Bang Bang Chicken is a crispy, juicy chicken dish coated in a flavorful, slightly spicy sauce that is both sweet and tangy. This crowd-pleaser is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a party appetizer. The dish combines the crunch of Panko-coated fried chicken with the zesty kick of the Bang Bang sauce.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For Sauce

½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sweet chili sauce (I used Frank’s)
1 tablespoon hot sauce (I used Sriracha)
2 tablespoons honey
Salt and pepper (to taste)

For Chicken

4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless, cut into small pieces)
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup cornstarch
1 cup buttermilk (use more if batter is too thick)
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
½ teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
1 tablespoon hot sauce (I used Sriracha)
1 large egg
1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
Vegetable oil (for frying)

Directions

Prepare the Sauce:
In a bowl, mix all the sauce ingredients—mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, honey, salt, and pepper—until smooth. Refrigerate the sauce until ready to serve.
Prepare the Batter:
In a medium bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the hot sauce, egg, and buttermilk, then whisk until the mixture forms a smooth batter.
Coat the Chicken:
Add the chicken pieces to the batter and toss to ensure each piece is well coated. Set aside.
Bread the Chicken:
In another bowl, place Panko breadcrumbs. Coat each piece of battered chicken in the breadcrumbs, adding more breadcrumbs as needed.
Fry the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add a few pieces of chicken at a time, frying for about 3 minutes on each side or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Place fried chicken on paper napkins to absorb excess oil. Repeat with remaining chicken, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
Serve:
Drizzle the sauce over the crispy chicken or serve it as a dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy!

Nutritional Information

Serving: 1 serving
Calories: 497 kcal (25%)
Carbohydrates: 39g (13%)
Protein: 21g (42%)
Fat: 28g (43%)
Saturated Fat: 5g (31%)
Polyunsaturated Fat: 14g
Monounsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0.1g
Cholesterol: 91mg (30%)
Sodium: 750mg (33%)
Potassium: 415mg (12%)
Fiber: 1g (4%)
Sugar: 14g (16%)
Vitamin A: 318 IU (6%)
Vitamin C: 4 mg (5%)
Calcium: 79 mg (8%)
Iron: 2 mg (11%

The Components that Make Bang Bang Chicken Special

One of the standout features of Bang Bang Chicken is its sauce. The sauce combines mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, honey, and a touch of seasoning to create a blend that is both creamy and zesty. This balance of sweetness, heat, and tanginess makes it incredibly versatile and addictive.

The chicken itself is another highlight. Coated in a batter made from flour, cornstarch, and buttermilk, then rolled in Panko breadcrumbs, the chicken achieves a golden-brown crust that stays crispy even when paired with the sauce. The use of Panko breadcrumbs ensures a light yet crunchy coating, making each bite a delight.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Chicken

Choosing the Right Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are often used for this recipe, but chicken thighs can also be a great option for a juicier texture.
Batter Consistency: Ensure the batter is smooth and slightly thick. If it’s too runny, it won’t adhere well to the chicken, and if it’s too thick, it might overpower the crunch.
Oil Temperature: The key to achieving crispy chicken is maintaining the right oil temperature. Too hot, and the chicken will burn before cooking through; too cool, and it will absorb excess oil, becoming greasy.
Draining Excess Oil: After frying, place the chicken on paper towels to drain excess oil. This step keeps the chicken crispy and light.

Ways to Serve Bang Bang Chicken

As a Main Dish: Pair it with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles for a complete meal.
As an Appetizer: Serve it as bite-sized pieces on skewers with the sauce on the side for dipping.
In Salads: Add the crispy chicken to a bed of mixed greens, cucumbers, and carrots, drizzling the Bang Bang sauce as a dressing.
In Wraps or Sandwiches: Use the chicken as a filling for wraps or sandwiches, complemented by fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and a drizzle of sauce.

Why Bang Bang Chicken Is a Crowd-Pleaser

Bang Bang Chicken’s appeal lies in its versatility and flavor. Whether served at a casual gathering or a formal dinner, it is a dish that caters to a wide range of palates. Its combination of crispy texture and bold flavors makes it a standout choice, especially for those who enjoy a hint of spice without overwhelming heat.

Additionally, the dish is relatively easy to prepare, making it a go-to recipe for home cooks looking to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Its customizable nature—from the level of spice in the sauce to the choice of sides—ensures it can be adapted to suit any preference.

Healthier Alternatives for Bang Bang Chicken

For those looking to enjoy Bang Bang Chicken with fewer calories, consider the following modifications:

Baking Instead of Frying: Coat the chicken as usual, then bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Air Frying: Use an air fryer to achieve a crispy texture without the need for excessive oil.
Light Sauce: Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed sauce.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to make the dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

The Cultural Impact of Bang Bang Chicken

Bang Bang Chicken has transcended its origins to become a global favorite. Its adaptability and universal appeal have made it a staple in fusion cuisine, blending elements from different culinary traditions. In many ways, it represents the evolving nature of food culture, where traditional recipes are reimagined to create something entirely new yet rooted in history.

Restaurants have embraced Bang Bang Chicken as a signature dish, offering their own twists, such as incorporating tropical fruits or using alternative proteins like shrimp or tofu. This evolution highlights the dish’s flexibility and its ability to cater to diverse tastes and dietary preferences.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Chicken is more than just a dish; it’s an experience. From its crispy exterior to its flavorful sauce, every bite offers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. Its origins in traditional Chinese cuisine, combined with modern adaptations, showcase the beauty of culinary innovation. Whether enjoyed as a main course, appetizer, or part of a salad, Bang Bang Chicken continues to captivate food enthusiasts around the world. With its easy preparation and crowd-pleasing nature, it’s a recipe worth adding to any home cook’s repertoire.

Pin129

129 Shares