Sichuan Peanut Kick Chicken

Prepare to elevate your taste buds with Bang Bang Chicken, a robust and incredibly satisfying twist on the beloved Bang Bang Shrimp. If the sweet and spicy allure of the shrimp dish captivated you, then this heartier chicken version is destined to become your new culinary obsession. Featuring perfectly crispy chicken coated in an irresistible creamy sauce, it’s a dish that promises to deliver a phenomenal flavor experience in every bite.

Why You Will Love This Irresistible Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Bang Bang Chicken isn’t just another meal; it’s an experience that delivers on all fronts. Here’s why this recipe is about to become a staple in your kitchen:

Unforgettable Flavor Profile

First and foremost, the flavor is simply out of this world. This dish perfectly marries the dynamic duo of sweet and spicy, creating an addictive harmony that dances on your palate. Each piece of chicken offers a delightful textural contrast: a gloriously crispy exterior gives way to a tender, juicy interior, all enrobed in that signature creamy, zesty Bang Bang sauce. It hits every note imaginable, proving itself a worthy successor to its shrimp counterpart. I adore our Bang Bang Shrimp, but this chicken rendition might just have taken the top spot in my heart.

Budget-Friendly Indulgence

Beyond its incredible taste, Bang Bang Chicken offers fantastic value. Chicken is generally more affordable and readily available than shrimp, making it a more practical choice for a hearty family meal or when you’re looking to feed a crowd without breaking the bank. Unlike ordering out, where portions can be small and prices steep, making this at home means you get more “bang for your buck” and a truly satisfying portion that won’t leave you hungry.

Versatile Protein Choice

This recipe provides flexibility to suit your preferences. You can opt for succulent chicken thighs, which guarantee maximum juiciness and a rich flavor, or choose leaner chicken breasts for a lighter option. Both cuts absorb the marinade beautifully and crisp up wonderfully when fried, ensuring a delicious result every time. This adaptability makes it a versatile dish for any occasion.

Effortless Preparation and Accessible Ingredients

Despite its gourmet taste, Bang Bang Chicken is surprisingly straightforward to make. You won’t encounter any overly complicated steps or hard-to-find exotic ingredients. Everything you need can be easily sourced from your local grocery store. From the simple marination to whipping up the signature sauce and frying the chicken to golden perfection, each stage is designed for home cooks of all skill levels. Seriously, you have to try this recipe!

For a complete list of ingredients and precise quantities, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card below.

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Bang Bang Chicken

1. Prepare and Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

   Start by dicing your chicken thighs into uniform, bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking and perfect crispiness. In a small bowl, separate the yolk from one egg white (discarding the yolk or saving it for another use) and beat the egg white until lightly frothy. Transfer the diced chicken to a larger bowl and combine it with the beaten egg white, soy sauce for umami, mirin for a touch of sweetness and glaze, fragrant sesame oil, finely minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger. Mix all ingredients thoroughly to ensure every piece of chicken is well coated. For the best flavor penetration and tender results, allow the chicken to marinate for at least two hours, or ideally, overnight in the refrigerator. This crucial step infuses the chicken with rich Asian-inspired flavors, preparing it for the next stage of cooking.

   
   

   
   

2. Whip Up the Creamy Bang Bang Sauce

   While your chicken is marinating, prepare the star of the show: the irresistibly creamy and flavorful Bang Bang sauce. In a separate bowl, combine the Miracle Whip (or mayonnaise for a less sweet, tangier profile), vibrant Thai sweet chili sauce for its characteristic sweet heat, zesty fresh lemon juice, and sriracha for that signature spicy kick. Whisk all these ingredients together until they are perfectly smooth and thoroughly combined. Once prepared, refrigerate the sauce until you’re ready to toss it with the cooked chicken. Chilling the sauce allows the flavors to meld and ensures a refreshing contrast with the warm, crispy chicken.

   
   

   
   

3. Achieve Golden Crispy Perfection

   Once your chicken is well-marinated, it’s time to get it wonderfully crispy. Generously dredge each piece of marinated chicken in cornstarch, ensuring an even and thorough coating. This cornstarch layer is key to achieving that desirable crisp texture. In a large, heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven, heat neutral oil (like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil) to 350°F (175°C). Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial for crispiness without greasiness. Carefully deep-fry the chicken in small batches for 5 to 6 minutes, or until each piece turns a beautiful golden brown and is cooked through. Frying in batches is essential to prevent overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken. Once cooked, remove the crispy chicken pieces and drain them on a wire rack set over paper towels to remove any excess oil, ensuring they stay perfectly crisp.

   
   

   
   

4. Toss and Serve with Bang Bang Sauce

   Once all the chicken is fried to golden perfection, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Pour the chilled Bang Bang sauce generously over the crispy chicken. Using tongs or a spatula, gently toss the chicken until every piece is thoroughly coated with the sweet, spicy, and creamy sauce. Ensure an even distribution of the sauce to maximize flavor in every bite. This step truly brings the dish to life, infusing the crispy chicken with its iconic taste.

   
   

   
   

5. Garnish and Enjoy

   Finally, transfer the sauced chicken to your serving dish. For a beautiful presentation and a burst of fresh flavor, optionally garnish with thinly sliced green onions, cut on a bias. The vibrant green complements the rich orange hue of the sauce beautifully. Serve immediately and prepare for rave reviews! This dish is so delicious, you might find yourself eating the entire batch within 24 hours, even cold straight from the fridge – I won’t lie, I’ve done it myself!

