Are you ready to dive into a crunchy and flavorful treat? Bang Bang Chicken is a hit for a reason! This dish combines crispy chicken with a spicy, creamy sauce that will make your taste buds dance. In this blog, I’ll guide you through the tasty ingredients, simple steps, and special tips to make your own perfect Bang Bang Chicken at home. Get ready for a fun cooking adventure!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The creamy Bang Bang sauce pairs perfectly with the crunchy chicken, resulting in a mouthwatering dish that’s hard to resist.
- Quick and Easy Preparation: This recipe can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a last-minute gathering.
- Customizable Heat Level: You can easily adjust the amount of sriracha in the Bang Bang sauce to suit your taste, whether you prefer mild or spicy.
- Impressive Presentation: Serving the Bang Bang Chicken on a bed of lettuce with garnishes not only adds color but elevates the dining experience.
Ingredients
Chicken and Breading Components
– 1 lb (450g) boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 large eggs, beaten until smooth
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Bang Bang Sauce Ingredients
– ½ cup creamy mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
– 1 tablespoon sriracha (increase for extra heat!)
– 1 teaspoon honey
– 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lime juice
Seasonings and Oil
– ½ teaspoon garlic powder
– ½ teaspoon onion powder
– ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
– Vegetable oil for frying
Bang Bang Chicken is a dish that shines with flavor and crunch. The chicken pieces are juicy and tender, while the breading creates a delightful crisp. The secret lies in the ingredients you choose.
The chicken breast serves as the heart of this dish. I cut it into bite-sized pieces for easy eating. The all-purpose flour gives a solid base for the breading. The beaten eggs act as glue, helping the next layer stick. Finally, the panko breadcrumbs add that irresistible crunch.
For the Bang Bang sauce, creamy mayonnaise is the base. Sweet chili sauce brings a mild sweetness. Sriracha adds heat, but you can adjust this to your taste. Honey rounds out the flavor, while lime juice gives a fresh zing.
I also use seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. These add depth and a hint of warmth. Don’t forget to season with salt and freshly ground pepper. Vegetable oil is essential for frying. It helps the chicken achieve that perfect golden color and crunch.
Gather these ingredients, and you are on your way to making a delicious Bang Bang Chicken that everyone will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
Start with one pound of boneless chicken breast. Cut it into bite-sized pieces. Season these pieces with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Toss the chicken in this mix until each piece gets a nice coat. This helps the chicken get crunchy.
Breading Process
Set up three shallow bowls. Fill the first bowl with all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, pour in the beaten eggs. In the last bowl, add panko breadcrumbs. This setup makes breading easy. Take a piece of seasoned chicken. First, dip it in flour and shake off the extra. Next, dip it in the eggs and let the excess drip off. Lastly, coat it with panko breadcrumbs, pressing down gently to help them stick.
Frying the Chicken
Heat about half an inch of vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. Test if the oil is ready by dropping in a small piece of bread; it should sizzle. Add the breaded chicken in batches. Avoid crowding the pan. Fry until golden brown, about 5 to 7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to take the chicken out and let it rest on paper towels.
Making the Bang Bang Sauce
In a bowl, mix together half a cup of creamy mayonnaise, two tablespoons of sweet chili sauce, one tablespoon of sriracha, one teaspoon of honey, and one teaspoon of lime juice. Whisk until the sauce is smooth. Taste it and add more sriracha if you want extra heat.
Serving Suggestions
Once all the chicken is fried, toss it in the Bang Bang sauce until every piece is well-coated. For a pretty look, serve it on a platter with crisp lettuce leaves. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor and crunch. Enjoy your tasty Bang Bang Chicken!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Crunch
To get that amazing crunch on your Bang Bang Chicken, follow these steps:
– Use panko breadcrumbs. They are lighter and create a better crunch than regular breadcrumbs.
– Make sure to coat each chicken piece well. The layers of flour, egg, and panko are key.
– Fry in hot oil. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the chicken can become greasy.
Adjusting the Spice Level
You can change the spice level to fit your taste. Here’s how:
– Start with 1 tablespoon of sriracha in your Bang Bang sauce.
