Simple Bang Bang Chicken Recipe Ready in Minutes

Bang Bang Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish that combines crispy chicken with a creamy, slightly spicy sauce. This dish is inspired by the popular appetizer found in Asian-fusion restaurants and is perfect for a weeknight dinner or party snack. With its crispy texture and tangy, spicy-sweet sauce, it’s sure to be a hit at your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
• Crispy & Flavorful: The chicken is coated in a light, crispy batter and tossed in a bold, creamy sauce.
• Versatile: Serve it over rice, in tacos, or as an appetizer.
• Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the spice to your preference.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1/4 cup milk
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. In a bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
3. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, then coat in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

1. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet to 350°F (175°C).
2. Fry the chicken pieces in batches for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
3. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

1. In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

1. Toss the crispy chicken in the Bang Bang sauce until evenly coated.
2. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
3. Enjoy over rice, in lettuce wraps, or as an appetizer.

Variations

• Air-Fried Option: Cook the chicken in an air fryer at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
• Grilled Chicken: Skip the frying and grill marinated chicken for a healthier version.
• Extra Crunch: Double coat the chicken by dipping it back into the egg mixture and flour before frying.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free flour and cornstarch for a gluten-free alternative.

Servings & Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in an oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or in an air fryer for 5 minutes to maintain crispiness.
• Freezing: Freeze the cooked chicken separately from the sauce for up to 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well and provide extra juiciness.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Increase the sriracha or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce.

What can I serve with Bang Bang Chicken?

Serve with rice, steamed vegetables, or a side of coleslaw.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes, bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Is Bang Bang Chicken the same as traditional Chinese Bang Bang Chicken?

No, traditional Bang Bang Chicken is a Sichuan dish with poached chicken and a spicy peanut sauce.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise?

Yes, Greek yogurt can be used for a lighter sauce.

What oil is best for frying?

Use vegetable, canola, or peanut oil for frying.

Can I make the sauce in advance?

Yes, store it in the fridge for up to a week.

How do I prevent the chicken from getting soggy?

Serve immediately after tossing in the sauce, or keep the sauce separate until serving.

Can I use store-bought breaded chicken?

Yes, for a shortcut, use frozen breaded chicken and toss it in the sauce after cooking.

Conclusion

This Simple Bang Bang Chicken recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy restaurant-style flavors at home in under 30 minutes. Whether served as a main dish or appetizer, the combination of crispy chicken and bold sauce will keep you coming back for more. Try it today and customize it to suit your taste preferences!

Print