Bang Bang Chicken is a fusion dish that combines creamy, tangy, mildly spicy flavors with tender, crispy chicken. Inspired by the popular Asian-inspired sauce, this dish is a delightful treat for anyone who loves bold, exciting flavors.
Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or want to treat yourself to a quick, flavorful meal, Bang Bang Chicken is the perfect recipe to try. The best part? It’s easy to prepare, and you can tweak it to suit your taste preferences. If you’re ready to learn how to make this mouthwatering dish, keep reading for a complete step-by-step guide!
Cooking Time Breakdown
Preparing Bang Bang Chicken doesn’t have to be a lengthy process. Efficient planning can help streamline your cooking experience. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the time required:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
Wash and slice the chicken, measure out ingredients, and whip up the signature Bang Bang Sauce. - Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Fry the chicken to golden perfection and mix it well with the sauce. - Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Time-Saving Tips:
- Use pre-cut chicken tenders to save slicing time.
- Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce in advance and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Arrange all ingredients beforehand to maintain a steady flow in the kitchen.
Essential Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Having the right tools in your kitchen will make cooking Bang Bang Chicken effortless. Here’s a quick rundown of the essentials:
- Mixing Bowls (small and large): For marinating chicken and mixing the sauce.
- Non-Stick Pan or Skillet: Ideal for frying the chicken evenly.
- Tongs or Slotted Spatula: Handy for flipping and removing chicken from the oil.
- Whisk or Fork: Perfect for blending the sauce ingredients smoothly.
- Large Plate or Tray with Paper Towels: To drain excess oil from the fried chicken.
- Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: For slicing chicken into even strips.
- Kitchen Thermometer (optional): Ensures oil is at the right frying temperature.
Detailed Ingredients List
This easy Bang Bang Chicken recipe uses simple, flavor-packed ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
- 500g Chicken Breast or Tenders, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 2 large Eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Panko Bread Crumbs
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1/3 cup Mayonnaise (use light mayo for a healthier option)
- 2 tbsp Sweet Chili Sauce
- 1 tbsp Sriracha Sauce (adjust for more spice)
- 1 tbsp Honey or sugar for added sweetness
- 1 tsp Lime Juice for a splash of tanginess
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations:
- Want a healthier twist? Bake or air-fry the chicken instead of frying.
- Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce.
- Add crushed red pepper or cayenne for extra spice.
How to Cook Bang Bang Chicken?
Making restaurant-quality Bang Bang Chicken at home is straightforward. Here’s how to cook it perfectly:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken pieces with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well in a bowl until every piece is evenly coated.
Step 2: Prep the Coating Station
Set up a coating station with three separate bowls. Fill one bowl with flour, one with beaten eggs, and the third with panko bread crumbs. Coat each chicken piece in the flour, dip it in the egg, and finish by rolling it in the bread crumbs. This layering ensures a crispy, golden finish.
Step 3: Fry or Cook the Chicken
Heat oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches, cooking for 3-4 minutes per side until rendered golden brown and crispy. Use a kitchen thermometer to keep the oil between 350-375°F for even frying. Remove the cooked pieces and set them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
If baking, preheat your oven to 400°F, place the coated pieces on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, and bake for 15-20 minutes.
Step 4: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
While the chicken cooks, whisk all the sauce ingredients in a bowl until smooth. Adjust the spice level by tweaking the amount of sriracha sauce to your preference.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Toss the crispy chicken in the Bang Bang Sauce or drizzle it over the top just before serving. This helps maintain the crispy texture and enhances the flavor.
Best Ways to Serve Bang Bang Chicken
Bang Bang Chicken is versatile and works beautifully with a variety of sides and garnishes. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:
- On a Bed of Rice: Serve over steamed white or jasmine rice for a filling, comforting dish. Brown rice is a healthier alternative.
- Paired with Veggies: Add roasted broccoli, stir-fried zucchini, or a side of mixed greens for color and freshness.
- Wrapped in Tacos: Turn it into Bang Bang Chicken Tacos with shredded lettuce, tortillas, and a squeeze of lime!
- Garnish Ideas: Sprinkle with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an added crunch. Use cilantro for a burst of herbaceous flavor.
