Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

Short Description

Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is an irresistible dish featuring juicy, tender chicken coated in a golden, crunchy crust and drizzled with a sweet, spicy, and creamy Bang Bang sauce. This dish combines the best of crisp texture and bold flavors, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, game nights, or party appetizers. Whether served as a main dish or a snack, it never fails to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Perfection: The chicken is perfectly fried to achieve an ultra-crunchy texture.
• Bold, Balanced Flavor: The Bang Bang sauce offers the perfect mix of creamy, sweet, and spicy flavors.
• Easy to Prepare: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible to all cooks.
• Versatile: Great as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, served with rice, noodles, or salad.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice level to suit your taste and experiment with different coatings for the chicken.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts or thighs
• Cornstarch
• All-purpose flour
• Eggs
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cooking oil (vegetable or canola)
• Mayonnaise
• Sweet chili sauce
• Sriracha
• Honey
• Rice vinegar
• Green onions (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces or strips, depending on your preference.
2. Set Up the Coating Stations: In one bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
3. Coat the Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the flour mixture, then into the eggs, and finally into the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or fryer, heat cooking oil to 350°F (175°C).
5. Fry the Chicken: Fry the coated chicken pieces in batches, ensuring they do not overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a wire rack to drain excess oil.
6. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth.
7. Coat or Drizzle: Toss the crispy chicken in the Bang Bang sauce or drizzle it over the top before serving.
8. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top. Serve hot.

Variations

• Baked Version: Instead of frying, bake the coated chicken pieces at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Air-Fryer Option: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally for even crispiness.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free panko and flour alternatives.
• Extra Spicy: Increase the amount of sriracha or add cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
• Healthier Version: Swap the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken without the sauce for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen for best texture.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes or in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving to maintain crispiness.

FAQs

How spicy is Bang Bang Chicken?

The spice level is moderate due to the sriracha. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the coated chicken in advance and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before frying.

What can I serve with Bang Bang Chicken?

It pairs well with rice, noodles, salad, or steamed vegetables.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer more juiciness and flavor.

What oil is best for frying?

Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil works well due to their high smoke points.

How do I keep the chicken crispy after frying?

Place it on a wire rack instead of paper towels to prevent sogginess.

Can I use a different sauce?

Yes, you can experiment with buffalo sauce, teriyaki, or honey mustard.

Is Bang Bang Chicken the same as Bang Bang Shrimp?

They share the same sauce but use different proteins. The shrimp version is also popular.

Can I use a store-bought Bang Bang sauce?

Yes, but homemade sauce is fresher and allows customization.

How do I make it dairy-free?

Simply use dairy-free mayo or Greek yogurt alternatives.

Conclusion

Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is the perfect blend of crunch, spice, and sweetness, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser. Whether fried, baked, or air-fried, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your home. Try it today and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen!

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