Bang Bang Chicken

Bang Bang Chicken is a crowd-pleasing dish that combines crispy fried chicken with a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce. Known for its bold flavors and contrasting textures, this dish has gained popularity as a go-to option for appetizers, main meals, or party snacks. If you’re a fan of spicy food or looking for a fresh take on fried chicken, Bang Bang Chicken will not disappoint.

In this guide, we’ll break down the essential ingredients that make Bang Bang Chicken so special, and provide a step-by-step recipe so you can easily recreate it at home. Get ready to impress your guests with this flavor-packed dish!

What Is This Dish?

Originally a street food dish from China, the traditional version was made with poached chicken and a spicy, nutty sauce. The modern adaptation, however, features crispy fried chicken tossed in a creamy sauce with both sweet and spicy elements. This Asian-inspired dish is similar to Buffalo wings but has its own unique flair.

The real magic comes from the sauce, which blends mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha for the perfect balance of heat and sweetness.

Where Did This Dish Come From?

The origins of this dish trace back to China, where it was traditionally made with poached chicken and a spicy, nutty sauce. The modern version, featuring fried chicken in a creamy, spicy sauce, has become a popular Western adaptation.

Key Ingredients for This Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

1. Chicken

Use chicken breasts or thighs, depending on your preference. Breasts are leaner, while thighs provide more juiciness. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure even frying and easy coating in the sauce.

2. Flour and Cornstarch

A combination of flour and cornstarch gives the chicken a light, crispy texture. The cornstarch adds airiness, while the flour provides structure for the coating.

3. Eggs

Eggs help the flour-cornstarch mixture adhere to the chicken, ensuring a crispy exterior once fried.

4. Mayonnaise

This is the base of the sauce. It adds richness and creates a creamy contrast to the heat and sweetness in the sauce.

5. Sweet Chili Sauce

Sweet chili sauce delivers a mild sweetness with just a hint of spice, giving the sauce its signature flavor.

6. Sriracha

Sriracha adds the spicy kick. You can adjust the amount depending on how much heat you like.

7. Honey or Sugar

To balance the spice, a touch of honey or sugar enhances the sweetness, creating a well-rounded flavor.

For another fun, flavor-packed dish, try Jalapeño Popper Mummies, which also combines savory and spicy elements.

How to Make This Dish at Home

Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, follow these steps to create this delicious recipe:

Step-by-Step Recipe:

Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into small pieces and season with salt and pepper. In a separate bowl, mix the flour and cornstarch.
Coat the Chicken: Dip the pieces into the beaten eggs, then dredge them in the flour-cornstarch mixture until evenly coated.
Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey (or sugar). Adjust the spice level based on your preference.
Toss the Chicken in the Sauce: Once the chicken is crispy, toss it in the sauce until fully coated.
Serve: Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds and serve immediately.

For more crowd-pleasing dishes, try Peanut Butter Spider Cookies, a fun dessert with a creative twist.

Tips for Perfecting This Dish

Here are a few helpful tips to ensure your fried chicken turns out perfectly every time:

Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep the oil at around 350°F (175°C) to ensure the chicken fries evenly without becoming greasy.
Double Fry for Extra Crispiness: Fry the chicken once, let it cool, then fry it again for an additional minute or two for an even crispier texture.
Customize the Sauce: Adjust the sweetness or heat to your liking by playing with the sweet chili sauce and sriracha quantities.

How to Serve

This versatile dish can be served in many creative ways. Here are a few ideas:

1. As an Appetizer

Serve the crispy, saucy chicken as a party snack or starter. Arrange it on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs or sesame seeds.

2. In Tacos

Use the chicken as a filling for soft tacos. Add shredded cabbage, cilantro, and lime juice for a refreshing complement to the spicy sauce.

3. Over Rice

For a heartier meal, serve the chicken over steamed rice. The sauce will add flavor to every bite.

For more ideas on how to serve your dishes, check out Perfect Icing on Cake to explore different ways to enhance simple meals.

More Ways to Enjoy Bang Bang Chicken

If you’re already hooked on the bold flavors of Bang Bang Chicken, here are even more ways to enjoy and adapt the recipe to suit different meals, occasions, and preferences.

Fusion-Inspired Serving Ideas

1. Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Serve saucy chicken on mini brioche buns with lettuce and pickles for a fun, bite-sized snack.
Topping Ideas: Add coleslaw or a drizzle of extra sriracha for heat.

2. Bang Bang Wraps

Wrap the chicken in a flour tortilla with shredded carrots, cucumbers, and greens for a quick and satisfying lunch.
Add a dollop of extra sauce to tie the flavors together.

3. Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Layer the chicken over rice or quinoa, and top with avocado, chopped peanuts, and scallions for a protein-packed meal.

4. Bang Bang Pizza

Use the chicken as a pizza topping! Spread a base of sweet chili sauce, add mozzarella, and top with Bang Bang Chicken for a spicy-sweet pizza experience.

