Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe: A Comprehensive Guide to This Flavor-Packed Dish
Craving a dish that’s crispy, spicy, and downright irresistible? Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is the perfect combination of crunchy fried chicken coated in a sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy sauce that delivers a flavor explosion in every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.
The challenge with most fried chicken recipes is finding the right balance of texture and flavor. Too soggy, and you lose the satisfying crunch; too bland, and it falls flat. Bang Bang Chicken solves this problem by coating tender chicken pieces in a crispy batter and finishing them with a luscious sauce that hits all the right notes—sweet, spicy, and creamy.
Ready to take your chicken game to the next level? Let’s dive into how you can make this crowd-pleasing dish right at home, with easy-to-follow steps that anyone can master.
What Makes Bang Bang Chicken Special?
Bang Bang Chicken stands out for its combination of textures and flavors. The chicken is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and smothered in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce. The sauce typically consists of mayonnaise, Sriracha, and sweet chili sauce, which brings the perfect balance of heat and sweetness to the dish.
One key factor in creating this dish is maintaining that crispy texture even after the chicken is coated in the sauce. We’ll provide pro tips to ensure your chicken stays crunchy, even when served with that iconic sauce.
Ingredients for Bang Bang Chicken
Below is a list of the ingredients you’ll need to prepare Crispy Bang Bang Chicken. Each ingredient plays a critical role in building the dish’s flavor and texture.
For the Chicken Marinade:
- Boneless Chicken Breast – 500g (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- Salt – 1 tsp
- White Pepper – ½ tsp
- Garlic Powder – ½ tsp
- Milk – ⅓ cup
- Eggs – 2, whisked
For the Dry Batter:
- All-purpose Flour – ½ cup
- Cornstarch – ½ cup
- Salt – 1 tsp
- Black Pepper – ½ tsp
- Paprika – 1 tsp
For the Sauce:
- Mayonnaise – ¼ cup
- Sweet Chili Sauce – 3 tbsp
- Sriracha Sauce – 2 tbsp (adjust to your spice preference)
- Honey – 1 tbsp
- Lemon Juice – 1 tsp (optional, for added tang)
Garnishes:
- Chopped Green Onions – ¼ cup
- Sesame Seeds – 1 tsp
- Red Chili Flakes – ½ tsp (optional for extra heat)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
Let’s break down the process into clear and easy-to-follow steps. If you’re new to cooking, this detailed guide will help you create the perfect Crispy Bang Bang Chicken with minimal hassle.
1. Marinating the Chicken
The first step is to prepare the chicken for frying. The marinade not only adds flavor but also tenderizes the meat.
- In a bowl, combine the chicken, salt, white pepper, garlic powder, milk, and whisked eggs.
- Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Marinating for longer (up to 2 hours) will enhance the tenderness and flavor.
Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, you can marinate the chicken for just 15 minutes, but the longer you marinate, the juicier and more flavorful the chicken will be.
2. Preparing the Dry Batter
The dry batter is crucial for achieving that crispy coating on the chicken. Here’s how to make the perfect batter:
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- The cornstarch is essential for that extra crunch and lightness.
Pro Tip: To make your Bang Bang Chicken extra crispy, double-dip the chicken. Coat it in the dry mix, then dip it back into the marinade, and coat again in the dry mix. This creates a thicker, crunchier crust.
3. Frying the Chicken
Now, it’s time to fry the chicken to golden perfection.
- Heat oil in a deep pan or wok to about 350°F (175°C). Ensure the oil is hot enough by testing a small piece of batter—if it sizzles and rises to the top, the oil is ready.
- Working in batches, take the marinated chicken and coat it in the dry batter mixture.
- Carefully drop the battered chicken into the hot oil and fry for about 5-6 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken in batches to maintain the oil’s temperature, which ensures a crispy coating.
4. Making the Bang Bang Sauce
While the chicken is frying, you can prepare the delicious Bang Bang sauce that gives this dish its signature flavor.
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and lemon juice.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the heat level by adding more Sriracha if you prefer a spicier dish.
Pro Tip: To make the sauce lighter, you can substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
5. Tossing the Chicken in Sauce
Once the chicken has been fried to golden perfection, it’s time to coat it in the sauce.
- Place the crispy chicken pieces in a large bowl.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and gently toss to coat every piece evenly.
- Be careful not to let the chicken sit too long in the sauce, as this could soften the crispy coating.
6. Garnishing and Serving
Finally, it’s time to add the finishing touches.
- Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and a sprinkle of red chili flakes for a pop of color and extra flavor.
- Serve immediately to ensure the chicken stays crispy.
Tips for the Best Bang Bang Chicken
Making Crispy Bang Bang Chicken at home can be simple with a few key tips:
- Use Cornstarch: Cornstarch creates a light, airy crust, making the chicken extra crispy.
- Fry in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause the oil temperature to drop and result in soggy chicken.
- Don’t Over-Sauce: Only toss the chicken in the sauce right before serving to maintain its crunch.
- Double Dip: For an extra thick crust, coat the chicken twice in the dry batter mixture.
Variations of Bang Bang Chicken
1. Baked Bang Bang Chicken
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it. Here’s how:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it with oil.
- Place the breaded chicken pieces on the sheet and spray or brush them lightly with oil.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden and crispy.
Pro Tip: For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for the last 2 minutes of baking.
2. Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken
Air fryers are a great tool to achieve that crispy texture without deep frying. Here’s a quick method:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the coated chicken pieces in the basket, ensuring they don’t overlap.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the chicken is crispy and cooked through.
3. Bang Bang Shrimp
For seafood lovers, you can swap out the chicken for shrimp. The process is similar—marinate the shrimp, coat it in the dry batter, and fry. The shrimp cooks much faster, usually within 3-4 minutes.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information for Crispy Bang Bang Chicken. Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on portion sizes and ingredient substitutions.
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 420 |
Protein | 22g |
Carbs | 35g |
Fat | 22g |
Fiber | 2g |
Sugar | 8g |
Note: For a lower-calorie version, you can bake or air-fry the chicken, as mentioned in the variations.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Patting the Chicken Dry: Before marinating, ensure the chicken is thoroughly patted dry to remove any excess moisture. This step helps the batter stick better.
- Skipping the Cornstarch: Cornstarch is key to achieving that crispy coating. Don’t skip it, or you’ll miss out on the signature texture.
- Frying at Low Temperature: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying; otherwise, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
Conclusion
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is a crowd-pleaser that balances flavors of sweet, spicy, and creamy with the perfect crispy texture. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, main course, or party snack, this dish will impress. By following the tips and variations mentioned above, you can create a version of Bang Bang Chicken that’s tailored to your taste and dietary preferences.
Let me know in the comments if you tried this recipe or if you have your own twist on it. Don’t forget to share it with friends and subscribe for more delicious recipes!
Happy cooking!