This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is super crunchy on the outside and juicy inside, making it a tasty treat! The easy sauce adds a spicy and sweet kick that everyone will love.
When I make this dish, it disappears fast! Perfect for a dinner party or just a fun family meal. Trust me, you’ll want to make extra sauce to enjoy every last bite! 🍗🔥
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I love using boneless, skinless thighs for their juiciness, but breasts are great too! You can also swap chicken for tofu or shrimp if you’re looking for a different protein or a vegetarian option.
Flour and Cornstarch: This combo gives the chicken its crispiness. If you want a gluten-free option, almond flour and rice flour can work nicely instead. Just make sure to adjust quantities for the coating to stick well.
Mayonnaise: I prefer classic mayo for creaminess, but Greek yogurt can be a healthier alternative. It adds a nice tang to the sauce too!
Sriracha: Customize the heat! If you want less spice, you can reduce the Sriracha or use a milder hot sauce. For a kick without the heat, try adding smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure Crispy Chicken?
The secret to perfect crispy Bang Bang Chicken lies in the frying technique. Make sure your oil is hot enough; otherwise, the chicken can turn out soggy. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat the oil to around 350°F (175°C); a kitchen thermometer helps here.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—frying in batches keeps the temperature steady.
- Allow the chicken to drain on paper towels after frying to remove excess oil. This enables that perfect crunch!
- For even more crunch, double-coating the chicken (egg wash and flour mixture twice) creates a thicker crust.
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken with Easy Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 to 2 teaspoons Sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious dish will take about 15 minutes to prep and around 20 minutes for cooking. So, you’re looking at roughly 35 minutes in total to have this delicious Bang Bang Chicken ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Coating:
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This mix will give your chicken a lovely crunch!
2. Prepare the Egg Wash:
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. This will help the coating stick to the chicken for that extra crispy texture.
3. Coat the Chicken:
Take each piece of chicken and dip it into the egg wash first, letting any excess drip off. Then, dredge it in the flour mixture until fully coated. For an extra crunch, repeat this step—dip in egg and then again in flour!
4. Heat the Oil:
In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). To test if the oil is ready, drop a small bit of the flour mixture into the oil—if it sizzles, you’re set!
5. Fry the Chicken:
Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 4-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Once cooked, remove them and let them drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
6. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until you achieve a smooth blend. Taste it and adjust the Sriracha or honey according to your spice preference!
7. Combine and Serve:
Once all the chicken is cooked, toss it in the Bang Bang sauce until every piece is beautifully coated. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an extra touch!
Enjoy your crispy, flavorful Bang Bang Chicken with that easy, delicious sauce! It’s perfect as an appetizer or a fun main dish!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Proteins for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken is traditional, you can substitute it with shrimp or tofu for a different twist. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly—shrimp cooks quickly, while tofu may take a little longer to get crispy!
How Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free all-purpose flour and ensure your cornstarch is certified gluten-free as well. This adjustment will keep the flavor and texture intact while accommodating dietary needs!
Can I Make the Bang Bang Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the Bang Bang sauce a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. The flavors will meld nicely, making it even more delicious!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore some crispiness. Enjoy!
