This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is a fun and tasty dish that’s perfect for busy nights. With crunchy coating and a sweet, spicy sauce, it’s sure to please the whole family!
You can whip it up quickly, and I love serving it with rice or veggies. Honestly, it’s so good, you might just find yourself dancing in the kitchen while cooking! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juicy texture, but chicken breasts work well too. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could even use tofu or paneer for a vegetarian twist!
Flour and Cornstarch: The mix of all-purpose flour and cornstarch gives that perfect crispy coating. If you need a gluten-free version, you can replace these with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour.
Bang Bang Sauce: Mayonnaise forms the base of the sauce, but Greek yogurt is a great healthier substitute. For added flavor, try some lime juice or a few drops of sesame oil in the sauce.
Sriracha Sauce: Adjust the amount of sriracha based on your heat preference. If it’s too spicy, try using mild salsa or even a bit of ketchup for a sweet flavor.
How Do I Get the Perfect Crispy Coating?
The secret to a crispy coating is in the dredging process! Make sure to pat your chicken pieces dry first; moisture can prevent the coating from sticking. Here’s how to get it right:
- After dipping in the egg, press each piece firmly into the flour mixture; this helps it adhere better.
- Shake off any excess flour before frying to avoid clumps in the oil.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! Frying in batches allows each piece to cook evenly and maintain crispiness.
- Keep the oil temperature around 350°F (175°C). Too hot, and the coating burns; too low, and it absorbs too much oil.
With these tips, your Bang Bang Chicken will be perfectly crispy and delicious! Enjoy your meal!
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2-3 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 tsp sriracha sauce (adjust to your preferred heat level)
- 1 tsp honey or sugar
- 1 tsp rice vinegar or lime juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 10 minutes setting everything up and 20 minutes frying the chicken to golden perfection. Quick and delicious for a weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by patting the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This helps the coating to stick better and ensures a crispy texture. Set the chicken aside while you prepare the coating.
2. Make the Coating:
In a large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly combined. This will give your chicken a flavorful and crispy outer layer!
3. Set Up the Dredging Station:
In another bowl, beat the eggs until they are well mixed. You’ll be dipping the chicken first in the egg, then in the flour mixture, so having everything in place will make it easier.
4. Coat the Chicken:
Take each piece of chicken and first dip it into the beaten egg, letting any excess drip off. Then, coat it in the flour mixture, pressing down to adhere well. Set the coated chicken on a plate or tray.
5. Heat the Oil:
In a deep pan or skillet, pour enough vegetable oil to fill it about 2 inches deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). You can test the heat by dropping a small piece of batter into the oil; if it sizzles, it’s ready!
6. Fry the Chicken:
Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 4-5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken and drain it on paper towels.
7. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
While the chicken is frying, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar in a bowl until smooth. This sauce is what gives the chicken its delightful flavor!
8. Combine:
Once all the chicken is fried, toss it in the Bang Bang sauce until evenly coated. You can adjust the sauce according to your taste—add more sriracha if you like it spicy!
9. Serve:
Plate the glazed Bang Bang Chicken and garnish it with chopped green onions or sesame seeds, if desired. Serve warm with rice or steamed veggies for a delightful meal.
Enjoy your crispy, flavorful Bang Bang Chicken—perfect for easy weeknight dinners!
FAQ for Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
Can I Use a Different Protein?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for chicken, you can easily substitute it with shrimp, tofu, or even tempeh for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
How Can I Make the Sauce Spicier or Milder?
If you like it spicy, add more sriracha to the sauce. For a milder flavor, reduce the sriracha or omit it completely. You can also substitute it with a milder hot sauce if preferred!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, enjoy it in the oven or air fryer to help retain the crispiness instead of using a microwave.
Can I Make the Bang Bang Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the Bang Bang sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using it to ensure it’s well combined before tossing with your chicken!
