This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is a fun dish with crunchy chicken bites tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce. It’s perfect for sharing or enjoying all by yourself—no judgment here!
When I make this recipe, I love how the sauce really packs a punch. It’s great served with rice or veggies, and you might want to keep an extra napkin handy for the deliciousness!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juiciness, but chicken breasts work fine too. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, why not try using tofu? Just press it to remove excess moisture before cutting and frying!
All-purpose Flour & Cornstarch: The combo helps achieve that crispy coating. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free flour or a mix of cornstarch and almond flour. This works well for the crunch factor too!
Sweet Chili Sauce: This brings the sweet heat. If you can’t find it, mix equal parts of sugar and vinegar with a bit of red pepper flakes for a DIY alternative. Keep it balanced to match the original flavor!
Sriracha: Use this for added heat. If it’s too spicy for you, consider using a mild chili sauce or skip it altogether. Personal preference is important, so adjust as you like!
How Do I Get the Chicken Extra Crispy?
Achieving that perfect crispiness is key for this dish. First, ensure your batter is thick enough to cling to the chicken. If it’s too runny, add more flour or cornstarch to thicken it up.
- Heat your oil properly to 350°F (175°C). Test it by dropping a tiny bit of batter in; it should sizzle right away.
- Fry the chicken in small batches. This prevents the temperature from dropping and helps them cook evenly.
- Don’t rush the frying time! Make sure the chicken pieces are golden brown before removing them.
Following these tips will help you score that lovely and crispy texture you want in your Bang Bang Chicken!
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
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup cold water (adjust as needed)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Sweet Spicy Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons honey or sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce (adjust to your preferred heat level)
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (optional, for more heat)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
For Garnish (optional):
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Estimated Time:
This recipe will take about 15 minutes for preparation and approximately 15-20 minutes for cooking, making a total time of about 30-35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Batter:
Begin by grabbing a large bowl. Whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. As you mix, slowly add the cold water, stirring until you achieve a slightly thick and smooth batter. This should be thick enough to coat the chicken well without dripping off too much!
2. Heat the Oil:
Next, take a deep frying pan or a pot and pour in enough vegetable oil to reach about 2 inches deep. Turn on the heat and let the oil come to about 350°F (175°C). You can test if the oil is ready by dropping a tiny amount of batter in—it should sizzle immediately!
3. Coat the Chicken:
Now, take your cut chicken pieces and add them to the batter. Make sure each piece gets completely coated; this will help create that crispy exterior while frying.
4. Fry the Chicken:
Carefully drop the battered chicken pieces into the hot oil, frying them in small batches to prevent overcrowding. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. When they are done, use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken and let them drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
5. Make the Sauce:
While the chicken is frying, let’s whip up that delicious sauce! In a separate bowl, combine mayonnaise, honey (or sugar), sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar (or lime juice), and soy sauce. Whisk everything together until it’s nice and smooth.
6. Toss Chicken in Sauce:
Once all the chicken is fried and resting, transfer the chicken pieces into a large bowl. Pour the sweet spicy sauce over the chicken and gently toss it all together until each piece is well-coated with the sauce.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, transfer your sauced chicken to a serving plate. Top with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if you’re feeling fancy. Serve immediately alongside steamed rice or any other side you love. Enjoy your crispy and flavorful Bang Bang Chicken!
FAQ for Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
Can I Use A Different Protein Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option or shrimp for a different flavor. If using tofu, make sure to press it to remove excess moisture before cutting and frying for the best texture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore its crispiness instead of using the microwave.
Can I Make the Sauce Less Spicy?
Yes! To tone down the heat, reduce or omit the sriracha sauce. You can also increase the amount of honey or sugar in the sauce for a sweeter balance without the extra spice. Adjust it to your taste!
Can I Prepare the Chicken Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and batter in advance. Just keep the uncoated chicken in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. Fry it fresh for the best crispy results just before serving!
