Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking to spice up your dinner routine, Bang Bang Chicken is the perfect recipe to try. This delicious dish features crispy chicken coated in a creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce that will leave your taste buds tingling. Whether you're planning a casual weeknight meal or a gathering with friends, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Keep reading to discover how to make this crowd-pleasing dish from scratch and learn all the tips and tricks for perfecting it!

What is Bang Bang Chicken?

Bang Bang Chicken is a popular dish inspired by Asian cuisine, known for its combination of crispy chicken and a tangy sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a touch of sriracha for heat. The dish is often served as an appetizer but can be easily transformed into a main course with the right sides. The name "Bang Bang" comes from the "bang" of flavor that hits your palate with every bite.

It’s a versatile dish that can be made using various types of chicken, and the sauce can be adjusted to suit your desired level of heat. Now, let's dive into the key components of this irresistible recipe.

Ingredients List for Bang Bang Chicken

Before you start cooking, gather all the ingredients you’ll need for the crispy chicken. Here's a breakdown of what you need to prepare the chicken and the sauce:

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying (enough to fill your pan about 2 inches deep)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
• 1-2 tablespoon sriracha (adjust based on heat preference)
• 1 tablespoon honey or sugar (optional, for added sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice (for tang)

Substitutions and Variations

Bang Bang Chicken is incredibly flexible, allowing for substitutions and variations to fit your preferences or dietary restrictions:

• Chicken Alternatives: If you don’t have chicken, you can substitute with shrimp, tofu, or cauliflower for a vegetarian option.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs in place of the regular versions.
• Healthier Version: Instead of frying, you can bake or air-fry the chicken to cut down on oil and calories.
• Sauce Variations: Play around with the sauce by adding more heat with extra sriracha or toning it down by reducing the chili sauce. You could also add a little soy sauce for extra umami flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken: Start by cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and is easy to eat.
2. Set Up Your Dredging Station: You’ll need three bowls—one for the flour mixed with garlic powder and onion powder, one for the beaten eggs, and one for the panko breadcrumbs. Season each component with a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Coat the Chicken: Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour, shaking off the excess. Next, dip the chicken into the egg mixture, followed by coating it in the panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
4. Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. You want enough oil to cover the chicken pieces about halfway. Fry the chicken in batches for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature and make the chicken soggy.
5. Drain and Rest: Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
6. Make the Sauce: While the chicken is resting, prepare the Bang Bang sauce by whisking together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and rice vinegar (or lime juice). Adjust the flavor by adding more chili sauce or sriracha based on your heat preference.

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

Cooking Bang Bang Chicken is relatively simple, but there are a few essential steps to ensure your chicken comes out crispy and flavorful. Here’s a more detailed breakdown to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time:

1. Temperature Matters: When frying the chicken, ensure the oil is at the right temperature (around 350°F or 175°C). If the oil is too cold, the chicken will absorb more oil and become greasy. If it’s too hot, the outside will burn before the chicken cooks through.
2. Even Coating: Be sure each piece of chicken is evenly coated with flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. This layering ensures a crispy and golden crust.
3. Rest After Frying: Letting the fried chicken rest for a minute or two on paper towels helps get rid of excess oil, which keeps the dish light and crispy.
4. Toss in Sauce Last Minute: To keep the chicken crispy, don’t toss it in the sauce until right before serving. If the chicken sits in the sauce too long, it may lose its crunch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the Pan: Putting too much chicken in the pan at once lowers the oil’s temperature, leading to soggy, greasy chicken. Fry in batches to keep the oil hot.
• Skipping the Breading Steps: Make sure to follow each dredging step (flour, egg, breadcrumbs) to achieve a crispy texture. Skipping any of these will result in uneven coating.
• Not Seasoning the Chicken: Don’t forget to season the chicken and the flour mixture. Proper seasoning at every stage enhances the flavor.
• Saucing Too Early: Avoid tossing the chicken in the sauce too soon. Coat it just before serving for maximum crunch.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How you present your Bang Bang Chicken can elevate the dining experience, whether it’s a casual meal or a special occasion. Here are a few ideas for serving and plating this flavorful dish:

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken

• As an Appetizer: Serve the crispy Bang Bang Chicken bites on a platter with toothpicks and extra sauce on the side for dipping. It’s perfect for parties or as a starter before the main course.
• Over Rice: Turn the dish into a main course by serving the chicken over a bed of steamed jasmine or basmati rice. The rice will soak up the delicious sauce.
• In Lettuce Wraps: For a healthier, low-carb option, serve the Bang Bang Chicken in lettuce wraps. The fresh, crisp lettuce complements the spicy, creamy sauce perfectly.
• With Noodles: Serve the chicken on top of stir-fried noodles or alongside a noodle salad for an Asian-inspired meal.

Presentation Ideas for Bang Bang Chicken

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped cilantro or green onions over the chicken for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
• Use a Drizzle Technique: For a professional touch, drizzle the sauce artistically over the chicken pieces or around the plate before serving.
• Serve in a Bowl: If you’re opting for a rice or noodle base, serve the dish in a deep bowl, allowing the sauce to pool at the bottom for an extra flavorful bite.

Bang Bang Chicken Recipe Tips

• Double-Coating for Extra Crunch: For an extra crispy chicken, try double coating the chicken—dip the chicken in the egg and breadcrumbs twice before frying.
• Sauce Consistency: If your sauce is too thick, thin it out with a bit of water or more lime juice. If it’s too thin, add more mayonnaise to thicken it.
• Add Sesame Seeds: For a nice crunch and a nutty flavor, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds over the chicken just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Bang Bang Chicken in advance?
A: It’s best to make the chicken fresh to keep it crispy, but you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Q: Is Bang Bang Chicken spicy?
A: The dish has a mild heat from the sriracha, but you can adjust the spice level by adding more or less according to your taste.

Q: Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
A: Yes! For a healthier option, bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.

Q: What can I serve with Bang Bang Chicken?
A: Bang Bang Chicken pairs well with rice, noodles, steamed vegetables, or even a side salad.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Chicken is an easy, flavorful dish that you can whip up in no time. Its crispy texture, combined with the tangy, spicy sauce, makes it a perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you're serving it as an appetizer or a main course, Bang Bang Chicken is sure to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients and get cooking—your taste buds will thank you!

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