Bang Bang Chicken: Crispy, Spicy, and Flavorful Recipe

Hey there, food lovers! Ever had a craving for something that’s both cozy and exciting? Well, Bang Bang Chicken is just the ticket! This tasty dish combines crunchy chicken with a smooth, spicy sauce that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance. But here’s the thing: eating out can be pricey, and you might think it’s too tricky to whip up at home.

Table of Contents

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Where It Came From

Bang Bang Chicken, or “棒棒鸡” (Bàng bàng jī) in Chinese, started in Sichuan, China. It got its fun name from how cooks used to make it – they’d use a wooden stick to soften the chicken, making a “bang bang” sound. It began as street food but has since become popular all over the world.

What It Tastes Like

Bang Bang Chicken is a yummy mix of flavors and textures. You’ll find:

A crispy outside
Tender, juicy chicken inside
A creamy, spicy sauce

The sauce is the real star, mixing:

Ingredient	What It Adds
Mayonnaise	Creamy base
Sweet chili sauce	Sweetness and mild heat
Sriracha	Spicy kick
Honey	Balancing sweetness

This combo creates a perfect mix of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors that coat the crunchy chicken.

Old School vs. New School

As you look at Bang Bang Chicken recipes, you’ll see some differences between the old and new versions:

Old School:

Boiled chicken
Served cold or room-temp
Dressed with a spicy sesame sauce
Often includes cucumber and green onions

New School:

Fried or baked chicken
Served hot
Coated in a creamy, spicy sauce
Often served as a starter or main dish

Here’s a quick comparison:

What’s Different	Old School	New School
How It’s Cooked	Boiled	Fried or baked
Temperature	Cold/Room temp	Hot
Sauce	Sesame-based	Creamy, mayo-based
How It Looks	Shredded with veggies	Whole pieces or nuggets

Both versions are tasty, but the new school way has become super popular in Western cooking, especially in American Chinese restaurants. The crispy texture and rich, creamy sauce of the new version are loved by many people.

As you get ready to make your own Bang Bang Chicken, think about which version you like better. Whether you go for the traditional cold dish or the modern hot and crispy version, you’re in for a treat that mixes the best of Sichuan flavors with new cooking styles.

Now that you know what Bang Bang Chicken is all about, let’s look at the important ingredients you’ll need to make this mouthwatering dish at home.

Create a realistic image of a wooden cutting board with neatly arranged ingredients for Bang Bang Chicken, including chicken breasts, panko breadcrumbs, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, mayonnaise, honey, and green onions, with a small bowl of cornstarch nearby, all lit by soft natural light from a kitchen window.

Now that you know what Bang Bang Chicken is, let’s talk about what you need to make this yummy dish. Getting the right mix of flavors and textures in Bang Bang Chicken depends on choosing the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to grab:

Picking Your Chicken

Choosing the right chicken is super important for your Bang Bang Chicken recipe. You’ve got a few options:

Chicken breasts without skin or bones: These are the most popular because they’re lean and cook quickly.
Chicken thighs: If you like juicier, more flavorful chicken, boneless, skinless thighs work great.
Chicken tenders: These cook fast and are easy to portion out.

Whichever type you pick, make sure your chicken is fresh and good quality for the best results.

Key Sauce Stuff

The Bang Bang sauce is what makes this dish special, so getting it right is key. Here’s what you need:

Mayonnaise: Makes the sauce creamy
Sweet chili sauce: Adds sweetness and a little heat
Sriracha sauce: Brings the heat and tangy flavor
Honey: Balances out the heat with some sweetness
Rice vinegar: Adds a bit of tang
Garlic: Makes the overall flavor better

Here’s a quick list of the sauce ingredients and how much to use:

Ingredient	How Much
Mayonnaise	1/2 cup
Sweet chili sauce	1/4 cup
Sriracha sauce	2 tbsp
Honey	1 tbsp
Rice vinegar	1 tsp
Minced garlic	1 clove

Extra Stuff for More Flavor

To make your Bang Bang Chicken even better and more your style, think about adding these:

Panko breadcrumbs: Make the chicken extra crispy
Sesame oil: Adds a nutty flavor to the sauce
Green onions: Gives a fresh, crisp topping
Sesame seeds: Add a nice crunch and look pretty
Lime juice: Makes the sauce taste bright and citrusy
Red pepper flakes: For those who like it extra spicy

By adding these extra ingredients, you can make your Bang Bang Chicken just the way you like it and create a dish that’s truly your own.

With all these ingredients ready, you’re all set to make a delicious Bang Bang Chicken that will wow your family and friends. Next, we’ll show you how to get the chicken ready to make it perfectly crispy.

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Getting the Chicken Ready

Now that you’ve got all your ingredients, it’s time to focus on getting the chicken ready for your bang-bang chicken recipe. This important step will make sure your dish turns out super crispy and full of flavor.

