Discover the ultimate culinary delight with our incredible Bang Bang Chicken! This dish features tender chicken bites, perfectly fried to a golden crisp, then coated in an irresistible spicy-sweet sauce. It’s a popular takeout favorite, known for its incredible flavor and satisfying texture. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare this restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. This delicious Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe with Spicy-Sweet Sauce brings a taste of authentic Chinese street food right to your table.
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
You’re going to fall in love with this Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe with Spicy-Sweet Sauce for so many reasons. First, the chicken boasts an irresistibly crunchy exterior, giving way to tender, juicy meat inside. The homemade Bang Bang sauce offers a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. This quick recipe makes an impressive weeknight meal, perfect for busy evenings. You can easily customize the spice level to suit everyone’s preference. Plus, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any gathering, making it a versatile addition to your recipe repertoire.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your own delicious Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe with Spicy-Sweet Sauce!
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Shaoxing Chinese cooking wine, or dry sherry
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon white or black pepper
- 1 egg white
- Corn starch for coating
- Neutral oil for frying
- Diced green onions for garnish
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 3 tablespoons sriracha or chili garlic sauce
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily adapt this crispy Bang Bang chicken recipe to fit your preferences. For the chicken, feel free to use boneless, skinless chicken breast or tenders if you prefer; just adjust cooking times slightly. If you do not have Shaoxing Chinese cooking wine, dry sherry or even mirin can be a suitable substitute. To adjust the spice level, simply increase or decrease the amount of sriracha in the sauce.
According to culinary science, cornstarch is essential for achieving signature crispiness by preventing gluten development and absorbing moisture, so don’t skip it.
For a richer, more authentic flavor in your sauce, try using Japanese Kewpie mayonnaise.
Equipment
Having the right tools makes preparing your crispy Bang Bang chicken a breeze. You will need large mixing bowls for marinating and saucing your chicken. A whisk is perfect for combining the sauce ingredients until smooth. A deep pot or Dutch oven is ideal for safely frying the chicken. Use a candy or deep-fry thermometer to accurately monitor your oil temperature. A slotted spoon or spider will help you safely remove chicken from the hot oil. Finally, a wire rack placed over paper towels will allow excess oil to drain, keeping your chicken extra crispy.
Instructions
Let’s get cooking and create your irresistible Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe with Spicy-Sweet Sauce! Follow these easy steps for perfect results.
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Cut your chicken thighs into uniform, bite-sized pieces, ensuring even cooking. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, salt, pepper, and the egg white. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until every piece of chicken is well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken for at least one hour; this helps infuse maximum flavor and tenderness.
Step 2: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
While the chicken marinates, prepare your delicious Bang Bang sauce. In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Whisk these ingredients together until the sauce is completely smooth and well blended. Taste the sauce and adjust the spice or sweetness to your liking, adding more sriracha for heat or sweet chili for sweetness. Set the sauce aside until you are ready to use it.
Step 3: Heat the Frying Oil
When you’re ready to fry, pour neutral oil into a deep pot or Dutch oven, ensuring it is at least 3 inches deep. Attach a candy or deep-fry thermometer to the side of the pot. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
As highlighted by deep-frying techniques, maintaining consistent oil temperature is crucial for perfectly crispy chicken.
Step 4: First Fry the Chicken
Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator. Dredge each piece of chicken thoroughly in cornstarch, ensuring a complete coating. Shake off any excess powder to prevent a gummy texture. Carefully fry the chicken in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pot, which can lower the oil temperature. Cook each batch for 5-6 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 175°F (79°C). Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked chicken to a wire rack set over paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Second Fry for Extra Crispiness
After all the chicken pieces have had their first fry, increase the oil temperature back to 350°F (175°C). Return the chicken to the hot oil for a second fry. This step is key for achieving ultimate crispiness. Fry the chicken again for only 45-60 seconds, watching closely until it turns a deep golden brown and develops an extra crunchy crust. Immediately remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and drain it on the wire rack.
Step 6: Sauce and Serve
Transfer your perfectly crispy chicken to a clean large bowl. Drizzle the prepared Bang Bang sauce over the chicken, adding a little at a time until coated to your preference. Gently toss the chicken to ensure every piece is evenly coated in the delicious sauce. Garnish generously with fresh diced green onions for a pop of color and freshness. Serve your amazing crispy Bang Bang chicken hot and enjoy every bite!
