As a busy parent, I’m always searching for tasty and simple recipes. That’s why I’m thrilled to share this amazing Bang Bang Chicken recipe with you. It’s a hit in our home, and I’m sure it will be in yours too.
This spicy and crispy chicken dish is a perfect mix of sweet, savory, and heat. With just a few ingredients and quick prep, you can serve a top-notch meal fast. Your family and friends will ask for it over and over.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- This Bang Bang Chicken recipe is ready in just 30 minutes.
- The dish requires only 12 ingredients, including a 3-ingredient sauce.
- Oven-baking the chicken ensures a crispy texture.
- The recipe is adaptable for various dietary needs, including vegetarian and gluten-free.
- With an average 5-star rating from 33 reviews, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser.
What Is Bang Bang Chicken?
Bang Bang Chicken is a tasty Asian-inspired dish that’s loved worldwide. It comes from the Sichuan province in China. This recipe has been made to please many different tastes.
Origin of the Dish
The dish started in the Sichuan province, known as “Kung Pao Chicken.” It has changed over time. Now, Bang Bang Chicken is a unique dish with crispy chicken and a creamy, sweet, spicy sauce.
Flavor Profile
Bang Bang Chicken is all about great flavors and textures. The crispy chicken is a joy to eat. The sauce, made of mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey, is sweet, tangy, and a bit spicy. This mix of tastes makes the dish hard to resist.
“The beauty of Bang Bang Chicken lies in its ability to captivate the senses with its dynamic flavor profile and textural contrast.”
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make delicious bang bang chicken, you’ll need a few key ingredients. First, you’ll need chicken. Choose boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts for the best taste and texture. For the batter, you’ll need flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a bit of hot sauce for heat.
Chicken Selection
Choose high-quality, fresh chicken thighs or breasts for this recipe. Boneless, skinless chicken cooks evenly and absorbs flavors well. Avoid bone-in or skin-on chicken as they can be harder to prepare and may not be as crispy.
Sauces and Seasonings
The secret to bang bang flavor is in the sauce. You’ll need mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a bit of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce. For the batter, use salt, garlic powder, and smoked paprika for flavor.
Optional Toppings
- Chopped green onions for a pop of freshness
- Toasted sesame seeds for a nutty crunch
- Crushed peanuts for added texture
Feel free to try different toppings to make this chicken snack your own.
The key to great bang bang chicken is finding the right balance. You want crispy, golden chicken and creamy, sweet-and-spicy sauce. With the right ingredients, you’re ready to make a tasty chicken snack that will delight your taste buds.
Preparing the Chicken
Get ready to make a delicious crispy chicken recipe that will make your taste buds happy! The secret to perfect texture is in how you prepare the chicken. Let’s explore the details.
How to Cut Chicken
Begin by getting 1.5 lbs of chicken tenderloins. Use a sharp knife to cut each tenderloin into 1.5-inch wide pieces. This makes sure the chicken cooks evenly and turns into crispy chicken bites.
Marination Tips
To make the chicken tender, marinate the pieces in buttermilk for 10-12 minutes. The buttermilk’s lactic acid stops protein bonding, making the chicken tender and juicy. For the best results, lightly pound the chicken to an even thickness before marinating. This ensures it cooks evenly.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken Tenderloins | 1.5 lbs |
| Buttermilk | For marinating |
With the chicken ready, you’re closer to making a tasty chicken dipping sauce recipe. Your family and friends will ask for more.
Making the Bang Bang Sauce
The secret to the bang bang flavor is in the sauce’s perfect mix. This sauce recipe is a copycat of your favorite restaurant’s version. It has creamy, sweet, and spicy notes.
Key Ingredients
To make the bang bang sauce, you need mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha. Add rice vinegar, cayenne or paprika, and garlic powder for more flavor. This sauce is vibrant and goes well with crispy chicken.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a medium-sized bowl, mix 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1/4 cup of sweet chili sauce, and 1 tablespoon of Sriracha.
- For extra flavor, add 1/2 tablespoon of rice vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne or paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder.
- Whisk until the sauce is smooth and well-combined.
- Taste and adjust the Sriracha to your spice level.
This chicken dipping sauce recipe makes 4 servings of the copycat restaurant recipe for Bang Bang Chicken. Each serving has 377 calories, 18g of protein, and 3g of fat. Enjoy this sauce with your crispy, juicy Bang Bang Chicken!
Cooking Methods for Bang Bang Chicken
Choosing the right cooking method is key to making a great barbeque chicken recipe or crispy chicken recipe. For Bang Bang Chicken, you can either bake in the oven or fry it. This depends on what you like and the texture you want.
