Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Craving a dish that's both sweet, spicy, and packed with flavor? This Bang Bang Chicken recipe delivers just that! Originating from Chinese cuisine, but more popularly known as a dish with a twist of Asian fusion from American restaurants, this Bang Bang Chicken features tender, crispy chicken tossed in a creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce. It’s the perfect blend of crunch, heat, and sweetness, making it an ideal appetizer, snack, or even a main course when served with rice or noodles. Whether you’re cooking for a party or just a simple weeknight dinner, this dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Ready to bring some excitement to your table? Let’s get started!

this Recipe

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What is Bang Bang Chicken?

Bang Bang Chicken is a flavorful dish typically made with crispy, breaded chicken that’s tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce. The chicken is fried to golden perfection, giving it a satisfying crunch, while the sauce combines mayo, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha for that signature sweet-and-spicy kick. The dish is often served as an appetizer, but it can also be enjoyed as a main dish when paired with rice, noodles, or a fresh salad. The name "Bang Bang" refers to the powerful punch of flavor from the sauce, and it's sure to be a hit with anyone who loves a little heat!

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Ingredients List for Bang Bang Chicken

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup buttermilk – Helps tenderize the chicken and allows the coating to stick.
• 1 cup cornstarch – For a light, crispy coating.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds a burst of flavor to the chicken.
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – Adds a touch of smokiness.
• Salt and pepper to taste – For seasoning the chicken.
• Vegetable oil for frying – For frying the chicken to golden perfection.

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise – Creates a creamy base for the sauce.
• ¼ cup sweet chili sauce – Adds sweetness and a mild heat.
• 1-2 tablespoons Sriracha (adjust to taste) – Adds heat and spice.
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional) – For extra sweetness if you like a sweeter sauce.
• 1 tablespoon lime juice – For brightness and balance.

For Garnish:

• Chopped green onions – Adds freshness and color.
• Sesame seeds (optional) – For texture and visual appeal.
• Fresh cilantro (optional) – For a bright, herbaceous finish.

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Substitutions and Variations

• Chicken Options: You can also use chicken thighs for a juicier option, or even shrimp for a seafood variation of Bang Bang Shrimp.
• Healthier Option: Instead of frying, you can bake the chicken at 400°F for about 20 minutes, or air-fry it at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through for a healthier, but still crispy, version.
• Gluten-Free: To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free cornstarch or flour alternatives, and ensure that your sweet chili sauce and other condiments are gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute the buttermilk with a plant-based milk (like almond or soy) mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to mimic buttermilk’s tenderizing effects.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and cover them with buttermilk. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes in the fridge to tenderize it and help the coating stick.
2. Season the cornstarch: In a shallow dish, combine the cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the chicken gets an even seasoning.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

1. Heat the oil: In a large skillet or deep frying pan, heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You’ll know it’s ready when the oil reaches 350°F or when a small drop of cornstarch sizzles in the oil.
2. Coat the chicken: Take the marinated chicken pieces and dredge them in the seasoned cornstarch, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating. Shake off any excess.
3. Fry the chicken: Working in batches, carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil. Fry for about 3-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking.
4. Drain the chicken: Once fried, transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

1. Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth and creamy. Taste the sauce and adjust the heat by adding more Sriracha if you prefer a spicier kick.

Step 4: Toss the Chicken in Sauce

1. Toss or drizzle: You can either toss the crispy chicken pieces directly in the Bang Bang sauce to coat them completely, or drizzle the sauce over the top if you want to keep the chicken extra crispy.