Cutting and Trimming Tips

Start by choosing chicken breasts without bones or skin for the best results. Here’s how to get them ready:

Wash the chicken breasts with cold water and dry them off with paper towels.
Put the chicken on a cutting board and trim off any extra fat or stringy bits.
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. This size cooks evenly and is easy to eat.

Pro tip: Try cutting the chicken against the grain for extra tenderness. This breaks down the muscle fibers, making each bite more tender.

Marinating for Better Taste

Marinating your chicken makes a difference in flavor. Here’s a simple marinade recipe:

Ingredient	How Much
Soy sauce	2 tbsp
Rice vinegar	1 tbsp
Garlic (minced)	2 cloves
Ginger (grated)	1 tsp
White pepper	1/4 tsp

Mix these ingredients in a bowl, add your chicken pieces, and let them sit for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for more flavor). This step not only makes your bang-bang chicken taste better but also helps make the meat more tender.

Cooking Choices: Frying or Grilling

You have two great options for cooking your bang-bang chicken: frying or grilling. Each way has its good points:

Frying:

Makes a crispy outside
Gives a classic texture
Perfect for that restaurant-style taste

Grilling:

Healthier option with less oil
Adds a smoky flavor
Great for summer cookouts

For frying:

Heat oil in a deep fryer or big pot to 350°F (175°C).
Roll marinated chicken pieces in cornstarch or a mix of flour and cornstarch.
Fry in small batches for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

For grilling:

Heat your grill to medium-high.
Put marinated chicken pieces on skewers.
Grill for 5-7 minutes, turning now and then, until fully cooked and a bit charred.

Whichever way you choose, make sure your chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) inside for safety.

With your chicken perfectly prepared, you’re now ready to make the special bang bang sauce that will make your dish extra delicious.

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Making the Perfect Bang Bang Sauce

The heart of any good bang bang chicken recipe is its special sauce. This creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet mix is what gives the dish its unique flavor and makes it so yummy. Let’s look at how to make the perfect bang bang sauce for your homemade bang bang chicken.

Main Ingredients

The base of your bang bang sauce is made up of a few key ingredients that work together to create its special taste:

Mayonnaise: Makes the sauce creamy and thick
Sweet chili sauce: Adds sweetness and a mild heat
Sriracha or hot sauce: Brings the spicy kick
Rice vinegar: Gives a tangy flavor to balance things out

Here’s a simple recipe to start with:

Ingredient	How Much
Mayonnaise	1/2 cup
Sweet chili sauce	1/4 cup
Sriracha	2 tablespoons
Rice vinegar	1 tablespoon

Getting the Sweet and Spicy Just Right

The key to a perfect bang-bang sauce is finding the right balance between sweetness and heat. You want your sauce to have a nice kick without being too hot. Here are some tips to help you find that perfect mix:

Start with less spice: It’s easier to add more heat than to cool it down, so begin with a smaller amount of sriracha or hot sauce.
Taste as you go: Mix your ingredients bit by bit and taste often to check the balance.
Use honey to sweeten: If your sauce is too spicy, a little honey can help mellow it out.
Let it sit: After mixing, let your sauce rest for a few minutes. The flavors will blend, and you can adjust if needed.

Making It Your Own

One of the great things about making your bang bang sauce is that you can change it to fit what you like. Here are some ways you can tweak the recipe:

Adjust the heat: Use more or less sriracha, or try different hot sauces like sambal oelek or gochujang for unique flavors.
Add garlic: Minced garlic or garlic powder can make your sauce taste deeper.
Put in some citrus: A squeeze of lime juice can brighten the flavors and add a zesty twist.
Try different sweeteners: Experiment with agave nectar or brown sugar instead of honey for different kinds of sweetness.
Make it smoky: A dash of smoked paprika can add a subtle smoky flavor.

Remember, the perfect bang bang sauce is the one that tastes best to you. Don’t be afraid to try different things and make it your own. Once you’ve got your ideal sauce, you’re well on your way to making a bang-bang chicken dish that’s as good as any restaurant version.

Now that you’ve made your perfect bang bang sauce, it’s time to move on to the next important step in your bang bang chicken recipe: putting the dish together.

Putting the Dish Together

Now that you’ve got your crispy chicken ready and whipped up that tasty bang bang sauce, it’s time to bring your cooking masterpiece together. Putting your bang bang chicken together is where you can show off your creativity and make it look great. Let’s talk about how to plate, garnish, and serve this Chinese-inspired chicken dish to perfection.

