Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home. The crispy coating contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce. It is quick to prepare and highly customizable to your preferred spice level. The ingredients are simple and accessible. It works equally well as a party appetizer or a satisfying main course.
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Bang Bang Chicken: Crispy, Creamy, Sweet and Spicy Perfection
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Bang Bang Chicken is a crispy fried chicken dish tossed or drizzled with a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce made from mayonnaise, chili sauce, and honey for a bold flavor kick.
Ingredients
- 500 g boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- Oil for frying
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp lime juice (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- In another bowl, whisk egg and milk together.
- Dip chicken pieces into egg mixture, then coat in flour mixture.
- Heat oil to 175°C (350°F) and fry chicken in batches for 4–5 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Drain on paper towels.
- In a small bowl, whisk mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice.
- Toss fried chicken in the sauce or drizzle over the top.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust sriracha for preferred spice level.
- Serve over rice or in lettuce wraps.
- Best served fresh for maximum crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Deep Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
Tender chicken breast provides a lean protein base that stays juicy when cooked properly.
All-Purpose Flour
Flour forms the first layer of coating, helping the batter adhere to the chicken.
Cornstarch
Cornstarch adds extra crispiness to the coating, creating a light yet crunchy texture.
Eggs
Eggs help bind the coating to the chicken pieces.
Buttermilk
Buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and enhances flavor while aiding in crisping.
Panko Breadcrumbs
Panko creates a crunchy, airy crust that elevates the texture.
Vegetable Oil
Used for frying, vegetable oil provides a neutral flavor and high smoke point.
Mayonnaise
Forms the creamy base of the signature Bang Bang sauce.
Sweet Chili Sauce
Adds sweetness and mild heat, balancing the richness of the mayonnaise.
Sriracha
Brings adjustable spice and depth to the sauce.
Honey
Enhances sweetness and balances the heat for a smooth finish.
Salt and Black Pepper
Essential for seasoning the chicken before coating.
Directions
Begin by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season lightly with salt and black pepper. Prepare three bowls: one with flour and cornstarch mixed together, one with beaten eggs combined with buttermilk, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
Dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally coat thoroughly in panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to ensure the coating adheres well.
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat until it reaches approximately 350°F. Fry the chicken in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes per batch, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth. Adjust spice level according to preference.
Once the chicken has cooled slightly, drizzle the sauce generously over the top or toss the chicken pieces gently in the sauce until evenly coated. Serve immediately for maximum crispiness.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, store the sauce separately. Reheat the chicken in an oven or air fryer at 375°F until crisp and heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it may soften the coating.
Variations and Customizations
There are many ways to adapt this recipe to your taste. For a lighter option, bake the coated chicken at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. I have also tried air frying at 380°F for 15 minutes, and it produced a satisfyingly crispy result with less oil.
To increase the heat level, add extra sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the sriracha and increase the honey slightly.
For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can also serve the chicken over shredded lettuce, rice, or in soft tortillas for a complete meal.
If you enjoy additional texture, sprinkle chopped green onions or sesame seeds over the finished dish. The sauce can even be used as a dip for shrimp or tofu, making it a versatile addition to your kitchen repertoire.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Approximate values per serving (based on 4 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbs | 42 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 14 g |
| Sodium | 760 mg |
This dish is moderately high in fat due to frying and mayonnaise. Baking or air frying can reduce overall fat content.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Maintain Oil Temperature
Keep oil around 350°F to ensure crispy results without greasiness.
Do Not Overcrowd the Pan
Fry in batches to maintain proper temperature and even cooking.
Double Coat for Extra Crunch
Repeat the egg and breadcrumb step for an even thicker crust.
Adjust Sauce Consistency
Add a small splash of water if the sauce becomes too thick.
Serve Immediately
For the best texture, serve the chicken soon after coating with sauce.
FAQs
Can I make Bang Bang Chicken ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and coat the chicken in advance, but fry just before serving for best crispiness.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless thighs provide extra juiciness and flavor.
Is Bang Bang Chicken very spicy?
The spice level is adjustable depending on the amount of sriracha used.
Can I air fry this recipe?
Yes, air fry at 380°F for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What can I serve with Bang Bang Chicken?
It pairs well with rice, salads, steamed vegetables, or wrapped in tortillas.
Can I freeze leftovers?
It is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the cooked chicken without sauce for up to 2 months.
Conclusion
Bang Bang Chicken is a flavorful, crispy dish that combines sweetness, heat, and creaminess in perfect harmony. With its crunchy coating and signature sauce, it offers a satisfying experience whether served as an appetizer or main course. Simple ingredients and adaptable cooking methods make this recipe a reliable favorite for any occasion.
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