Bang Bang Chicken Recipe: Crispy, Spicy, and Sweet Delight

If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances crispy, spicy, and sweet flavors, look no further than this Bang Bang Chicken recipe. This delightful dish combines tender chicken coated in a crispy exterior, bathed in a spicy and sweet sauce that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you yearning for more. Whether you’re looking for a comfort meal or an impressive dish to serve at gatherings, Bang Bang Chicken is a winning choice.

Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

This Bang Bang Chicken recipe stands out for its perfect combination of textures and flavors. The chicken is fried to golden perfection, offering a satisfying crunch with every bite, while the sauce provides a delightful fusion of sweet heat. This dish is versatile, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at parties. The combination of a few simple ingredients creates a gourmet-style dish that will impress family and friends alike.

Beyond its fantastic flavors, this recipe is also adaptable to suit different dietary preferences with simple ingredient swaps. Whether you are new to cooking or an experienced chef, the straightforward steps ensure that you get a perfect result every time.

Context/Background

Originating from China, Bang Bang Chicken, or “Bang Bang Ji Si,” is a traditional dish renowned for its vibrant flavors and tantalizing appeal. The name “Bang Bang” refers to the banging sound made when tenderizing the chicken, which was traditionally done with a wooden stick or mallet. The contemporary version of the dish often includes a creamy and spicy sauce, making it a popular choice in Western cuisine.

The dish blends complex flavors with simple cooking techniques, making it a favorite for both street food vendors and upscale restaurants. Its adaptable nature allows for endless creativity while maintaining its authentic flavor profile.

Recipe Details

Serves: 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup buttermilk
• Vegetable oil for frying
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
• 2 tbsp hot sauce
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Sliced green onions, for garnish

Directions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
2. Dip the chicken pieces in buttermilk, then dredge in the flour mixture to coat thoroughly.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels.
4. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, honey, and garlic powder to create the bang bang sauce.
5. Toss the fried chicken in the sauce until fully coated.
6. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.

Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Chicken

• Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve a crispy coating.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying; cook in batches for even cooking.
• Adjust the heat level to your preference by varying the amount of hot sauce.
• For a healthier version, consider baking the chicken instead of frying.

Serving Suggestions

Bang Bang Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with steamed rice or noodles for a hearty meal. It also works as a tantalizing appetizer when served on a platter with toothpicks, allowing guests to enjoy bite-sized pieces easily.

Storage and Leftovers

Store any leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through, to retain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the chicken soggy.

Final Thoughts

This Bang Bang Chicken recipe is a delightful culinary experience that is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Its vibrant flavors and satisfyingly crispy texture make it worth every minute spent in the kitchen. Don’t miss the chance to impress your loved ones with this tantalizing dish that’s both fun and easy to prepare.

Recipe Notes

• Substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp for a different variation.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour and cornstarch.
• Feel free to adjust the spice level by experimenting with different hot sauces or adding chili flakes.