Your Guide to Making Delicious Bang Bang Chicken

Hello there, fellow food lovers! If there’s one dish that brings a smile to my family’s faces, it’s Bang Bang Chicken. It’s that perfect blend of creamy, spicy, and just a little bit sweet. You know, the kind of amazing flavor you usually only find at your favorite restaurant? Well, I’m here to tell you that creating that magic in your own kitchen is totally doable, and it’s quicker than you think! This recipe is a gem because it truly embodies the spirit of Gourmet Gusto: simple, flavorful, and made with love. It’s a fantastic way to whip up something special even on the busiest weeknights. I can’t wait to share this easy, flavorful weeknight meal with you!

The Allure of Bang Bang Chicken

What is it about Bang Bang Chicken that makes it so utterly irresistible? For me, it’s that magical combination of textures and tastes. Imagine perfectly tender chicken pieces, coated in a light, crispy shell. Then, they’re tossed in a luscious, creamy sauce that hits all the right notes: a little bit spicy from the sriracha, a touch of sweetness from the chili sauce, and a hint of tang from the rice vinegar. It’s a flavor explosion that always leaves me wanting more.

This dish often reminds me of those delightful meals we’d enjoy out, but making it at home feels so much more rewarding. It’s the perfect example of how simple ingredients can create something truly special. Plus, knowing you can recreate that restaurant-quality taste in under an hour makes it a weeknight dinner champion. It’s honestly a dish that just makes you feel good, and that’s what cooking is all about for me!

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Bang Bang Chicken

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to culinary success. For our delightful Bang Bang Chicken, you’ll need about 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. I like to cut these into nice, bite-sized pieces, about one-inch cubes. This helps them cook evenly and makes them easy to coat.

Next, we’ll create that signature crispy coating. You’ll want 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour and 1/4 cup of cornstarch. These two work magic together for crispiness! Don’t forget 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper to season the coating. We’ll also need one large egg, lightly beaten, as our binder.

Now for that irresistible sauce! The base is 1/2 cup of creamy mayonnaise. Then, we’ll add 2 tablespoons of sweet chili sauce for that perfect sweet and slightly spicy kick. For a bit more heat, 1 tablespoon of sriracha sauce is key, but feel free to add more or less to your liking. A teaspoon of rice vinegar adds a lovely tang, and another teaspoon of toasted sesame oil brings a wonderful nutty aroma. Finally, garnish with 2 green onions, thinly sliced.

Ingredient Notes and Smart Substitutions for Bang Bang Chicken

Let’s talk about a few stars of this show. The mayonnaise is crucial for that creamy, luscious sauce. While you can use a light version, I find full-fat mayo gives the best texture and richness. If you’re not a fan, a thick Greek yogurt could work, but the flavor will be different.

Sweet chili sauce is another flavor powerhouse. Look for a good quality Thai sweet chili sauce for that authentic balance of sweet and mild heat. If you can’t find it, a mix of honey and a little bit of red pepper flakes could be a substitute, though it won’t be quite the same.

Sriracha is where you control the heat. My family likes it with a good kick, so I use a full tablespoon. If you prefer milder, start with just a teaspoon or even a half teaspoon. You can also swap chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Thighs are more forgiving and stay super moist, though they might take a minute longer to cook through. Adjusting these simple things makes this Bang Bang Chicken recipe truly yours.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Bang Bang Chicken

Now for the fun part – turning these ingredients into a culinary masterpiece! It’s simpler than you think.

First, let’s get our coating ready. In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. This dry mix is our secret to crispy chicken.
Next, prepare your chicken. Dip each bite-sized chicken piece into the lightly beaten egg. Make sure every piece is nicely coated.
Then, dredge the egg-dipped chicken in the flour mixture. Press gently to ensure the coating sticks well. You want a good, even layer.
Now, let’s cook. Heat about a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want the oil shimmering, but not smoking.
Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot skillet. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed! This is key for crispiness.
Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side. You’re looking for a beautiful golden brown color and cooked-through tenderness.
While the chicken cooks, whip up that amazing sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Taste it! Adjust the sriracha for your preferred spice level.
Once the chicken is cooked, add it directly to the sauce in the skillet. Toss everything gently to coat each piece evenly.
Serve your glorious Bang Bang Chicken immediately. Garnish generously with those thinly sliced green onions. It looks as good as it tastes!