Oven-Baking vs. Frying
Frying gives you a crispy outside. Use oil like vegetable or canola oil. Fry the chicken in batches for 3-4 minutes on each side until it’s golden and crispy. Or, bake it in the oven for a healthier choice. Preheat to 425°F (220°C), place the chicken on a lined tray, and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway.
How to Achieve a Crispy Texture
To get a crispy texture, whether frying or baking, there are a few tips. When baking, don’t let the chicken pieces touch each other. Brush them with Bang Bang sauce before baking. This makes the sauce caramelize and adds a crunchy coating.
| Cooking Method | Time | Temperature | Tips for Crispy Texture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oven-Baking | 25-30 minutes | 425°F (220°C) | Avoid overlapping chicken pieces, brush with Bang Bang sauce before baking |
| Frying | 3-4 minutes per side | 325°F (165°C) to 350°F (175°C) | Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, fry in batches |
Mastering these cooking methods will help you make the perfect Bang Bang Chicken. It’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Tips for the Perfect Bang Bang Chicken
To get the perfect flavors and texture in your spicy chicken, pay attention to a few important details. Whether you’re making an Asian chicken dish or a spicy recipe, these tips will help. They’ll guide you to avoid common mistakes and adjust the sauce to your taste.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying to prevent the chicken from steaming. Cook the chicken in batches to ensure a crispy texture.
- For an even crispier coating, use cornstarch or potato starch instead of all-purpose flour.
- Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can become dry and tough.
Sauce Adjustments
The bang bang sauce is the dish’s star. You can easily tweak it to your liking. For more heat, add more sriracha. For less, use less or none at all. For a dairy-free version, swap buttermilk with soy milk and lemon juice.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sriracha | 2 teaspoons |
| Chili-garlic sauce | 1/4 cup |
| Mayonnaise | 1/2 cup |
| Honey | 1 tablespoon |
| Buttermilk (or soy milk + lemon juice) | 1/2 cup |
Remember these tips and adjust the sauce to your taste. You’ll make a spicy chicken recipe or Asian chicken recipe that everyone will enjoy.
Serving Suggestions
There are many ways to serve your Bang Bang Chicken. A classic choice is to place it on top of steamed white rice. Add a fresh mixed salad on the side. The chicken’s flavors mix well with the rice, and the salad adds a cool contrast.
For those who love veggies, try it with steamed or sautéed veggies. Broccoli, carrots, snow peas, or mushrooms work great. The chicken’s sauce coats the veggies perfectly, making them even more delicious.
Best Sides to Pair With Bang Bang Chicken
- Steamed white rice
- Mixed green salad
- Steamed broccoli or carrots
- Sautéed snow peas or mushrooms
- Rice noodles or mashed potatoes (for a twist)
Serving for a Crowd
For a big group, offer different sides and let everyone pick what they like. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish their way. Set up a buffet with the chicken, rice, and various veggies and salads.
When serving Bang Bang Chicken, mix rich flavors with bright side dishes. This makes for a complete and tasty meal that will wow your guests.
| Servings | Prep Time | Cook Time | Calories per Serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 bowls | 25 minutes | 1 hour | 377 kcal |
“The Bang Bang Chicken was a huge hit with my family! The combination of the crispy chicken, creamy sauce, and fresh veggies was absolutely delicious.” – Rachael
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your homemade chicken nugget recipe or crispy chicken recipe, you might have leftovers. Don’t worry, you can keep those tasty bits fresh for days. Just use the right storage methods.
Proper Storage Techniques
To keep your chicken nugget recipe or crispy chicken recipe fresh, put leftovers in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the chicken for up to 6 months.
When freezing, lay the chicken flat on a baking sheet. Then, move it to an airtight container or bag once it’s frozen.
Reheating Tips
Ready to enjoy your leftover chicken nugget recipe or crispy chicken recipe? You have a few reheating options. The microwave is quick but might lose some crispiness.
For the best texture, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. If it was frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight first. An air fryer is also great for reheating, keeping the chicken crispy.
By following these tips, you can enjoy your homemade chicken nugget recipe or crispy chicken recipe for a long time.
Variations of Bang Bang Chicken
The classic Bang Bang Chicken recipe is very versatile. You can make it your own by adding more sriracha or cayenne pepper. This makes the dish spicier and more like what you find in restaurants.
Spicy Alternatives
For a bold taste, swap sweet chili sauce for spicy hot sauce. This change adds a tangy kick. Serve it with blue cheese dressing for a great mix of flavors.
Vegetarian Options
Want a meatless version? Use extra-firm tofu or roasted cauliflower instead of chicken. Just adjust the marinade and sauce to match. This way, everyone can enjoy a tasty, plant-based version.