Bang Bang Chicken Secrets have been my obsession ever since I first tasted it at a local Thai restaurant years ago. The explosion of sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors clinging to perfectly crispy chicken was unforgettable! I’ve spent countless hours experimenting in my kitchen, trying to recreate that magic at home. This easy Bang Bang Chicken recipe finally cracked the code, delivering that addictive restaurant-style taste with a homemade touch. The aroma of that tangy sauce simmering is enough to make your mouth water. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones – let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Chicken
This Bang Bang Chicken is a game-changer for so many reasons. It’s incredibly quick to whip up after a long day, making it a perfect weeknight meal. The crispy, golden chicken pieces coated in that irresistible creamy, spicy sauce are pure bliss. You’ll love that it delivers that coveted restaurant-style flavor right in your own kitchen. Plus, it’s so versatile – serve it over rice for a complete meal or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. It’s proof that delicious doesn’t have to be complicated.
- Incredibly quick and easy to make
- Achieves perfect crispy chicken texture
- Delivers addictive sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors
- Offers a taste of restaurant style Bang Bang Chicken at home
- Versatile for main courses or appetizers
- A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion
- Satisfies cravings for a flavorful, spicy dish
Bang Bang Chicken Ingredients
Gathering these simple components is the first step to unlocking the magic of Bang Bang Chicken. You’ll need 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces, which is the perfect canvas for our sauce. For that signature crunch, we’ll use 2 large eggs, beaten and 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, which give a superior crispiness compared to regular breadcrumbs. Don’t forget 1 cup cornstarch for coating the chicken before frying, ensuring it gets perfectly golden. The star, of course, is the sauce: a luscious blend of 1/2 cup mayonnaise for creaminess, 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce for that essential sweet heat, and 2 tablespoons sriracha to crank up the spice. A pinch of salt to taste ties it all together. These Bang Bang Chicken ingredients are key to achieving that authentic flavor.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken
Now for the fun part – transforming simple ingredients into an unforgettable meal! Making this easy Bang Bang Chicken recipe at home is surprisingly straightforward. We’ll aim for crispy, tender chicken coated in a luscious sauce that hits all the right notes.
- Step 1: Get your frying station ready. In a large bowl, combine the 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce, and 2 tablespoons sriracha. Stir until everything is wonderfully smooth and creamy. Taste it and add more sriracha if you like it extra spicy, or a pinch of salt if needed. This is your signature Bang Bang Chicken sauce recipe!
- Step 2: Prepare your chicken. Cut 1 pound chicken breast into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. Season them generously with salt.
- Step 3: Set up your dredging station. Place 1 cup cornstarch in one shallow dish. In another, have your 2 large eggs, beaten. Finally, put 1 cup panko breadcrumbs in a third dish.
- Step 4: Coat the chicken. Dredge each chicken piece first in the cornstarch, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, letting any extra drip off. Finally, roll each piece thoroughly in the panko breadcrumbs until they’re fully coated.
- Step 5: Heat your oil. Pour about 1 inch of neutral oil (like vegetable or canola) into a large frying pan or Dutch oven. Heat it over medium-high heat. You’ll know it’s ready when a tiny piece of bread dropped in sizzles immediately.
- Step 6: Fry the chicken! Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them in batches for about 4-5 minutes per side, until they are beautifully golden brown and delightfully crispy. The aroma should be amazing!
- Step 7: Drain the chicken. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to transfer the fried chicken to a plate lined with paper towels. This helps soak up any excess oil, keeping your chicken perfectly crisp.
- Step 8: Toss and serve. Once all the chicken is fried and drained, place the crispy pieces in a large mixing bowl. Pour the prepared Bang Bang sauce over the chicken and toss gently until every piece is evenly coated in that luscious, spicy sauce. Garnish with 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped, and serve your incredible homemade Bang Bang Chicken immediately while it’s still warm and crispy!
Pro Tips for the Best Bang Bang Chicken
Getting that perfect crispy-meets-creamy texture and flavor in your homemade Bang Bang Chicken is all about a few key details. I’ve learned these tricks through lots of trial and error, and they make all the difference!
- Ensure your oil is hot enough before frying. If it’s too cool, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy instead of crispy.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying. Work in batches to maintain the oil temperature and allow each piece to get perfectly golden and crunchy.
- Taste and adjust your sauce! The balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy is personal. Add more sriracha for heat or a touch more sweet chili sauce for sweetness.
- Let the fried chicken drain well on paper towels. This is crucial for keeping that delicious crunch even after tossing it in the sauce.
What’s the secret to perfect Bang Bang Chicken?
The real secret to authentic Bang Bang Chicken lies in that sauce-to-chicken ratio and the perfect crispiness. Achieving that ideal balance means not overcrowding the fryer and ensuring your sauce is creamy and well-emulsified. For more on achieving crispy textures, check out this guide on how to brine chicken.
Can I make Bang Bang Chicken ahead of time?
While I recommend serving it immediately for the best texture, you can prep components ahead. Fry the chicken and make the sauce separately, storing them in airtight containers. Toss them together just before serving to maintain crispiness.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Bang Bang Chicken?