– If you like more heat, add more sriracha a little at a time.
– For a milder version, reduce the sriracha or swap it for a milder sauce.
Alternatives for Healthier Versions
Want a healthier Bang Bang Chicken? Try these swaps:
– Use skinless chicken breast for less fat.
– Bake instead of fry for a lighter option. Just spray the chicken with oil for crispiness.
– Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt in the sauce for a creamy twist with fewer calories.
These tips can help you make Bang Bang Chicken that’s just right for you!
Pro Tips
- Double-Dip for Extra Crunch: For an even crunchier coating, consider dipping the chicken pieces in the egg mixture a second time before coating them with panko breadcrumbs.
- Temperature Check: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying; if it’s too cool, the chicken will absorb more oil and become greasy. A good test is to drop in a small piece of bread – it should sizzle immediately.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the fried chicken to rest on paper towels for a few minutes before serving. This helps to keep the coating crispy by allowing excess oil to drain off.
- Customize the Sauce: Feel free to adjust the Bang Bang sauce to your liking! Add more honey for sweetness or more lime juice for acidity to balance the flavors.
Variations
Vegetarian Bang Bang Chicken
You can make a tasty vegetarian version of Bang Bang Chicken! Use firm tofu instead of chicken. Cut the tofu into bite-sized pieces. Press the tofu to remove extra moisture. Then, follow the same breading and frying steps. The panko breadcrumbs will give it a nice crunch. Toss the fried tofu in the same Bang Bang sauce for a delicious twist.
Gluten-Free Options
To make Bang Bang Chicken gluten-free, swap regular flour for gluten-free flour. Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs, too. Check labels to ensure all ingredients are gluten-free. The rest of the recipe stays the same. You still get that crispy texture and yummy flavor!
Bang Bang Chicken Tacos
Want a fun way to serve Bang Bang Chicken? Turn it into tacos! After frying the chicken, place it in soft or hard taco shells. Add shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes, and avocado for crunch. Drizzle with extra Bang Bang sauce on top. This makes a great meal for gatherings or family dinners!
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
To keep your Bang Bang Chicken fresh, place leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure the chicken has cooled to room temperature first. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Keeping it sealed helps prevent the chicken from drying out.
Reheating Instructions
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until it’s hot. This method helps maintain the crunch. You can also reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally.
Freezing Tips
If you want to save the Bang Bang Chicken for later, freezing is a great option. Place cooled chicken pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
FAQs
What is Bang Bang Chicken?
Bang Bang Chicken is a tasty dish made with crunchy fried chicken. It gets its name from the rich sauce that gives it a kick. The chicken pieces are seasoned, breaded, and fried until golden. Then, they get tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce that makes each bite delightful.
Can I make Bang Bang Chicken in an Air Fryer?
Yes, you can make Bang Bang Chicken in an air fryer! It’s simple and cuts down on oil. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. After breading the chicken, place it in the fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. This method keeps the chicken crunchy and tender.
What are the best side dishes for Bang Bang Chicken?
Bang Bang Chicken pairs well with several tasty sides. Here are some great options:
– Steamed jasmine rice
– Asian slaw
– Garlic broccoli
– Stir-fried vegetables
These sides help balance the flavor and add freshness to your meal.
Is Bang Bang Sauce spicy?
Yes, Bang Bang Sauce has a bit of heat. The sriracha adds spice, while the sweet chili sauce balances it out. If you like heat, you can add more sriracha. If you prefer less spice, start with a small amount and adjust as needed.
How do I make a milder version of Bang Bang Chicken?
To make a milder version, you can adjust the sauce. Use less sriracha or skip it altogether. You can also replace it with a mild hot sauce. This way, you keep the creaminess without the heat. Enjoy the flavors without the burn!
This guide covered the tasty world of Bang Bang Chicken. We explored key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips to get that perfect crunch. You also learned about fun variations and how to store leftovers. If you like a dish that combines flavor and bite, Bang Bang Chicken is a great choice. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try new twists, enjoy cooking and sharing this dis
