Oh my goodness, let me tell you about Bang Bang Chicken! This dish is an explosion of flavors that’ll make your taste buds dance with joy. Picture this: crispy chicken bites coated in a creamy, spicy sauce that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and heat. It’s one of those recipes that takes me back to cozy nights spent experimenting in the kitchen, trying to recreate that unforgettable restaurant experience at home. The first time I made it, I was blown away by how simple it was to whip up this deliciousness! Trust me, once you dive into that creamy goodness, you’ll want to make it again and again. Plus, it’s gluten-free, so it’s a win-win for those who need it. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients List
Alright, let’s gather everything you need to make the most amazing Bang Bang Chicken! Here’s the lineup:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha (you can adjust this based on your spice preference!)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying (I like to use vegetable oil, but whatever you have on hand works!)
Make sure your chicken is nice and fresh for the best flavor! And don’t worry if you’ve never used panko before; it’s just a type of breadcrumb that gives your chicken that extra crunch. Get ready for some serious yumminess!
How to Prepare Bang Bang Chicken
Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—cooking! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a plate of crispy, saucy Bang Bang Chicken in no time!
- First things first, season your chicken pieces with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Don’t be shy—this is where some of the flavor begins!
- Next, it’s time to set up your dredging station. Grab three shallow dishes. In the first one, add the cornstarch. In the second, pour in the beaten eggs, and in the third, spread out the panko breadcrumbs. Now, let’s get the chicken coated!
- Dredge each piece of chicken in cornstarch first, making sure it’s fully coated. Shake off any excess, then dip it into the egg mixture, and finally, coat it in the panko breadcrumbs. This three-step process gives the chicken that irresistible crunch!
- Heat up a generous amount of oil in a pan over medium heat. You’ll want enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan—about 1/4 inch deep works well.
- Once the oil is hot (you can test it by dropping in a few breadcrumbs; they should sizzle), carefully add the coated chicken pieces in batches. Don’t overcrowd the pan; give them some space to fry evenly.
- Fry the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until they’re golden brown and cooked through. You’ll know they’re ready when they reach a lovely crispy texture and an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- While the chicken is frying, let’s whip up the sauce! In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha. Give it a good mix until everything is beautifully blended.
- Once your chicken is done, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any excess oil. Then, toss the hot chicken in the creamy sauce until it’s evenly coated. Wow, just look at that!
- Serve your Bang Bang Chicken hot, and if you like, garnish it with some chopped green onions for that extra pop of color and flavor!
And there you have it—delicious Bang Bang Chicken ready to enjoy. Your kitchen is about to smell amazing!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super quick to make—perfect for those busy weeknights!
- Easy to follow steps mean you don’t have to be a pro chef to nail it.
- Flavor-packed with a delightful mix of sweet and spicy that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
- Gluten-free option, so it’s great for guests with dietary restrictions.
- Customizable spice levels—add more or less Sriracha to suit your taste!
- Perfect as a main dish or served as an appetizer for parties.
- Leftovers? No problem! This chicken tastes amazing reheated.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser—everyone loves crispy chicken with a creamy sauce!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Bang Bang Chicken turns out absolutely perfect, here are some tried-and-true tips that I swear by:
- Fry in batches: Don’t overcrowd the pan! Frying in smaller batches ensures that the oil temperature stays consistent, giving you that crispy texture you’re after.
- Temperature check: Make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. If it’s not sizzling when you drop in a breadcrumb, wait a minute. If the oil’s too cool, the chicken will soak it up and become greasy instead of crispy.
- Use a thermometer: For perfectly cooked chicken, check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C). This way, you’ll avoid undercooked or overcooked pieces.
- Let it rest: After frying, let the chicken sit on paper towels for a minute to absorb excess oil before tossing it in the sauce. This helps keep it crispy!
- Mix the sauce well: When combining the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha, make sure it’s thoroughly blended. This ensures every bite of chicken gets that creamy, spicy goodness.
- Adjust to taste: Don’t be afraid to taste your sauce before tossing in the chicken. Feel free to tweak the ingredients until it’s just right for your palate!
- Garnish like a pro: A sprinkle of chopped green onions or sesame seeds on top not only adds color but also a fresh crunch that elevates the dish!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making Bang Bang Chicken that’s crispy, flavorful, and sure to impress!
Variations of Bang Bang Chicken
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up this Bang Bang Chicken recipe! Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
- Swap the protein: While chicken is a classic choice, you can easily use shrimp or even tofu for a vegetarian twist. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly—shrimp cooks quickly, while tofu may need a bit more time to get crispy!
