Bang Bang Chicken Recipe: A Spicy, Creamy Asian-Inspired Delight
Bang Bang Chicken is a popular Asian-inspired dish known for its perfect balance of crispy chicken, creamy sauce, and a spicy kick. Whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or main course, this flavorful recipe is simple to make and irresistibly delicious.
What Is Bang Bang Chicken?
Originating from Sichuan cuisine in China, Bang Bang Chicken traditionally refers to shredded poached chicken dressed with a sesame-based sauce. However, the modern version — popularized by restaurants and home cooks worldwide — features crispy fried chicken tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha.
This fusion of crunchy texture and tangy-sweet flavor makes it a hit for weeknight dinners or party platters.
Ingredients for Bang Bang Chicken
For the Chicken:
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500g boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
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1 cup buttermilk (or milk with a splash of vinegar)
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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½ cup cornstarch
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Oil for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
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½ cup mayonnaise
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¼ cup sweet chili sauce
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1–2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust for spice level)
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1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken pieces in a bowl with buttermilk, salt, and pepper. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes to ensure tenderness and flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
In a separate bowl, combine flour and cornstarch. Dredge each marinated chicken piece in the dry mixture until evenly coated.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Heat oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces until golden brown and crispy, about 5–6 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Toss the fried chicken in the Bang Bang sauce until evenly coated. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
Bang Bang Chicken pairs well with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles. For a lighter meal, serve it on top of fresh lettuce or coleslaw for a crunchy salad version.
Tips for the Perfect Bang Bang Chicken
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For extra crispiness, double-coat the chicken before frying.
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Bake or air-fry for a healthier alternative.
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Adjust the spice level by increasing or reducing sriracha.
Conclusion
Bang Bang Chicken is the ultimate comfort food for spice lovers — crispy, creamy, and bursting with flavor. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality dish right at home. Try it once, and it’s bound to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.