Every time I make Bang Bang Chicken, I’m transported back to the lively kitchen at my sister’s house, filled with the laughter of family and the enticing aroma of delicious food. It’s truly amazing how a single recipe can hold so much warmth and cherished memories! I remember the first time I served it for a family gathering; everyone couldn’t get enough of that crispy, smoky chicken slathered in that creamy, spicy sauce. The smiles on their faces lit up the room, and I knew I had struck gold with this dish. I want you to feel that same joy and satisfaction, so let’s dive into the delightful world of Bang Bang Chicken together!
How to make Bang Bang Chicken
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this mouthwatering dish. I’ve included a few personal notes about why these ingredients are so special.
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Chicken breast | 1 lb |
| Corn starch | 1 cup |
| Eggs | 2, beaten |
| Panko bread crumbs | 1 cup |
| Oil for frying | as needed |
| Mayonnaise | 1/2 cup |
| Sweet chili sauce | 1/4 cup |
| Sriracha (optional) | 1 tsp |
| Green onions (for garnish) | as needed |
Personal note: I love adding fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro; it elevates the chicken’s flavor and adds a lovely touch!
Cooking Steps
-
Prepare the sauce: Let’s start with the star of the show—Bang Bang sauce! In a mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1/4 cup of sweet chili sauce, and 1 tsp of Sriracha (if you’re feeling spicy). I find that the sweet chili sauce balances beautifully with the creamy mayonnaise. This sauce is essential for that addictive taste that keeps your family coming back for more!
-
Prepare the chicken: Next, take 1 lb of chicken breast and cut it into bite-sized pieces. I always find that smaller pieces make for quicker cooking and, let’s be honest, they’re just easier to eat, especially when the kids are around!
-
Coat the chicken: Now it’s time to give our chicken a little love. In one bowl, place 1 cup of corn starch. In another, beat 2 eggs. And in a third bowl, pour in 1 cup of panko bread crumbs. This three-step breading process is what gives the chicken that perfect crispy texture! First, coat each piece in corn starch, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally roll it in the panko bread crumbs. Take your time here; each piece deserves attention!
-
Heat the oil: In a deep pan, heat up enough oil for frying. Aim for medium heat—it’s important to keep an eye on it! To check if the oil is hot enough, drop in a small piece of bread; if it sizzles right away, you’re good to go.
-
Fry the chicken: Gently place your breaded chicken piece by piece into the hot oil. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan; I like to fry them in batches. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until they’re golden brown and crispy. Trust me, the smell will be intoxicating!
-
Drain the excess oil: Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the oil and let it drain on a plate lined with paper towels. This helps in getting rid of that extra oil, making them not just tasty but a bit healthier too.
-
Toss with sauce: In a large mixing bowl, add your crispy chicken and drizzle on that scrumptious Bang Bang sauce you prepared earlier. Gently toss everything together until the chicken is well coated. It’s okay if a little bit of the sauce spills over; that just means more flavor!
-
Garnish: Finally, chop up some green onions and sprinkle them over the chicken for a fresh pop of color and flavor. They add a nice crunch, and who doesn’t love a pretty plate?
-
Serve: Plate your Bang Bang Chicken up and watch everyone gather around in anticipation. You might want to make a double batch; I promise it’ll disappear quickly!
Why I Love Making This Dish
Bang Bang Chicken holds a special place in my heart. It reminds me of those cozy family gatherings with laughter and stories shared around the table. The best part? It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for guests! Every time I serve it, I can’t help but smile when I see my family enjoying it. That happiness makes all the effort worth it!
What You’ll Need
Other than your regular kitchen tools like pots and pans, you’ll want a deep pan for frying. I also recommend using tongs for flipping the chicken; it keeps your hands clean and prevents splashes! If you have a cooling rack, it can be handy for letting the fried chicken rest without going soggy.
Tips for Perfect Results
To make sure your Bang Bang Chicken is always a hit, here are a few tips I’ve learned over the years:
- For extra crunch, let your chicken pieces sit after breading for about 10 minutes. It helps the coating stick better!
- Don’t skip on the oil; using a higher amount allows for better frying, giving you that restaurant-quality crisp.
- If you want to add a little extra flavor, try marinating the chicken in a bit of soy sauce for 30 minutes before you start. It gives the chicken a lovely depth of flavor!
Serving Suggestions and Sides
While Bang Bang Chicken is delightful on its own, I love serving it alongside a fresh salad or some steamed rice. A side of broccoli or green beans can make it a more complete meal. And don’t forget a little extra sauce on the side for dipping! You can also serve it with some sweet chili sauce or a simple green salad to balance the flavors.
Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, I recommend using an oven or an air fryer to keep that crispy coating intact. Simply warm it at 375°F until heated through, and you’ll still enjoy that delightful crunch!
FAQ Section
Can I use boneless chicken? You can, but trust me, the bone-in version is so much more flavorful. I’ve tried both, and bone-in is always juicier!
What if I don’t have Sriracha? No worries! You can use any hot sauce you have on hand, or omit it altogether if you prefer a milder flavor. The sweet chili sauce will still provide sweetness and a hint of heat.
Can I bake Bang Bang Chicken instead? Certainly! For baking, preheat your oven to 400°F, place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet, and spray with a bit of cooking oil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. It won’t be as crispy, but it’s a healthier option!
What can I substitute for mayonnaise? You could use Greek yogurt if you want a healthier alternative. It may change the flavor slightly, but it will still be delicious!
Is this dish kid-friendly? Absolutely! My grandkids love it. It’s easy for little hands to grab, and they often make it a fun game to dip the chicken in the sauce!
This Bang Bang Chicken has truly become a cherished recipe in our home, and I can’t wait for you to try it! The combination of crispy chicken and that creamy, spicy sauce will have everyone asking for seconds. When I made this for my family last weekend, they couldn’t stop talking about it! It’s such an easy dish to prepare, and I know you’ll love it just as much as we do. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s create some delicious memories together! Let me know how it turns out, and don’t be surprised if your family requests it again next week!