the cornstarch mixture. Make sure each piece is evenly coated and place the chicken on a plate or tray while you prepare to fry.

3. Fry the Chicken

In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken pieces in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan, for about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the fried 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 medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (if using), and lime juice. Adjust the spice level by adding more sriracha if desired.

5. Toss the Chicken in the Sauce

Once the chicken is done frying, toss the pieces in the Bang Bang sauce until they are evenly coated. You can either coat all the chicken at once or serve the sauce on the side for dipping, depending on your preference.

6. Garnish and Serve

Transfer the coated chicken to a serving platter and garnish with sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, and toasted sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately while the chicken is still crispy and warm.

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

Here’s a quick recap of the steps to make Bang Bang Chicken:

1. Prepare Chicken: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and season.
2. Coat Chicken: Dip the chicken in buttermilk and then coat with seasoned cornstarch.
3. Fry Chicken: Fry the chicken pieces until golden and crispy.
4. Make Sauce: Whisk together mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice.
5. Toss in Sauce: Coat the crispy chicken with the Bang Bang sauce or serve the sauce on the side.
6. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with green onions, cilantro, and sesame seeds, then serve hot.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when making Bang Bang Chicken:

1. Overcrowding the Frying Pan: Overcrowding the pan can lower the oil’s temperature, resulting in greasy, soggy chicken. Fry in small batches for the best results.
2. Not Patting the Chicken Dry: Make sure the chicken is dry before dipping it in the buttermilk to help the coating stick better.
3. Undersalting the Chicken: Make sure to season both the chicken and the coating mixture generously for maximum flavor.
4. Letting the Chicken Sit in Sauce Too Long: For the crispiest texture, toss the chicken in the sauce just before serving. Letting it sit in the sauce for too long can make the coating soggy.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Here are some ideas on how to serve and present Bang Bang Chicken:

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken

• As an Appetizer: Serve the chicken as bite-sized appetizers at a party, with toothpicks and extra sauce on the side for dipping.
• Over Rice or Noodles: For a complete meal, serve Bang Bang Chicken over steamed rice, jasmine rice, or noodles. The creamy sauce pairs perfectly with a starch.
• With a Salad: Pair the chicken with a simple green salad or slaw to add freshness and balance out the richness of the sauce.

Presentation Ideas for Bang Bang Chicken

• Garnish Generously: Sprinkle with freshly chopped green onions, cilantro, and sesame seeds for a pop of color and flavor.
• Serve Family Style: Place the chicken in the center of a large platter with fresh lime wedges and extra sauce for guests to help themselves.
• Individual Bowls: Serve in individual bowls over rice with a drizzle of extra sauce and garnishes for an elegant presentation.

Bang Bang Chicken Recipe Tips

• Adjust the Spice Level: Customize the heat by adjusting the amount of sriracha. For a milder sauce, use just 1 tablespoon, or add more for extra spice.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Fry the chicken fresh before serving to keep it crispy.
• Double the Recipe: If serving a crowd, double the sauce ingredients and chicken portions. This dish is perfect for parties and gatherings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
A: Yes, for a healthier option, you can bake the chicken. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the breaded chicken on a greased baking sheet, and bake for 20-25 minutes until crispy, flipping halfway through.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.

Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes, just make sure to thaw the chicken completely before using. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which will help the coating stick better.

Q: Can I make the sauce dairy-free?
A: Yes, you can substitute the mayonnaise with a dairy-free alternative like vegan mayo to make the sauce dairy-free.

Conclusion

This Bang Bang Chicken recipe is a delightful combination of crispy fried chicken and a creamy, spicy sauce that’s both sweet and savory. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for any occasion—whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, snack, or main course. With its addictive sauce and crunchy texture, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Give it a try and enjoy the irresistible flavors of Bang Bang Chicken!

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