Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy dish that packs a punch of flavor, look no further than Bang Bang Chicken! This Asian-inspired dish combines crispy fried chicken with a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, a main course, or a snack for game day, Bang Bang Chicken is sure to impress. Ready to learn how to make this crowd-pleaser at home? Let’s dive into the ingredients, cooking steps, and tips that will help you create the perfect Bang Bang Chicken dish. Be sure to read through the entire recipe to get all the tips and tricks for nailing it!

What is Bang Bang Chicken?

Bang Bang Chicken is a popular dish known for its irresistible sauce. The name "Bang Bang" refers to the sauce's explosive flavor, which is a combination of mayonnaise, chili sauce, and a hint of sweetness, often from honey or sugar. The chicken itself is typically fried to crispy perfection, then tossed in or drizzled with this creamy, spicy sauce. The dish has roots in Sichuan cuisine, where “bang-bang” chicken is traditionally served cold with a spicy sauce, but the modern Americanized version tends to be warm, crunchy, and satisfying.

Let’s dive into the detailed recipe that will help you recreate this restaurant favorite right in your kitchen.

Ingredients List for Bang Bang Chicken

Before you get started, gather all the necessary ingredients for both the chicken and the famous Bang Bang sauce.

For the Chicken:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound total)
• 1 cup buttermilk (for marinating)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
• ½ cup cornstarch (helps make the chicken extra crispy)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil (for frying, enough to fill your pan about 1 inch deep)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise (use full-fat for the best creaminess)
• ¼ cup sweet chili sauce (this gives the sauce a nice balance of sweetness and spice)
• 1-2 tablespoon Sriracha sauce (depending on how spicy you like it)
• 1 tablespoon honey (for added sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (for a slight tang)
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce (for umami depth)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)

Substitutions and Variations

One of the great things about making Bang Bang Chicken at home is that you can customize it to your liking. Here are a few substitutions and variations you can try:

For a Healthier Version:

• Baked Chicken: Instead of frying, you can bake the chicken. Simply dredge the marinated chicken in the flour and cornstarch mixture, then bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
• Grilled Chicken: Skip the breading entirely and grill your chicken breasts for a lighter version. Slice the grilled chicken and drizzle it with the Bang Bang sauce.

For a Gluten-Free Version:

• Use Gluten-Free Flour: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free alternative. You can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend or almond flour for dredging.
• Rice Flour or Potato Starch: For an extra crispy coating, try using rice flour or potato starch in place of the cornstarch and flour mixture.

For a Vegetarian Version:

• Tofu: Replace the chicken with tofu for a vegetarian-friendly dish. Use extra-firm tofu, press it to remove excess moisture, then dredge it in the flour-cornstarch mixture and fry or bake as you would the chicken.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that we’ve got all the ingredients and possible variations out of the way, let’s get into the cooking process. Here’s how to make crispy, golden Bang Bang Chicken.

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by cutting your boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, about 1 to 1.5 inches in size. Place the chicken in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over it. Make sure all the pieces are coated well. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. The buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and gives it extra moisture.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading

While the chicken is marinating, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. This mixture will give your chicken its crispy coating.

Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic powder (if using). Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning or spice level to your preference. Set the sauce aside.

Step 4: Dredge the Chicken

Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk marinade, letting any excess buttermilk drip off. Coat each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating sticks well.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken

Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. The oil should reach 350°F for optimal frying. Fry the chicken in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F). Once fried, remove the chicken pieces and let them drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

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

1. Marinate the Chicken: Soak chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
2. Prepare the Breading: Mix flour, cornstarch, and seasonings for the crispy outer layer.
3. Make the Sauce: Combine mayo, chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar to create the signature Bang Bang sauce.
4. Dredge the Chicken: Coat marinated chicken in the flour mixture.
5. Fry to Perfection: Fry the chicken until golden and crispy.
6. Toss or Drizzle: Either toss the crispy chicken pieces in the Bang Bang sauce or drizzle the sauce over the chicken just before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for when making Bang Bang Chicken:

• Overcrowding the Pan: Fry the chicken in small batches to maintain a high oil temperature. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature, making your chicken soggy instead of crispy.
• Not Drying the Chicken: Make sure to let excess buttermilk drip off before dredging the chicken in the flour mixture. Too much moisture can result in a gummy coating.
• Using Low Heat: Frying at too low a temperature can cause the chicken to absorb too much oil, making it greasy. Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is around 350°F.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation can elevate your Bang Bang Chicken from a tasty snack to an Instagram-worthy dish! Here are some ideas to serve and plate your dish beautifully.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken

Bang Bang Chicken can be served as a main dish, an appetizer, or even as part of a spread for a casual party or gathering. Here are some ways to serve it:

• Over Rice: Serve the crispy chicken over a bed of jasmine or basmati rice for a complete meal.
• On a Salad: Top a fresh salad with Bang Bang Chicken for a spicy, crunchy twist.
• In Lettuce Wraps: Use the chicken as filling for lettuce wraps, drizzling the sauce on top for a healthy and fun finger food option.

Presentation Ideas for Bang Bang Chicken

• Garnish with Green Onions: Sprinkle chopped green onions or cilantro over the top of the dish for a pop of color.
• Sesame Seeds: A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a nice nutty flavor and extra crunch.
• Drizzle the Sauce Artfully: Instead of tossing all the chicken in the sauce, drizzle it over the top just before serving for a more polished look.

Bang Bang Chicken Recipe Tips

Here are a few final tips to help you nail this recipe:

• Double the Sauce: If you’re a sauce lover, consider doubling the Bang Bang sauce recipe. You can always keep some on the side for dipping!
• Cut Evenly: Try to cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces so they cook at the same rate.
• Sauce Toss Timing: For ultimate crispiness, toss the chicken in the sauce just before serving. If you let it sit too long, the sauce will soften the crispy coating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make Bang Bang Chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Fry the chicken and let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. Reheat the chicken in the oven to keep it crispy before serving, and then add the sauce.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover Bang Bang Chicken in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken on a baking sheet and warm it in a 350°F oven until crispy.

Is Bang Bang Chicken very spicy?

The spice level is adjustable! If you want it less spicy, reduce the amount of Sriracha in the sauce. For more heat, add extra Sriracha or even a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Can I air fry Bang Bang Chicken?

Yes! You can air fry the chicken at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.

Conclusion

There you have it—a full guide to making crispy, spicy, and flavorful Bang Bang Chicken! Whether you serve it as an appetizer or pair it with rice for a complete meal, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. Remember to customize the sauce to your taste, try out different variations, and pay attention to the tips to get that perfect crisp. Now, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get cooking—your taste buds will thank you!

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