Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

If you’re a fan of bold, spicy flavors combined with creamy, tangy goodness, then you’re in for a treat with this Bang Bang Chicken recipe! Perfect for an appetizer, snack, or even as the main course, this dish is sure to wow your taste buds. Whether you're preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe will bring a unique zing to your table. Read on to discover the best ingredients, substitutions, and tips for making the most delicious Bang Bang Chicken.

What is “Bang Bang Chicken”?

Bang Bang Chicken is a dish known for its irresistible combination of crispy fried chicken coated in a creamy, spicy sauce. Originating from the streets of Sichuan, China, the dish has been adapted and loved globally, particularly for its fusion of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors. The name “Bang Bang” comes from the traditional preparation method of tenderizing chicken by pounding it with a mallet, but modern versions focus more on the famous sauce.

Ingredients List for Bang Bang Chicken

To make the perfect Bang Bang Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup buttermilk (for marinating the chicken)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Oil for frying (vegetable oil or canola oil works well)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to your heat preference)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (for added tang)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Optional Garnishes:

• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Fresh cilantro

Substitutions and Variations

Cooking is all about creativity, and Bang Bang Chicken can easily be adjusted to suit your preferences. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:

• Chicken Alternatives: If you want a lighter option or don’t eat meat, swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu. Both hold the Bang Bang sauce well and provide delicious alternatives.
• Healthier Coating: Instead of deep-frying the chicken, you can opt for baking or air-frying. This reduces the oil and makes the dish a bit lighter while still keeping a satisfying crunch.
• Sauce Adjustments: For those who prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of sriracha. You can also add more honey to sweeten it up. For a tangier taste, increase the rice vinegar.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour and cornstarch to coat the chicken, ensuring the dish remains gluten-free but still crispy and delicious.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. You want them small enough to ensure each piece gets a crispy coating and can be easily dipped in the sauce.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, mix the chicken pieces with the buttermilk. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to an hour. The buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken and gives it a delicious, slightly tangy flavor.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate shallow bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This mixture is what gives the chicken its crispy outer layer.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Take each piece of marinated chicken and dredge it in the flour mixture. Make sure each piece is evenly coated. For an extra crispy coating, you can repeat this step by dipping the chicken back in buttermilk and re-coating it in the flour mix.

Step 5: Heat the Oil

In a deep pan or skillet, heat oil to 350°F (175°C). You want enough oil to submerge the chicken pieces fully. A deep fryer also works perfectly for this step.

Step 6: Fry the Chicken

Fry the chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 7: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

While the chicken is frying, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and garlic powder in a bowl. Adjust the seasoning to your liking, adding more sriracha for heat or honey for sweetness.

Step 8: Toss Chicken in Sauce

Once the chicken is done frying and has drained, toss the pieces in the Bang Bang sauce until they are evenly coated.

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

Cooking Bang Bang Chicken might seem intimidating at first, but if you follow these steps closely, you’ll have a flawless, restaurant-quality dish right at home. Here's a quick summary of the process to make things even easier:

1. Cut and marinate the chicken in buttermilk to enhance flavor and tenderness.
2. Coat the chicken in a crispy mixture of flour and cornstarch.
3. Fry the chicken until golden brown and crispy.
4. Prepare the sauce by whisking together mayo, sriracha, sweet chili sauce, and other ingredients.
5. Toss the chicken in the sauce for that iconic Bang Bang flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the Pan: Frying too many pieces of chicken at once can lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy chicken. Always fry in batches.
• Skipping the Marinating Step: The buttermilk marinade adds moisture and tenderness to the chicken. Skipping this step can lead to drier chicken.
• Not Draining the Chicken Properly: If you don’t let the fried chicken drain on paper towels, it can retain excess oil, which can make the dish feel greasy.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Once you’ve got your Bang Bang Chicken perfectly cooked and sauced, it’s time to think about how to serve and present this flavorful dish. The right presentation can elevate your Bang Bang Chicken and impress your guests.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken

• As an Appetizer: Serve the chicken on a platter with small individual bowls of extra sauce for dipping.
• Over a Salad: Create a refreshing salad with lettuce, cucumber, shredded carrots, and drizzle extra Bang Bang sauce on top. The crispy chicken contrasts beautifully with the fresh greens.
• In Tacos: Use soft tortillas and add Bang Bang Chicken along with coleslaw, avocado slices, and a sprinkle of cilantro for a delicious fusion dish.
• With Rice or Noodles: Serve the chicken over steamed white rice or stir-fried noodles for a more substantial meal.

Presentation Ideas for Bang Bang Chicken

• Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro to give the dish a vibrant, fresh look.
• Serve on a wooden board with dipping sauce on the side for a rustic, casual vibe.
• Use a shallow white dish to let the colors of the crispy golden chicken and the creamy orange sauce pop visually.

Bang Bang Chicken Recipe Tips

• Double-Coating: For extra crispiness, consider dipping the chicken in the buttermilk and flour mixture twice. This creates a thicker, crunchier crust.
• Air Fryer Option: To make a healthier version, air fry the coated chicken pieces at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Extra Sauce: If you love sauce, make a little extra on the side for dipping!
• Adjusting the Spice Level: The sriracha is the main source of heat in this recipe, so feel free to adjust according to your spice tolerance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make Bang Bang Chicken in advance?
   While Bang Bang Chicken is best served fresh, you can fry the chicken in advance and reheat it in the oven before serving. Toss it in the sauce just before serving to maintain crispiness.
2. Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
   Yes, you can use tofu or cauliflower as substitutes for chicken. Simply follow the same coating and frying process.
3. Can I use store-bought Bang Bang sauce?
   Yes, but homemade sauce is easy to make and allows you to control the heat and sweetness to your liking.
4. How do I store leftovers?
   Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the chicken crispy.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Chicken is a fantastic dish that brings together crispy fried chicken with a tantalizing sauce that’s sweet, spicy, and tangy all at once. This recipe provides you with a simple yet delicious way to recreate a restaurant favorite in the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether you serve it as an appetizer, over a salad, or in tacos, this dish is sure to become a household favorite. Give it a try today and experience the explosion of flavors in every bite!

Print