This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Has a Secret Ingredient You Need to Try!

The Irresistible Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

Crispy Bang Bang Chicken! This delightful dish combines the perfect balance of crispy texture, tangy sauce, and a hint of spice to create a flavor explosion in your mouth. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

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In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the world of Crispy Bang Bang Chicken, exploring its origins, ingredients, and step-by-step instructions to help you create this delectable dish in your own kitchen. So, grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!

The Origins of Bang Bang Chicken

Bang Bang Chicken, originally known as “Bang Bang Ji” in Chinese cuisine, has its roots in Sichuan province. The name “bang bang” is believed to come from the sound made when tenderizing the chicken with a wooden stick or mallet.

Traditionally, the dish consisted of shredded chicken served cold with a spicy sauce. However, our modern Crispy Bang Bang Chicken takes this concept to new heights by incorporating a crispy coating and a creamy, tangy sauce that perfectly complements the tender chicken.

Ingredients:

To create the perfect Crispy Bang Bang Chicken, you’ll need a carefully curated list of ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken:

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 egg + ½ cup milk)
• 1 ½ cups cornstarch (or a mix of 1 cup flour + ½ cup cornstarch)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil, for frying (or use oven/air fryer method)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional for sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lemon juice (optional for tang)

Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken
   Cut chicken into 1-inch cubes. In a bowl, toss with buttermilk (or milk + egg) and let sit while you prep the coating.
2. Coat the Chicken
   In a shallow dish, mix cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Dredge each piece of chicken in the mixture, pressing to coat well. Shake off excess.
3. Fry the Chicken
   Heat about 1 inch of oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels. Oven method: Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Spray lightly with oil.
   Air fryer method: Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.
4. Make the Sauce
   In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (if using), and vinegar/lemon juice.
5. Toss or Drizzle
   Toss crispy chicken in the sauce just before serving for full coating, or drizzle the sauce over the top for a crispier texture.
6. Serve
   Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or over a bed of rice or lettuce.

Serving Suggestions:

Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to inspire your next meal:

1. As an appetizer: Serve the chicken pieces with toothpicks for easy snacking at parties or gatherings.
2. Over rice: Place the Crispy Bang Bang Chicken over a bed of steamed white or brown rice for a satisfying main course.
3. In a wrap: Wrap the chicken in a large tortilla with some fresh lettuce, cucumber, and additional Bang Bang sauce for a delicious lunch option.
4. With noodles: Toss the chicken with your favorite Asian-style noodles for a hearty and flavorful meal.
5. On a salad: Add the Crispy Bang Bang Chicken to a bed of mixed greens for a protein-packed salad that’s anything but boring.

Tips for Success: Mastering Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

To ensure your Crispy Bang Bang Chicken turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

1. Temperature control: Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) throughout the frying process. If the oil is too hot, the chicken will brown too quickly on the outside while remaining undercooked inside. If it’s too cool, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
2. Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry the chicken in batches to ensure each piece has enough space to cook evenly and achieve maximum crispiness.
3. Sauce consistency: If your Bang Bang sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a little water or milk. If it’s too thin, add more mayonnaise to reach your desired consistency.
4. Make it ahead: You can prepare the Bang Bang sauce up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to develop even further.
5. Reheating leftovers: To maintain crispiness when reheating, place the leftover chicken on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes.

Savor the Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Experience

Congratulations! You’ve now mastered the art of creating Crispy Bang Bang Chicken in your own kitchen. This delightful dish combines the satisfying crunch of perfectly fried chicken with the bold, tangy flavors of the Bang Bang sauce, resulting in a truly unforgettable culinary experience.

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Whether you’re cooking for your family, entertaining guests, or simply treating yourself to a special meal, Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is sure to impress. Its versatility allows you to enjoy it in various ways, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.

Reader Favorites

Jessica M.:
Made this Crispy Bang Bang Chicken last night—so good! The chicken was super crispy and juicy, and the sauce had the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. My whole family loved it and asked for seconds. Will definitely make again!

Mark L.:
This recipe is a keeper! I baked the chicken instead of frying, and it still turned out crispy. The bang bang sauce is addictive—so creamy and flavorful. Easy weeknight winner!

Emily R.:
Absolutely delicious! I made this for a party, and it disappeared fast. The combo of crunchy chicken and spicy sauce is perfect. My kids even loved it, which is rare!

David S.:
Simple and tasty! I used an air fryer and got amazing crispiness. The sauce has just the right kick without being too hot. Definitely adding this to my meal prep list.

Conclusion

So, what are you waiting for? Head to your kitchen, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy the crispy, flavorful goodness of homemade Bang Bang Chicken. Your taste buds will thank you, and your family and friends will be begging for seconds!

Remember, cooking is all about experimentation and finding what works best for you. Don’t be afraid to adjust the spice levels, try different garnishes, or even create your own unique variations of this dish. The world of Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is yours to explore and enjoy!