- Adjust the heat: Love a little more spice? Add extra Sriracha to the sauce or toss in some crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick! On the flip side, if you prefer a milder flavor, you can scale back on the Sriracha or even use a milder sauce.
- Experiment with coatings: Try using seasoned breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes instead of panko for a different texture. You could even add some spices to the cornstarch, like garlic powder or smoked paprika, for an extra layer of flavor!
- Try different sauces: Instead of the creamy mayonnaise base, you could use yogurt or a spicy peanut sauce for a unique twist. Just blend peanut butter with a touch of soy sauce, lime juice, and a bit of honey for a delicious alternative!
- Make it a salad: Serve the Bang Bang Chicken over a bed of fresh greens, drizzled with the sauce, for a lighter meal option. Toss in some crunchy vegetables like bell peppers and cucumbers for added texture and freshness!
These variations will keep your Bang Bang Chicken exciting and fresh every time you make it! Trust me, your taste buds will thank you for the creativity!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your scrumptious Bang Bang Chicken ready to go, let’s talk about what to serve it with! Trust me, these sides will complement the flavors beautifully and make your meal even more satisfying.
- Steamed jasmine rice: The fluffy rice is perfect for soaking up that creamy sauce. It’s a classic pairing that never disappoints!
- Fresh salad: A crisp, refreshing salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and carrots adds a nice crunch and balances the richness of the chicken.
- Sesame noodles: Tossed in a light soy or peanut sauce, these noodles are a fun and flavorful side that pairs wonderfully with the spicy chicken.
- Stir-fried vegetables: A colorful medley of bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas stir-fried in garlic and soy sauce complements the dish perfectly!
- Quinoa: For a healthier option, serve the Bang Bang Chicken over a bed of fluffy quinoa. It’s packed with protein and adds a lovely nutty flavor.
- Asian slaw: A tangy slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a sesame dressing adds a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor!
These sides will elevate your Bang Bang Chicken experience and leave everyone at the table raving about your cooking! Enjoy your meal!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s chat about the nutrition for this delicious Bang Bang Chicken! Keep in mind that the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just estimates. But here’s a typical breakdown per serving to give you an idea:
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
These values are a great starting point, but always feel free to adjust based on your ingredients and portion sizes. Cooking is all about making it your own, after all! Enjoy your Bang Bang Chicken with confidence, knowing it’s not just tasty but also packed with protein!
FAQ Section
Got questions about Bang Bang Chicken? No worries! I’ve got you covered with some common queries that might pop up while you whip up this delicious dish.
Can I bake Bang Bang Chicken instead of frying it?
Absolutely! If you want a lighter option, you can bake the chicken. Just coat the pieces as usual, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re crispy and cooked through. You might not get the same level of crunch, but it’ll still be tasty!
What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?
No problem at all! You can substitute regular breadcrumbs if that’s what you have on hand. Just know that panko gives that extra crispiness, so your chicken might be a bit less crunchy, but it’ll still be delicious!
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to reheat them in the oven or air fryer to keep that crispy texture intact. Microwaving can make them a bit soggy, so I recommend avoiding that if you can!
Can I use a different sauce?
Definitely! If you’re not a fan of the mayonnaise-based sauce, feel free to get creative. A spicy peanut sauce or a tangy yogurt-based dressing would be fantastic alternatives. Just remember to mix it well to coat the chicken evenly!
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! The flavors are generally mild enough for kids, but if your little ones are sensitive to spice, just dial back the Sriracha in the sauce. You can also serve it with a side of rice or veggies to balance things out!
Can I make this ahead of time?
Sure thing! You can prep the chicken and coat it in the breadcrumbs ahead of time. Just keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to fry. I wouldn’t recommend tossing it in the sauce until just before serving, though, to keep that crispy texture!
I hope these answers help you on your cooking journey! Enjoy making your Bang Bang Chicken, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have more questions!
For more delicious recipes, check out our all recipes page!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken: 7 Ways to Ignite Your Taste Buds
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Bang Bang Chicken is a spicy and flavorful dish featuring crispy chicken coated in a creamy sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Dredge chicken in cornstarch, then dip in beaten eggs, and coat with panko breadcrumbs.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Fry chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha.
- Toss cooked chicken in sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve hot, garnished with green onions if desired.
Notes
- Adjust spiciness by adding more or less Sriracha.
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- Serve with rice or salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: bang bang chicken, spicy chicken, Asian chicken dish