Welcome to the ultimate guide for crafting the most tantalizing Bang Bang Chicken right in your own kitchen! This recipe offers a delightful fusion of irresistibly crispy chicken and a perfectly balanced sweet and spicy sauce that promises to elevate your weeknight dinners or impress guests at your next gathering. Forget about complex preparations; this dish is designed for convenience, allowing you to prepare components ahead of time, ensuring a stress-free cooking experience even on the busiest evenings. Dive into a culinary adventure that delivers bold flavors and a satisfying crunch with every bite, making it a guaranteed family favorite.
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My Ultimate Bang Bang Chicken Recipe: A Crispy, Flavorful Delight
Our Bang Bang Chicken recipe isn’t just another meal; it’s a culinary experience designed for maximum flavor and minimal fuss. Here’s why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your cooking repertoire:
- Seafood Allergy Friendly: For those who love the popular Bang Bang Shrimp but can’t enjoy seafood, this chicken version is a fantastic alternative. It captures all the beloved sweet and spicy notes without any allergens, ensuring everyone at your table can indulge.
- Effortless Preparation: We understand that time is precious, especially on busy weeknights. This recipe boasts minimal prep time, allowing you to create a restaurant-quality meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Quick, easy, and absolutely delicious!
- Accessible Ingredients: Say goodbye to specialty store hunts. Every ingredient needed for this Bang Bang Chicken is readily available at your local grocery store. You won’t need any expensive or exotic items, making it a budget-friendly and convenient option for any home cook.
- Unforgettable Flavor Profile: Inspired by the iconic appetizer, our chicken rendition delivers an even more satisfying experience. The juicy chicken, enveloped in a perfectly crispy coating, is then tossed in a creamy, fiery sauce that creates an explosion of flavors in every mouthful.
My family, like many others, initially fell in love with the vibrant flavors of Bang Bang Shrimp. But after experimenting and perfecting this chicken version at home, we unanimously agreed that it surpasses the original. The tenderness of the chicken, combined with its crisp exterior and the signature sweet-spicy kick, creates a dish that is truly addictive and guaranteed to become a new household favorite.
Unveiling the Origins of Bang Bang Chicken
While often associated with American chain restaurants, the concept of “Bang Bang Chicken” has roots deeply embedded in Sichuan cuisine, a renowned culinary tradition from China. Historically, “Bang Bang Chicken” (or “Bon Bon Chicken”) referred to a dish of cold shredded chicken served with a spicy, nutty sauce, where the chicken was tenderized by being pounded with a stick – hence the “bang bang” sound. The modern, Americanized version, often featuring fried chicken or shrimp coated in a creamy, sweet chili, and sriracha mayonnaise sauce, became popularized by establishments like Bonefish Grill. Our recipe pays homage to this delicious evolution, bringing the restaurant favorite into your home with an easy-to-follow, chicken-based rendition.
Essential Ingredients for Your Bang Bang Chicken
Crafting the perfect Bang Bang Chicken starts with a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Below is a detailed overview of what you’ll need, along with notes and potential variations to customize your dish. Full measurements and step-by-step instructions are conveniently provided in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this page.
Ingredient Breakdown and Flavor Enhancements
- Salt and Black Pepper: These foundational seasonings form the base of our flavor profile. Feel free to adjust the amounts to perfectly suit your personal taste preferences, ensuring a well-seasoned chicken.
- Smoked Paprika: A vital addition that infuses the dish with a rich, smoky aroma and a subtle hint of spice, adding depth that elevates the overall flavor.
- Oregano: This herb contributes a delicate, earthy note to the chicken, complementing the other spices without overpowering them.
- Garlic Powder: An indispensable pantry staple, garlic powder delivers a robust, savory flavor, offering all the aromatic depth of fresh garlic without the need for mincing.
- Onion Powder: Crucial for developing a complex, savory background flavor in your spice mix, onion powder should not be omitted as it significantly enhances the overall taste.
