Easy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe for Dinner Tonight
Ever craved a crispy, flavorful chicken dish but didn’t want to spend hours cooking? Bang Bang Chicken is your answer. It’s quick, delicious, and ready in just 30 minutes. This recipe is a hit, blending sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors perfectly. It’s sure to impress your loved ones and become a weeknight favorite.
Table of Contents
What is Bang Bang Chicken: Origins and Evolution
Bang Bang Chicken started as a simple Chinese street food. It was a cold, deep-fried chicken dish with a spicy sauce. Over time, it has become a favorite around the world.
Traditional Chinese Street Food Origins
The name “Bang Bang Chicken” comes from the sound of cleavers used by Chinese vendors. They chop the chicken into small pieces. This combination of crispy chicken and creamy sauce is loved by many in China.
Modern Restaurant Adaptations
Restaurants have made their own versions of Bang Bang Chicken. Places like Bonefish Grill and Cheesecake Factory have added their twist. Bonefish Grill stays close to the original, while Cheesecake Factory adds coconut milk and szechuan chicken curry.
Why It’s Called Bang Bang Chicken
The name “Bang Bang Chicken” comes from the sound of cleavers chopping chicken. This method adds to the dish’s lively history and taste.
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Bang Bang Sauce
Making the perfect copycat bang bang chicken or bangin’ chicken starts with the right Bang Bang sauce. This sauce is the heart of the dish, so getting it right is key.
The main parts of a great Bang Bang sauce are:
- Mayonnaise – Choose Japanese-style mayo for extra creaminess.
- Thai sweet chili sauce – It adds sweetness and a bit of heat.
- Sriracha – This adds spice and flavor.
Some recipes add lime juice or rice vinegar for a tangy taste. A bit of honey can also sweeten it. If you want it lighter, try using Greek yogurt instead of some mayonnaise. This will slightly alter the flavor.
The Bang Bang sauce is very flexible. Feel free to modify the ingredients to suit your preferences. Want it spicier or creamier? Just tweak the mix and you’ll have your dream sauce.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment You’ll Need
To make tasty wok recipes or take out chicken, you’ll need some basic tools. Start with a large mixing bowl for marinating the chicken. A medium bowl is good for the cornstarch mix. Also, a baking sheet with parchment paper helps with easy cleanup after frying.
For frying, a big pan, about 10 inches wide, is perfect. If you want a healthier option, an air fryer is great. A kitchen scale helps with exact measurements for even cooking and juiciness.
Essential Cooking Tools
- Large mixing bowl for marinating
- Medium bowl for cornstarch mixture
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Large pan (about 10 inches wide) for frying
- Tongs for handling the chicken during cooking
Optional Equipment for Different Cooking Methods
- Oven for baking
- Air fryer for a healthier option
- Wire rack or paper towels for draining excess oil
- Kitchen scale for precise measurements
With these tools, you’re ready to make delicious wok recipes and take out chicken at home. Get your tools ready and start cooking!
Bang Bang Chicken Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions
Get ready for a tasty crispy chicken dish perfect for weeknights. Our asian chicken recipe for Bang Bang Chicken is fast, simple, and full of flavor. Follow these steps to make this mouthwatering dish.
- Begin by cutting your chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes.
- In a big bowl, mix the chicken with buttermilk and let it marinate for 10-12 minutes. This makes the meat tender and crispy when fried.
- While the chicken marinates, make the Bang Bang sauce. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lemon juice until smooth.
- In another shallow dish, combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This is your chicken’s seasoned coating.
- Take the chicken out of the buttermilk one piece at a time, letting any extra drip off. Coat the chicken evenly in the seasoned flour mixture.
- Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven with 2-3 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry the coated chicken in batches for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden and crispy.
- Once you’ve finished frying, transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- In a large bowl, toss the crispy chicken with the Bang Bang sauce until it’s well coated.
- Top the asian chicken recipe with sliced green onions and serve right away, when the chicken is hot and crunchy.
