Are you ready to make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken that’s packed with flavor? This easy recipe will guide you step by step through every detail, from the perfect breading to the tangy Bang Bang sauce. You’ll impress any crowd with this dish! Let’s dive in and transform simple ingredients into something truly amazing. Grab your apron, and let’s get started on this delicious journey!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Crispy Texture: The panko breadcrumbs create an irresistibly crispy coating that elevates every bite.
- Flavorful Sauce: The Bang Bang sauce is a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and spicy, making the dish utterly addictive.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and quick, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
- Versatile Dish: It can be served as an appetizer, main course, or even in a wrap, allowing for endless serving possibilities.
Ingredients
Chicken Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Breading Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Oil for frying
Bang Bang Sauce Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
To make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken, you need fresh chicken breast. Cut it into small chunks. The size helps it cook faster and get crispy. I love using baking powder in the chicken mix. It helps the coating puff up and stay crunchy. The spices add flavor too. Garlic powder and paprika give it a nice taste.
For the breading, you'll need all-purpose flour and cornstarch. Cornstarch makes the breading light and crispy. Beaten eggs help the breading stick. Finally, panko breadcrumbs add that extra crunch.
Now, let’s talk about the Bang Bang sauce. This sauce is what makes the dish special. Mayonnaise gives it creaminess. Sweet chili sauce adds sweetness, and sriracha gives it heat. You can adjust the sriracha to your liking. Lime juice adds a nice zing, while garlic powder boosts the flavor.
Have fun gathering these ingredients! They come together to create something truly delicious.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. This makes it easy to coat and cook. In a bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This mix adds flavor and helps the coating stick.
Setting Up the Breading Station
Next, set up your breading station with three bowls. One bowl holds the seasoned flour mix. The second bowl has the beaten eggs. The last bowl contains panko breadcrumbs. This setup makes breading quick and easy.
Cooking the Chicken
Heat oil in a deep frying pan or pot over medium-high heat. Aim for about 350°F (175°C). Once the oil is hot, add the breaded chicken pieces in batches. Fry them for 5-7 minutes. Look for a golden brown color and crispy texture. After frying, place the chicken on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Making the Bang Bang Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, garlic powder, and salt. This sauce brings the dish to life with its sweet and spicy flavors. Taste it and adjust the spiciness to your liking.
Combining the Chicken with Sauce
In a large bowl, toss the crispy chicken with the Bang Bang sauce. Make sure each piece is evenly coated. This step is where the magic happens, as the chicken absorbs the rich flavors of the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the crispy Bang Bang Chicken hot. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for a pop of color. You can also drizzle extra sauce on top for added flavor. Enjoy this dish with rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Crispiness
To make your chicken super crispy, use panko breadcrumbs. They add great texture. When you coat the chicken, ensure it’s dry first. This helps the breading stick well. Fry in hot oil, around 350°F. If the oil is too cool, the chicken will soak up oil. Fry in small batches to keep the oil hot. This way, each piece gets golden brown.
Adjusting the Spiciness of the Sauce
You can change the heat in your Bang Bang Sauce easily. Start with one tablespoon of sriracha. Taste it and add more if you want more spice. If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the sriracha or leave it out. The sweet chili sauce adds a nice balance, so adjust to your taste.
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. Keep the chicken and sauce separate to maintain crispiness. You can refrigerate them for up to three days. To reheat, place the chicken in an oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. This will help keep it crispy.
Pro Tips
- Perfectly Crispy Coating: For an extra crispy texture, let the breaded chicken rest for 10 minutes before frying. This helps the coating adhere better.
- Oil Temperature Check: Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure the oil is at the right temperature (350°F or 175°C) before adding the chicken for optimal crispiness.
- Batch Cooking: Fry the chicken in smaller batches to prevent the oil temperature from dropping, which can lead to soggy chicken.
- Adjusting Spiciness: Taste the Bang Bang sauce as you mix it, and adjust the sriracha according to your spice preference to ensure it suits your taste.
Variations
Healthier or Baked Version
You can enjoy Bang Bang Chicken in a healthier way. To bake it, skip the frying. Instead, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). After coating the chicken, place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. This gives you crispy chicken without all the oil. You can also use whole wheat flour and breadcrumbs for added nutrition.
Alternative Sauces
The sauce is key to Bang Bang Chicken. You can try different sauces to mix things up. Instead of the classic Bang Bang sauce, use buffalo sauce for heat or honey mustard for a sweet twist. A peanut sauce also works well, adding a rich flavor. Experiment with these sauces to find your favorite.
Different Protein Options
While chicken is great, you can switch proteins based on your taste. Shrimp or tofu work well for a twist. For shrimp, coat them just like the chicken. For tofu, press it to remove extra water, then cut it into cubes. This way, you can enjoy Bang Bang flavors with different proteins, keeping it fresh and fun.
Storage Info
Refrigeration Guidelines
After cooking, let your crispy Bang Bang Chicken cool. Store it in an airtight container. Place paper towels in the container to absorb moisture. This helps keep the chicken crispy. Refrigerated, it lasts for up to three days. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating.
Freezing Guidelines
To freeze, let the chicken cool completely. Use a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight.
Reheating Tips
For the best results, reheat in an oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy. You can also use an air fryer for about 5-7 minutes. This keeps the crunch while warming the inside. Avoid microwaving, as it makes the chicken soggy.
FAQs
What is Bang Bang Chicken?
Bang Bang Chicken is a tasty dish made with crispy chicken. It gets its name from the spicy sauce that adds a kick. The chicken is coated in a crunchy breading, then tossed in a creamy and spicy sauce. The flavors blend well, making it a fun dish to enjoy.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, you can make Bang Bang Chicken gluten-free! Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. Check the labels on sauces too. This way, you can enjoy all the flavor without gluten.
How can I make it spicier or milder?
To make it spicier, add more sriracha to the Bang Bang sauce. You can also use a hotter chili sauce. If you want it milder, reduce the sriracha and sweet chili sauce. Adjust to your taste for the perfect heat.
What can I serve with Crispy Bang Bang Chicken?
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken pairs well with rice or noodles. You can also serve it with a fresh salad or steamed veggies. For a fun twist, try it in a wrap with lettuce and extra sauce.
How long does it take to prepare?
The total time to make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is about 30 minutes. You will spend about 20 minutes prepping and cooking. It’s quick and perfect for a weeknight meal or a fun dinner with friends.
We covered everything you need to make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken. You'll find the right ingredients and step-by-step ways to cook it. I shared tips to get a perfect crisp and ideas for storing any leftovers. You can also explore healthier options or sauces if you want. With this knowledge, cooking Bang Bang Chicken can be easy and fun. Enjoy your cooking journey!