The biggest pitfalls are soggy chicken from oil that’s too cool, or an overly thick sauce. Make sure your oil is hot, and if your sauce seems too thick after mixing, thin it slightly with a tiny bit of water or milk.
Best Ways to Serve Bang Bang Chicken
Wondering how to best enjoy your delicious homemade Bang Bang Chicken? This versatile dish shines in so many ways! For a classic, satisfying meal, serve it over a bed of fluffy steamed jasmine or basmati rice. The rice is perfect for soaking up any extra savory Bang Bang sauce. Another fantastic option is to pair it with a crisp, refreshing Asian-inspired slaw or a simple side salad. You’ll find that this Bang Bang Chicken restaurant style dish is also a showstopper as an appetizer, served in smaller portions with toothpicks for easy grabbing at parties. For other chicken dish ideas, explore these easy meat recipes.
Nutrition Facts for Bang Bang Chicken
When you whip up this fantastic Bang Bang Chicken at home, it’s helpful to know what you’re working with nutritionally. This dish is a flavor powerhouse, and understanding its components can help you fit it into your meal plan. Remember, these numbers are estimates and can vary based on the exact ingredients and portion sizes you use.
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Bang Bang Chicken
I know how tempting it is to devour every last piece of this delicious Bang Bang Chicken at home, but if you happen to have leftovers, proper storage is key to enjoying them later. Once the chicken has cooled down a bit after cooking, transfer it to an airtight container. This helps maintain its flavor and prevents it from drying out. You can keep your leftover homemade Bang Bang Chicken in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, this dish freezes surprisingly well! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and pop it into the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to reheat, skip the microwave if you want to keep that delightful crispiness. Instead, I highly recommend using your oven at around 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, or an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes, until heated through and crispy again. This ensures you get a taste close to the original! For more reheating tips, explore these cold lunch ideas for adults.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bang Bang Chicken
What is Bang Bang Chicken?
Bang Bang Chicken is a popular Asian-inspired dish featuring crispy, fried chicken pieces coated in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce. It’s known for its addictive flavor profile that balances heat, sweetness, and tanginess, making it a favorite in many restaurants and homes.
Can I make this Bang Bang Chicken recipe healthier?
Absolutely! To make this easy Bang Bang Chicken recipe a bit lighter, you can bake or air-fry the chicken instead of deep-frying it. For a lower-calorie sauce, consider using a light mayonnaise and adjusting the sweet chili sauce and sriracha amounts. Serving it with more vegetables also boosts the nutritional value.
What kind of chicken is best for Bang Bang Chicken?
Chicken breast is typically used for its lean texture and ability to absorb flavor, but boneless, skinless chicken thighs also work wonderfully. Thighs tend to stay even more moist and tender due to their higher fat content, offering a slightly richer flavor for your homemade Bang Bang Chicken.
Where can I find authentic Bang Bang Chicken sauce ingredients?
You can find most of the ingredients for the signature Bang Bang Chicken sauce recipe at your local grocery store. Mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha are widely available. For the most authentic experience, look for specific brands of sweet chili sauce that have a good balance of sweetness and mild spice.
Variations of Bang Bang Chicken You Can Try
While this classic recipe is amazing, I love getting creative with my Bang Bang Chicken! Sometimes I crave a lighter version, or perhaps a different flavor profile. Here are a few ways you can mix things up to create your own unique twist on this popular dish.
- Baked or Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken: For a hands-off approach and less oil, try baking the coated chicken at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, or air-frying at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes until golden and cooked through. This is a great way to make a quick Bang Bang Chicken.
- Spicy Bang Bang Chicken with a Kick: Want to amp up the heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce mixture. You can also use a spicier chili sauce if you can find one!
- Bang Bang Shrimp or Cauliflower: Don’t limit yourself to chicken! This sauce is fantastic on shrimp or even crispy fried cauliflower for a vegetarian option. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the Bang Bang Chicken flavor secrets in different forms.
- Coconut Bang Bang Chicken: For a tropical twist, add a tablespoon or two of unsweetened shredded coconut to your panko breadcrumb mixture before coating the chicken. It adds a subtle sweetness and lovely texture.
Bang Bang Chicken Secrets: 1 Killer Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Bang Bang Chicken is a spicy and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken coated in a creamy, tangy sauce. It’s a quick and easy recipe perfect for elevating weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch chunks). Season the chicken pieces generously with salt.
- Place cornstarch in a shallow dish. Coat each chicken piece in cornstarch.
- Dip the cornstarch-coated chicken into the beaten eggs, letting excess drip off.
- Roll each piece in panko breadcrumbs until fully covered.
- Heat about 1 inch of oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat until it sizzles when a small piece of bread is dropped in.
- Carefully add coated chicken pieces to the hot oil, without overcrowding the pan. Fry for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer fried chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha until smooth and creamy. Adjust sriracha for desired spice level.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the fried chicken pieces in the Bang Bang sauce until well coated.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust spice level by adding more or less sriracha.
- Serve with rice or a salad.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For reheating, use an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Bang Bang Chicken, spicy chicken, Asian chicken dish, easy Bang Bang Chicken recipe, homemade Bang Bang Chicken, restaurant style Bang Bang Chicken, Bang Bang Chicken sauce recipe
