Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Craving a dish that’s crispy, flavorful, and coated in a creamy, spicy sauce? Look no further than Bang Bang Chicken! This dish is inspired by the popular Bang Bang Shrimp from Bonefish Grill and combines crispy fried or baked chicken bites with a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce that’s so addictive, you’ll be making it again and again. Perfect as an appetizer, main course, or even a party snack, this easy-to-make recipe will become a go-to when you’re craving bold flavors. Keep reading for a step-by-step guide, substitutions, tips, and more!

this Recipe

What is Bang Bang Chicken?

Bang Bang Chicken is a dish consisting of crispy fried (or baked) chicken tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. The sauce has the perfect balance of sweetness, creaminess, and a kick of heat, making it an instant crowd-pleaser. The chicken is usually coated in flour or cornstarch and then fried until golden and crispy, giving it a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the smooth, tangy sauce. This dish is often served over rice, in lettuce wraps, or as a party appetizer with a dipping sauce on the side.

Ingredients List for Bang Bang Chicken

Before you begin, gather the following ingredients. This recipe serves 4 but can easily be scaled up for larger groups.

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• ½ cup buttermilk (or regular milk with a splash of lemon juice)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise (regular or light)
• ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to your heat preference)
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (optional, for a tangy twist)

For Garnish:

• Chopped green onions (optional)
• Chopped cilantro (optional)
• Lettuce leaves (optional, for serving as lettuce wraps)

Substitutions and Variations

There are several ways to customize this Bang Bang Chicken recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some substitutions and variations:

• Chicken Thighs: Instead of chicken breasts, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier result. Just adjust the cooking time slightly.
• Baked Version: For a healthier option, bake the chicken pieces instead of frying. Coat the chicken as instructed, then place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and cornstarch for a gluten-free version. You can also coat the chicken in crushed gluten-free crackers or panko crumbs.
• Air Fryer: For a healthier crispy chicken, use an air fryer instead of deep frying. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the chicken in batches for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
• Sauce Variations: Feel free to adjust the sauce to your liking! Add more sriracha for extra heat, honey for sweetness, or lime juice for a tangy kick.

These variations give you flexibility in how you prepare the dish, making it perfect for a range of tastes and dietary needs.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to make Bang Bang Chicken? Follow these easy steps to create this delicious, spicy dish at home.

How to Cook Bang Bang Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by marinating the chicken pieces in buttermilk (or regular milk). If you don’t have buttermilk, simply add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to the milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using. This step helps tenderize the chicken and keeps it moist during frying. Marinate the chicken for at least 20-30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This flour mixture gives the chicken its crispy coating.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, shaking off any excess, and dredge each piece in the flour mixture. Press down lightly to ensure the coating sticks. Place the coated chicken pieces on a plate or wire rack to rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the coating adhere better during frying.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.

Step 5: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

While the chicken is frying, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey (if using). Taste and adjust the heat and sweetness as needed. If you want the sauce to have a bit of a tangy edge, add a squeeze of lime juice.

Step 6: Toss the Chicken in the Sauce

Once all the chicken is fried and crispy, toss the pieces in the prepared Bang Bang sauce. You can either coat all the chicken in the sauce or serve the sauce on the side for dipping, depending on your preference.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the Bang Bang Chicken to a serving plate and garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro for a fresh, vibrant touch. Serve with lettuce leaves if you want to create lettuce wraps, or pair it with rice for a more filling meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when making Bang Bang Chicken:

• Overcrowding the Pan: If you add too many chicken pieces at once, the oil temperature will drop, leading to soggy rather than crispy chicken. Fry in batches for best results.
• Undercooking the Chicken: Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
• Not Letting the Chicken Rest After Coating: Letting the coated chicken rest for a few minutes before frying helps the coating stick better and results in a crispier crust.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Once your Bang Bang Chicken is ready, it’s time to think about presentation and serving. Here are some ideas to serve up this dish beautifully.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken

This dish is versatile and can be served in several ways:

• As an Appetizer: Serve the crispy chicken bites on a platter with toothpicks and extra sauce on the side for dipping.
• In Lettuce Wraps: For a fresh and light option, serve the chicken in lettuce leaves. The cool, crisp lettuce pairs perfectly with the creamy, spicy sauce.
• Over Rice: Serve the Bang Bang Chicken over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or fried rice for a more filling meal.
• In Tacos: Place the chicken inside soft tortillas with a slaw or lettuce for delicious Bang Bang Chicken tacos.

Presentation Ideas for Bang Bang Chicken

• Garnish with Green Onions: The bright green of chopped green onions adds a nice contrast to the creamy sauce.
• Sprinkle with Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds make a beautiful garnish that also adds a bit of texture and nutty flavor.
• Serve with Lime Wedges: Lime wedges on the side let diners squeeze fresh lime juice over their chicken, adding a tangy twist to the dish.

Bang Bang Chicken Recipe Tips

For the best results, keep these helpful tips in mind:

• Double Coat for Extra Crunch: For a thicker, crunchier coating, double-dip the chicken in the flour mixture after a light dip in water or buttermilk before frying.
• Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of sriracha in the sauce or sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the sauce or coating mixture.
• Use Fresh Oil: If you’re frying multiple batches, make sure the oil stays clean. Strain out any burnt bits in between batches to avoid a bitter flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this recipe with shrimp instead of chicken?
A: Absolutely! Bang Bang Shrimp is a popular variation of this recipe. Simply replace the chicken with shrimp, coat and fry them in the same way, and toss with the sauce.

Q: Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
A: Yes! For a healthier option, you can bake the chicken in the oven. Coat the chicken pieces and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or

air fryer to help the chicken regain its crispiness. The sauce can be stored separately to prevent the chicken from becoming soggy.

Q: Can I freeze Bang Bang Chicken?
A: Yes, you can freeze the fried chicken pieces before tossing them in the sauce. Freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer until crispy, then toss in the sauce just before serving.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Chicken is the perfect dish when you're in the mood for something crispy, spicy, and absolutely mouthwatering. Whether you serve it as an appetizer, main course, or snack, the combination of tender chicken and the addictive bang bang sauce is guaranteed to be a hit. This recipe is easy to customize and versatile enough to serve in various ways—over rice, in lettuce wraps, or even as tacos! Try it for your next meal or gathering, and watch as your friends and family fall in love with the bold flavors. Enjoy!

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