Bang Bang Chicken is a flavorful and slightly spicy dish with tender, shredded chicken drizzled in a creamy, sweet, and tangy sauce. Originating from Sichuan cuisine, this dish has gained popularity worldwide for its delicious combination of textures and flavors. The balance of heat, creaminess, and crunch makes it a crowd-pleaser, whether served as an appetizer or a main course.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Bold flavors: The sauce delivers a perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and tangy.
- Versatile: Serve it as a salad, over rice, or in wraps.
- Great for meal prep: Store leftovers for an easy lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken breasts or thighs
- Mayonnaise
- Sweet chili sauce
- Sriracha sauce
- Honey
- Rice vinegar
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
- Green onions (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Cook the chicken: Boil or steam the chicken breasts until fully cooked, about 12-15 minutes. Let cool slightly, then shred using two forks.
- Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Coat the chicken: Toss the shredded chicken in the sauce, ensuring an even coating.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve warm or chilled.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Make it healthier: Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Add crunch: Toss in some crushed peanuts or crispy fried wontons.
- Make it spicier: Increase the amount of sriracha or add red pepper flakes.
- Vegetarian option: Substitute shredded tofu or jackfruit for the chicken.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended as the sauce may separate.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally.
FAQs
How spicy is Bang Bang Chicken?
It has a mild to moderate heat level, but you can adjust the spice by adding more or less sriracha.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken makes this recipe even faster.
What can I serve with Bang Bang Chicken?
Serve it with rice, noodles, lettuce wraps, or as a sandwich filling.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce separately and mix them before serving.
Is Bang Bang Chicken gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use a gluten-free sweet chili sauce.
Can I use a different protein?
Absolutely! Try shrimp, tofu, or even shredded pork.
How do I make the sauce less sweet?
Reduce the amount of honey or sweet chili sauce.
Can I air-fry the chicken?
Yes, you can air-fry chicken pieces at 375°F for about 15 minutes for a crispy version.
What if I don’t have rice vinegar?
You can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar.
Can I use a different type of chili sauce?
Yes, sambal oelek or another hot sauce can work, but adjust the quantity based on your spice preference.
Conclusion
Bang Bang Chicken is a delightful dish packed with creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner, a fun party appetizer, or a meal prep option, this dish is a must-try. Customize it to your taste and enjoy the irresistible combination of textures and flavors!
PrintBang Bang Chicken
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Deep-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
Bang Bang Chicken is a crispy, juicy dish coated in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce. This dish, inspired by Asian flavors, features tender fried chicken bites tossed in a rich mayo-based sauce with a kick of Sriracha and a hint of sweetness. It’s perfect as an appetizer, main course, or even a fun party snack!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 egg
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
For Garnish (Optional):
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
-
Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, combine buttermilk and the egg. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are well coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for extra tenderness).
-
Prepare the Coating:
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
-
Bread the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture until fully coated.
-
Fry the Chicken:
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat (350°F/175°C).
- Fry the chicken in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
-
Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and garlic powder.
-
Toss & Serve:
- Toss the fried chicken in the Bang Bang Sauce until evenly coated.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Notes
- If you prefer a lighter version, bake or air-fry the chicken instead of deep-frying.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less Sriracha.
- Serve with rice, lettuce wraps, or as a topping for a salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: ~420 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *