Introduction

Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is a delightful fusion dish that’s become a weekend favorite for many home cooks. The combination of spicy, creamy sauce with perfectly fried chicken creates an irresistible experience. This dish marries textures and flavors in a way that truly excites the palate.

Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer at a gathering or as a main dish for dinner, the crispy exterior paired with the flavorful bang bang sauce is sure to impress. In this article, you’ll find everything you need to recreate this restaurant-style dish right at home.

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
Chicken breast is the primary protein source here, chosen for its mild flavor and ability to absorb seasoning well. Cutting it into bite-sized pieces allows for even cooking and a crispier texture when fried.
1 cup all-purpose flour
Flour provides the base coating for the chicken, helping to create that coveted crispy texture. It also forms a barrier that locks in moisture, ensuring tender chicken within a crunchy shell.
2 large eggs, beaten
Eggs act as a binding agent, helping the flour adhere to the chicken pieces. Additionally, they contribute to the overall richness and flavor of the dish, enhancing the golden brown color when fried.
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and flakier than traditional breadcrumbs, giving an extra crunch to the coating. They are perfect for achieving a fried texture that’s both crispy and airy.
½ cup mayonnaise
Mayonnaise serves as the base for the bang bang sauce, lending a rich creaminess and helping to balance the spice. It also aids in adhering the sauce to the crispy chicken.
3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
Sweet chili sauce adds a delightful sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish. It’s key to creating that signature bang bang taste, marrying sweetness with heat.
1 tablespoon sriracha
Sriracha introduces a kick of heat to the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor profile. You can adjust the amount based on your heat preference, making it versatile for different taste buds.
1 tablespoon lime juice
Lime juice adds acidity and brightness to the sauce, cutting through the richness of the mayonnaise. It balances out the flavors and keeps the dish refreshing.
Salt and pepper to taste
Seasoning is vital in every dish. Adjusting salt and pepper levels allows each component to shine, enhancing the flavor of both the chicken and the sauce.
Oil for frying
Using oil for frying is essential for achieving that crispy texture. Choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or canola oil, to prevent burning while frying.

Directions & Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the chicken.

Begin by cutting the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. This size helps them cook evenly and allows for a perfect balance of crispy texture and tender meat. Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat dry with paper towels to ensure a nice sear when frying.

Step 2: Set up the breading station.

Create a three-step breading station by placing the flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs in separate bowls. This organization simplifies the process and ensures an even coating on the chicken pieces. Each layer contributes to the crispy final texture, so it’s important to keep everything in order.

Step 3: Bread the chicken.

Start by dredging each piece of chicken in flour, coating it evenly. Then dip it in the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off, before finally rolling it in panko breadcrumbs. Press firmly to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well; this step is crucial for creating a thick, crunchy coating that stays intact while frying.

Step 4: Heat the oil.

In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat oil over medium-high heat. To test if it’s ready, drop a breadcrumb into the oil; if it sizzles, you’re good to go. Maintaining the right oil temperature is vital; too low, and the chicken will be greasy, too high, and it will burn before cooking through.

Step 5: Fry the chicken.

Carefully add the breaded chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Using a slotted spoon to turn the chicken allows it to fry evenly and ensures a crispy exterior without excess oil soaking in.

Step 6: Drain and season.

Once fried, use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels. This helps absorb excess oil while keeping the chicken crispy. Immediately season it with salt and pepper, enhancing the flavor and ensuring each bite is delicious.

Step 7: Prepare the bang bang sauce.

In a medium bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice together until well combined. This sauce is the star of the dish, bringing together creaminess, heat, and a touch of acidity that perfectly complements the crispy chicken. Adjust the sriracha as needed for your preferred spice level.

Step 8: Toss the chicken in the sauce.

In a large bowl, gently toss the fried chicken with the bang bang sauce until well coated. This step is crucial as it ensures each piece is enveloped in the rich and flavorful sauce, guaranteeing a punchy taste with every bite.

Step 9: Serve and enjoy.

Transfer the crispy bang bang chicken to a serving platter. This dish is best enjoyed immediately while the chicken retains its crispiness. Consider garnishing with chopped scallions or sesame seeds for added color and taste.

More Than Just Heat: A Flavor Explosion

The appeal of Bang Bang Chicken lies in its harmonious blend of flavors. The creamy base of the sauce softens the intensity of the sriracha, while the sweet chili sauce brings in a contrasting sweetness, creating a multi-layered flavor experience. This dish is perfect for those who enjoy a little fire in their meals but also appreciate a well-rounded palate.

Perfect Cooking Techniques for Optimal Crispiness

To achieve the perfect crispy texture, it’s essential to ensure that each chicken piece is adequately coated before frying. The use of panko breadcrumbs rather than regular breadcrumbs is key, providing an airy crunch that retains its integrity even amidst the bang bang sauce. Proper oil temperature and cooking time also play critical roles in achieving that desired crunch.

Pairing Suggestions for Bang Bang Bliss

Pairing Crispy Bang Bang Chicken with complementary sides can elevate the meal even further. Consider serving it alongside a fresh green salad or steamed jasmine rice to balance the richness of the sauce. A light dipping sauce or additional lime wedges can enhance the dish, making for a complete and satisfying dinner experience.

FAQs

What can I do if the batter is too thick?

If the batter feels excessively thick, you can add a little water to the egg mixture to thin it out. This will help the flour adhere better and create a lighter overall texture.

How do I adjust the heat level in the sauce?

To modify the heat level, simply adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce. Start with a smaller amount and taste before adding more to achieve the desired spiciness.

Why is my chicken not crispy?

If the chicken isn’t crispy, it may not have been coated enough, or the oil temperature could have been too low. Ensure the oil is hot enough and that you’re using panko breadcrumbs for that extra crunch.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives. Rice flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs work well as replacements.

How can I serve leftovers without losing crispiness?

To keep leftovers crispy, reheat the chicken in an oven rather than a microwave. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.

What size chicken pieces should I cut?

Aim for pieces that are about 1-inch in size. This allows for even cooking and ensures a perfect balance of crispy coating to tender chicken.

Can I scale this recipe up for a larger group?

Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe. Just ensure you have a suitable frying vessel to accommodate the additional chicken without overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking.

What other sauces can I use in place of the bang bang sauce?

If you want to experiment, sauces like buffalo or teriyaki can also work well, providing different flavor profiles while still complementing the crispy chicken.

Conclusion

Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is a delightful dish that brings excitement to your dining table. With a few key techniques and a combination of flavors, this recipe promises to become a staple in your kitchen.

Serve it as an appetizer or a main course, and watch your family and guests come back for more. Embrace your inner chef and enjoy the process of creating this crispy, flavor-packed delight right at home.

Recipe Card

Print Pin