- Cayenne Pepper: For those who love a bit of heat, cayenne pepper introduces a delightful kick to each bite-sized piece of chicken. Adjust the quantity based on your desired spice level – you’ll truly enjoy the warmth it brings.
- Chicken Breasts: We recommend boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into uniform chunks for even cooking. For a slightly different texture, boneless chicken tenderloins also work beautifully in this recipe.
- Buttermilk: Essential for a tender and flavorful chicken, buttermilk acts as a marinade, tenderizing the meat and providing an ideal surface for the breading to adhere to.
- Egg: Acts as a crucial binder, helping the breading mixture cling securely to the chicken pieces, ensuring a consistently crispy crust.
- All-Purpose Flour: Forms the primary base for our breading, contributing to the crisp texture.
- Cornstarch: This secret ingredient is key to achieving an extra-crispy, light batter on the outside of your fried chicken, ensuring that satisfying crunch.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Opt for plain Panko breadcrumbs for their superior ability to create an incredibly crunchy and airy coating, far surpassing regular breadcrumbs in texture.
- Vegetable Oil: Any neutral-flavored oil suitable for frying, such as canola oil or sunflower oil, can be used. Its high smoke point makes it perfect for achieving that golden-brown crispness.
- Bang Bang Sauce: The star of the show! This creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce is typically a blend of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. While you can certainly buy a store-bought version, making it yourself allows for perfect control over its flavor and heat intensity.
Preparing for Perfection: Essential Tools
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable cooking process, gather the following basic kitchen tools:
- Small bowl (for mixing spices)
- Large bowls (for marinating and breading)
- Large skillet or Dutch oven (for frying)
For more of my favorite kitchen essentials and cooking gadgets, feel free to explore my Amazon storefront!
Step-by-Step Guide to Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
Follow these detailed instructions to create succulent, crispy Bang Bang Chicken that will delight your taste buds. This is an overview; the complete, detailed instructions are in the recipe card below.
- Prepare the Spice Blend: In a small bowl, combine all the spice mix ingredients (salt, smoked paprika, oregano, garlic powder, ground black pepper, onion powder, and cayenne pepper). Mix thoroughly and taste to adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl or a sealable ziplock bag, whisk together the beaten egg, half of the prepared spice mix, and pour in the buttermilk. Add the chicken bites, ensuring they are fully submerged and coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to tenderize.
- Prepare the Flour Mixture: While the chicken marinates, combine the all-purpose flour and cornstarch in a separate large bowl. Mix well until thoroughly combined.
- First Coating (Wet Batter): Remove the chicken from the fridge. Using your fingers or a spoon, mix the chicken directly into the flour mixture. Don’t worry if it looks lumpy; this thick, lumpy coating is exactly what you want for maximum crispiness.
- Prepare Panko Mixture: In yet another bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs with the remaining half of the spice mix. This ensures every layer of your chicken is packed with flavor.
- Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet or Dutch oven, ensuring it’s deep enough for frying. Heat the oil over medium-high heat to approximately 350-375°F (175-190°C). A thermometer is highly recommended for precise temperature control.
- Second Coating (Panko): Take individual chicken pieces from the buttermilk-flour mixture and place them directly into the Panko breadcrumb bowl. Press firmly to ensure an even and generous coating of Panko.
- Fry to Golden Perfection: Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil, working in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in less crispy chicken. Fry for approximately 2-3 minutes per side, or until the chicken is beautifully golden brown and cooked through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.
- Serve with Sauce: Once fried, remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and place it on a wire rack over a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve immediately, generously drizzled with your homemade or store-bought Bang Bang Sauce.
Creative Variations and Serving Suggestions
This Bang Bang Chicken recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing for various adaptations to suit your taste and dietary needs. Here are some ideas to customize your dish:
- Garnish for Extra Flair: Elevate the presentation and flavor by sprinkling toasted sesame seeds or finely sliced green onions over the finished chicken. Both add a pleasant visual appeal and an extra layer of taste.
