This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is packed with flavor and is super easy to make! It features crunchy chicken bites coated in a delicious, spicy sauce that will make your taste buds dance.
I love serving it with rice or veggies for a complete meal. Plus, it’s a hit with family and friends! Just watch out, they might gobble it all up before you get a chance to try it! 😄
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness, but breasts are great too. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use tofu or tempeh instead, which also pairs well with the sauce.
All-Purpose Flour & Cornstarch: The combination of these helps achieve that crispy texture. If you need a gluten-free option, use rice flour instead of all-purpose flour, and cornstarch is naturally gluten-free!
Bang Bang Sauce: Mayonnaise adds creaminess, but you could substitute with Greek yogurt for a healthier twist. If you want it spicier, feel free to add extra sriracha. Honey can be swapped with agave syrup for a vegan option!
How Do I Get the Chicken Extra Crispy?
A crispy texture is key to this dish! Start by patting the chicken dry—this helps the coating stick better. When coating, ensure every piece is evenly covered with the egg and flour mixture. Don’t rush the frying process.
- Heat the oil to the right temperature (350°F or 175°C) to get that perfect crunch.
- Fry in small batches. Crowding the pan can lower the oil temperature, leading to soggy chicken.
- After frying, let the chicken rest on paper towels to drain off excess oil, which keeps it crunchy.
How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 tsp sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp rice vinegar or lemon juice
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Lime wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes around 20 minutes for preparation and about 20 minutes for cooking, giving you a total of approximately 40 minutes until you can enjoy this crispy dish. It’s quick and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun weekend treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by patting the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick better. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs so they are ready for coating the chicken.
2. Coat the Chicken:
Now it’s time to coat the chicken! Dip each piece into the beaten eggs first, ensuring it’s fully covered, and then dredge it in the flour mixture. Gently press the mixture onto the chicken to help it stick. Place the coated chicken pieces on a wire rack or plate to rest while you heat the oil.
3. Fry the Chicken:
In a deep skillet or fryer, heat the vegetable oil until it’s about 350°F (175°C). This temperature is crucial for getting that perfect crispy texture! Carefully fry the chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking each batch for about 4-6 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. After cooking, remove the chicken and let it drain on paper towels.
4. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce:
While the chicken is frying, you can whip up the Bang Bang sauce! In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar (or lemon juice). Whisk these ingredients together until smooth and well combined—this sauce is what makes this dish pop!
5. Combine:
Once the chicken is fried and crispy, toss the pieces in the bowl with the Bang Bang sauce. Make sure each piece of chicken is evenly coated with that delicious sauce.
6. Serve:
It’s time to dig in! Garnish your Bang Bang Chicken with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a bit of color and crunch. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side to squeeze over the chicken for extra flavor. Enjoy your crispy, flavorful Bang Bang Chicken!
FAQ for Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw the frozen chicken before preparing the recipe. Thaw it safely in the refrigerator overnight or in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water for quicker results.
How Do I Store Leftover Bang Bang Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through, which helps keep the chicken crispy.
Can I Make the Bang Bang Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the Bang Bang sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using, as the ingredients may settle over time.
What Can I Serve with Bang Bang Chicken?
This dish pairs well with steamed rice, fried rice, or a simple salad. For a low-carb option, you can serve it with sautéed vegetables or cauliflower rice for a delicious and filling meal!