Pro Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Chicken
- Maintain Oil Temperature: If frying, ensure the oil temperature stays steady to prevent soggy chicken.
- Make it Healthier: Air fry the chicken for fewer calories without sacrificing crispiness.
- Customize the Spice Level: Reduce or increase sriracha depending on your heat tolerance.
- Double the Sauce: If you love saucy dishes, prepare a double batch of Bang Bang Sauce. Use leftovers as a dip for veggies or fries.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a brief look at the nutritional breakdown per serving (approx. 4 servings):
- Calories: ~350
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
Customize the nutritional profile by baking the chicken or swapping mayo for Greek yogurt.
How to Store and Reheat Bang Bang Chicken?
This dish is as amazing the next day as it is fresh! Follow these tips for storage and reheating:
Storage Tips
- Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Store the chicken and sauce separately to keep the chicken crispy.
Reheating Instructions
- For Crispy Texture: Reheat chicken in the oven or air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes.
- For Quick Heating: Use the microwave, but note the chicken may lose some crispiness.
What Can I Use Instead of Sriracha Sauce?
If you don’t have sriracha on hand, there are plenty of great alternatives to keep the spice alive in your Bang Bang Chicken. Hot sauces like Tabasco or Frank’s RedHot can work wonderfully, as they deliver a fiery kick with a slightly different flavor profile.
You could also use chili paste, which adds a thicker texture and intense heat. Adjust the quantity depending on your spice tolerance to ensure the sauce suits your taste perfectly.
Is Bang Bang Chicken Kid-Friendly?
Absolutely! Bang Bang Chicken can easily be made kid-friendly by reducing or omitting the sriracha sauce in the Bang Bang Sauce. The remaining flavors of sweet chili sauce, honey, and mayonnaise create a tangy-sweet combination that kids will love.
Its crispy, tender texture is an added bonus, making it fun and enjoyable for children. Pairing it with plain rice or mild side dishes can also make it appealing and gentle on young taste buds.
Can I Prepare the Chicken in Advance?
Yes, you can! To save time, coat the chicken in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, then refrigerate it for up to 2 hours before frying. If you’re planning further ahead, you can freeze the coated chicken pieces in a sealed container and store them for weeks. When you’re ready to cook, fry them directly from frozen. This method ensures convenience without compromising the crispy exterior and flavorful tenderness of the dish.
Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 500 g Chicken Breast or Tenders cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 2 large Eggs beaten
- 1 cup Panko Bread Crumbs
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1/3 cup Mayonnaise use light mayo for a healthier option
- 2 tbsp Sweet Chili Sauce
- 1 tbsp Sriracha Sauce adjust for more spice
- 1 tbsp Honey or sugar for added sweetness
- 1 tsp Lime Juice for a splash of tanginess
Instructions
- Start by seasoning the chicken pieces with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well in a bowl until every piece is evenly coated.
- Set up a coating station with three separate bowls. Fill one bowl with flour, one with beaten eggs, and the third with panko bread crumbs. Coat each chicken piece in the flour, dip it in the egg, and finish by rolling it in the bread crumbs. This layering ensures a crispy, golden finish.
- Heat oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches, cooking for 3-4 minutes per side until rendered golden brown and crispy. Use a kitchen thermometer to keep the oil between 350-375°F for even frying. Remove the cooked pieces and set them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- If baking, preheat your oven to 400°F, place the coated pieces on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, and bake for 15-20 minutes.
- While the chicken cooks, whisk all the sauce ingredients in a bowl until smooth. Adjust the spice level by tweaking the amount of sriracha sauce to your preference.
- Toss the crispy chicken in the Bang Bang Sauce or drizzle it over the top just before serving. This helps maintain the crispy texture and enhances the flavor.
Notes
- Maintain Oil Temperature: If frying, ensure the oil temperature stays steady to prevent soggy chicken.
- Make it Healthier: Air fry the chicken for fewer calories without sacrificing crispiness.
- Customize the Spice Level: Reduce or increase sriracha depending on your heat tolerance.
- Double the Sauce: If you love saucy dishes, prepare a double batch of Bang Bang Sauce. Use leftovers as a dip for veggies or fries.
