Bang Bang Chicken is a deliciously crispy chicken dish that’s coated in a sweet, tangy, and spicy sauce. The chicken is either pan-fried or air-fried, then tossed in the irresistible bang bang sauce made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, and sriracha. This recipe is perfect for an appetizer, snack, or main course when paired with rice or vegetables.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko for coating
- Oil for frying (if pan-frying) or spray oil (if air-frying)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (adjust to taste for spiciness)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Set up a dredging station with three bowls: one with the flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one with the breadcrumbs or panko.
Coat each chicken piece by first dredging it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the egg wash, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Finally, roll the chicken in the breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to help the coating stick. Repeat this process for all the chicken pieces.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
Pan-Frying:
Heat about 1/4 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the coated chicken pieces in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each side for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Air-Frying:
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the chicken pieces with cooking spray, then place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air-fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, sriracha, and lime juice until smooth and well combined. Taste the sauce and adjust the amount of sriracha depending on how spicy you want it.
Step 4: Toss the Chicken in Sauce
Once the chicken is fully cooked, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Pour the bang bang sauce over the chicken and gently toss until each piece is evenly coated with the sauce.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the Bang Bang Chicken immediately. It pairs perfectly with steamed rice, a side salad, or as a party appetizer. Garnish with chopped green onions or fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.
Cooking Notes:
- Crispy Chicken: If you prefer extra crispy chicken, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. Panko gives the chicken a lighter, crispier texture.
- Adjusting Spice Level: You can adjust the spiciness of the sauce by increasing or decreasing the amount of sriracha. For a milder version, reduce the sriracha or omit it entirely.
Variations:
1. Baked Bang Bang Chicken
For a healthier option, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and cooked through.
2. Bang Bang Shrimp
Replace the chicken with shrimp to make the popular Bang Bang Shrimp. Use the same breading and sauce for a seafood twist on the classic dish.
3. Bang Bang Chicken Tacos
Serve the Bang Bang Chicken in soft tortillas with cabbage slaw, avocado, and extra bang bang sauce for delicious Bang Bang Chicken Tacos.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work well in this recipe and add extra juiciness to the dish.
This Homemade Bang Bang Chicken is a fun and flavorful dish that’s easy to make and loaded with delicious sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors. Whether you pan-fry, air-fry, or bake the chicken, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends. The creamy, spicy bang bang sauce adds the perfect finishing touch, making this dish an irresistible crowd-pleaser.
Give this recipe a try and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at home