Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is a bold, flavorful dish that combines crispy fried chicken with a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy bang bang sauce. Originating from Asian-American fusion cuisine, this dish is a crowd-pleaser thanks to its crunchy texture and addictive sauce that features mayonnaise, sweet chili, and sriracha. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, this recipe is perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or game day feasts.

Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, crispy bang bang chicken strikes the perfect balance between crunchy, creamy, and spicy. You’ll love how quick and versatile it is, with endless possibilities for customization.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy and Crunchy: The chicken stays perfectly crispy, even after being coated in the flavorful sauce.
• Irresistible Sauce: The bang bang sauce is the star of the dish, with a creamy, sweet, and spicy kick.
• Easy to Make: Simple steps and ingredients make this recipe approachable for all skill levels.
• Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the spice to suit your preference, from mild to fiery.
• Versatile: Serve as an appetizer, on top of salads, or in sandwiches or tacos.
• Crowd-Pleaser: A hit with kids and adults alike, perfect for parties or casual meals.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Serving Size: 6-8 pieces

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 420
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 24g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 8g

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup milk
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
• 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
• 1 tsp lime juice

Optional Garnishes:

• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Fresh cilantro

Serving Suggestions:

• Steamed rice or noodles
• Fresh salad or slaw
• Wraps, tacos, or sliders

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

1. Cut the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces, about 1-2 inches wide. Pat dry with paper towels.
2. Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, season the chicken pieces with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

Set Up the Breading Station:

3. Prepare the Breading: In one shallow dish, mix the flour and cornstarch. In another dish, whisk together the eggs and milk.
4. Bread the Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Then coat in the flour-cornstarch mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Place on a plate or tray.

Fry the Chicken:

5. Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy.
6. Fry in Batches: Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil in small batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 4-5 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
7. Drain: Remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Make the Bang Bang Sauce:

8. Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (if using), and lime juice until smooth. Taste and adjust the spice level to your preference.

Combine the Chicken and Sauce:

9. Toss the Chicken: In a large bowl, gently toss the crispy chicken with the bang bang sauce until evenly coated. Alternatively, serve the sauce on the side for dipping to keep the chicken extra crispy.

Serve:

10. Garnish and Enjoy: Transfer the chicken to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or fresh cilantro if desired. Serve immediately with your preferred sides.

Ingredient Background

• Chicken Thighs vs. Breasts: Thighs are juicier and more forgiving if overcooked, but breasts are leaner and work just as well.
• Cornstarch: Combines with flour to create a crispier coating for the chicken.
• Bang Bang Sauce: The creamy base of mayonnaise is balanced by sweet chili, sriracha, and a touch of lime juice for acidity.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: Adds sweetness and mild heat; adjust the amount for a more balanced flavor.

Technique Tips

• Even Coating: Ensure the chicken is well-coated in both the egg and flour mixtures for the crispiest results.
• Oil Temperature: Maintain the oil at 350°F to avoid soggy or greasy chicken. Too hot, and the coating will burn before the chicken cooks through.
• Drain Properly: Let the fried chicken rest on a wire rack to stay crisp. Avoid placing it directly on paper towels for extended periods.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Bang Bang Chicken Tacos: Serve the coated chicken in warm tortillas with lettuce, slaw, and a drizzle of sauce.
• Salad Topper: Add the chicken to a bed of greens with cucumbers, carrots, and sesame dressing.
• Sliders: Make mini chicken sliders with soft buns, lettuce, and extra bang bang sauce.

Additional Tips for Success

• Double Fry: For an extra crispy texture, fry the chicken once, let it cool slightly, and then fry again for 1-2 minutes.
• Sauce on the Side: Keep the sauce separate if you’re not serving immediately to maintain the chicken’s crispiness.
• Control the Heat: Adjust the amount of sriracha to suit your spice tolerance.

Recipe Variations

• Grilled Bang Bang Chicken: Grill marinated chicken instead of frying for a lighter option. Brush with bang bang sauce before serving.
• Baked Version: Bake breaded chicken pieces on a parchment-lined sheet at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Spicy Bang Bang: Add extra sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for more heat.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with cauliflower florets or tofu for a plant-based twist.

Freezing and Storage

Storage:

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store sauce separately.

Freezing:

• Freeze Before Saucing: Freeze fried chicken pieces in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

• Oven: Reheat in a 375°F oven for 10-12 minutes to restore crispness.
• Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F for 5-7 minutes for quick and crispy results.

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Air-Fried Chicken: Use an air fryer to achieve a crispy coating with less oil.
• Lighter Sauce: Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier sauce.
• Whole-Grain Flour: Swap all-purpose flour with whole-grain flour for added nutrients.
• Vegetable Oil Alternatives: Use avocado oil or coconut oil for a healthier frying option.

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Game Day Appetizer: Serve with celery sticks and extra dipping sauce for a finger-food favorite.
• Family Dinner: Pair with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Party Platter: Arrange the chicken on a large platter with toothpicks for easy snacking.

Special Equipment

• Deep Fry Thermometer: Ensures the oil maintains the ideal frying temperature.
• Wire Rack: Keeps the chicken crispy while draining excess oil.
• Whisk: For smoothly combining the bang bang sauce ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend or almond flour. Ensure your sweet chili sauce is gluten-free as well.

2. What’s the best oil for frying?
Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are excellent options due to their high smoke points.

3. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, but the texture won’t be as crispy. Coat and bake or air-fry for a similar result.

4. Is this dish very spicy?
The spice level is moderate. Adjust the amount of sriracha to make it milder or spicier.

5. Can I marinate the chicken?
Yes, marinate the chicken in buttermilk and spices for 2-4 hours to tenderize and enhance flavor.

6. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the sauce up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

7. How do I keep the chicken crispy if not serving immediately?
Keep the fried chicken warm in a 200°F oven on a wire rack until ready to serve.

8. Can I use shrimp instead of chicken?
Yes! Bang Bang Shrimp is a popular variation that uses the same sauce and breading process.

Conclusion

Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is a flavorful, versatile dish that combines the perfect crunch with a creamy, spicy sauce. Whether served as a snack, appetizer, or main course, this dish is sure to impress family and friends. With easy preparation, endless customization options, and bold flavors, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Try it today and enjoy this crispy, saucy delight!

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