This Bang Bang Chicken offers the perfect balance of crunchy, tender chicken paired with a smooth, creamy, and spicy sauce. The crispy coating provides an irresistible texture, while the sweet and spicy sauce takes each bite to the next level.
Ideal for a weeknight dinner or a gathering, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The layers of flavor from the sauce combined with the crispy chicken make it a satisfying meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Top it off with sesame seeds and fresh green onions for a garnish that adds a burst of freshness and a beautiful presentation.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onions (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Directions:
- In a bowl, mix together flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each piece of chicken into buttermilk, then dredge in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken to the skillet in batches, cooking for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Set the cooked chicken aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
- In a separate bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar. Mix until smooth.
- Toss the cooked chicken pieces in the creamy sauce until fully coated.
- Serve with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
What is Bang Bang Chicken?
Bang Bang Chicken is a popular dish known for its combination of crispy, tender chicken pieces coated in a creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce. Often enjoyed as a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, it’s packed with flavor and delivers an exciting mix of textures that make every bite enjoyable. The dish gets its name from the “bang” of the spicy sauce, which typically includes ingredients like sriracha, sweet chili sauce, and honey, giving it a perfect balance of heat and sweetness.
The chicken is typically coated in a light flour and cornstarch mixture, deep-fried to golden perfection, and then tossed in the creamy sauce. The result is a crispy exterior with juicy, tender chicken on the inside, perfectly complemented by the rich, spicy sauce. Whether you’re making it at home for a family dinner or serving it at a party, Bang Bang Chicken is a dish that will never disappoint.
History of Bang Bang Chicken
While the exact origins of Bang Bang Chicken are a bit unclear, it is widely believed to be a fusion dish that draws inspiration from Chinese and Thai flavors. The dish is typically associated with the use of sweet chili sauce and sriracha, which are both popular in Asian cuisine. Over time, Bang Bang Chicken became a favorite in various fusion restaurants, particularly in Western countries, where it’s adapted to suit a broader audience with varying levels of spice tolerance.
Some food historians suggest that the name “Bang Bang” could be linked to the “bang” of the sauce’s spiciness or the sound of the crispy chicken as it cooks. Others believe it could refer to the “bang” of flavor that hits your taste buds when you take a bite. Regardless of the precise origin, one thing is clear: Bang Bang Chicken has become a beloved dish, known for its bold flavors and comforting texture.
Why You Should Make Bang Bang Chicken at Home
Making Bang Bang Chicken at home is an excellent choice for several reasons. First and foremost, it allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring you can adjust the spice level to suit your personal preference. You can make it as spicy or as mild as you like, and if you’re making it for a family, you can cater to different tastes, from kids who prefer less heat to adults who enjoy a fiery kick.
Another reason to make this dish at home is the satisfaction of creating a crispy fried chicken that rivals what you would find at a restaurant. The crispy coating is made from a mixture of flour and cornstarch, which helps the chicken pieces achieve a perfect, crunchy texture. The addition of buttermilk in the recipe adds flavor and moisture, ensuring that the chicken remains juicy and tender even after frying.
Finally, preparing Bang Bang Chicken at home is simple and quick. The process involves frying chicken pieces, mixing the sauce, and then combining them for a delicious final dish. It’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen.
What Makes the Sauce So Special?
The key to Bang Bang Chicken’s unforgettable flavor is the sauce. This creamy and spicy concoction typically features mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and a touch of honey. The mayonnaise serves as the base, providing a creamy texture that helps balance the heat from the sriracha and the sweetness from the chili sauce and honey.
The sweet chili sauce used in Bang Bang Chicken is a popular ingredient in many Asian-inspired dishes. It’s made from a blend of sugar, chili peppers, garlic, and vinegar, giving it a unique sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy flavor. Sriracha, on the other hand, adds a bit more heat and depth to the sauce, making it the perfect complement to the sweetness of the chili sauce.
Honey is often added to the sauce to provide a subtle sweetness that helps mellow out the heat and adds richness to the overall flavor. Together, these ingredients create a sauce that’s creamy, spicy, and just the right amount of sweet—perfectly coating each piece of crispy chicken.
Serving Suggestions for Bang Bang Chicken
Bang Bang Chicken can be served in various ways, making it a versatile dish for any occasion. It works wonderfully as an appetizer, served alongside crispy vegetables, or with a side of dipping sauces. If you’re serving it as a main course, it pairs well with a variety of side dishes, including steamed rice, sautéed vegetables, or a simple salad.
For a lighter meal, you can serve the Bang Bang Chicken over a bed of greens, making it into a satisfying salad. The crispy chicken adds protein and texture to the dish, while the creamy sauce provides flavor and moisture. Alternatively, you can make it a complete meal by serving it with a side of noodles or a stir-fry, which will complement the rich flavors of the chicken.
Healthier Alternatives for Bang Bang Chicken
While Bang Bang Chicken is undeniably delicious, it’s also a dish that can be high in calories and fat due to the frying process. However, there are several ways to make it a bit healthier without sacrificing flavor. Instead of deep-frying the chicken, you can bake it or air fry it for a lighter option. Baking or air frying the chicken will still yield a crispy exterior, but without the added oil from frying.
Another way to lighten up the dish is by using a lighter mayonnaise or swapping the mayo entirely for Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt is a great alternative that still provides creaminess but with added protein and fewer calories. You can also experiment with using a lower-sodium sweet chili sauce or making your own version to control the amount of sugar and sodium in the dish.
Bang Bang Chicken Variations
One of the best things about Bang Bang Chicken is its adaptability. There are many ways you can customize the dish to suit your preferences. If you want to switch up the protein, you can substitute the chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different texture and flavor. Shrimp, in particular, works exceptionally well with the spicy sauce, making for a satisfying seafood dish.
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free flour blend to coat the chicken or substitute the flour entirely with cornstarch. This will still provide a crispy texture without the gluten, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
For a more vibrant presentation, you can serve Bang Bang Chicken with a variety of garnishes. Fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley, add a burst of color and freshness, while sesame seeds provide a nice crunch and visual appeal. Chopped green onions are another great garnish, giving the dish a bit of brightness and crunch.
Conclusion
Bang Bang Chicken is a delicious and versatile dish that combines crispy chicken with a flavorful, creamy, and spicy sauce. Whether you’re making it as an appetizer or a main course, it’s sure to impress with its bold flavors and satisfying textures. The combination of fried chicken and creamy, tangy sauce creates a meal that’s both indulgent and comforting. Plus, the fact that you can easily customize the spice level and make it at home means it’s perfect for any occasion.
This dish is not only a favorite for family dinners but also a great option for parties and gatherings, where it will undoubtedly be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it with a side of rice, veggies, or as part of a larger meal, Bang Bang Chicken will always be a hit. Give it a try and enjoy a satisfying and flavorful meal that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.