This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken features tender chicken coated in a crunchy layer, served with a zesty spicy sauce that adds a kick. It’s a fantastic combo of crispy and creamy!
Let’s face it, you might start wondering if the sauce is best for the chicken or just a delicious dip for your fries. I know I can’t resist a good sauce! 😄
I love how quick and easy it is to whip this up for dinner. Perfect for impressing friends or just treating yourself. Pair it with rice or veggies for a full meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are my favorite for their juiciness. However, chicken breasts work just as well if that’s what you have on hand. You can also use tofu or cauliflower for a vegetarian option!
Flour and Cornstarch: This duo creates a crunchy coating. If you need a gluten-free option, swap regular flour for a gluten-free blend and keep the cornstarch. It still crisps up nicely!
Mayonnaise: It adds creaminess to the sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter option, use Greek yogurt instead. Just adjust the seasoning since yogurt has a tangier flavor.
Sriracha: Adjust the spice level to suit your taste! If you want less heat, you could use more sweet chili sauce and reduce the Sriracha.
What’s the Best Way to Fry Chicken for Perfect Crispiness?
Frying can be tricky, but it’s key for a crispy Bang Bang Chicken! Here’s what to focus on:
- Use a deep skillet or pot and heat oil to 350°F (175°C). A kitchen thermometer is super useful here!
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches to ensure each piece cooks evenly and gets that golden color.
- Let the chicken drain on paper towels after frying to remove excess oil. This helps keep them crispy!
Enjoy your cooking, and don’t hesitate to adjust the spice level or sauces to your liking. Happy frying!
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup water
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 tsp Sriracha or another hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar
- 1 tsp rice vinegar or lime juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced (optional)
Garnish:
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 20 minutes to cook. It’s best served immediately after frying for that extra crispy texture!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by patting the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This helps the batter stick better. Set the chicken aside while you prepare the coating.
2. Make the Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs together with the water. Combine the wet mixture with the dry ingredients and stir until it’s well blended. The batter should be thick enough to cling to the chicken pieces nicely.
3. Coat the Chicken:
Take each piece of chicken and dip it into the batter, making sure it’s fully covered. Shake off any excess batter gently.
4. Fry the Chicken:
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the battered chicken pieces in batches, ensuring not to crowd the pan. Fry them for about 4-5 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Once done, remove them from the oil and let them drain on paper towels.
5. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
While the chicken is frying, prepare the Bang Bang sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha (to taste), honey, rice vinegar, and the optional minced garlic until smooth. Adjust the seasoning and spice level as desired.
6. Assemble:
Once your chicken is crispy, toss it in the Bang Bang sauce until all pieces are coated evenly, or drizzle the sauce over the chicken on a serving platter.
7. Serve:
Garnish your spicy Bang Bang Chicken with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if you like. Serve it hot with steamed rice or alongside your favorite side dishes.
Enjoy your crispy, spicy Bang Bang Chicken!
FAQ for Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Can I Use Other Proteins for This Recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with shrimp, tofu, or even cauliflower for a vegetarian twist. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as shrimp will cook faster and tofu may need a little longer to get crispy.
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise in the Bang Bang Sauce?
If you’re not a fan of mayonnaise, you can replace it with Greek yogurt for a lighter version or use vegan mayonnaise for a dairy-free option. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be a bit different.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness. Microwaving can make the chicken soggy.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
To lower the heat, reduce the amount of Sriracha in the sauce and increase the sweet chili sauce. For more heat, you can add extra hot sauce or even some red pepper flakes directly to the sauce mix!
