Introduction
Bang Bang Chicken is a delightful dish, often served as an appetizer or main course. It’s a deliciously crispy, tender chicken that’s tossed in a creamy, spicy, and tangy sauce, giving it a unique burst of flavor. The dish is popular in many Asian-inspired restaurants and has become a household favorite due to its addictive taste. The name “Bang Bang” refers to the bold and punchy flavors that hit you when you take a bite. It’s perfect for those who love a little spice with creamy texture!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 egg
1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lemon juice
1 teaspoon honey (optional for added sweetness)
For Garnish (optional):
Chopped green onions
Sesame seeds
Cilantro
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks or strips.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg and buttermilk together.
Dip the chicken pieces into the egg mixture and then coat them thoroughly with the flour mixture.
Fry the Chicken:
Heat oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium-high heat. It should be about 350°F (175°C) for frying.
Fry the chicken pieces in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch.
Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Make the Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar (or lemon juice), and honey (if using) until smooth.
Toss the Chicken in the Sauce:
Once the chicken is fried and drained, add it to a large bowl.
Pour the Bang Bang sauce over the chicken and toss gently until all pieces are coated.
Serve:
Serve the Bang Bang Chicken immediately, garnished with green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro if desired. Enjoy with steamed rice or as a standalone appetizer!
Description
Bang Bang Chicken offers a perfect balance of flavors—crunchy chicken combined with the creamy and tangy sauce makes every bite irresistible. The sweet chili sauce and sriracha create a harmonious blend of sweet and spicy, while the mayonnaise base ensures the sauce has a rich and smooth texture. The crispy exterior of the chicken provides a satisfying contrast to the creamy coating, making this dish truly mouthwatering. Whether you’re hosting a party or treating yourself to a savory snack, Bang Bang Chicken is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Tips
Crispier Chicken: For extra crispy chicken, double-dip the pieces in the flour mixture and egg wash before frying.
Spice Control: Adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce to your preferred level of heat. You can make it mild by reducing the sriracha or making it spicier by adding more.
Baking Option: If you prefer not to fry the chicken, you can bake the coated chicken pieces at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a lighter version.
Sauce Variations: If you prefer a tangier flavor, add a bit more vinegar or lemon juice to the sauce. You can also try adding a small amount of garlic powder for extra depth.
Variations
Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with tofu or cauliflower for a vegetarian alternative. Coat the tofu or cauliflower florets with the same batter and fry until crispy.
Spicy Mayo: Instead of the Bang Bang sauce, mix mayonnaise with hot sauce, chili paste, or sriracha for a spicy mayo sauce.
Add Veggies: For a complete meal, add some stir-fried veggies like bell peppers, onions, or broccoli to your Bang Bang Chicken.
Corrections
Make sure to use a thermometer to ensure your oil is at the right temperature (350°F/175°C) for frying. If the oil is too hot, the chicken will burn, and if it’s too cold, the chicken will absorb excess oil and become greasy.
When coating the chicken, ensure it’s evenly coated with the flour mixture. This will help create a crispy and golden crust.
Don’t skip draining the fried chicken on paper towels—this helps reduce excess oil and keeps the chicken crispy.
Enjoy!
Once everything is ready, enjoy your flavorful Bang Bang Chicken! Whether served as an appetizer, party snack, or a main course, it’s a dish that will delight your taste buds and leave everyone asking for the recipe.