- Alternative Chicken Cuts: No chicken breasts on hand? Boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into similar-sized pieces, make an excellent substitute, offering a slightly richer flavor and juicier texture.
- Buttermilk Substitute: For the marinade, Greek yogurt can be used in place of buttermilk, providing a similar tenderizing effect and a creamy base. For a dairy-free option, mix regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using.
- Healthier Cooking Methods: If deep-frying isn’t your preference, you can still achieve crispy results. Lightly spray the coated chicken with oil and cook in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway, or bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, until golden and cooked through. These methods offer a delicious alternative with less oil.
- Spice Level Customization: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the spice mix and sriracha in the Bang Bang Sauce to match your preferred level of heat. For a milder version, reduce or omit the cayenne; for an extra fiery kick, feel free to add more!
- Gluten-Free Option: Easily make this recipe gluten-free by using a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and gluten-free Panko breadcrumbs. Always check ingredient labels to ensure they are certified gluten-free.
Amira’s Expert Tips for Bang Bang Chicken Success
To ensure your Bang Bang Chicken turns out perfectly every time, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Temperature is Key: Always use a meat thermometer to verify that your cooked chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C). This ensures both safety and optimal doneness.
- Smart Meal Prep: To save time on busy weeknights, marinate the chicken the night before. This allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat, and it will be ready to bread and fry as soon as you get home.
- Master Your Sauce: While store-bought Bang Bang Sauce is convenient, I highly recommend making your own. My homemade Bang Bang Sauce recipe allows you to perfectly control the sweetness and heat, which is especially useful if you’re serving little ones with sensitive palates.
- Versatile Serving: This chicken isn’t just for a main course. It tastes absolutely incredible when served on top of a fresh, crisp salad. The creamy, spicy sauce acts as a fantastic dressing, transforming a simple salad into a flavorful and satisfying meal.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Frying in batches is crucial. Overloading the skillet will drop the oil temperature, leading to soggy chicken instead of crispy perfection. Give your chicken pieces space to breathe and brown evenly.
- Uniform Chicken Pieces: Cutting your chicken breasts into uniform 1 ½-inch pieces ensures that they cook evenly and at the same rate, preventing some pieces from being undercooked or overcooked.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers to Maximize Flavor
Proper storage and reheating are essential for enjoying your Bang Bang Chicken leftovers:
Refrigerate: Store any leftover cooked Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to store the chicken separately from the sauce if possible, to prevent the coating from becoming too soggy.
Freeze: For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken in an airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight. Please note that the chicken’s crispy texture will diminish significantly after freezing and thawing, but the flavor will still be delicious.
Reheat: While you can technically reheat this chicken in the microwave, for the absolute best results and to regain some of that coveted crispiness, I highly recommend using an air fryer. Arrange the leftover chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until thoroughly heated through and crisp again. If you don’t have an air fryer, reheating in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes will also work well to restore some crispness.
Delightful Pairings: What to Serve With Bang Bang Chicken
Bang Bang Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, creating a complete and satisfying meal. Here are some of my top recommendations:
- Fluffy Rice: A classic pairing, a simple bed of white rice is perfect for soaking up every drop of that delicious Bang Bang sauce. My Instant Pot Basmati Rice Recipe is always my go-to for perfectly cooked, fluffy grains.
- Roasted Vegetables: For a fresh and healthy contrast, serve your chicken with vibrant roasted vegetables. These Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables are a fantastic choice, adding a burst of color and nutrients to your plate.
- Steamed Greens: A side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus with a squeeze of lemon offers a light and refreshing balance to the rich chicken.
- Simple Salad: As mentioned, Bang Bang Chicken pieces are delicious on their own, but even better tossed into a fresh salad with a light vinaigrette. The sauce itself can act as a creamy dressing!