Pro Tips for Perfect Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
Achieving the best crispy Bang Bang chicken requires a few key techniques. Always avoid overcrowding your frying pot; this maintains consistent oil temperature and ensures crisp results. Maintaining that consistent oil temperature with a thermometer is crucial for even cooking and perfect browning. Never skip the double-fry step; it’s the secret to ultimate, shatteringly crispy chicken. Ensure you marinate the chicken for at least an hour to infuse maximum flavor and tenderness into every piece. Adjust the Bang Bang sauce to your personal preference, adding more or less spice or sweetness. Finally, garnish your dish with fresh green onions right before serving for the best presentation and freshest flavor.
Serving, Storage, and Variations
This versatile Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe with Spicy-Sweet Sauce is a fantastic meal on its own, but also pairs well with many sides.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delectable crispy Bang Bang chicken over a bed of fluffy steamed jasmine rice for a complete meal. It also pairs wonderfully with simple Asian noodles, such as lo mein or ramen. For a burst of freshness and nutrients, add a side of quick-sautéed broccoli or bok choy. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds before serving adds a lovely nutty flavor and elegant touch.
Storage and Reheating
If you have any delicious leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. While the crispiness is best enjoyed fresh, you can reheat the chicken in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. This method helps to restore some of its original crisp texture, avoiding a soggy result from microwaving.
Variations
Get creative with your crispy Bang Bang chicken!
- Protein: Swap chicken for crispy fried shrimp, pan-fried tofu, or even thinly sliced pork.
- Preparation: For a lighter option, try air frying or oven-baking the chicken, though it will be less crispy than deep-frying.
- Spice: Amp up the heat by adding more sriracha or a pinch of red chili flakes to the sauce.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your cornstarch is certified gluten-free.
- Vegetarian: Make a fantastic vegetarian version by using crispy fried cauliflower florets instead of chicken.
Nutrition
Nutritional values provided are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods. This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe with Spicy-Sweet Sauce is typically high in protein, providing sustained energy. The customizable nature of the sauce allows you to adjust ingredients for your dietary needs. Always remember to factor in oil absorption and serving sizes for balanced meal planning.
| Nutrient | Amount (Estimated per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450-550 kcal |
| Total Fat | 30-40g |
| Saturated Fat | 5-8g |
| Cholesterol | 80-100mg |
| Sodium | 800-1000mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 20-30g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1-2g |
| Sugars | 10-15g |
| Protein | 25-35g |
FAQ
What does “Bang Bang” mean? “Bang Bang” traditionally refers to the sound a street vendor makes while pounding chicken with a stick to tenderize it. This name also reflects the bold, “bang” of flavors in the sauce.
Can I use chicken breast? Yes, absolutely! Chicken breast works well for this crispy Bang Bang chicken recipe. Just be mindful that it cooks faster than thighs, so adjust your frying time to avoid overcooking and ensure it stays tender.
How do I make the sauce less spicy? To reduce the heat, simply decrease the amount of sriracha you add to the sauce. You can also increase the sweet chili sauce slightly to balance the flavors.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying? You can bake the chicken, but it won’t achieve the same level of crispiness as deep-frying. For baking, toss the cornstarch-coated chicken with a little oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) until cooked through and golden.
What is Shaoxing wine? Shaoxing Chinese cooking wine is a fermented rice wine commonly used in Chinese cuisine to add depth and complexity. If you don’t have it, dry sherry or even mirin can be a good substitute in a pinch.
Can I prepare components ahead of time? Yes, you can! The chicken can marinate in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The Bang Bang sauce can also be made a day or two in advance and stored in the fridge.
Conclusion
This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe with Spicy-Sweet Sauce truly delivers an incredible flavor experience. You get perfectly crispy chicken bites coated in a vibrant, balanced sauce that hits all the right notes: sweet, spicy, and savory. It’s a deliciously satisfying meal that’s much simpler to make at home than you might think. We encourage you to try this recipe tonight and experience the magic for yourself! Don’t hesitate to share your culinary creations and comments below!
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe with Spicy-Sweet Sauce
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine chicken pieces with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, salt, pepper, and egg white in a bowl, mixing thoroughly, then refrigerate for at least one hour to marinate.
- Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha until smooth, then set the bang bang sauce aside.
- When ready to cook, heat neutral oil in a pot or deep fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Coat chicken pieces in cornstarch, shake off excess, then deep fry in batches for 5-6 minutes until golden brown, crispy, and cooked to an internal temperature of 175 degrees Fahrenheit. Once all chicken is fried, reheat the oil to 350 degrees and fry the chicken again for 45-60 seconds for extra crispiness.
- Gently toss the double-fried chicken with the prepared bang bang sauce, adding a little at a time until desired coating is achieved.
- Plate the sauced chicken and garnish with fresh diced green onions before serving.