   
   

   
   

What To Serve With Your Delicious Bang Bang Chicken

Bang Bang Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some fantastic ideas to complete your meal:

• Fresh Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter, refreshing meal, use crisp lettuce leaves (like butter lettuce or romaine) as a vehicle for the chicken. The coolness of the lettuce provides a perfect contrast to the warm, spicy chicken.
• Steamed Rice: A classic pairing! Fluffy jasmine or basmati rice is excellent for soaking up every drop of that amazing Bang Bang sauce. You could also try brown rice for a healthier option.
• Vegetable Lo Mein: For a more substantial, takeout-style experience, serve your Bang Bang Chicken alongside a savory vegetable lo mein. The noodles and crisp veggies beautifully complement the chicken.
• Spicy Garlic Noodles: If you love an extra kick, our spicy garlic noodle recipe is an absolute dream with Bang Bang Chicken. The layers of flavor will truly elevate your dining experience.
• Stir-fried Vegetables: A simple side of stir-fried broccoli, snap peas, or mixed bell peppers adds color, crunch, and nutritional value.
• Cucumber Salad: A cool and tangy cucumber salad can provide a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the fried chicken and sauce.

Honestly, this dish is so flavorful and satisfying on its own, you can even enjoy it as is!

Expert Tips for Bang Bang Chicken Success

Follow these tips to ensure your Bang Bang Chicken turns out perfect every time:

• Marinate Overnight for Deepest Flavor: While two hours is good, letting your chicken marinate overnight allows the flavors to truly penetrate, resulting in an even more tender and delicious dish.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Use a kitchen thermometer to keep your frying oil at a consistent 350°F (175°C). This is key to achieving that perfectly crispy coating without making the chicken greasy or burnt.
• Fry in Small Batches: Never overcrowd the pan when frying. Doing so will significantly drop the oil temperature, leading to soggy chicken. Fry in batches, allowing the oil to return to temperature between each.
• Customize Your Sauce: If you prefer a slightly less sweet or tangier sauce, you can easily swap Miracle Whip for traditional mayonnaise. Adjust the amount of sriracha to control the spice level according to your preference.
• Fresh Ingredients Matter: Using fresh ginger and garlic will make a noticeable difference in the depth of flavor of your marinade.
• Don’t Skip the Drain: Always drain fried chicken on a wire rack to allow excess oil to drip off and prevent the bottom from getting soggy.

Creative Variations to Explore

Feel free to get creative with your Bang Bang Chicken! Here are some ideas to customize the recipe:

• Use Chicken Breast: If you prefer a leaner meat option, chicken breasts work wonderfully. Just be mindful not to overcook them to keep them juicy. Slice them into bite-sized pieces like the thighs.
• Air Fryer Version: For a lighter take, try air-frying. Dredge the chicken in cornstarch, lightly spray with oil, and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. It won’t be identical to deep-fried, but it’s still deliciously crispy!
• Adjust the Spice Level: Easily control the heat by reducing or increasing the amount of sriracha in the Bang Bang sauce. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken marinade for an extra kick.
• Vegetarian Option: This recipe can be adapted for vegetarians by using firm tofu or cauliflower florets instead of chicken. Ensure they are well-coated and fried until crispy.
• Gluten-Free Alternative: To make this recipe gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bang Bang Chicken

Discover More Delicious Chicken Recipes

If you loved this Bang Bang Chicken, be sure to explore some of our other fantastic chicken recipes:

Bang Bang Chicken

Crispy, juicy Bang Bang Chicken tossed in sweet and spicy sauce—an easy, addictive meal that’s better than takeout.

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Course: Appetizer, Main, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Asian

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Marination: 2 hours

Servings: 4

Calories: 343 kcal

Ingredients

Chicken

• 4 Chicken thighs, cubed, bite size
• 2 tbsp Soy sauce
• 1 tsp Mirin
• 2 tsp Sesame oil
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp Ginger, minced
• 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper
• 1 egg white, beaten
• Cornstarch
• Neutral oil, for frying

Bang Bang Sauce

• 1/2 cup Miracle whip
• 1/4 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
• 3 tbsp Sriracha sauce
• 1 tbsp Lemon juice, freshly squeezed

Garnish

• Green onions, cut on a bias

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine diced chicken with the soy sauce, mirin, sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, beaten egg white, and salt and pepper.
2. Mix well to combine and allow to marinate for 2 hours to overnight.
3. In another bowl, whisk all the bang bang sauce ingredients together until well combined. Refrigerate until ready to use.
4. Dredge the chicken thoroughly in cornstarch, coating it well. Deep fry in batches at 350°F for 5 to 6 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove and place on paper towels or a wire rack to drain.
5. Toss the fried chicken with the prepared Bang Bang sauce, ensuring it’s coated evenly.
6. Optionally garnish with green onion. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 343 kcal |
Carbohydrates: 16g |
Protein: 21g |
Fat: 22g |
Saturated Fat: 6g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 9g |
Trans Fat: 0.1g |
Cholesterol: 114mg |
Sodium: 1571mg |
Potassium: 316mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 12g |
Vitamin A: 128IU |
Vitamin C: 10mg |
Calcium: 20mg |
Iron: 1mg