If you’re searching for a dish that marries crunchiness with bold flavors, look no further than this Crispy Bang Bang Chicken! This delightful recipe perfectly balances sweet and spicy notes that will excite your taste buds. The chicken is coated in a crispy batter and tossed in a lip-smacking sauce that adds just the right amount of kick. Whether you’re preparing a casual dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is versatile enough to fit any occasion. Plus, it’s quick to prepare—ideal for busy weeknights when you crave something special. In this article, I’ll guide you through each step of creating this irresistible Crispy Bang Bang Chicken from scratch. Get ready for an explosion of flavor that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
- Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners
Ingredients for Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding
- All-Purpose Flour: Use flour to create the crispy coating; sift it to remove lumps before mixing
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These breadcrumbs provide extra crunch; opt for plain or seasoned varieties based on your preference
- Eggs: Beaten eggs help the flour and breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken for a perfectly crispy texture
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the dish
For the Sauce:
- Sriracha Sauce: This spicy sauce gives the dish its signature heat; adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance
- Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess to balance out the spiciness; use regular or light mayonnaise as desired
- Honey: Sweetens the sauce while complementing the heat; feel free to substitute with maple syrup if preferred
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Cut boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Create Dredging Station
Set up three bowls: one with flour mixed with salt and pepper, another with beaten eggs, and a third with panko breadcrumbs.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Dip each piece of chicken first into the flour mixture, then into the egg wash, and finally coat thoroughly in panko breadcrumbs.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken
Place coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake in preheated oven for approximately 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 6: Make the Sauce
While chicken bakes, mix together sriracha sauce, mayonnaise, and honey in a bowl until well combined. Adjust seasoning according to taste.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Even Cooking: Make sure all ingredients are cut to similar sizes for consistent cooking times
- Crispier Texture: For extra crispiness, consider double-dipping each piece of chicken back into egg wash before coating again in panko breadcrumbs
- Serving Suggestion: Serve alongside steamed vegetables or over rice for a complete meal experience
How to Serve Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
- Rice or Potatoes: A hearty base that soaks up the delicious sauce.
- Fresh Salad: Adds a crisp and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for enjoying every last drop of the flavorful sauce.
Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. You can marinate the chicken for up to two hours before cooking. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook.
- Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing it for up to three months. Ensure it’s cooled completely before sealing to avoid condensation.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can use a microwave on medium power, checking every minute until heated evenly.
Suggestions for Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
Avoid Overcooking the Chicken
One common mistake when making crispy Bang Bang chicken is overcooking the meat. This can lead to dry, tough chicken that lacks flavor. To achieve the perfect texture, ensure your chicken pieces are cut into uniform sizes. This promotes even cooking and prevents some pieces from drying out while others remain undercooked. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Cooking in batches helps maintain the oil’s temperature, ensuring a crispy exterior without sacrificing moisture inside.
Don’t Skimp on the Coating
The coating is crucial for achieving that desired crunch in crispy Bang Bang chicken. Many cooks make the mistake of applying too little coating or skipping it altogether for a healthier version. For optimal crispiness, use a combination of cornstarch and breadcrumbs or panko. This blend creates an irresistible crunch when fried or baked. Make sure to coat each piece thoroughly, shaking off any excess before frying to prevent clumping and sogginess. A well-coated chicken piece will hold up better during cooking and deliver that satisfying crunch with every bite.
Use Fresh Ingredients
Using fresh ingredients significantly impacts the flavor of your crispy Bang Bang chicken. Some individuals opt for pre-made sauces or stale spices, which can lead to a bland taste experience. Always use fresh garlic, ginger, and aromatic spices to enhance the overall flavor profile. Additionally, make sure your cooking oil is fresh and suitable for frying. Old oil can impart unpleasant flavors and may not achieve the right temperature for frying, resulting in greasy chicken instead of a crisp finish.
Master the Sauce
The sauce is what gives crispy Bang Bang chicken its signature kick, but many people overlook this critical element. It’s easy to get carried away with ingredients like mayonnaise or sriracha without balancing flavors properly. Aim for a harmonious blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy elements. Start with a solid base of mayonnaise mixed with honey or agave syrup for sweetness, then gradually add sriracha until you reach your desired level of heat. Taste as you go; adjusting quantities ensures you create a sauce that complements rather than overwhelms the dish.
FAQs
What is Crispy Bang Bang Chicken?
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is a popular dish known for its crunchy texture and bold flavors. Typically made with battered chicken pieces that are fried until golden brown, it’s coated in a flavorful sauce combining mayonnaise and sriracha for that spicy kick. The dish originates from Asian cuisine but has gained popularity worldwide due to its unique balance of flavors and textures. It’s often served as an appetizer or main course alongside rice or vegetables.
How can I make my Crispy Bang Bang Chicken healthier?
To create a healthier version of crispy Bang Bang chicken, consider baking instead of frying your chicken pieces. Use an air fryer if you have one; it reduces oil usage while still achieving crispiness. Opt for whole-grain breadcrumbs instead of traditional ones, incorporating more fiber into your meal. You can also substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise in the sauce to lower fat content while maintaining creaminess without sacrificing taste.
Can I prepare Crispy Bang Bang Chicken in advance?
Yes! You can prepare crispy Bang Bang chicken ahead of time by marinating the chicken pieces and coating them before cooking. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to fry or bake them later on. However, it’s best not to fry them until just before serving to preserve their crispiness. If you want to reheat leftovers, use an oven or air fryer rather than a microwave to maintain their crunchy texture.
What side dishes pair well with Crispy Bang Bang Chicken?
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken pairs beautifully with various side dishes that complement its rich flavors and textures. Fresh salads with citrus vinaigrette bring brightness to balance the dish’s richness while providing crunchiness through veggies like cucumbers and bell peppers. Alternatively, serve it over steamed jasmine rice or quinoa to absorb some of the sauce’s flavors. Adding grilled vegetables or stir-fried greens enhances both nutritional value and visual appeal on your plate.
Conclusion for Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
In conclusion, mastering crispy Bang Bang chicken involves attention to detail throughout preparation and cooking processes. Avoiding common mistakes such as overcooking or skimping on coatings will significantly improve your results. Using fresh ingredients will elevate flavor profiles while balancing your sauce ensures that each bite packs a punch without overwhelming others’ tastes. Following these guidelines allows you to create an unforgettable dish perfect as an appetizer or main course that delights friends and family alike! Enjoy experimenting with this delicious recipe at home!
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is a delightful dish that combines crunchy, tender chicken with a creamy, spicy sauce that tantalizes the palate. This recipe features boneless, skinless chicken breasts coated in a crispy layer of panko breadcrumbs and baked to golden perfection. Tossed in a flavorful sauce made from sriracha, mayonnaise, and honey, this dish strikes the perfect balance between sweet and spicy. Whether you’re preparing it for a quick weeknight dinner or serving it at a gathering, Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is sure to impress. Serve it over rice or alongside fresh vegetables for a satisfying meal everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sriracha sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
- Set up three bowls: one with seasoned flour, another with beaten eggs, and the last with panko breadcrumbs.
- Coat each piece of chicken in flour, dip into egg wash, then roll in panko until fully covered.
- Arrange on the baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- While baking, mix sriracha, mayonnaise, and honey for the sauce; adjust seasoning as desired.
- Drizzle the sauce over baked chicken before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 pieces (150g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