Tips for Achieving Crispy Chicken with Your Bang Bang Chicken

Want that perfect crunch? It’s all in the technique. Make sure your oil is hot before adding the chicken. A shimmering, not smoking, oil is your cue. Don’t overcrowd the skillet; give the chicken pieces space. This allows heat to circulate, making them crispy instead of steaming. Ensure each piece is well-coated in the flour and cornstarch mixture. A dry coating adheres better. A final quick fry after coating helps seal the deal. This little step makes all the difference for that satisfying crisp.

Equipment Needed for Bang Bang Chicken

To make this delightful Bang Bang Chicken, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools. A large skillet is essential for cooking the chicken to golden perfection. You’ll also need a shallow dish for dredging the chicken pieces. A small bowl is perfect for mixing that irresistible sauce. Don’t forget a whisk for smooth sauce and a whisk for the flour coating. Tongs are super handy for flipping chicken. Lastly, make sure you have your measuring cups and spoons ready for accurate ingredient amounts. It’s all pretty standard kitchen stuff!

Serving Suggestions for Your Bang Bang Chicken

This flavorful Bang Bang Chicken is fantastic on its own. It also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For a classic meal, serve it over fluffy steamed rice. Jasmine rice or brown rice are also wonderful choices. They soak up any extra sauce beautifully. Looking for something lighter? A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing contrast. It really makes the dish sing!

Storing and Reheating Leftover Bang Bang Chicken

Got some delicious Bang Bang Chicken left? Lucky you! Let it cool down completely first. Then, pop it into an airtight container. It’ll keep nicely in the refrigerator for about 2-3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, try reheating it gently. A quick sauté in a skillet over medium-low heat works wonders. This helps keep the chicken from getting soggy. You can also use the oven at a low temperature. Avoid the microwave if you can! It tends to make the coating a bit soft.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bang Bang Chicken

Got questions about this amazing dish? I’ve got answers!

Can I make Bang Bang Chicken in an air fryer? Absolutely! Air frying is a great option. Just coat the chicken as directed. Then, air fry at around 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked. Toss with the sauce afterward.

How can I make the sauce spicier or milder? It’s easy to customize! For a spicier sauce, just add more sriracha, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired heat level. If you prefer it milder, use less sriracha or omit it entirely. A touch of honey can also balance the heat.

What kind of chicken is best for Bang Bang Chicken? Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are my go-to for this recipe. They’re lean and cook quickly. However, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are also fantastic. They tend to be more moist and forgiving, so they’re a great choice if you prefer a richer taste or want to be sure your chicken stays super tender.

Nutritional Snapshot of Bang Bang Chicken

Please note that the nutritional information provided for this recipe is an estimate. It can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use and the exact portion sizes you serve. We always encourage enjoying this delicious dish as part of a balanced diet!

Irresistible Bang Bang Chicken: 1 delicious recipe

Author: Lina Kohn
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A flavorful and easy-to-make Bang Bang Chicken recipe, perfect for a weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
1 teaspoon honey
1/2 teaspoon rice vinegar
1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Chopped green onions for garnish
Sesame seeds for garnish

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Instructions

In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, honey, and rice vinegar.
In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt, and pepper.
Add chicken pieces to the flour mixture and toss to coat evenly.
In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
Add coated chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Reduce heat to low. Add the sauce to the skillet with the chicken and toss to coat.
Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs over the chicken and sauce, tossing gently to coat.
Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the breadcrumbs are toasted.
Serve hot, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.