Meal Prep and Leftover Tips

1. How to Store Bang Bang Chicken

Store the chicken and sauce separately to maintain the crispiness.
Refrigeration: Place the chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze fried chicken without the sauce for up to 2 months. Reheat in an oven or air fryer for best results.

2. Reheating Tips

To maintain crispiness, reheat the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes or in an air fryer for 5-7 minutes.
Warm the sauce separately and toss with the reheated chicken just before serving.

Pairings to Complete Your Meal

1. Side Dishes

Crispy Veggies: Serve with roasted broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or green beans for a crunchy contrast.
Asian Slaw: Toss cabbage, carrots, and green onions in a sesame vinaigrette for a refreshing side.
Sweet Potato Fries: Their natural sweetness complements the spicy chicken.

2. Drinks

Pair Bang Bang Chicken with cooling beverages like:
- Iced green tea.
- Mango or pineapple smoothies.
- A light, citrusy beer or sparkling water with lime.

3. Desserts

Follow up the bold flavors with a light, sweet dessert:
- Philadelphia Cheesecake for creamy indulgence.
- Fruit salad with a drizzle of honey and mint for a refreshing finish.

Make Bang Bang Chicken Your Own

Experiment with Flavors

Add Garlic: Mince fresh garlic into the sauce for an extra kick.
Peanut Butter Twist: Mix a spoonful of peanut butter into the sauce for a nutty flavor.
Citrus Zing: Add a squeeze of lime or orange juice to brighten the sauce.

Vary the Protein

Substitute chicken with:
- Tofu: Press and coat tofu cubes for a vegetarian option.
- Fish: Use cod or tilapia for Bang Bang Fish, perfect for tacos.
- Pork: Thinly slice pork loin, coat, and fry for a delicious variation.

Hosting Ideas with Bang Bang Chicken

Bang Bang Chicken Party Platter

Arrange the chicken on a large platter and garnish with fresh herbs and sesame seeds.
Serve with small bowls of extra sauce for dipping.
Add a variety of toppings like chopped peanuts, shredded cabbage, and scallions for guests to customize.

Build-Your-Own Taco Bar

Lay out tortillas, Bang Bang Chicken, slaw, lime wedges, and extra sauce.
Let guests create their own spicy, sweet, and tangy taco combinations.

Themed Dinner Night

Pair Bang Bang Chicken with other Asian-inspired dishes like:
- Dumplings or potstickers.
- Vegetable spring rolls.
- Fried rice or lo mein.

Advanced Cooking Techniques

1. Sous Vide for Perfect Texture

Cook the chicken using the sous vide method to ensure it stays juicy on the inside before frying. Set the temperature to 150°F (65°C) and cook for 1-2 hours, then fry briefly to achieve a crispy crust.

2. Triple Dredge Method

For extra-crispy chicken, dredge each piece in the flour-cornstarch mixture, then dip it back in the egg, and coat it again in the flour mixture before frying. This creates a thicker, crunchier crust.

3. Smoked Chicken

For a smoky twist, marinate the chicken in smoked paprika and a touch of liquid smoke before frying. Pair with the classic Bang Bang sauce for an unexpected depth of flavor.

Global Fusion Twists

1. Korean Bang Bang Chicken

Add gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the sauce for a spicy, umami-packed variation.
Top with sesame seeds and serve with kimchi on the side.

2. Indian-Inspired Bang Bang Chicken

Use garam masala and turmeric in the chicken coating for a spiced flavor profile.
Replace sweet chili sauce with mango chutney in the sauce for a sweet-and-spicy balance.

3. Mediterranean Bang Bang Chicken

Incorporate sumac or za’atar into the dredge mixture for a tangy, herby flavor.
Serve the chicken over a bed of couscous with roasted vegetables.

Creative Plating Ideas

1. Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Thread the chicken onto skewers after frying for an easy-to-eat appetizer.
Brush with additional sauce and garnish with cilantro for a polished presentation.

2. Deconstructed Bowls

Arrange Bang Bang Chicken alongside rice, pickled vegetables, avocado slices, and a dollop of sauce for a visually appealing meal.

3. Gourmet Platters

Place Bang Bang Chicken in the center of a platter surrounded by crispy wontons, steamed dumplings, and dipping sauces for an appetizer spread.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Make This Dish in the Air Fryer?

Yes! You can use an air fryer to make a healthier version. Simply coat the chicken as usual and cook it in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.

How Do I Adjust the Spice Level?

To reduce the heat, you can use less sriracha in the sauce or replace it with more sweet chili sauce for a milder flavor.

Conclusion: The Perfect Sweet and Spicy Chicken Recipe

Now that you know how to make this crispy chicken dish, you can easily recreate it at home for any occasion. With its perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite. Whether served as an appetizer, main dish, or in tacos, this flavorful chicken is guaranteed to please.