There’s something magical about the scent of bang bang chicken wafting through the kitchen. Imagine tender chicken coated in a luscious, spicy sauce that dances on your taste buds, making your heart do a little happy jig. You can’t help but salivate as the aroma fills the air, teasing your senses and promising a flavor explosion that is simply irresistible.
Now, picture this: a cozy gathering with friends, laughter echoing through the room as everyone dives into a platter of this culinary delight. Each bite transports you to a world where spices reign supreme and happiness is served on a plate. Bang bang chicken isn’t just food; it’s an experience that brings people together, igniting joy and conversation around the table.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This bang bang chicken recipe is quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The creamy sauce packs a punch with its sweet and spicy flavor profile
- Its vibrant colors make it an eye-catching dish for any occasion
- Enjoy it as a main course or toss it in salads for added versatility
I remember the first time I made bang bang chicken for my family. The look on their faces was priceless—pure bliss with giggles erupting after every bite.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work well; adjust based on how many hungry mouths you’re feeding.
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Cornstarch: This is essential for getting that crispy coating; don’t skip it!
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Vegetable Oil: For frying; choose an oil with a high smoke point like canola or peanut oil.
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Mayonnaise: Use full-fat mayonnaise for creaminess—it’s key to balancing flavors.
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Sriracha Sauce: This brings the heat! Adjust according to your spice tolerance.
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Honey: A touch of sweetness to balance out the heat from Sriracha; feel free to use maple syrup as an alternative.
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Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed adds brightness to the creamy sauce; don’t use bottled lime juice if you can help it.
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Green Onions: Chopped for garnish; they add freshness and color.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Chicken: Start by cutting your boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry with paper towels—the drier they are, the crispier they’ll get when fried.
Coat with Cornstarch: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch until evenly coated. This step creates that delightful crunch we all crave.
Heat Your Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Make sure it’s hot enough before adding the chicken—test with a small piece if unsure.
Fry Until Golden Brown: Carefully add the coated chicken pieces into the oil without overcrowding them. Fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side.
Make the Sauce: While your chicken is frying, mix mayonnaise, Sriracha sauce, honey, and lime juice in a separate bowl until smooth and creamy. Adjust Sriracha according to how spicy you like it!
Toss and Serve!: Once your chicken is crispy, remove it from oil and drain on paper towels. In another bowl, combine hot chicken with your creamy sauce and toss until well coated. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving!
Enjoy this mouth-watering dish on its own or as a topping for rice or salads!
You Must Know
- Bang bang chicken is not just a dish; it’s a flavor explosion!
- This recipe can easily become your go-to weeknight meal, bursting with colors and aromas that will tantalize your taste buds
- The perfect blend of spicy and sweet makes it irresistible
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Begin by marinating the chicken to develop flavor, then sauté until golden brown before adding the sauce for maximum impact.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chicken for tofu or shrimp, or add vegetables like bell peppers for extra crunch and color.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, and reheat gently on the stove to maintain texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For an even bolder flavor, let the chicken marinate overnight
- Always taste your sauce before serving to adjust spices
- Serve with rice or noodles for a complete meal!
Sharing this recipe at a family gathering brought smiles all around, especially when my uncle declared it “the most delicious thing since sliced bread.”
FAQ
What is bang bang chicken?
Bang bang chicken is a spicy-sweet dish featuring crispy chicken tossed in a flavorful sauce.
Can I make bang bang chicken gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch for a safe option.
How can I make the sauce spicier?
Add more chili paste or fresh chopped chilies to enhance the heat level.
Bang Bang Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Bang bang chicken is a delightful fusion of sweet and spicy flavors, featuring crispy chicken tossed in a creamy sauce that tantalizes your taste buds. Perfect for gatherings or busy weeknights, this dish brings people together with its vibrant colors and irresistible aroma. Serve it on its own, over rice, or in a fresh salad for a versatile meal that promises to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approx. 600g)
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- ½ cup full-fat mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp honey
- Juice of 1 lime (freshly squeezed)
- 2 green onions (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and pat dry.
- Toss chicken in cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry coated chicken pieces until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side.
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth.
- Toss hot fried chicken with the creamy sauce and garnish with green onions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg