This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is a fun and tasty dish! It’s made with crunchy chicken bites and a zesty spicy sauce that packs a punch. Perfect for those who love a bit of heat!
I can’t get enough of that crispy texture! Pair it with some rice or veggies, and you’ve got a meal that’s sure to impress. Just remember to keep some water nearby—it’s spicy! 😅
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs provide juicy flavor. If you want to cut down on calories, use chicken breasts instead. You can also try tofu or cauliflower for a vegetarian option!
Cornstarch: This ingredient is key for that crispy texture. If you don’t have cornstarch, potato starch works well too. Just keep in mind that it may alter the flavor slightly.
Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise adds creaminess to the sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter version, Greek yogurt is a great substitute. It’ll give you that creamy texture with added protein!
Sriracha: This sauce is what gives the dish its kick! If you want something milder, you can use chili garlic sauce or even ketchup with a bit of hot sauce mixed in.
How Can I Ensure That My Chicken is Extra Crispy?
To achieve that irresistible crunch, follow these tips:
- Make sure to coat the chicken pieces evenly in the flour mixture. The more even the coating, the better the crisp!
- Fry in small batches. Overcrowding the pan lowers the oil temperature and results in soggy chicken.
- Let the fried chicken drain on paper towels properly to remove excess oil; this helps keep it crisp.
- Serve the chicken immediately after coating it in the sauce for the best texture!
How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 to 2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice
Garnish:
- Chopped green onions (scallions)
- Sesame seeds (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This crispy Bang Bang chicken recipe takes approximately 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing the chicken and sauce, and about 20 minutes frying the chicken to perfection. It’s a quick and tasty dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by whisking the eggs in a large bowl. In another bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will give your chicken an amazing crispy coating!
2. Coat the Chicken:
Take each piece of chicken and dip it into the egg mixture, making sure it gets fully coated. Then, dredge the chicken in the flour mixture. Ensure that each piece is well covered for that extra crunch. Set the coated chicken aside.
3. Heat the Oil:
In a deep-fryer or a large heavy skillet, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Make sure you have enough oil to fully submerge the chicken pieces for even frying!
4. Fry the Chicken:
Fry the chicken pieces a few at a time to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook them for 4-6 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and are cooked through. Once done, carefully remove them using a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
5. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
While your chicken is frying, grab a small bowl and whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Tweak the amount of Sriracha based on how spicy you like it!
6. Combine:
Once the chicken pieces are all fried, toss them in the Bang Bang sauce until they are well coated. Make sure every piece gets that spicy flavor!
7. Serve:
Plate the sauced Bang Bang chicken and sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish if you’d like. Serve immediately for the best crispy experience!
Enjoy your crispy, spicy Bang Bang Chicken! It’s perfect as an appetizer or a main dish. Happy cooking!
FAQ for Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work just fine. Keep in mind that they may cook slightly faster than thighs, so adjust your frying time accordingly to avoid drying them out.
How Can I Make This Recipe Less Spicy?
To reduce the spice level, you can decrease the amount of Sriracha in the Bang Bang sauce. Alternatively, you can mix in more mayonnaise or replace the Sriracha with a milder chili sauce.
What Should I Do with Leftover Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore its crispiness.
Can I Make the Bang Bang Sauce Ahead of Time?
Definitely! The Bang Bang sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance. Store it in the fridge in a sealed container. Just give it a good stir before using it to coat the chicken!
