This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is a fun and tasty dish! It’s all about crunchy chicken with a creamy, spicy sauce that brings everything together. Perfect for a quick meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I usually prefer boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness, but breasts work just as well! If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can also use baked or grilled chicken, cut into chunks afterward.
Flour & Cornstarch: The combo of all-purpose flour and cornstarch gives the chicken a perfect crispy coating. If you’re gluten-free, you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend and cornstarch. Almond flour could also give a unique flavor!
Bang Bang Sauce: Mayonnaise provides a creamy base, but Greek yogurt is a great substitute if you want something lighter. For a different twist, try using ranch dressing in place of mayo for a zesty flavor! Adjust the sriracha for your spice preference.
Garnishes: Chopped green onions are my favorite for freshness, but you can also use cilantro or parsley. Sesame seeds add a nice crunch, but they’re optional if you want to keep it simple.
How Do You Get the Chicken Extra Crispy?
Getting that extra crunch on your chicken is all about the coating and frying technique. Here’s how:
- Make sure to pat the chicken dry! If there’s moisture, the coating won’t stick well.
- Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan—this keeps the temperature steady.
- Let the oil heat up properly. Use a thermometer to check if it’s around 350°F (175°C). If the oil is too cool, the chicken will absorb too much oil and won’t be crispy.
- Don’t forget to drain the fried chicken on paper towels after cooking. This helps keep it crispy by removing excess oil!
With these tips, your Crispy Bang Bang Chicken will turn out perfectly each time! Enjoy!
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe: Easy and Delicious
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 tsp sriracha sauce (adjust for spice level)
- 1 tsp honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1 tsp lime juice
For Garnish:
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This crispy Bang Bang Chicken recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time and another 15-20 minutes for cooking. In total, you’re looking at about 40 minutes from start to finish. A relatively quick process for something so delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Chicken:
Start by patting the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This ensures that the coating sticks nicely and helps to achieve that crispy texture.
2. Make the Coating:
In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will create a crunchy coating for your chicken.
3. Beat the Eggs:
In another bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. This will be the binding agent for your chicken coating.
4. Coat the Chicken:
Take each chicken piece and first dip it into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off. Then, dredge it in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure it adheres well. Place the coated chicken on a plate while you prepare to fry.
5. Heat the Oil:
In a deep pan or skillet, pour enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom by about 2 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil by dropping in a small piece of bread—it should sizzle and brown quite quickly.
6. Fry the Chicken:
Fry the chicken pieces in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per batch, until they are golden brown and fully cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to lift the chicken out and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil.
7. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (if using), and lime juice until everything is well combined and smooth.
8. Combine:
Take your fried chicken and place it in a large bowl. Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the chicken and toss gently to coat all the pieces evenly.
9. Serve:
Transfer your crispy Bang Bang Chicken to a serving plate. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if you like. Serve immediately and enjoy this zesty dish!
This crunchy, creamy, and spicy Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is delightful as an appetizer or main dish, served with steamed rice or a fresh salad. Enjoy your delicious creation!
FAQ for Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The best method is to leave it in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re short on time, you can thaw it in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water for about an hour.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this Crispy Bang Bang Chicken gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use cornstarch as it is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure all sauce ingredients also adhere to your dietary requirements.
Can I Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can make the Bang Bang sauce a day in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This not only saves time but allows the flavors to meld together for an even tastier sauce!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply place them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or reheat in a microwave until warm. For the crispiest result, you might want to use the oven instead of the microwave.