Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Bang Bang Chicken is a dish that tantalizes your taste buds with a perfect blend of heat, sweetness, and creaminess. Originating from Chinese cuisine, this dish has evolved into a popular choice in Western kitchens, particularly as an appetizer or light main dish. If you're looking for a recipe that's bold in flavor yet easy to prepare, you’ve come to the right place. Dive into this comprehensive guide to discover how to create the perfect Bang Bang Chicken at home!

Read on to get the full recipe, step-by-step instructions, and tips for making this mouthwatering dish.

What is Bang Bang Chicken?

Bang Bang Chicken gets its name from the sound made when the chicken is pounded to tenderize it. However, it’s more famous for the incredible sauce that coats the crispy chicken, which is a mix of creamy mayo, spicy Sriracha, and sweet chili sauce. The combination of textures—crispy chicken drizzled with creamy, spicy-sweet sauce—makes it a hit for parties, appetizers, or even as a light meal.

Ingredients List for Bang Bang Chicken

To make this delightful dish, you’ll need a few simple yet powerful ingredients. These ingredients create layers of flavor that make Bang Bang Chicken so addictive. Here’s what you need:

For the Chicken:

• 500g (about 1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup buttermilk (or substitute with regular milk and lemon juice)
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
• 2-3 tablespoons Sriracha (adjust to taste depending on spice tolerance)
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for added sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (for a touch of tang)

Substitutions and Variations

Bang Bang Chicken is versatile, and you can adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary preferences or what’s available in your pantry. Here are some popular substitutions and variations:

• Chicken alternatives: Swap chicken with shrimp for Bang Bang Shrimp or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Both options work great with the Bang Bang sauce.
• Healthier option: Instead of deep-frying, you can bake or air-fry the chicken to make it healthier while still achieving a crunchy texture.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs in place of all-purpose flour and panko to make the recipe suitable for gluten-intolerant diners.
• Spice level: Adjust the amount of Sriracha to your liking. If you’re serving kids or those who can’t handle too much spice, reduce the Sriracha or omit it entirely.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, it's time to cook! Follow these step-by-step instructions to create crispy, golden chicken bites coated in the signature Bang Bang sauce.

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

• Start by cutting the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Aim for pieces that are uniform in size for even cooking.
• Season the chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper for basic seasoning.

Step 2: Set Up Your Dredging Station

• In three separate shallow bowls, set up your dredging station: one bowl with flour, another with buttermilk whisked with the egg, and a third with panko breadcrumbs.
• First, coat each chicken piece in the flour, shaking off the excess.
• Next, dip the floured chicken into the buttermilk-egg mixture.
• Finally, roll the chicken in panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to ensure the crumbs adhere to the chicken.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

• Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan or deep fryer over medium-high heat. The oil should be about 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying.
• Fry the chicken in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.
• Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce

• While the chicken is frying, mix the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey (if using), and rice vinegar in a bowl. Adjust the spice level by adding more or less Sriracha, depending on your preference.
• Stir well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined to create a smooth, creamy sauce.

Step 5: Coat the Chicken with Sauce

• Once all the chicken pieces are fried, you have two options: either drizzle the sauce over the chicken pieces for a lighter coating or toss the chicken directly in the sauce for full flavor coverage.
• If you're serving the dish right away and want the chicken to stay crispy, drizzling is the better option. For a more indulgent experience, go ahead and toss them all in!

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

1. Cut and Season the Chicken: Start by cutting the chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Dredge the Chicken: Set up your dredging station with flour, buttermilk-egg mix, and panko breadcrumbs. Coat each piece of chicken in that order.
3. Fry to Perfection: Heat oil and fry the chicken until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
4. Make the Sauce: Mix together mayo, Sriracha, sweet chili sauce, honey, and rice vinegar for that iconic Bang Bang flavor.
5. Serve It Up: Drizzle the sauce over the chicken or toss for full coverage, then garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Bang Bang Chicken, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Overcrowding the pan: Frying too much chicken at once lowers the oil temperature, resulting in soggy chicken. Fry in batches for best results.
• Not using panko breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs don’t give the same crunch as panko, which is key to the crispy texture.
• Skipping the seasoning: Don’t forget to season the chicken before dredging. It makes a big difference in flavor!
• Letting the chicken sit in the sauce too long: If you're planning to serve later, wait to add the sauce until just before serving to maintain the chicken’s crispiness.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation is key to making your Bang Bang Chicken look as good as it tastes. Here are some tips to make your dish Instagram-worthy:

• Serve on a bed of lettuce: The vibrant green of lettuce contrasts beautifully with the golden chicken and makes for an eye-catching presentation.
• Garnish with fresh herbs: Top the dish with chopped green onions, cilantro, or even sesame seeds to add color and a pop of flavor.
• Drizzle extra sauce: For added flair, drizzle some extra Bang Bang sauce over the chicken in a zig-zag pattern just before serving.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken

Bang Bang Chicken can be served as an appetizer or as part of a main course. If you're serving it as an appetizer, simply plate the chicken on a large serving dish with a side of extra sauce for dipping. For a main dish, serve it alongside steamed rice or noodles and a crunchy vegetable salad for a complete meal.

Presentation Ideas for Bang Bang Chicken

To elevate the presentation of your Bang Bang Chicken, try these ideas:

• Serve in lettuce cups: This adds a fresh, healthy crunch to each bite.
• Use skewers: Thread the chicken pieces onto skewers for easy handling at parties or buffets.
• Plated beautifully: Create individual servings by stacking the chicken pieces neatly and garnishing with sesame seeds and herbs.

Bang Bang Chicken Recipe Tips

• Make the sauce in advance: You can prepare the Bang Bang sauce up to two days ahead and store it in the refrigerator.
• Use a thermometer for frying: To ensure your oil is at the right temperature, use a food thermometer. The optimal frying temperature is around 350°F (175°C).
• Keep the chicken crispy: To keep the chicken crispy after frying, place it on a wire rack rather than on paper towels. This prevents the bottom from getting soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

Q: How long can I store leftovers?
A: Leftover Bang Bang Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use an oven or air fryer to crisp the chicken back up.

Q: Is Bang Bang Chicken very spicy?
A: The spiciness depends on how much Sriracha you add to the sauce. You can adjust it to suit your spice tolerance.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the chicken and the sauce ahead of time, but wait to combine them until just before serving to maintain the chicken’s crispiness.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Chicken is an irresistible dish that brings together crispy chicken with a spicy, creamy, and sweet sauce. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can make restaurant-quality Bang Bang Chicken right at home. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, game-day snack, or party appetizer, this dish will leave your guests coming back for more! So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and start cooking today.

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