Making It Look Good

When it comes to plating your bang-bang chicken, how it looks is important. Here are some ways to make your dish look appealing:

Use a big, clean white plate to make the colors of your dish stand out
Make a bed of shredded lettuce or cabbage as a base
Arrange the crispy chicken pieces in a fan or circle shape
Drizzle the bang bang sauce over the chicken, or serve it on the side in a small bowl
Leave some space on the plate to make it look more fancy

Garnish Ideas

Garnishes not only make your dish look better but also add to the overall flavor of your bang-bang chicken. Try these options:

Thinly sliced green onions or chives
Sesame seeds (white or black)
Fresh cilantro leaves
Thinly sliced red chili peppers for extra heat
Lime wedges for a citrusy touch

Here’s a quick list of garnish pairings:

Garnish	Flavor	How It Looks
Green onions	Mild, fresh	Adds color contrast
Sesame seeds	Nutty, crunchy	Gives texture
Cilantro	Bright, herby	Adds freshness
Red chili	Spicy, bright	Makes colors pop
Lime wedges	Citrusy, tangy	Lets people add their own

Serving Temperature Tips

How hot or cold your bang-bang chicken is when you serve it can affect how good it tastes. Here are some tips to make sure your dish is served at its best:

Serve the crispy chicken right after cooking to keep it crunchy
Keep the bang bang sauce at room temperature so it’s easy to drizzle
If serving family-style, use a warm plate to keep the chicken hot
For individual servings, warm the plates a little before putting the food on
If you’re serving sides like rice or veggies, make sure they’re hot when you plate them

Remember, timing is super important when putting your bang-bang chicken together. Have everything ready before you start plating to make sure it all comes together smoothly. By following these plating techniques, garnish ideas, and serving temperature tips, you’ll create a bang-bang chicken dish that looks amazing and tastes delicious, sure to impress your guests or family.

Next, we’ll look at some great pairing ideas and serving suggestions to go with your beautifully plated bang-bang chicken dish.

What Goes Well with Bang Bang Chicken

Now that you’ve mastered making delicious bang-bang chicken, let’s talk about how to make your meal even better with perfect pairings and serving ideas. Whether you’re planning a casual weeknight dinner or a fancy meal for guests, these suggestions will help you make the most of your bang-bang chicken.

Tasty Side Dishes

To balance out the rich and spicy flavors of bang bang chicken, think about these side dishes:

Steamed Jasmine Rice: A classic choice that soaks up the sauce nicely.
Asian Slaw: A crunchy, tangy side that goes well with the creamy chicken.
Stir-Fried Vegetables: Adds color and healthy stuff to your plate.
Cucumber Salad: A refreshing side that cuts through the richness.

Here’s a quick look at these side dishes:

Side Dish	Texture	Flavor	How Long to Make
Steamed Jasmine Rice	Soft	Plain	20 mins
Asian Slaw	Crunchy	Tangy	15 mins
Stir-Fried Vegetables	Crisp-tender	Savory	10 mins
Cucumber Salad	Crisp	Refreshing	5 mins

Remember, the key to a great meal is balance. The creamy, spicy flavors of bang bang chicken go well with fresh, crisp veggies and plain stars.

Create a realistic image of a kitchen counter with a plate of crispy, golden-brown Bang Bang Chicken pieces, a small bowl of vibrant orange Bang Bang sauce, chopsticks, and a cutting board with fresh scallions and chili peppers. Include a notepad with visible bullet points listing cooking tips, and a kitchen timer in the background to emphasize timing importance.

When making bang bang chicken, be careful not to:

Overcook the chicken, which can make it dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (165°F or 74°C), cook similar-sized pieces for even cooking, and remove from heat promptly.
Get the sauce consistency wrong. Aim for a smooth, creamy texture by avoiding too much mayo, whisking thoroughly, and not overheating the sauce.
Neglect the crispy coating. Ensure the chicken is dry before coating, avoid overcrowding the pan when frying, and don’t apply sauce too early.

Time-Saving Preparation Tips

You can prepare some elements in advance:

Make the sauce up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate.
Marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Mix dry breading ingredients and store for up to a week.

Item	Prep Time	Storage Method
Sauce	Up to 3 days	Refrigerate in an airtight container
Marinated chicken	Up to 24 hours	Refrigerate in a sealed bag
Breading mix	Up to 1 week	Store in an airtight container at room temperature

Handling Leftovers

To store and reheat leftover bang bang chicken:

Storing:
- Cool completely before storing
- Use an airtight container or wrap in foil
- Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months
Reheating:
- Oven (375°F for 10-15 minutes): Best for crispiness
- Microwave (30-second intervals): Quickest, but may soften the texture
- Air fryer (375°F for 3-4 minutes): Good for restoring crispiness

The key to great bang bang chicken is balancing crispy chicken with creamy, spicy sauce. By avoiding common errors, using make-ahead options, and properly storing and reheating leftovers, you can enjoy this tasty Chinese-inspired dish at its best.

Feel free to adjust the recipe to your liking. Bang bang chicken works well as an appetizer or main course and is sure to be a hit with your guests. Give it a try and it might become one of your go-to recipes!