This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is a fun and tasty dish that’s perfect for dinner! Juicy chicken pieces are coated in a crunchy layer and tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce that packs a punch.
I love serving this chicken with some rice or fresh veggies. It’s always a hit at the dinner table, and you might find yourself sneaking extra bites—it’s just that good! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness, but breasts also work well. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you could use tofu or cauliflower for a vegetarian version.
Flour and Cornstarch: The mix of flour and cornstarch gives that crispy texture. If you’re gluten-free, try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or rice flour.
Mayonnaise: This is essential for the creamy sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, Greek yogurt can be a good substitute. Feel free to mix in a bit of mustard for extra tang!
Sweet Chili Sauce: This gives a nice balance of sweetness and heat. If you don’t have any, store-bought salsa or a mix of plain sugar and hot sauce can work in a pinch.
How Do I Get the Chicken Extra Crispy?
To achieve that perfect crispy coating, the dredging process is key. Ensure each chicken piece is well-coated in egg before dredging in the flour mixture. Let any excess batter fall off before frying so that it crisps up without becoming soggy.
- Heat the oil until it’s around 350°F (175°C); this ensures it fries quickly and keeps the chicken juicy inside.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! Fry in batches to maintain the oil temperature—this keeps the chicken crispy.
- Drain the fried chicken on paper towels immediately to absorb any excess oil. This helps maintain their crunch.
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
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 salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 tsp Sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp lime juice (optional, for brightness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take approximately 20 minutes of preparation and about 15-20 minutes for frying the chicken. In total, you should expect to spend around 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Coating:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good whisk to ensure everything is mixed well. This mixture will create a crispy coating for your chicken.
2. Create the Egg Mixture:
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until you have a smooth batter. This will help the flour mixture stick to the chicken pieces.
3. Coat the Chicken:
Take each piece of chicken and dip it first into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, dredge it in the flour mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Set the coated chicken aside on a plate.
4. Heat the Oil:
In a deep skillet or pot, pour in vegetable oil to a depth of about 1-2 inches. Heat it over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test if it’s hot enough by dropping a small piece of the batter in—if it sizzles right away, it’s ready!
5. Fry the Chicken:
Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches. Fry them for about 4-5 minutes until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature. Once done, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any extra oil.
6. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
While frying the chicken, prepare the Bang Bang sauce. In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and lime juice. Stir until smooth and fully blended. Taste and adjust the spice level if necessary!
7. Toss the Chicken in Sauce:
Once all the chicken is fried, place it in a large mixing bowl and pour the Bang Bang sauce over it. Gently toss until every piece is evenly coated in the delicious sauce.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer the coated chicken to a serving platter and garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice or fresh veggies to create a delightful dinner experience!
Enjoy your Crispy Bang Bang Chicken! It’s a scrumptious dish with a perfect blend of crunch, spice, and creaminess—sure to become a family favorite!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Proteins in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or even cauliflower for a vegetarian option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, especially for shrimp and tofu which cook faster.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you’re looking to add extra heat, increase the amount of Sriracha in the Bang Bang sauce. You can also drizzle some chili oil over the finished dish for an added kick or serve with sliced jalapeños on the side!
Can I Make the Bang Bang Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the Bang Bang sauce in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before tossing with the chicken!
How Do I Store Leftover Bang Bang Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for the best texture, or in the microwave if you’re in a hurry. Keep in mind that reheating may make the chicken slightly less crispy.
