Bang Bang Chicken Recipe: Crispy, Spicy, and Sweet Delight

Bang Bang Chicken is a popular dish that combines crispy, crunchy chicken with a flavorful sauce that’s both spicy and sweet. Originating from Chinese-American cuisine, this dish has become a favorite in many households and restaurants, thanks to its irresistible combination of textures and bold flavors. The crispy fried chicken is coated in a creamy, tangy sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha, making every bite a mouthwatering experience.

Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, a main course, or even as a snack, Bang Bang Chicken will quickly become a go-to recipe. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make and can be customized to suit your heat preference. If you love bold flavors, this dish is a must-try. With a crispy exterior and a creamy, spicy sauce, Bang Bang Chicken strikes the perfect balance of crunch, spice, and sweetness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Crispy Texture

The crispy chicken, fried to golden perfection, offers a satisfying crunch in every bite.

2. Bold Flavor Combination

The sauce is a perfect blend of spicy, sweet, and creamy, making the chicken incredibly flavorful.

3. Easy to Make

Despite its impressive taste, this dish comes together quickly and with minimal ingredients, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.

4. Customizable Heat Level

Adjust the amount of sriracha and chili sauce to control the spice level, making it as mild or as fiery as you like.

5. Crowd-Pleaser

Bang Bang Chicken is always a hit with guests, making it ideal for parties, gatherings, or family meals.

Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• Cornstarch
• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Eggs
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Sauce:

• Mayonnaise
• Sweet chili sauce
• Sriracha sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Honey (optional)

Variations

• Add Vegetables: You can add some sautéed bell peppers, onions, or even a sprinkle of green onions to the sauce for extra flavor.
• Different Protein: While chicken is traditional, you can use shrimp, tofu, or even beef strips for a different twist.
• Spicy Twist: Increase the amount of sriracha or add cayenne pepper for a hotter kick.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the flour and cornstarch with gluten-free alternatives like rice flour or a gluten-free flour blend.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cut the chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces. Pat the pieces dry with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks well during frying.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

In a shallow bowl, combine the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs. Dip the chicken pieces into the egg mixture, then coat them evenly with the flour mixture.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

In a large pan or skillet, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking—around 350°F (175°C) is ideal.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Carefully place the coated chicken pieces in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

While the chicken is frying, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, and a splash of rice vinegar in a large bowl. Stir until smooth and creamy. For an extra touch of sweetness, add a teaspoon of honey.

Step 6: Toss the Chicken in the Sauce

Once the chicken is fried and crispy, add the chicken to the bowl with the Bang Bang sauce. Gently toss the chicken until it’s fully coated in the creamy, spicy sauce.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the coated chicken to a serving plate. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or cilantro for a fresh touch. Serve immediately while the chicken is hot and crispy.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the chicken in batches to ensure each piece cooks evenly and gets that perfect crispy texture.
• Use a Thermometer: If you’re unsure about the oil temperature, use a thermometer to make sure the oil reaches the right temperature (350°F or 175°C).
• Double-Coat the Chicken: For an extra crispy crust, you can dip the chicken in the egg mixture and flour mixture twice before frying.
• Adjust the Sauce: Taste the sauce before tossing the chicken. If you want it spicier, add more sriracha; for a milder version, reduce the sriracha or omit it entirely.
• Serve Immediately: For the best texture, serve the chicken right after it’s coated in the sauce. The longer it sits, the less crispy it becomes.

How to Serve

Bang Bang Chicken is delicious on its own or served over a bed of steamed rice. You can also pair it with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple salad for a balanced meal. If you’re serving it as an appetizer, it’s perfect for dipping in extra sauce or served alongside a tangy dipping sauce. For a party, set out some small plates and let guests enjoy these crispy, spicy, and sweet bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The chicken will still be flavorful, but it may lose its crispiness. To re-crisp the chicken, bake it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again.

Freezing

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the fried chicken pieces before tossing them in the sauce. After frying, let the chicken cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the chicken to a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, bake in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until crispy, then toss with the Bang Bang sauce.

Reheating

To reheat leftover Bang Bang Chicken, it’s best to use the oven or air fryer to restore the crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the chicken soggy.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well in this recipe and add a bit more juiciness to the dish.

2. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just be sure to stir it before using.

3. Is this recipe spicy?

The level of spice depends on the amount of sriracha and sweet chili sauce you use. You can adjust the spice level to suit your preferences.

4. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

You can bake the chicken for a healthier alternative. Coat the chicken with the same batter and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

5. Can I use a different sauce for a twist?

Yes! You can try different sauces, like BBQ or teriyaki, for a different flavor profile, but the creamy, spicy sauce is what makes Bang Bang Chicken unique.

6. Can I use tofu instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Tofu works well as a vegetarian substitute. Just press the tofu to remove excess moisture, coat it in the batter, and fry as you would the chicken.

7. How can I make this dish less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the amount of sweet chili sauce or use a sugar-free alternative.

8. Can I serve this with a dipping sauce?

Definitely! Additional dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or extra sweet chili sauce are great accompaniments.

9. How do I keep the chicken crispy?

Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, and serve it immediately after tossing it in the sauce for maximum crispiness.

10. Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes! Add more sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper to turn up the heat.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Chicken is the perfect combination of crispy, spicy, and sweet flavors. The crunchy chicken coated in a creamy, tangy sauce makes it an irresistible dish that’s sure to be a crowd favorite. Whether you serve it as a main dish or appetizer, it’s quick to make and packed with flavor. Adjust the spice level to your liking and enjoy a delicious, easy-to-make meal that will have everyone coming back for more!

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