How To Make The Best Bang Bang Chicken Recipe in 5 Steps

Craving a dish that perfectly balances creamy, sweet, and spicy flavors in one mouthwatering bite? The Bang Bang Chicken Recipe has taken the culinary world by storm with its irresistible combination of crispy fried chicken and the signature sweet-spicy bang bang sauce recipe that makes this dish truly unforgettable. Originally inspired by Sichuan cuisine but popularized in American restaurants, this crowd-pleaser combines golden-brown crispy chicken with a creamy, slightly spicy sauce that will have everyone at your table asking for seconds. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or impressing guests at your next gathering, this bang bang chicken recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with surprisingly simple preparation.

Ingredients & Kitchen Tools for Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

For the Chicken:
– 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 large eggs, beaten
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Vegetable oil for frying

For the Bang Bang Sauce:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
– 2-3 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
– 1/2 teaspoon lime juice

Kitchen Tools:
– Large skillet or deep fryer
– 3 medium bowls for breading station
– Whisk
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Tongs
– Paper towels
– Small bowl for sauce mixing
– Cutting board and knife

Possible Substitutions:
– Use chicken thighs for juicier results
– Gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for dietary restrictions
– Greek yogurt can replace half the mayonnaise for a lighter option
– Brown sugar or maple syrup can substitute for honey

Prep & Cooking Time for a Perfect Bang Bang Chicken Recipe Dish

– Prep Time: 15 minutes
– Cooking Time: 20 minutes
– Total Time: 35 minutes
– Servings: 4 people
– Difficulty Level: Intermediate

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Bang Bang Chicken Recipe Easily

1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces and pat dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.

2. Set Up Breading Station: Arrange three bowls – first with flour seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder; second with beaten eggs; third with panko breadcrumbs.

3. Bread the Chicken: Dip each chicken piece first in flour, then egg, then coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs. Place on a plate and repeat until all chicken is breaded.

4. Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (about 1/2 inch deep).

5. Fry Chicken: Carefully place breaded chicken pieces in hot oil, cooking in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.

6. Drain: Remove cooked chicken and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.

7. Prepare Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and lime juice until smooth. The bang bang sauce recipe should be thoroughly mixed until no streaks remain.

8. Combine: Either drizzle the sauce over the chicken pieces or toss them gently to coat completely with the Bang Bang Chicken Recipe sauce.

9. Serve: Plate with chopped green onions and sesame seeds as garnish if desired.

Nutritional Benefits of This Bang Bang Chicken Recipe Recipe

– High protein content from chicken breast (approximately 25g per serving)
– Good source of B vitamins, particularly niacin and B6
– Contains moderate amounts of calcium and iron
– For a healthier version, consider baking the chicken at 400°F for 15-20 minutes instead of frying
– Each serving contains approximately 450-500 calories when fried (350 when baked)

Variations, Substitutions & Cooking Tips for Bang Bang Chicken Recipe Lovers

– Air Fryer Method: Cook at 380°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through
– Grilled Version: Marinate chicken in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger before grilling
– Spice Level Adjustment: Decrease or increase sriracha to suit your heat preference
– Bang Bang Shrimp: Substitute 1.5 pounds of large shrimp for a seafood variation
– Vegetarian Option: Use cauliflower florets or firm tofu instead of chicken
– Meal Prep Friendly: Double the recipe and store sauce separately for quick weeknight meals

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

1. Skipping the Drying Step: Not patting chicken dry before breading leads to soggy coating
2. Oil Temperature Issues: Too low makes greasy chicken; too high burns the outside while leaving inside raw
3. Overcrowding the Pan: Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking
4. Over-Mixing the Sauce: Gentle folding prevents the sauce from becoming too thin
5. Sauce Timing: Applying sauce too early can make the crispy coating soggy

Storage & Reheating Tips to Keep Your Bang Bang Chicken Recipe Fresh

– Refrigeration: Store cooked chicken and sauce separately for up to 3 days
– Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken without sauce for up to 2 months
– Reheating: For maximum crispiness, reheat in oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or air fryer at 370°F for 3-4 minutes
– Sauce Storage: Refrigerate extra sauce in airtight container for up to 5 days

Conclusion: Final Thoughts on Making Bang Bang Chicken Recipe at Home

Mastering this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe gives you an impressive dish that balances textures and flavors beautifully. The crispy exterior, tender chicken inside, and that unmistakable creamy-spicy bang bang sauce recipe create a memorable meal that’s perfect for any occasion. What makes this recipe special is its adaptability – adjust the heat level, cooking method, or protein to suit your preferences while maintaining that signature bang bang flavor profile. With these detailed instructions and tips, you’re well-equipped to create restaurant-quality bang bang chicken in your own kitchen.

FAQs About Cooking Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Can I bake this chicken instead of frying it?
Yes! Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until golden and cooked through. Spray with cooking oil before baking for extra crispiness.

Is bang bang sauce very spicy?
The spice level is customizable. For a milder version, reduce the sriracha to 1 tablespoon or less.

Can I make bang bang sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The sauce can be prepared up to 5 days in advance and refrigerated in an airtight container.

What sides pair well with bang bang chicken?
Steamed rice, Asian slaw, roasted broccoli, or a simple cucumber salad all complement bang bang chicken perfectly.

How do I keep the chicken crispy when serving with sauce?
Serve the sauce on the side for dipping or drizzle it over just before serving to maintain maximum crispiness.