Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

If you're a fan of bold flavors and love a mix of spicy, tangy, and creamy, Bang Bang Chicken is the dish for you! This dish brings together tender, juicy chicken coated in a perfectly balanced sauce that's both sweet and spicy, delivering a mouth-watering bite every time. Whether you're planning a weeknight dinner or want to impress your friends at a weekend gathering, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy. Keep reading for an easy-to-follow, step-by-step guide to creating this crave-worthy dish from scratch.

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What is “Bang Bang Chicken”?

Bang Bang Chicken is a popular dish known for its unique combination of crispy chicken and a creamy, spicy sauce. This dish originated from Sichuan cuisine in China, where cold, shredded chicken is often served with a spicy peanut sauce. However, the version most people are familiar with today has been popularized by Asian-American fusion restaurants. Typically, crispy fried or grilled chicken is drenched in a rich, creamy sauce made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha or other hot sauces, delivering that signature “bang” of flavor. The sauce is what makes this dish stand out, combining tangy, sweet, and spicy elements for an unforgettable taste.

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Ingredients List for Bang Bang Chicken

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 cup buttermilk (for marinating)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
• ½ cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise (full-fat or light)
• ¼ cup sweet chili sauce (adjust for sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha (or more if you like it extra spicy)
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for added sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (for tang)
• 1 clove garlic (minced, optional for extra flavor)

For Garnishing:

• Sliced green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Chopped cilantro (optional)

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Substitutions and Variations

If you're looking to tweak the Bang Bang Chicken recipe to suit your dietary needs or taste preferences, there are several options available:

• Chicken Thighs: For a juicier, more flavorful bite, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. They hold up better to frying and are less likely to dry out.
• Air-Fryer Option: If you're avoiding deep-frying, use an air fryer. Coat the chicken in a light layer of cooking spray and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or almond flour, and make sure your cornstarch is certified gluten-free.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with cauliflower florets or tofu. These will still crisp up nicely when fried and taste delicious when coated in the bang bang sauce.
• Sauce Adjustments: If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of Sriracha or substitute it with a milder chili sauce. For an even creamier sauce, increase the amount of mayonnaise.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

• Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a bowl and cover with buttermilk. Let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps tenderize the meat and infuses it with extra flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Dredge

• While the chicken is marinating, mix the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl. The cornstarch helps give the chicken an extra crispy coating.

Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

• In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and minced garlic. Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness or spiciness to your preference. Set aside in the fridge until the chicken is ready.

Step 4: Dredge the Chicken

• Once the chicken has marinated, remove it from the buttermilk and shake off any excess. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, ensuring the chicken is thoroughly coated.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken

• Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil, working in batches if necessary. Fry for 3-5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy. Once done, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

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

1. Marinate: The key to tender chicken lies in the marinade. Soak the chicken in buttermilk to tenderize and flavor the meat.
2. Coat: Use a combination of flour and cornstarch for an ultra-crispy exterior. The cornstarch helps the chicken stay light and crispy without becoming greasy.
3. Fry: Fry the chicken in hot oil, ensuring each piece gets an even golden crust. Monitor the oil temperature to ensure it doesn’t get too hot, which can burn the coating before the chicken is cooked through.
4. Sauce: Drizzle or toss the cooked chicken in the Bang Bang sauce for that creamy, spicy finish. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the Marinade: Don’t skip the buttermilk marinade! It’s essential for tender, juicy chicken and helps the coating stick better.
• Overcrowding the Pan: When frying the chicken, avoid overcrowding the pan. This will lower the oil temperature, leading to soggy chicken instead of a crispy coating.
• Using Cold Oil: Always ensure your oil is at the right temperature before frying. Too cold, and the chicken will absorb too much oil, making it greasy.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Be mindful of the cooking time. Overcooked chicken can become dry and chewy, so keep an eye on the frying time.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken

Bang Bang Chicken is versatile and can be served in several ways. Here are some popular serving ideas:

• As an Appetizer: Serve the chicken on a platter with toothpicks for easy snacking at parties.
• On a Bed of Rice: For a heartier meal, serve the crispy chicken over jasmine or basmati rice, allowing the rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
• In Tacos: Turn Bang Bang Chicken into a taco filling by placing it in soft tortillas and adding crunchy slaw or pickled vegetables.
• With a Salad: For a lighter option, serve the chicken atop a fresh salad of greens, cucumbers, and carrots, with extra bang bang sauce as the dressing.

Presentation Ideas for Bang Bang Chicken

• Drizzle with Extra Sauce: Keep some sauce aside for drizzling over the chicken just before serving to add visual appeal.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Top the chicken with chopped cilantro, green onions, or sesame seeds to add a burst of color and flavor.
• Serve in a Bowl: Layer rice, vegetables, and Bang Bang Chicken in a large serving bowl for a colorful and visually striking presentation.

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Bang Bang Chicken Recipe Tips

• Control the Heat: Adjust the level of Sriracha or chili sauce in the Bang Bang sauce based on your heat preference. You can make it mild or extra spicy!
• Extra Crispy Chicken: For an even crispier result, double-fry the chicken. Fry the chicken pieces once, remove from the oil, let them rest for a minute, and then fry again for an additional 1-2 minutes.
• Sauce on the Side: If you’re worried about the chicken losing its crispiness, serve the sauce on the side as a dipping sauce, keeping the chicken crunchy until the last bite.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Yes! For a healthier option, you can bake the chicken. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), coat the chicken in breadcrumbs for added crunch, and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and cooked through.

2. How can I make the dish less spicy?

To reduce the heat, lower the amount of Sriracha or replace it with a milder hot sauce. You can also add extra mayonnaise to the sauce for a creamier, less spicy version.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

The chicken is best when served fresh and crispy. However, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Fry the chicken just before serving to maintain its crispiness.

4. What side dishes go well with Bang Bang Chicken?

Popular sides include steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with fries or roasted potatoes for a more indulgent meal.

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Conclusion

Bang Bang Chicken is a crowd-pleaser with its crispy texture and flavorful sauce that combines the perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy. Whether you’re making this dish for a casual weeknight dinner or a special gathering, it’s sure to impress. With the step-by-step instructions provided, you can confidently whip up a delicious plate of Bang Bang Chicken in no time. So, what are you waiting for? Try this recipe today, and get ready to experience the "bang" of flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

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