Bang Bang Chicken

Bang Bang Chicken is a flavor-packed dish that’s crispy, spicy, and perfectly balanced with a creamy, tangy sauce. It’s an irresistible appetizer or main dish that’s sure to spice up any meal. The combination of tender, juicy chicken pieces coated in a crispy batter and smothered in a rich, spicy-sweet sauce is simply mouthwatering. The sauce, made from a blend of mayonnaise, chili-garlic sauce, honey, sriracha, and a few seasonings, adds a kick of heat with just the right amount of sweetness, making every bite burst with flavor. Whether you serve it as a finger food for a party or as a delicious weeknight dinner, this Bang Bang Chicken recipe is bound to be a crowd-pleaser. The crispy, golden chicken is cooked to perfection and the sauce is the real star, delivering a balanced flavor that everyone will love. If you’re craving something a little spicy and a lot flavorful, this dish will certainly satisfy.

Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Chicken

Bang Bang Chicken offers an irresistible combination of textures and flavors. The crispy, golden fried chicken is the perfect base for the rich and tangy sauce that coats each bite. With the spicy heat from chili-garlic sauce and sriracha, the sweetness from honey, and the creamy smoothness of mayonnaise, the sauce is well-balanced and packs a punch. It’s a great option for anyone who loves bold, savory flavors with a little heat. This dish is incredibly versatile, too—it can be served as an appetizer, added to salads, or enjoyed with a side of steamed rice. The ingredients are easy to find, and the recipe is simple enough to prepare at home, yet impressive enough to serve to guests. If you’re in the mood for something indulgent but with just the right amount of spice, Bang Bang Chicken is the perfect dish for you.

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Ingredients

For the Bang Bang Chicken Sauce:

• Mayonnaise
• Chili-garlic sauce
• Honey
• Sriracha
• Paprika
• Lemon juice
• Black pepper
• Salt

For the Bang Bang Chicken:

• Chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Cornstarch
• Buttermilk
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Vegetable oil (enough for frying)
• Spicy chili flakes (optional)
• Fresh chopped parsley (optional)

Variations

While the classic Bang Bang Chicken is amazing as is, there are plenty of ways to tweak this recipe to suit your preferences:

• Add more heat: If you like extra spice, increase the amount of sriracha or add fresh chopped chilies to the sauce for an additional kick.
• Baked version: For a lighter option, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it. Simply coat the chicken pieces with the cornstarch mixture and bake them on a sheet tray at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until crispy.
• Use thighs instead of breast: For a juicier, more flavorful option, you can substitute chicken thighs for breasts.
• Vegetarian option: Replace the chicken with tofu or cauliflower florets for a plant-based version of this dish.
• Add sesame seeds: For a crunchy texture and additional flavor, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top of the chicken after it’s coated in the sauce.

How to Make the Bang Bang Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and paprika. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and cornstarch until smooth, then dip the chicken pieces into the mixture, coating each piece evenly.

Step 2: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, chili-garlic sauce, honey, sriracha, paprika, lemon juice, black pepper, and salt. Whisk everything together until smooth and well-combined. Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more sriracha or honey as needed for spice or sweetness.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (around 350°F or 175°C), carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken for 4-5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Once all the chicken is fried, transfer the chicken to a large bowl. Pour the prepared Bang Bang sauce over the chicken and toss gently until the chicken pieces are fully coated with the sauce.

Step 5: Serve

Garnish the Bang Bang Chicken with a sprinkle of spicy chili flakes (if desired) and fresh chopped parsley. Serve the dish immediately while it’s still hot and crispy. It’s perfect with a side of rice or on its own as a flavorful appetizer.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• For an extra crispy texture, let the chicken pieces rest for a few minutes after frying to ensure the batter sets well before serving.
• Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature of the oil. If it’s too hot, the chicken will burn, and if it’s too cool, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
• If you want a thicker sauce, add a little more mayonnaise to achieve the desired consistency.
• For the best flavor, let the chicken sit in the sauce for a couple of minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

How to Serve

Bang Bang Chicken is incredibly versatile and can be served in several ways:

• As an appetizer: Serve it with toothpicks for easy, finger-friendly eating at parties or gatherings.
• Over rice: Serve it on a bed of steamed rice for a satisfying main dish.
• In wraps or tacos: Use the chicken as a filling for wraps or tacos with some fresh veggies and a drizzle of extra sauce.
• With dipping sauces: Pair it with additional sauces like ranch or a spicy aioli for added flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The chicken will still taste great, but the coating may lose some of its crispiness. To reheat, bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes until crispy again.

Freezing

To freeze Bang Bang Chicken, you can freeze the breaded chicken pieces before frying. Arrange the coated chicken pieces on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, fry the frozen chicken directly from the freezer—no need to thaw.

Reheating

To reheat leftover chicken, you can bake it in the oven to regain some of its crispiness. Alternatively, you can heat it in the microwave, but the coating may lose some of its crunch.

FAQs

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

Yes, boneless chicken thighs will work great for this recipe, and they’ll add even more flavor and juiciness.

2. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

3. Can I make Bang Bang Chicken without frying?

Yes, you can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes until crispy, or you can use an air fryer for a healthier alternative.

4. How do I adjust the spice level of the sauce?

You can increase or decrease the amount of sriracha and chili-garlic sauce depending on how spicy you like your food.

5. Can I use chicken tenders instead of chicken breast?

Yes, chicken tenders are a great alternative and will cook faster, making this recipe even quicker.

6. Can I substitute buttermilk with regular milk?

Buttermilk is recommended for this recipe because it helps tenderize the chicken, but you can substitute it with regular milk if needed, adding a teaspoon of lemon juice to mimic the acidity.

7. How do I prevent the chicken from becoming greasy?

Make sure the oil temperature is correct when frying, and don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken in batches to ensure it crisps up properly.

8. Can I use a different type of oil for frying?

You can use vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil—all of which have high smoking points, making them ideal for frying.

9. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, you can add stir-fried vegetables, like bell peppers, onions, or broccoli, for a more substantial meal.

10. How do I make the chicken more crispy?

For extra crispiness, allow the coated chicken to rest for a few minutes before frying, and make sure the oil is hot enough when you fry.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Chicken is an exciting and flavorful dish that’s sure to be a hit. With its crispy, golden chicken and irresistible, creamy spicy sauce, it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or a main dish, this recipe offers a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and crunch that will keep everyone coming back for more. Simple to make, customizable, and delicious, Bang Bang Chicken is destined to become a favorite in your kitchen.

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