This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is a fun treat! It’s made with tender chicken coated in a crunchy batter and tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce that hits all the right notes.
Trust me, the crispy outside and the zesty sauce are a match made in heaven. I love serving it with rice and extra sauce on the side for those special dunking moments! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: You can use boneless skinless breasts for a leaner option or thighs for added juiciness. If you’re looking for a meatless version, try using cauliflower or mushrooms instead; they also soak up flavor well.
All-Purpose Flour & Cornstarch: These are key for creating that crispy texture. If you’re gluten-free, use a blend of gluten-free flour and cornstarch instead. I’ve found that the texture is still great without gluten.
Mayonnaise: This is the base of the sauce, providing creaminess. If you want a lighter version, swap it for Greek yogurt or try an avocado base for a healthier twist.
Sriracha Sauce: Adjust the spice by adding more or less sriracha. For a sweeter touch with less heat, use more sweet chili sauce instead. If you need a milder option, try a ketchup-mustard blend.
How Do I Get the Chicken Extra Crispy?
To achieve that satisfying crunch, follow these tips:
- Ensure your chicken pieces are dried well before coating. This helps the batter stick better.
- Keep your oil at the right temperature (350°F or 175°C). Too low and the chicken will soak up oil; too high and it might burn.
- Batter just before frying to maintain its crispiness. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan; fry in batches if needed.
- Drain the chicken on paper towels after frying to remove excess oil. This will help maintain that crispiness!
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken with Sweet Spicy Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup cold water (adjust as needed to make batter)
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Sweet Spicy Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 tbsp sriracha sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar
- 1 tsp rice vinegar or lime juice
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
Garnishes:
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds (optional)
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Bang Bang Chicken takes about 20 minutes of prep time and another 15-20 minutes for frying. Plan on about 40 minutes total to get everything ready to serve. Perfect for a quick meal or a fun appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Chicken:
Start by cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces. This makes them easy to eat and helps them cook evenly. Once cut, pat the pieces dry with paper towels to ensure the batter sticks properly.
2. Making the Batter:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Gradually whisk in cold water until the mixture is smooth and thick but still pourable. Adjust the water amount if needed—you want a batter that clings to the chicken!
3. Heating the Oil:
In a deep pan or fryer, pour in enough vegetable oil to fill it about 2 inches deep. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). You can check if the oil is hot enough by dropping a small bit of batter into it; if it bubbles and rises, it’s ready!
4. Coating and Frying the Chicken:
Dip the chicken pieces into the batter, ensuring they are fully coated. Carefully add them to the hot oil in batches—this prevents overcrowding. Fry the chicken for 4-5 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
5. Making the Sauce:
While the chicken is frying, whip up the sweet spicy sauce. In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (or sugar), rice vinegar, and garlic powder until smooth and well combined.
6. Combining Everything:
In a large bowl, add the fried chicken once they’re ready. Pour the sweet spicy sauce over the chicken and toss gently to coat each piece evenly in the delicious sauce.
7. Serving:
Garnish your crispy Bang Bang Chicken with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro if you like. Serve it right away alongside steamed rice, or enjoy it as a tasty appetizer. Dig in and enjoy the crispy, flavorful goodness!
FAQ for Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken for this recipe, but be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator beforehand. This ensures even cooking and allows the batter to adhere better.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure the cornstarch is certified gluten-free as well. The texture will still be delicious!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven or air fryer to help maintain that crispy texture.
Can I Prepare the Sauce in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sweet spicy sauce a day in advance and store it in the fridge in an airtight container. Just give it a good stir before serving with the chicken!