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

1. Marinate the Chicken: Start by soaking the chicken in buttermilk to make it tender and flavorful. The buttermilk helps break down the proteins and gives the chicken a deliciously juicy texture.
2. Coat in Cornstarch: Dredge the chicken in seasoned cornstarch. This gives the chicken a light, crispy coating when fried.
3. Fry Until Golden: Fry the chicken in batches to achieve a crispy, golden exterior. The cornstarch helps create a delicate crunch without being too heavy.
4. Mix the Bang Bang Sauce: The sauce is key! Make sure to taste and adjust the sauce to your desired level of sweetness and spice.
5. Serve with Garnishes: Don’t forget the fresh garnishes like green onions and sesame seeds, which add extra flavor and visual appeal.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the pan: Fry the chicken in small batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature, which can make the chicken greasy and less crispy.
• Not draining the chicken: After frying, drain the chicken on paper towels or a wire rack to remove excess oil. This keeps the chicken crispy instead of soggy.
• Skipping the marinating step: Marinating the chicken in buttermilk is essential for tenderizing and infusing the chicken with flavor. Don’t skip this step!
• Overheating the oil: Keep an eye on the oil temperature. If it gets too hot, the chicken coating can burn before the inside is fully cooked.
• Over-saucing: If you prefer your chicken extra crispy, drizzle the sauce on the chicken rather than tossing it completely, to prevent the chicken from becoming soggy.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

• Serve as an appetizer: Bang Bang Chicken is perfect as an appetizer. Serve the chicken pieces on a platter with the sauce on the side for dipping, and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
• Main course idea: For a heartier meal, serve the chicken over steamed rice or noodles, with some stir-fried vegetables on the side.
• Add a fresh salad: Serve Bang Bang Chicken with a side salad of mixed greens, cucumber, and avocado to balance the richness of the dish.

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How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken

• Family-Style Platter: Serve the chicken in a large, family-style platter drizzled with the Bang Bang sauce. Garnish with fresh cilantro, green onions, and sesame seeds for a burst of color and freshness.
• Individual Portions: For a more elegant presentation, divide the chicken into individual portions and serve with a side of rice, noodles, or a fresh salad.
• Dipping Style: If serving as an appetizer, you can keep the chicken separate from the sauce and let your guests dip the chicken pieces into the sauce for a fun, interactive dish.

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Presentation Ideas for Bang Bang Chicken

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Add a pop of color by garnishing the dish with fresh cilantro, parsley, or green onions. The green complements the bright orange sauce beautifully.
• Serve in a Basket: For a more casual presentation, serve the chicken in a paper-lined basket with small bowls of sauce for dipping.
• Stack the Chicken: For a visually impressive presentation, stack the chicken pieces on a plate and drizzle the sauce in a crisscross pattern over the top. Finish with sesame seeds and a sprig of cilantro.

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Bang Bang Chicken Recipe Tips

• Use Buttermilk: Soaking the chicken in buttermilk tenderizes the meat and helps the coating stick better, giving you a juicier and more flavorful dish.
• Balance the Sauce: The sauce should have a perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and spicy. Taste it as you go and adjust the sweetness with honey or the heat with extra Sriracha.
• Fry in Batches: To keep the chicken crispy, don’t overcrowd the frying pan. Fry the chicken in small batches and let the oil reheat between batches if necessary.
• Bake for a Healthier Option: If you want a lighter version, bake the chicken at 400°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway, or air fry at 375°F for 12-15 minutes.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I bake Bang Bang Chicken instead of frying it?
   Yes! You can bake the chicken at 400°F for 20 minutes or until crispy, flipping halfway through. For extra crispiness, you can spray the chicken with cooking spray before baking.
2. Can I use shrimp instead of chicken?
   Absolutely! Bang Bang Shrimp is a popular variation. Just follow the same steps, but adjust the cooking time as shrimp cooks much faster (about 2-3 minutes per side when frying).
3. How do I store leftovers?
   Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore the crispiness. Store the sauce separately.
4. How do I make the dish less spicy?
   Reduce the amount of Sriracha or leave it out entirely for a milder version. You can also add more mayonnaise or sweet chili sauce to balance the heat.
5. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the Bang Bang sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using.

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Conclusion

This Bang Bang Chicken recipe is the perfect balance of crispy, tender chicken and a creamy, spicy sauce that’s sure to excite your taste buds. Whether you’re making it as an appetizer for a party or serving it as a main dish for a family dinner, this flavorful and easy-to-make dish is bound to be a hit. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes one of your go-to recipes! Enjoy!

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