This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is a tasty treat that’s both easy to make and fun to eat! Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, it’s all about that amazing sauce.
The sweet and spicy sauce is what makes this dish special. I love serving it with rice or veggies, but let’s be real, I could eat it straight from the pan! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe as they stay tender and cook quickly. You can substitute thighs for a richer flavor or even use shrimp for a twist!
Flour & Cornstarch: A mix of all-purpose flour and cornstarch gives the chicken its crispy texture. You can use gluten-free flour or a cornstarch-only mix if you prefer that. Just keep an eye on the crispiness!
Bang Bang Sauce: The sauce blends mayonnaise with sweet chili and sriracha. If you want a lighter version, try using Greek yogurt instead of mayo. For a different kick, add a touch of garlic or lime juice for freshness.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Crispy Chicken?
Getting that crispy texture relies on a few steps. First, make sure to coat the chicken well. Dipping it in the egg and flour mixture twice creates an extra crunchy layer. Don’t rush the frying—keeping the oil at medium-high heat ensures the chicken cooks evenly without absorbing too much oil.
- Heat oil thoroughly before adding chicken. A test is to drop a small piece of bread in—it should bubble up immediately.
- Fry in small batches to prevent crowding, which can lower the oil temperature.
- Drain on paper towels right after frying to keep the chicken crispy.
How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 teaspoons sriracha sauce (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes for prep and around 15-20 minutes for cooking. So, you can enjoy your delicious meal in about 30-35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Coating:
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This delicious mixture will help create that crispy texture on your chicken.
2. Make the Egg Mixture:
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined. This will help the flour coating stick to the chicken pieces.
3. Coat the Chicken:
Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off. Then, dredge it in the flour mixture until well coated. For an extra crispy finish, dip back into the egg mixture and then again into the flour mixture.
4. Fry the Chicken:
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (you can test it by dropping in a small piece of bread—it should sizzle!), fry the chicken pieces in batches. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through, and then drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
5. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
While the chicken is frying, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar in a small bowl. This sauce gives the chicken its signature sweet and spicy flavor!
6. Toss the Chicken:
Once the chicken is done frying, place it in a clean bowl and pour the bang bang sauce over the top. Toss gently until all the pieces are evenly coated in the delicious sauce.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Crispy Bang Bang Chicken immediately, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if you’d like. This dish is perfect alongside steamed rice or your favorite side. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh or thawed chicken for the best texture. If you must use frozen chicken, make sure it’s completely thawed in the fridge overnight or in cold water before preparing it, and pat it dry to avoid excess moisture.
Can I Make Bang Bang Chicken Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and fry it in advance, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, and toss with the sauce before serving.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the chicken crispy, try reheating it in the oven rather than the microwave, which can make it soggy.
Can I Adjust the Spiciness of the Bang Bang Sauce?
Yes! You can modify the amount of sriracha in the sauce to suit your heat preference. If you’re looking for a milder flavor, reduce the sriracha or skip it altogether. For extra sweetness, you can add more honey to balance the spice!
