Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

Crispy Bang Bang Chicken: Are you ready to experience a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more? This isn’t your average chicken recipe; it’s a culinary adventure that combines the satisfying crunch of perfectly fried chicken with a sweet, spicy, and tangy sauce that’s utterly addictive. I’ve perfected this recipe over time, drawing inspiration from various Asian-inspired sauces and techniques, resulting in a dish that’s both incredibly flavorful and surprisingly easy to make at home.

While the exact origins of “Bang Bang” sauce are a bit hazy, its popularity speaks volumes. The name itself evokes the exciting, vibrant flavors that characterize this sauce – a delightful combination of sweet chili, garlic, and a hint of something fiery. Many variations exist, but the core concept remains the same: a bold sauce that elevates simple ingredients to extraordinary heights. I’ve focused on creating a Crispy Bang Bang Chicken recipe that balances these flavors perfectly, ensuring a harmonious blend of sweet, spicy, and savory notes.

People adore this dish for its incredible versatility. It’s fantastic as a main course, served with rice or noodles, or as a delicious appetizer, perfect for sharing with friends and family. The satisfying crunch of the chicken, combined with the irresistible Bang Bang sauce, creates a textural and flavor experience that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this Crispy Bang Bang Chicken recipe is guaranteed to impress. So, let’s get started and create a culinary masterpiece together!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• For the Bang Bang Sauce:
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sriracha (or more, to taste)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish
• Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well to ensure all the spices are evenly distributed. This is your dredging station.
2. In a separate shallow dish, whisk together the buttermilk and eggs. This is your marinade.
3. One by one, dip each chicken cube into the buttermilk mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let any excess drip off.
4. Next, dredge each buttermilk-coated chicken cube in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure a good coating. Make sure all sides are evenly covered. Set the coated chicken aside on a plate or wire rack.
5. Important Note: At this stage, you can either proceed directly to frying or refrigerate the coated chicken for at least 30 minutes (or even up to 2 hours) to allow the flavors to meld and the coating to firm up. This step significantly improves the crispiness of the final product.

Frying the Chicken

1. Pour enough vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to reach a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature accurately. Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial for achieving perfectly crispy chicken.
2. Carefully add the chicken cubes to the hot oil in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken. Fry for about 5-7 minutes per batch, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
3. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oil using a slotted spoon or spider and place it on a wire rack set over a baking sheet lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. This helps maintain the crispiness.
4. Repeat with the remaining chicken batches, ensuring the oil temperature remains consistent throughout the frying process. You may need to adjust the heat slightly to maintain the 350°F (175°C) temperature.

Making the Bang Bang Sauce

1. While the chicken is frying (or resting after frying), prepare the Bang Bang sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and minced garlic until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasonings to your preference. You might want more sriracha for extra heat, or more honey for sweetness.
2. Tip: If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can briefly blend the sauce with an immersion blender or in a regular blender until smooth. I personally prefer a slightly chunky texture.

Assembling and Serving

1. Once the chicken is completely cool, gently toss it with the Bang Bang sauce, ensuring all the pieces are evenly coated. Be careful not to break the chicken.
2. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds (if using). Serve immediately and enjoy! The crispy chicken is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
3. Serving Suggestion: Serve this crispy Bang Bang chicken with your favorite sides, such as rice, fries, or a fresh salad. It’s also delicious as a snack or appetizer.

Troubleshooting Tips

1. Chicken not crispy enough? Ensure your oil is at the correct temperature (350°F/175°C) and avoid overcrowding the pot. Allow the chicken to rest on a wire rack after frying to drain excess oil.
2. Chicken too dry? Don’t overcook the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
3. Sauce too spicy? Reduce the amount of sriracha or add a touch more honey to balance the heat.
4. Sauce too sweet? Reduce the amount of honey or add a squeeze of lime juice for a tangier flavor.

Conclusion:

So there you have it – my recipe for the ultimate Crispy Bang Bang Chicken! I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for several reasons. First, the flavor profile is simply incredible. That addictive sweet, spicy, and savory sauce perfectly complements the incredibly crispy chicken. It’s a beautiful balance of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more. Second, it’s surprisingly easy to make! Despite the impressive results, the process is straightforward and manageable, even for beginner cooks. You won’t believe how quickly you can whip up this delicious dish.

Third, and perhaps most importantly, this Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is incredibly versatile. It’s the perfect centerpiece for any meal, from a casual weeknight dinner to a more impressive gathering with friends. The possibilities are truly endless!

Serving Suggestions:

I love serving my Crispy Bang Bang Chicken with a side of fluffy white rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. The rice provides a lovely contrast to the crispy chicken, creating a harmonious culinary experience. Alternatively, you could serve it with some steamed broccoli or a vibrant Asian slaw for a lighter, healthier option. For a truly indulgent meal, try serving it with some crispy fries or sweet potato wedges – the perfect combination of salty and sweet!

For a fun twist, consider serving the chicken over a bed of noodles – either rice noodles or even spaghetti would work wonderfully. The sauce clings beautifully to the noodles, creating a flavorful and satisfying dish. You could also add some chopped peanuts or sesame seeds for extra crunch and flavor. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your favorite combination!

Variations:

Want to put your own spin on this recipe? Feel free to adjust the spice level to your liking. If you prefer a milder dish, simply reduce the amount of chili garlic sauce. For those who like things extra fiery, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some finely chopped chili peppers to the sauce. You can also experiment with different types of chicken – chicken thighs work equally well and will result in even juicier meat.

Another fun variation is to add some other vegetables to the mix. Broccoli florets, bell peppers, or even some snap peas would be delicious additions and add some extra nutritional value to your meal. Just make sure to add them during the last few minutes of cooking so they don’t overcook.

Finally, don’t be afraid to get creative with the dipping sauces! A creamy sriracha mayo or a simple sweet chili sauce would be fantastic accompaniments to this already amazing dish. The possibilities are truly endless!

Give it a Try!

I genuinely hope you give this Crispy Bang Bang Chicken recipe a try. It’s a dish that I’m incredibly proud of, and I know you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for impressing friends and family or simply treating yourself to a delicious and satisfying meal. Once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your photos and feedback on social media using #CrispyBangBangChicken – I can’t wait to see your creations!

Remember to adjust the recipe to your own preferences and have fun experimenting with different flavors and variations. Happy cooking!