- Noodle Bowls: For an Asian-inspired meal, serve the chicken over a bed of stir-fried noodles or rice vermicelli.
- Coleslaw: The creamy tang of coleslaw can provide a refreshing counterpoint to the spicy chicken, adding a satisfying crunch.
Make-Ahead Magic: Simplifying Your Cooking
While Bang Bang Chicken is undeniably best enjoyed freshly made, with its peak crispiness and warmth, a little planning can greatly streamline your cooking process. The most impactful make-ahead step is marinating the chicken. You can immerse the chicken pieces in the buttermilk and egg mixture, seasoned with half of the spice blend, the night before you plan to cook. This not only infuses the chicken with deeper flavor but also means it’s ready to be coated and fried in a flash when you need to get dinner on the table quickly on a busy weekday. Just ensure it’s stored properly in the refrigerator.
Your Questions Answered: FAQs About Bang Bang Chicken
Yum Yum sauce is a popular Japanese steakhouse sauce known for its sweet, tangy, and slightly savory flavor, often with a subtle mayonnaise base and hints of paprika and garlic. In contrast, Bang Bang sauce is distinctly spicy, creamy, and sweet, typically featuring mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and sriracha, delivering a more pronounced heat and a complex flavor profile.
The name “Bang Bang” for the sauce, particularly as popularized by restaurants like Bonefish Grill, is inspired by the traditional Sichuan dish “Bang Bang Chicken” (or Bon Bon Chicken). In its original form, the chicken was tenderized by being pounded with a stick, creating a “bang bang” sound. While the modern sauce doesn’t involve pounding, its name carries this historical culinary echo, emphasizing the tender quality that the original method produced, now synonymous with a flavorful, spicy kick.
Absolutely! To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and use gluten-free Panko breadcrumbs. Always check the labels of all your ingredients to ensure they are certified gluten-free, especially for sauces.
To reduce the heat of the Bang Bang sauce, you can decrease the amount of sriracha or omit it entirely. You can also increase the quantity of mayonnaise or Thai sweet chili sauce to balance out the spice. For a truly mild version, use only sweet chili sauce and mayonnaise.
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent alternative to chicken breasts. They tend to be juicier and have a richer flavor. Just cut them into similar 1 ½-inch pieces to ensure even cooking.
Have you had the pleasure of trying the popular Bang Bang shrimp before? If so, I’m confident you’ll absolutely adore this easy and incredibly flavorful chicken recipe. Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below – I’d love to hear what you think!
If you cherish this recipe as much as I do, please consider leaving a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating! Your feedback is invaluable. Thank you!
Bang Bang Chicken
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Ingredients
Spice mix:
- 1 ½ -2 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
For the chicken:
- 4 chicken breasts about 24 ounces cut into 1 ½ inch pieces
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- 1 large eggs lightly beaten
Flour mixture:
- ¾ cup flour
- ¼ cup cornstarch
For coating:
- 2-3 cups Panko breadcrumbs
- 3 cups vegetable oil for frying
- ¾ cup Bang Bang Sauce
Instructions
- In a small bowl combine spice mixture and taste to adjust seasoning.
- In a large bowl or ziplock bag, add beaten egg, half the spice mix then pour buttermilk over.
- Add chicken bites and seal. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile in a large bowl add flour, cornstarch and mix well.
- Take the chicken bowl out of the fridge and mix in the flour mixture with your fingers or a spoon. The mixture will thicken and looks lumpy so no worries.
- In another bowl mix panko with the remaining half of the spice mix.
- Heat oil in a large skillet.
- Take chicken pieces out of the buttermilk flour mixture and place in the panko bowl pressing on them to coat evenly.
- Fry for about 2-3 minute until golden brown, work in batches and do not overcrowd the pan.
- Serve drizzled with bang bang sauce.
Notes
- Please check the nutrition disclaimer policy.