Bang Bang Chicken Recipe: A Delicious and Spicy Delight for Your Taste Buds

If you’re looking for a recipe that delivers both flavor and heat in one dish, look no further than the Bang Bang Chicken recipe. This delectable meal combines crispy, tender chicken pieces with a creamy, spicy sauce that will leave you craving more.

Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, Bang Bang Chicken is sure to become a favorite. In this blog post, we’ll guide you step-by-step on how to create this mouthwatering dish from scratch.

What is Bang Bang Chicken?

Bang Bang Chicken is a popular appetizer or main course dish known for its bold flavors and a satisfying balance of spiciness and creaminess. It’s typically made with boneless chicken breast or thighs, which are battered and fried until golden and crispy. The chicken is then tossed in a delicious sauce made from a blend of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a touch of sriracha for that extra kick. The result is a finger-licking, spicy dish that’s irresistible and incredibly flavorful.

The name “Bang Bang” refers to the intense and exciting flavors that the dish packs, making it a perfect choice for those who love spicy food with a creamy twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Before diving into the cooking process, let’s take a look at the ingredients needed to make this Bang Bang Chicken recipe. Most of these items are easily found at your local grocery store or supermarket:

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch (helps to achieve crispy chicken)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 egg (beaten)
• 1/4 cup milk
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Sauce:

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust depending on desired spice level)
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (optional for an extra tangy flavor)
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

For Garnishing:

• Chopped green onions (for added freshness)
• Sesame seeds (optional, but they add a nice touch)

Now that we have everything ready, it’s time to start cooking!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Bang Bang Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Begin by preparing your chicken. Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes, about 1-inch pieces. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and is easy to coat in the crispy batter.

In a shallow dish, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together to evenly distribute the seasonings.

In another shallow bowl, whisk together the egg and milk until combined. The egg-milk mixture helps the flour coating stick to the chicken.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

Dip each piece of chicken into the egg-milk mixture, ensuring that it is fully coated. Then, dredge the chicken pieces in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure each piece is well-coated. The cornstarch in the coating helps to create a crispy texture when fried.

Set the coated chicken aside on a plate while you prepare to fry them.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough so that the chicken sizzles when added, but not so hot that it burns the coating.

Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 4: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

While the chicken is frying, it’s time to prepare the bang bang sauce. In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, garlic powder, and rice vinegar (if using). Stir until the sauce is smooth and well-combined. The combination of the creamy mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and spicy sriracha creates the perfect balance of flavors.

Taste the sauce and adjust the heat level to your preference. If you want it spicier, simply add more sriracha.

Step 5: Toss the Chicken in the Sauce

Once the chicken has finished frying and is crispy and golden, transfer the chicken pieces to a large mixing bowl. Pour the prepared Bang Bang sauce over the chicken and toss everything together to coat the chicken evenly. Be sure to coat every piece of chicken with the rich and spicy sauce.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

After tossing the chicken in the sauce, transfer it to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for an added touch of freshness and texture. You can also serve the Bang Bang Chicken with a side of steamed rice or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Tips for the Best Bang Bang Chicken

• Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness: While chicken breasts work perfectly fine, chicken thighs are a great alternative. They’re more tender and juicy, which makes for a richer overall flavor.
• Adjust the heat level: The sriracha in the sauce is what gives Bang Bang Chicken its spicy kick. Feel free to adjust the amount of sriracha according to your heat preference. If you prefer a milder version, you can reduce the sriracha or substitute it with a mild hot sauce.
• Air-fry the chicken: If you prefer a healthier version of this recipe, you can opt to air-fry the chicken instead of deep-frying it. Simply spray the coated chicken with cooking spray and air-fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Add vegetables: To make this dish even more balanced, you can serve it with stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or broccoli. It will add extra flavor and crunch to the dish.

Conclusion

The Bang Bang Chicken recipe is a fantastic dish that offers a perfect blend of crispy chicken and a creamy, spicy sauce. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or a main course, it’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser. By following this simple recipe, you can easily recreate this popular dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Give this recipe a try and treat yourself to a flavorful meal that’s both satisfying and exciting. The Bang Bang Chicken will soon become a favorite in your recipe rotation, thanks to its delicious combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. Enjoy!