Bang Bang Chicken

Introduction

Bang Bang Chicken is the perfect blend of bold flavors, crispy textures, and a creamy, spicy sauce that will have you coming back for seconds. This dish, with its origins in Chinese cuisine, has been given a modern twist that makes it a hit at any table. Whether you’re serving it as a hearty appetizer, a flavorful main course, or a fun party snack, Bang Bang Chicken is bound to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.

Picture this: tender pieces of chicken, each coated in a crispy golden shell, drizzled with a sauce that strikes the perfect balance between spicy and sweet. The sauce—creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of heat—makes every bite absolutely irresistible. Serve it over rice, with noodles, or alongside fresh veggies to complete the meal, or dish it out as an easy finger food for your next gathering.

The beauty of Bang Bang Chicken is how easily it comes together, giving you a restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort. With just a few simple ingredients and some crispy magic, you can recreate this flavorful classic in the comfort of your own kitchen. Ready to dig in? Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to fall in love with Bang Bang Chicken:

• Incredible Flavor: The perfect harmony of spicy, sweet, and tangy in every bite.
• Easy to Make: Straightforward steps that anyone can follow.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice level and ingredients to suit your taste.
• Crispy and Juicy: Delightfully crispy chicken with a tender, juicy interior.
• Great for Sharing: Perfect for parties, family dinners, or potlucks.
• Kid-Friendly: Mild the spice for a dish kids will adore.
• Pairs Well with Everything: Serve it with rice, salads, or on its own.
• Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, affordable ingredients.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare in advance and fry just before serving.
• Visually Appealing: A dish that looks as good as it tastes!

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: Approximately 420 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 25g, Fat: 15g, Carbohydrates: 30g, Fiber: 2g

Ingredients

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

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

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

Ingredient Highlights

• Chicken: Opt for boneless, skinless pieces for easy preparation and juicy results.
• Buttermilk: Helps tenderize the chicken and ensures a crispy coating.
• Cornstarch: Adds extra crunch to the fried chicken.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: Balances the heat with sweetness for a well-rounded flavor.
• Sriracha: Adds a fiery kick to the sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

1. Marinate: Place chicken pieces in a bowl with buttermilk. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes for tender, flavorful chicken.
2. Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Coat and Fry

1. Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing to ensure a good coating.
2. Heat the Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
3. Fry the Chicken: Fry the chicken pieces in batches, ensuring they don’t crowd the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Make the Sauce

1. Mix Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth. Adjust spice and sweetness as desired.

Combine and Serve

1. Drizzle or Toss: Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the crispy chicken or toss to coat evenly.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an extra pop of flavor and color.

How to Serve

Elevate your Bang Bang Chicken presentation with these serving ideas:

1. Classic Pairing: Serve over steamed jasmine rice with a side of stir-fried vegetables.
2. Appetizer Style: Arrange on a platter with toothpicks for dipping.
3. In a Wrap: Add to a tortilla with lettuce, cucumber, and extra sauce for a quick wrap.
4. Salad Topper: Use as a protein-packed topping for a fresh salad.
5. Family-Style: Serve on a large platter with extra sauce on the side.

Additional Tips

Make your Bang Bang Chicken experience even better with these tips:

1. Double-Dip for Extra Crunch: Dip chicken in buttermilk and flour mixture twice for a thicker coating.
2. Keep It Warm: Place cooked chicken on a wire rack in a 200°F oven while frying the rest.
3. Go Low on Heat: For a milder dish, reduce the amount of sriracha in the sauce.
4. Prep Ahead: Marinate chicken and mix sauce up to a day in advance.
5. Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure chicken is fully cooked (165°F internal temperature).

Recipe Variations

Here are some creative twists to the traditional recipe:

• Shrimp Bang Bang: Swap chicken for shrimp for a seafood version.
• Baked Bang Bang Chicken: Bake breaded chicken at 400°F for a lighter option.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
• Extra Spicy: Add crushed red pepper or cayenne to the sauce.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Use cauliflower florets instead of chicken.

Freezing and Storage

To keep your Bang Bang Chicken fresh:

• Store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Crisp up in an oven or air fryer for the best texture.
• Freeze: Freeze cooked chicken without sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Special Equipment

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Deep Skillet or Fryer: For frying the chicken.
• Mixing Bowls: For marinating and dredging.
• Tongs: For safe handling during frying.
• Whisk: To mix the sauce evenly.
• Food Storage Containers: For meal prep or storing leftovers, food storage containers with airtight lids will help keep your Bang Bang Chicken fresh for a few days in the refrigerator.
• Chopsticks: If you’re serving your Bang Bang Chicken with a side of rice or using it in a stir-fry, chopsticks can be a fun and practical way to enjoy the meal.
• Saucepan: If you want to warm the sauce or thicken it, a small saucepan is perfect for gently heating it over low heat.

FAQ Section

Here are answers to common questions about Bang Bang Chicken:

• Can I use an air fryer?
  Yes! Air fry breaded chicken at 375°F for 15-20 minutes.
• How do I reduce the spice level?
  Use less sriracha or substitute with ketchup.
• Can I make this dairy-free?
  Substitute buttermilk with almond milk mixed with a splash of vinegar.
• What oil is best for frying?
  Use vegetable, canola, or peanut oil for a neutral flavor.
• Can I use frozen chicken?
  Yes, but thaw completely before marinating.
• Can I make Bang Bang Chicken ahead of time?
• Yes, you can! You can cook the chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop and drizzle with the sauce just before serving.
• Can I make this recipe spicier?
• If you like more heat, you can add extra sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce. Adjust it to your preference and enjoy the extra kick!
• Can I use a different sauce for the coating?
• While the signature Bang Bang sauce is what gives this dish its iconic flavor, you can experiment with other sauces like a honey mustard or spicy barbecue sauce if you want to mix things up.
• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
• Yes, to make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and ensure your panko breadcrumbs are also gluten-free.

Print

Conclusion

Bang Bang Chicken is the ultimate dish for anyone who loves bold, crave-worthy flavors and crispy textures that will have you coming back for more. This recipe is a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory, thanks to its signature bang bang sauce that gives every bite an irresistible kick. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, hosting friends, or just treating yourself to something special, this dish always delivers!

What makes this recipe even better is how versatile it is—you can serve it over rice, toss it into a salad, or pair it with veggies for a complete meal. And if you love a little extra heat, feel free to kick up the spice level of the sauce to your liking. The crispy fried chicken bites coated in that creamy, tangy sauce are a flavor explosion that’s sure to impress anyone who tries them.

So go ahead—grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to impress with this sensational Bang Bang Chicken. It’s one of those dishes that brings big flavor with minimal effort, making it perfect for any occasion!

And don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media—I love seeing your delicious creations!