Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

If you’re craving a crunchy, flavorful dish that’s ready in no time, Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is your new best friend in the kitchen. This recipe combines golden, crispy chicken with a creamy, spicy sauce that will have your taste buds dancing after the very first bite. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or impressing guests, this dish hits the spot with ease and excitement. Learn the secret to crispy Bang Bang Chicken that’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor for a perfect weeknight meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings when time is tight.
• Deliciously Crispy: Achieves that perfect crunch without deep frying, using simple coating techniques.
• Flavor-Packed Sauce: A creamy, spicy bang bang sauce that’s tangy and sweet balances every bite beautifully.
• Family Friendly: Mild spice with a flavorful kick makes it great for kids and adults alike.
• Versatile Dish: Great as an appetizer, main course, or even in wraps and salads.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken recipe is all about simple, familiar ingredients that come together flawlessly. Each adds a key element to the final dish—whether it’s crunch, zest, or creaminess—ensuring a balanced and crave-worthy result.

• Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless for easy slicing and even cooking.
• Cornstarch: The secret to that irresistible crispy coating without heaviness.
• Mayonnaise: Adds creamy texture and tang to the bang bang sauce.
• Sriracha: Brings the perfect amount of heat and vibrant color to the sauce.
• Honey: Balances the spice with a touch of natural sweetness.
• Rice vinegar: Delivers acidity that cuts through richness and brightens flavor.
• Garlic powder: Adds subtle savory depth without overpowering the dish.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to highlight every ingredient.
• Cooking oil: A neutral oil with a high smoke point for frying.

Variations for Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

One of the best parts about this Crispy Bang Bang Chicken recipe is how easy it is to tweak and customize. Whether you want to swap ingredients or adjust the heat, these variations have you covered!

• Use shrimp instead of chicken: Swap out protein for a seafood version that cooks just as quickly.
• Make it gluten-free: Replace cornstarch with rice flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
• Adjust the spice level: Add more or less sriracha depending on your preferred heat tolerance.
• Add crunch with nuts: Toss in chopped peanuts or cashews for extra texture and nuttiness.
• Swap mayo for Greek yogurt: For a lighter sauce with a tangy twist.

How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by slicing chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, about 1-2 inches each. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks well and the chicken crisps up perfectly during frying.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

In a shallow bowl, mix cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken pieces until they are evenly coated in this dry mix. This step is key to achieving that irresistible crunch with minimal oil.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Heat a few tablespoons of neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the coated chicken pieces in batches for about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and place on paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 4: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

While the chicken cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar in a bowl. Taste and adjust the balance between sweet, tangy, and spicy to your liking—this sauce is the star that will elevate the dish.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Once all the chicken pieces are cooked, gently toss them in the bang bang sauce until fully coated. Serve immediately while everything is hot and crispy for the best texture and flavor experience.

Pro Tips for Making Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

• Use room temperature chicken: It cooks more evenly and crisps up better.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in batches to keep the oil temperature steady for maximum crispiness.
• Dry chicken thoroughly: Any moisture can prevent a crispy crust, so pat well before coating.
• Adjust sauce thickness: Thin the bang bang sauce with a splash of water if it feels too thick to coat evenly.
• Serve immediately: Crispy chicken loses its crunch if left to sit too long in the sauce.

How to Serve Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

Garnishes

Sprinkle chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or fresh cilantro over the chicken for a burst of color and fresh flavor that perfectly complements the spicy sauce.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with simple steamed rice, crunchy slaw, or roasted vegetables to balance the bold flavors and texture of the crispy chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Crispy Bang Bang Chicken over a bed of mixed greens for a light salad, tucked inside warm tortillas for bang bang wraps, or on top of crispy noodles to add an exciting crunch overload.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain crispiness and flavor.

Freezing

The cooked chicken can be frozen without sauce for up to 2 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and tossing with freshly made sauce.

Reheating

Reheat chicken in a hot oven or air fryer to restore crispiness, then drizzle with bang bang sauce right before serving for best results.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and slightly more flavorful but may need a bit longer cooking time to reach crispiness.

Is this recipe spicy?

The heat level depends on how much sriracha you add; it’s easy to adjust to your family’s preferred spice tolerance.

What if I don’t have cornstarch?

You can substitute with potato starch or rice flour, which also help achieve a crispy coating.

Can this dish be baked instead of fried?

Yes, baking at a high temperature with a light spray of oil can produce a somewhat crispy texture but frying gives the best crunch.

How long does the bang bang sauce keep?

Store the sauce in the refrigerator for up to one week; just give it a quick stir before using.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken recipe is truly a game-changer when you want a quick, crowd-pleasing meal packed with flavor and crunch. Once you nail this balance of crunchy chicken and creamy, spicy sauce, it will become a weeknight staple you can whip up anytime. Dive in and enjoy the deliciousness!

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