Bang Bang Chicken is a tasty dish featuring tender chicken bites coated in a creamy and spicy sauce. It’s simple to make and full of flavor!
This dish is a family favorite in my house. We love to enjoy it over rice or lettuce wraps. Perfect for a fun dinner! Just be ready for the bang of flavor! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: I like using boneless, skinless chicken breast for a tender bite. If you want something different, you could try chicken thighs or even tofu for a vegetarian option!
Cornstarch: This helps create a super crispy coating. If you need a substitute, arrowroot powder works similarly in gluten-free cooking.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These light and crispy breadcrumbs are a game changer! If you can’t find them, regular breadcrumbs will do, but they won’t be as crunchy. Consider crushing some crackers as another fun option!
Sweet Chili Sauce: This is what gives the Bang Bang Chicken its unique flavor. If you want a homemade version, mix equal parts honey and soy sauce with a dash of vinegar. You can also adjust the spice level to your liking.
Sriracha: For heat, I recommend starting with a little and adding more if you like it spicy. You can also substitute with hot sauce or chili paste if that’s what you have on hand.
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Crispy?
Getting that perfect crunch is key when making Bang Bang Chicken. Here’s how to ensure your chicken turns out wonderfully crispy:
- Set up a dredging station: one bowl for the seasoned cornstarch, one for beaten eggs, and one for panko breadcrumbs.
- Always shake off excess cornstarch before dipping into the eggs. This helps the breadcrumbs stick better!
- Ensure your oil is hot enough before frying. If it’s too cold, the chicken can become soggy. Test by dropping a small piece of chicken; it should bubble right away.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying. Give each piece space to cook evenly without steaming.
- Drain cooked chicken on paper towels to absorb extra oil. This keeps them crispy for serving!
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Oil for frying
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Bang Bang Chicken takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 20 minutes to cook. So, in just about 35 minutes, you’ll have a tasty dish ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Coatings:
Start by setting up three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, mix the cornstarch with a pinch of salt and pepper. In the second bowl, beat the eggs, and in the third bowl, pour in the panko breadcrumbs. This will be your coating assembly line. It’s like a fun little production line!
2. Coat the Chicken:
Take each piece of chicken and dredge it in the cornstarch first. Make sure to shake off any extra. Next, dip it in the beaten eggs so that each piece is well-coated. Finally, roll it in the panko breadcrumbs until it’s nicely covered. This coating is what will give your chicken that crispy crunch!
3. Fry the Chicken:
Heat some oil in a large skillet or deep fryer over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken pieces in batches. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan so they fry evenly. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken and let it drain on paper towels to get rid of excess oil.
4. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
While the chicken is draining, grab a small bowl and whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and rice vinegar. Mix until smooth. Taste it and add a little salt and pepper if needed to bring out the flavors.
5. Combine and Serve:
In a large mixing bowl, toss the fried chicken pieces with the Bang Bang sauce until they are well-coated. The sauce brings a delightful flavor that makes the chicken truly special. Serve it up on a plate and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a little extra heat.
Enjoy your homemade Bang Bang Chicken! It’s perfect for sharing (or not)! 😊
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs can be used for a richer flavor and more tenderness. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces and adjust the frying time slightly, as thighs may take a couple of minutes longer to cook through.
What Can I Use Instead of Panko Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs will work too! You can also make your own by blending stale bread until coarse. Just keep in mind that panko gives a lighter, crunchier texture, so the result may be less crispy with regular breadcrumbs.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through, to help maintain its crispy texture instead of using the microwave.
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce up to 2 days in advance! Just mix the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and rice vinegar, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Stir well before using to ensure it’s smooth and well combined.
