Bang Bang Chicken

Introduction

Bang Bang Chicken is a popular dish known for its crispy chicken bites coated in a creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce. This dish gets its name from the “bang bang” flavor explosion that hits you with every bite. The combination of tender chicken with a bold sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a hint of spice makes this dish irresistible.

I first made this dish for a game night with friends, and it quickly became the star of the table. The crispy chicken paired with the creamy sauce was a hit, and everyone kept coming back for more. What’s great about Bang Bang Chicken is its versatility—you can serve it as an appetizer, a snack, or even turn it into a full meal by pairing it with rice or a fresh salad.

Making this dish is surprisingly simple. With a few basic ingredients and a quick fry, you’ll have crispy chicken bites ready to be tossed in that iconic sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a party or just want to treat yourself to something bold and flavorful, Bang Bang Chicken is sure to impress!

Perfect for:

• Game day snacks
• Party appetizers
• Weeknight dinners
• Sharing with friends
• Lovers of sweet and spicy flavors

Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Chicken

Here’s why Bang Bang Chicken will become your new go-to dish:

• Crispy and Juicy: The chicken is fried to golden perfection while remaining tender and juicy on the inside.
• Bold, Flavorful Sauce: The creamy sauce is the perfect mix of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors that coat the chicken beautifully.
• Easy to Make: With just a few basic ingredients, you can recreate this restaurant favorite at home.
• Customizable Spice Level: Adjust the heat to your liking by adding more or less Sriracha.
• Versatile: Great as a party appetizer, salad topping, or served over rice for a complete meal.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 20g, Fat: 25g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Bang Bang Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar

Ingredient Highlights

• Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Thighs are juicier, but chicken breasts work just as well for a leaner option.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: These create a light, crispy coating that stays crunchy even after being coated in sauce.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: This provides sweetness and mild heat, balancing out the creamy mayonnaise.
• Sriracha: Adds a touch of heat—feel free to adjust the amount to your spice preference.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds a subtle tang that brightens the sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make this recipe:

Prepare the Chicken:

1. Prepare the Dredging Stations: Set up three bowls—one with flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder; one with beaten egg; and one with panko breadcrumbs.
2. Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken piece in the flour mixture, then the egg, and finally coat it in panko breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs gently to adhere to the chicken.
3. Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).

Fry the Chicken:

4. Fry the Chicken: Working in batches, fry the chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Make the Sauce:

5. Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, Sriracha, and rice vinegar until smooth. Adjust the spice level to taste.

Assemble the Dish:

6. Coat the Chicken: Place the fried chicken in a large bowl and drizzle the sauce over it. Toss gently to coat each piece evenly.
7. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve immediately.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken

Bang Bang Chicken is versatile and can be served in many ways:

• As an Appetizer: Serve with toothpicks for easy party snacking.
• Over Rice: Turn it into a meal by serving over steamed rice with a side of vegetables.
• In a Salad: Add it to a fresh green salad for an extra crunch and flavor boost.
• In Tacos: Wrap the chicken in tortillas and top with slaw for Bang Bang Tacos.
• As a Sandwich: Make a Bang Bang Chicken sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and extra sauce.

Additional Tips for Bang Bang Chicken

Here are some tips to ensure this recipe is perfect every time:

• Double Coat for Extra Crunch: For even crispier chicken, double-dip the pieces in the flour and panko.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
• Use a Thermometer: Keep the oil at 350°F for the crispiest results.
• Sauce Separately: If you prefer extra crispy chicken, serve the sauce on the side for dipping instead of tossing it.
• Air Fryer Option: For a healthier alternative, cook the chicken in an air fryer at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through.
• Adjust the Spice: Add more Sriracha or even crushed red pepper for extra heat.
• Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
• Garnish Generously – Top with chopped scallions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro for added flavor and visual appeal.
• Keep it Warm – Place fried chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet in a warm oven (200°F) to keep it crispy while frying the rest.
• Balance the Sauce – Drizzle the sauce lightly to avoid soggy chicken, or serve it on the side for dipping.
• Serving Suggestions – Pair it with steamed rice, a fresh salad, or in a wrap with coleslaw for a complete meal.

Recipe Variations for Bang Bang Chicken

Here are 10 variations you can try for this recipe:

1. Bang Bang Shrimp: Replace chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist.
2. Honey Garlic Bang Bang Chicken: Add minced garlic and a splash of soy sauce to the sauce for an Asian-inspired version.
3. Coconut Bang Bang Chicken: Add shredded coconut to the panko for a tropical twist.
4. Spicy Bang Bang Chicken: Increase the Sriracha for an extra spicy kick.
5. Bang Bang Tofu: Use tofu instead of chicken for a vegetarian option.
6. Lemon Bang Bang Chicken: Add lemon zest and juice to the sauce for a citrusy twist.
7. Bang Bang Cauliflower: Swap chicken for cauliflower florets for a veggie version.
8. Mango Bang Bang Chicken: Add diced mango to the sauce for a sweet and fruity flavor.
9. Korean-Inspired Bang Bang Chicken: Add gochujang to the sauce for a Korean twist.
10. BBQ Bang Bang Chicken: Mix some barbecue sauce into the bang bang sauce for a smoky flavor.

Freezing and Storage for Bang Bang Chicken

• Freezing: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the fried chicken (without the sauce) for up to 2 months. Reheat in an oven or air fryer for best results.
• Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain the crisp texture.

Special Equipment for Bang Bang Chicken

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing this recipe easier:

• Deep Fry Thermometer: Ensures your oil stays at the right temperature.
• Mixing Bowls: For coating and mixing the sauce.
• Tongs: For turning the chicken while frying.
• Whisk: To blend the sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Wire Rack: Allows the chicken to drain excess oil without getting soggy.
• Air Fryer (Optional): For a healthier alternative to frying.

Frequently Asked Questions for Bang Bang Chicken

1. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
   Yes, bake the chicken at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
2. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise?
   Yes, Greek yogurt is a healthier substitute, but it will have a tangier flavor.
3. How do I adjust the spice level?
   Add more or less Sriracha to taste. You can also add crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
4. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
   Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour. Ensure the sweet chili sauce is also gluten-free.
5. What other proteins can I use?
   Shrimp, tofu, or even pork bites work well with the bang bang sauce.

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Conclusion

Bang Bang Chicken is a bold, flavorful dish that’s easy to make and guaranteed to impress. The combination of crispy chicken with a creamy, spicy sauce makes it an instant favorite. Whether you’re serving it as a party appetizer, a quick dinner, or part of a larger meal, this dish is sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation.

The signature sauce, with its perfect balance of heat and tanginess, takes this dish to the next level. Drizzle it generously over your crispy chicken or serve it as a dipping sauce on the side. Either way, you’ll love the bang bang explosion of flavors in every bite!

I’d love to see how this recipe turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me. I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!