Bang Bang Chicken

Introduction

Bang Bang Chicken is a crowd-pleasing dish celebrated for its bold flavors, irresistible crunch, and creamy, spicy sauce. Its name hints at the flavor punch it delivers, combining tender chicken pieces coated in a crispy layer and tossed in a zesty, slightly sweet, and spicy Bang Bang sauce. This recipe has gained popularity for its ability to transform simple ingredients into a dish that’s restaurant-quality, yet completely achievable at home.

The hallmark of Bang Bang Chicken lies in the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The chicken is fried to a golden crisp, providing a satisfying crunch, while the sauce adds a luscious coating that is both tangy and slightly sweet, with a kick of heat that makes every bite exciting. The versatility of this dish allows it to be served as a main course, an appetizer, or even in wraps, sandwiches, or over salads.

Whether you are cooking for a family dinner, preparing a fun party appetizer, or experimenting with homemade Asian-inspired dishes, Bang Bang Chicken is a recipe that delivers consistently impressive results. In this article, you will learn the full step-by-step process, tips for perfect frying, ways to enhance flavor, storage recommendations, serving ideas, and answers to common questions.

Ingredients Overview

This recipe is divided into three main components: the Bang Bang sauce, the chicken, and garnishes. Each component contributes to the overall flavor profile and texture of the dish.

Bang Bang Sauce

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup chili-garlic sauce
2 teaspoons sriracha
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or smoked paprika for a milder version)
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Chicken

1 pound chicken breast, chopped into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk as a substitute)
3/4 cup cornstarch
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (or smoked paprika for a milder version; you can also mix both)
Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetable oil for frying

Garnish

Fresh chopped parsley
Spicy chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)

Preparing the Bang Bang Sauce

Start by making the signature sauce. In a medium mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, chili-garlic sauce, sriracha, honey, cayenne pepper, and lemon juice. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.

Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to achieve the desired balance of heat, sweetness, and tanginess. For a milder flavor, you can swap cayenne pepper with smoked paprika. Set the sauce aside while you prepare the chicken. This allows the flavors to meld slightly, enhancing the final dish.

Preparing the Chicken

Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Aim for uniform size so that the chicken cooks evenly during frying. Pat the pieces dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the coating adhere better.

Next, pour the buttermilk (or milk) into a medium bowl. Submerge the chicken pieces in the liquid, ensuring they are fully coated. The buttermilk adds tenderness to the chicken while also helping the cornstarch coating stick.

In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the spices are evenly distributed throughout the cornstarch.

Coating the Chicken

Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess liquid drip off, then dredge the piece in the seasoned cornstarch. Ensure that each piece is fully coated. The cornstarch mixture forms the crisp exterior that will hold up when tossed in the sauce.

Place the coated chicken on a plate or tray while you heat the oil. For best results, avoid letting the chicken sit too long, as the coating can absorb moisture and lose some of its crispiness.

Frying the Chicken

Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pan until it is about 1–1½ inches deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat. To test if the oil is ready, drop a small pinch of cornstarch into the oil. If it sizzles immediately, the oil is at the correct temperature.

Carefully add the chicken pieces in batches, avoiding overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and make the chicken soggy. Fry each piece until golden brown and crispy, about 3–5 minutes per batch depending on the size of the chicken pieces. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

The key to crispy chicken is maintaining the right oil temperature and frying in batches. Overcrowding leads to steaming rather than frying, which prevents the crust from forming properly.

Tossing the Chicken in Sauce

Once all the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Pour the Bang Bang sauce over the chicken and toss gently to coat each piece evenly. The sauce should cling to the crispy chicken without making it soggy.

Taste a piece and adjust the sauce as needed. If you prefer a stronger heat profile, add a few more dashes of sriracha or cayenne pepper. For a sweeter finish, a drizzle of honey can enhance the flavor.

Garnishing and Serving

Transfer the sauced chicken to a serving dish. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a bright, fresh note. If desired, add a pinch of spicy chili flakes for additional heat.

Bang Bang Chicken can be served immediately as an appetizer, or over steamed rice, noodles, or fresh greens as a main course. Its bold flavor and crispy texture make it versatile for a wide variety of meals and occasions.

Flavor and Texture Profile

Bang Bang Chicken is defined by its contrast between crunchy exterior and tender interior. The sauce balances creamy richness with sweet, tangy, and spicy notes. Each bite offers a combination of textures and flavors, which is why this dish is so popular.

The sauce is creamy yet slightly spicy, while the cornstarch coating remains crisp even after tossing in the sauce. Fresh herbs and optional chili flakes add brightness and a hint of freshness to the final dish.

Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Chicken

• Use room-temperature chicken for even cooking. Cold chicken can cause the oil temperature to drop, resulting in uneven frying.
• Maintain a medium-high heat to ensure the chicken crisps properly without burning.
• Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
• Coat the chicken pieces just before frying to maintain maximum crispiness.
• Whisk the sauce thoroughly to ensure smooth consistency and balanced flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Bang Bang Chicken pairs beautifully with steamed white rice, fried rice, or noodles. For a lighter meal, serve it over a crisp green salad. It also works as a finger food for parties, with extra sauce on the side for dipping.

For a full meal, add side dishes like roasted vegetables, coleslaw, or pickled cucumbers. The sauce can also be adjusted to drizzle over roasted potatoes or sweet potato fries for a creative twist.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover Bang Bang Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to preserve the coating’s texture. Avoid microwaving for long periods, as this can make the coating soggy.

Store the sauce separately if possible and add it just before serving when reheating. This helps maintain the chicken’s crunch and freshness.

Variations

• Milder Version: Use smoked paprika instead of cayenne pepper in both the sauce and coating.
• Extra Spicy: Increase the sriracha in the sauce or add additional cayenne to the cornstarch mixture.
• Baked Option: Coat chicken as usual, spray lightly with oil, and bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes for a lower-fat version.

Conclusion and Frequently Asked Questions

Bang Bang Chicken is a fun, flavorful, and satisfying dish that combines crispy fried chicken with a bold, creamy sauce. Its versatility makes it suitable for weeknight dinners, casual parties, or special occasions. By following this recipe step-by-step, you can achieve consistent, restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen.

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Can I use other chicken cuts?
Yes, chicken thighs or tenders can be used. Adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is cooked through.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the Bang Bang sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature and whisk before tossing with chicken.

How do I keep the chicken crispy?
Fry in small batches, maintain oil temperature, and coat just before frying. Toss the chicken in sauce just before serving.

Is it possible to bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, coat the chicken as instructed and bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through. This is a lower-fat alternative but will have slightly less crunch.

How spicy is this dish?
The level of heat can be adjusted by modifying the cayenne, sriracha, or chili-garlic sauce amounts to suit your preference.