This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is a fun dish full of flavor! Tender chicken pieces are coated in a crunchy layer and tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce that makes your taste buds dance.
I love serving this dish at parties – it always disappears fast! Pair it with rice or veggies, and you have a quick dinner that’s sure to make everyone smile! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend boneless, skinless thighs for extra tenderness, but chicken breasts work too. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using tofu or cauliflower for a delicious vegetarian twist!
Flour & Cornstarch: All-purpose flour gives a nice crunch, and cornstarch keeps it light. If you’re gluten-free, consider using a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour.
Sauces: Mayonnaise creates a creamy base in the Bang Bang sauce. If you want a lighter version, opt for Greek yogurt. For the sweet chili sauce, feel free to make your own or use a store-bought kind. Agave syrup can replace honey if needed.
How Do You Get that Perfect Crunch?
Achieving a crispy coating is key! Here’s how to nail it:
- First, dredge the chicken in the egg mixture to help the flour stick. Don’t rush this step!
- Next, coat it well in the flour-cornstarch mix and press gently. This helps create that nice crunchy layer.
- Fry in hot oil (350°F or 175°C). Too low, and it’ll be soggy. Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding, which cools the oil.
Finally, let the chicken rest on paper towels to absorb any excess oil. This way, you’ll enjoy perfectly crisp Bang Bang Chicken!
How to Make 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
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1–2 tbsp sriracha sauce (adjust for heat preference)
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar
- 1 tsp lime juice (optional, for brightness)
For Garnish:
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish takes about 20 minutes of prep time, plus around 15 to 20 minutes for frying. Just a bit of patience while the chicken cooks, and soon you’ll be enjoying your delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined. This mixture will create the crunchy coating for your chicken.
2. Create the Egg Mixture:
In another bowl, beat the eggs and milk together until smooth. This will help the flour mixture stick to the chicken pieces.
3. Coat the Chicken:
Take each piece of chicken and dip it first into the egg mixture. Then, dredge it in the flour mixture, pressing gently to make sure it’s well-coated. Set the coated chicken pieces on a plate as you work through all of them.
4. Heat the Oil:
In a deep skillet or pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. The oil should reach around 350°F (175°C) before frying the chicken.
5. Fry the Chicken:
Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches. Avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry the chicken for about 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
6. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
While the chicken is cooling, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a separate bowl until smooth and creamy. Feel free to adjust the spiciness or sweetness based on your taste preference!
7. Toss the Chicken in Sauce:
Once the chicken is slightly cooled, gently toss the crispy pieces in the Bang Bang sauce until they are evenly coated. You want every bite to be flavorful!
8. Plate and Garnish:
Transfer the sauced chicken to a serving plate and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for that extra touch.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy your Crispy Bang Bang Chicken hot, ideally paired with steamed rice or fresh veggies on the side for a complete meal!
Your homemade fare is now crispy, creamy, sweet, and spicy in every bite. Enjoy every delicious moment!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great choice for this recipe as they tend to be juicier and more flavorful. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if the pieces are larger or thicker.
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise in the Bang Bang Sauce?
If you’re looking for a lighter option or a different flavor, Greek yogurt works well as an alternative to mayonnaise. It will still provide creaminess while cutting down on calories!
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
Yes, you can prep the chicken and batter in advance! Just coat the chicken and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to fry. For the sauce, you can make it ahead of time too; just refrigerate it and give it a stir before using.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, place the coated chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness instead of using a microwave, which can make it soggy.