This crispy chicken dish is ready in about 30 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick and tasty weeknight meal. Enjoy the sweet, spicy, and savory flavors in every bite of Bang Bang Chicken!
| Nutrition Information (per serving) | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 752kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 9g |
| Protein | 37g |
| Fat | 62g |
| Saturated Fat | 14g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 21g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 23g |
| Trans Fat | 0.2g |
| Cholesterol | 234mg |
| Sodium | 598mg |
| Potassium | 475mg |
| Fiber | 0.1g |
| Sugar | 8g |
| Vitamin A | 200IU |
| Vitamin C | 2mg |
| Calcium | 21mg |
| Iron | 2mg |
Enjoy this delicious crispy chicken and asian chicken recipe any night of the week!
Secret Tips for Crispy Chicken Every Time
Getting your crispy chicken or spicy chicken just right can make a big difference. A few simple tricks can help you achieve that restaurant-quality crispiness every time.
Buttermilk Marination Method
Marinating your chicken in buttermilk is a game-changer. It makes the meat juicy and tender with a crisp outside. Let it soak in the buttermilk for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for the best results.
Cornstarch Coating Technique
Coating your chicken in a mix of cornstarch and flour is key for that crispy crust. Cornstarch absorbs moisture, making the chicken extra crunchy. Shake off any extra coating before frying to avoid sogginess.
Temperature Control Tips
Maintaining the oil at the correct temperature is essential for achieving crispy chicken. Aim for a medium heat of 350-375°F. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and gets a golden, crispy exterior. Don’t overcrowd the pan to keep the oil temperature steady.
For even more crispiness, try double-coating the chicken or mix cornstarch with flour. Keeping the temperature right is essential for a crispy crust.
Alternative Cooking Methods: Oven and Air Fryer
Want to enjoy bang bang chicken without deep-frying? Try the oven or air fryer for a healthier option. Both methods can make your chicken crispy and flavorful.
Oven-Baked Bang Bang Chicken
To bake bang bang chicken, cut the chicken into small pieces. Combine them with lime juice, salt, and pepper. Then, coat the chicken with cornstarch.
Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway for even cooking. For extra crunch, dip in an egg wash and then panko breadcrumbs before baking.
Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken
The air fryer is great for bang bang chicken. Preheat it to 400°F (200°C). Toss the chicken with seasonings and a bit of cornstarch.
Spray the chicken with cooking oil. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway. This will make the chicken crispy and cooked perfectly.
Both oven-baked and air-fried methods are healthier than deep-frying. They keep the chicken crispy and flavorful. Try these methods to find your favorite way to make bang bang chicken.
Customizing Your Bang Bang Sauce: Spice Levels and Variations
Making your own spicy chicken or bangin’ chicken recipes lets you tailor the sauce to your liking. With Bang Bang sauce, you can tweak the heat and adjust the thickness to match your taste.
Adjusting Heat Levels
The Bang Bang sauce balances sweet and spicy. To change the heat, adjust the sweet chili sauce to sriracha ratio. For less heat, use less sriracha or skip it. For more heat, add more sriracha.
Try mixing Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Sauce with a bit of honey for a different taste.
Sauce Consistency Tips
- For a thicker sauce, add more mayonnaise.
- To make it thinner, add a little water or milk.
- Try adding minced garlic, ginger, or fresh lime juice for extra flavor.
It’s all about tasting and adjusting as you go. Store leftover Bang Bang sauce in the fridge for up to two weeks. Enjoy it with your spicy chicken or bangin’ chicken dishes.
Best Side Dishes and Serving Suggestions
Looking for the perfect sides for your Bang Bang Chicken? There are many tasty options to match its bold flavors. Try steamed white rice and sautéed veggies for a classic combo. Or, go for something lighter with cauliflower rice or an Asian slaw made of cabbage, carrots, and sesame seeds.
For a heartier option, make cabbage fried rice or wrap the chicken in lettuce with carrots and peanuts. It also goes well with steamed broccoli, snow peas, or sautéed mushrooms. Add a side of miso soup or a cucumber salad to round out the meal.
Remember, the goal is to let the Bang Bang Chicken be the main attraction. Its crispy texture and tasty sauce will stand out with the right sides.