The moment you take a bite of Bang Bang Chicken, your taste buds awaken to a symphony of flavors that dance like confetti on New Year’s Eve. This dish is not just food; it’s an experience—a crunchy, creamy, spicy delight that leaves you wanting more with every mouthful. Picture tender chicken coated in a crispy crust, smothered in a sauce so good it could charm the socks off anyone. It’s ideal for dinner parties or those nights when you want to impress yourself (and possibly your cat).
I still remember the first time I made Bang Bang Chicken; I was trying to impress a date who claimed they were “not picky” but clearly had discerning tastes. Spoiler alert: they were blown away! The combination of sweet and spicy flavors, paired with that satisfying crunch, turned out to be the perfect recipe for romance—at least until they discovered my obsession with pineapple on pizza.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Bang Bang Chicken recipe is not only quick and easy but also packed with bold flavors that everyone will love
- You can whip it up in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings
- The vibrant colors and textures make it visually appealing, while its versatility allows you to serve it as an appetizer or main dish
- Plus, it caters beautifully to various diets—just swap out the chicken for tofu or shrimp!
Ingredients for Bang Bang Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but feel free to adjust based on how many hungry mouths you’re feeding.
Cornstarch: This is the secret ingredient that gives your chicken that irresistible crispy texture—don’t skip it!
Salt and Pepper: Simple yet essential; season your chicken well for maximum flavor.
For the Sauce:
Mayonnaise: Use regular mayonnaise for creaminess; add a bit of sriracha for that spicy kick.
Sriracha Sauce: Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance—this sauce can pack a punch!
Honey: A touch of sweetness balances out the heat perfectly; trust me on this one!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prep Your Chicken
Start by cutting your boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This will help them cook evenly and soak up all that wonderful flavor.
Step 2: Season and Coat
In a bowl, mix cornstarch with salt and pepper. Toss each piece of chicken in this mixture until fully coated—think of it as giving your chicken a tasty little spa day.
Step 3: Heat Up That Oil
In a large skillet, heat up about half an inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You want the oil hot enough so that the chicken sizzles when added but not so hot that it sends smoke signals begging for help.
Step 4: Fry Until Golden
Add the chicken pieces in batches (don’t overcrowd!) and fry until golden brown and crispy—about 5-7 minutes per side. Drain them on paper towels after frying (no one likes greasy fingers).
Step 5: Whip Up the Sauce
While the chicken cooks, combine mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, and honey in a bowl. Mix until smooth—it should look like something you’d want to dive into headfirst!
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Once all your chicken is fried and crispy, toss it in the sauce until fully coated. Transfer to plates and drizzle with any leftover sauce for that perfect finishing touch.
Now you’re ready to dive into this culinary delight! Serve with rice or fresh veggies for a complete meal—and don’t forget to enjoy every crunchy bite!
You Must Know
- This amazing Bang Bang Chicken recipe offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing
Perfecting the Cooking Process
First, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to let those flavors soak in. While the chicken is soaking up its spa treatment, whip up the sauce. Sear the chicken in a hot pan until golden brown, then finish cooking it gently while preparing your favorite sides.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to spice things up! Swap out the honey for maple syrup for a different sweetness or add some chili flakes if you like it hot. Toss in some vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli to make it a colorful one-pan wonder.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, use a skillet over medium heat to keep the chicken juicy and prevent it from drying out.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To elevate your Bang Bang Chicken, consider marinating overnight for deeper flavor integration
- Always sear on high heat for that perfect golden crust without overcooking
- Adding fresh herbs at the end brightens up the dish with amazing freshness
Sometimes, I whip up this Bang Bang Chicken when friends drop by unexpectedly, and their faces light up with joy as they devour every bite. There’s nothing quite like sharing good food and laughter!
FAQs:
What is Bang Bang Chicken?
Bang Bang Chicken is a popular dish known for its bold flavors and spicy kick. Originating from Asian cuisine, it features crispy chicken tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce. The key ingredients often include chicken breast, mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and garlic. This dish can be served as an appetizer or main course and is perfect for those who enjoy a little heat in their meals.
How do you make Bang Bang Chicken?
To make Bang Bang Chicken, start by frying or baking chicken pieces until they are crispy. Then, prepare the sauce by mixing mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and garlic together. Once the chicken is cooked, toss it in the sauce until evenly coated. Serve it over rice or with a side of vegetables for a delicious meal. The cooking process is simple and quick, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Can I substitute ingredients in Bang Bang Chicken?
Absolutely! You can customize Bang Bang Chicken to your taste preferences. For instance, if you want a lighter option, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. Additionally, you can replace chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein source. Adjust the level of spiciness by altering the amount of chili sauce used in the recipe. This flexibility allows everyone to enjoy their own version of this tasty dish.
Is Bang Bang Chicken suitable for meal prep?
Yes, Bang Bang Chicken is great for meal prep! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in airtight containers. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the chicken and toss it with the sauce. This makes it easy to have a flavorful meal ready within minutes during busy weekdays. Plus, the flavors meld beautifully after resting in the fridge.
Conclusion for Bang Bang Chicken:
Bang Bang Chicken is a delightful dish that combines crispy chicken with a creamy and spicy sauce. It offers versatility in ingredient substitutions, making it accessible for various dietary preferences. Whether served as an appetizer or main course, this recipe promises rich flavors that will satisfy any palate. Perfect for meal prep or quick dinners, it’s easy to see why this dish has gained popularity among food lovers everywhere. Enjoy making your own version of this delicious treat at home!
Bang Bang Chicken
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
Description
Bang Bang Chicken is a flavor-packed dish that combines crispy, tender chicken with a creamy, spicy sauce that will tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests at dinner parties, this quick recipe takes under 30 minutes to prepare and serves beautifully as an appetizer or main course.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp sriracha sauce (adjust for spice level)
- 1 tbsp honey
Instructions
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- In a bowl, mix cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Coat each chicken piece evenly in the mixture.
- Heat 1/2 inch vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy (5-7 minutes per side). Drain on paper towels.
- While chicken cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, and honey in a bowl until smooth.
- Toss cooked chicken in the sauce until well-coated. Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz (113g)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
