Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that's crispy, spicy, creamy, and loaded with flavor, look no further than this Bang Bang Chicken recipe! This popular dish features tender chicken coated in a crispy batter, then drizzled (or drenched!) in a spicy, tangy, and creamy sauce that will have you reaching for seconds. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or serving it as a fun appetizer, this recipe will be a hit. Keep reading for a complete breakdown, from ingredients to tips for the perfect Bang Bang Chicken.

What is Bang Bang Chicken?

Bang Bang Chicken is a beloved dish with origins in Szechuan cuisine, known for its bold flavors and dynamic spice. Traditionally, it was a cold chicken salad topped with a tangy, spicy sauce, but in recent years, a fried version, inspired by the original, has become incredibly popular in Western cuisine. This version features crispy fried chicken bites that are tossed or drizzled with a creamy, spicy sauce made from a combination of mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. It's the perfect blend of spicy and sweet with a crunch that makes every bite a delight!

Ingredients List for Bang Bang Chicken

Here’s everything you’ll need to prepare this flavorful dish:

For the Chicken:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar as a substitute)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
• 1–2 tablespoon sriracha (adjust based on your heat preference)
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional for a touch of sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice (for a little tang)
• Pinch of salt to taste

Substitutions and Variations

• Chicken Options: If you don’t have chicken breasts, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier bite. You could also use shrimp or tofu for a pescatarian or vegetarian version of Bang Bang Chicken.
• Gluten-Free Variation: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your cornstarch is certified gluten-free.
• Sauce Variations: Want to cut down on the mayo? Try substituting half of the mayo with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist that's a bit lighter. If you prefer more sweetness, increase the amount of honey or sweet chili sauce.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a bowl with buttermilk and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes. This step helps tenderize the chicken and infuses it with extra flavor.
2. Prepare the Coating: In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This dry mix will give your chicken a crispy, flavorful coating.
3. Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk and let any excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, making sure it's fully coated. Set the coated chicken aside on a plate.
4. Heat the Oil: In a deep pan or skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. You’ll want about 2–3 inches of oil, enough to fully submerge the chicken pieces. Heat the oil to about 350°F (175°C) – if you don’t have a thermometer, you can check by dropping a small bit of the flour mixture in; it should bubble and rise to the surface.
5. Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry each batch for about 4–6 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer the fried chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
6. Make the Sauce: While the chicken is frying, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and vinegar in a small bowl. Taste and adjust the seasoning – more sriracha for heat, more honey or sweet chili for sweetness.
7. Toss or Drizzle: Once all the chicken is fried, you can either toss the crispy chicken in the sauce or drizzle the sauce on top. For maximum crispiness, we recommend drizzling the sauce right before serving.

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

1. Start with Fresh Chicken: Always use fresh chicken to ensure the best flavor and texture. Cut the chicken into even, bite-sized pieces for uniform cooking.
2. Marinating is Key: Marinate the chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This not only adds flavor but also helps keep the chicken tender and moist, even after frying.
3. Use a Dual-Coating Method: Combining flour and cornstarch in the coating gives the chicken its signature crunch. The cornstarch helps absorb moisture and ensures a crispy, non-greasy finish.
4. Fry at the Right Temperature: It’s crucial to fry the chicken at the correct oil temperature. Too low, and the chicken will absorb too much oil and become soggy. Too high, and the outside will burn before the inside cooks through.
5. Serve Immediately: For the best texture, serve the chicken immediately after frying and saucing. The longer it sits, the more the sauce will soften the crispy coating.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the Pan: Frying too many pieces at once lowers the oil temperature, leading to soggy chicken. Fry in batches for the best results.
• Skipping the Marination: Don’t skip marinating the chicken in buttermilk – it makes a huge difference in tenderness and flavor.
• Using Cold Oil: Make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. If the oil isn’t at the right temperature, the coating won’t crisp up properly.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation can elevate any dish, and Bang Bang Chicken is no exception! Here are a few ideas for serving and presentation:

• On a Platter: Arrange the crispy chicken bites on a large platter with the sauce drizzled over the top and a sprinkle of chopped green onions for a pop of color.
• With a Side of Rice: Serve the Bang Bang Chicken over steamed white rice or fried rice for a more filling meal. The rice will soak up the extra sauce, making every bite delicious.
• On Lettuce Cups: For a lighter presentation, serve the chicken in butter lettuce cups for an appetizer-style dish.
• In Tacos or Wraps: Bang Bang Chicken can also be the perfect filling for soft tacos or wraps, topped with shredded cabbage and cilantro for a fresh crunch.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken

Bang Bang Chicken is incredibly versatile. Serve it as an appetizer, side dish, or even a main course! It pairs well with rice, noodles, or a fresh salad. You can also turn it into finger food by serving it with toothpicks for dipping in the Bang Bang sauce.

Presentation Ideas for Bang Bang Chicken

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of chopped cilantro, green onions, or even basil adds a fresh burst of color and flavor.
• Add Extra Heat: Serve with extra sriracha or hot sauce on the side for those who love their food extra spicy.
• Crispy and Creamy: For extra presentation flair, drizzle the sauce in a zigzag pattern over the chicken or serve it on the side as a dipping option to keep the chicken ultra-crispy.

Bang Bang Chicken Recipe Tips

• Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the sauce a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before serving.
• Frying Tip: If you don’t have a deep-fryer, a heavy-bottomed pan like cast iron works well for frying.
• Spice Level Tip: Adjust the spiciness to your liking by increasing or decreasing the amount of sriracha. You can also add red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it? Yes, you can bake the chicken for a healthier option. Coat the chicken as usual, then bake on a greased baking sheet at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.
2. How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
3. Can I make this ahead of time? You can prep the chicken and sauce ahead of time, but it’s best to fry the chicken just before serving for the crispiest texture.
4. Is Bang Bang Chicken gluten-free? No, this recipe as written is not gluten-free. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

Conclusion

This Bang Bang Chicken recipe is the perfect combination of crispy, spicy, and creamy, making it an irresistible dish for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or a main course, you’ll love how easy it is to make, and your guests will love the bold flavors. Try it today, and enjoy every delicious bite!

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