Crispy and Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe: Easy and Flavorful!”

Introduction to Bang Bang Chicken

What is Bang Bang Chicken?

Bang Bang Chicken is a delectable dish that perfectly balances spicy, sweet, and savory flavors. Originating from Sichuan, China, this recipe blends crispy fried chicken with a creamy, tangy sauce. Over time, it has evolved into a favorite in Asian-inspired cuisine, loved by food enthusiasts worldwide. For tips on mastering fried chicken textures, visit The Kitchn’s Guide to Crispy Fried Chicken.

The Global Popularity of Bang Bang Chicken

With its versatility, Bang Bang Chicken can be served as an appetizer, a main course, or even as finger food. This dish’s appeal lies in its ability to be both indulgent and easy to prepare. It’s often paired with Asian sauces like gochujang for added depth of flavor. For a deeper understanding of sauces like shichimi togarashi, explore Serious Eats: Exploring Asian Sauces.

Why Home-Cooked Bang Bang Chicken is Better

Preparing Bang Bang Chicken at home offers control over the ingredients and spiciness levels, making it customizable. Home cooking ensures fresher chicken and a healthier twist with options like baking or air frying. It’s an affordable way to create restaurant-quality dishes in your kitchen. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a party, Bang Bang Chicken is a recipe worth trying. Its irresistible sauce and crispy chicken will leave everyone asking for seconds.


The Ultimate Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

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Bang Bang Chicken Recipe


  • Author: Sarah White
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A perfect balance of crispy chicken coated with a creamy, spicy, and sweet Bang Bang sauce, this recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ⅓ cups milk
  • 4 large eggs
  • 4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes)
  • 1 cup potato starch
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon shichimi togarashi (Japanese red pepper condiment)
  • 8 cups oil for frying
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 8 tablespoons honey
  • 8 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
  • 4 teaspoons gochujang (Korean hot pepper paste)

Instructions

  • Preheat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a bowl, combine milk and eggs, whisking until smooth.
  • In another bowl, mix potato starch, flour, salt, black pepper, and shichimi togarashi.
  • Dip chicken pieces in the milk-egg mixture, then coat with the dry mixture.
  • Fry chicken in batches for 6–8 minutes until golden brown.
  • In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, honey, sweet chili sauce, and gochujang to make the sauce.
  • Toss fried chicken in the Bang Bang sauce or serve the sauce on the side.

Notes

  • Serve immediately for the crispiest texture.
  • Adjust the spice level by reducing or increasing gochujang and shichimi togarashi.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish or Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Fusion (Asian-inspired)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: 520 per serving
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Sodium: 720mg
  • Fat: 36g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 28g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

For more Asian-inspired chicken dishes, visit Bon Appétit’s Asian Chicken Recipes.

STEPS :

Step 1 

Gather all ingredient

Step 2

In a large bowl, whisk together the milk and egg until fully combined. Add the chicken and stir to coat, then let it marinate for 15 minutes. Drain and discard the egg mixture.

Step 3

In a medium bowl, mix together the potato starch, flour, salt, pepper, and shichimi. Transfer the mixture to a large resealable plastic bag. Add the chicken, seal the bag, and shake until the chicken is evenly coated.

Step 4

Heat 2 inches of oil in a deep saucepan over medium heat until it reaches 325°F (165°C). Working in batches of 5 to 8 pieces at a time, fry the chicken in the hot oil for about 90 seconds. Remove the chicken and place it on a paper towel-lined plate, keeping each batch separate.

Step 5

Increase the oil temperature to 350°F (175°C), ensuring the oil is boiling steadily. Carefully return the first batch of chicken to the oil and fry for an additional 90 seconds.

Step 6

Transfer the chicken to another paper towel-lined plate. Repeat the process with the remaining batches of chicken.

Step 7

In a large serving bowl, combine the mayonnaise, honey, sweet chili sauce, and gochujang. Stir until well mixed.

Step 8 

Toss the fried chicken in the sauce to coat evenly. Serve and enjoy!


Advanced Techniques for Perfect Bang Bang Chicken

For restaurant-quality Bang Bang Chicken, start with fresh chicken breast and cut it into even, 1-inch cubes for consistent frying. Use a wire rack instead of paper towels to drain excess oil, ensuring the coating remains crispy and doesn’t become soggy.

How to Elevate the Bang Bang Sauce

To deepen the flavor profile, consider blending in garlic powder or a pinch of smoked paprika to the Bang Bang Sauce. Adding freshly squeezed lime juice can bring a zesty balance to the creamy and spicy elements of the sauce. Whisking the sauce until it’s fully emulsified creates a velvety texture that clings beautifully to the chicken.

Pro Frying Tips for Maximum Crispiness

Achieve ultimate crispiness by double-frying the chicken. After an initial fry, let the chicken cool, then fry it again briefly. Maintain an oil temperature of 350°F (175°C). Too low, and the chicken absorbs oil; too high, and it burns. To keep the chicken light and crunchy, fry in batches, avoiding overcrowding the pan.

This refined approach will make your Bang Bang Chicken stand out, delivering a combination of crunch and flavor that’s hard to resist! For more advanced recipes visit cookingwhite.


Storing and Reheating Crispy Chicken

Proper storage is essential to maintain the texture and flavor of crispy chicken. Always allow the chicken to cool completely before storing. Place the fried chicken in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and sogginess. Store the sauce separately in a sealed container to preserve its freshness and consistency.

Best Reheating Methods

For crispy results, reheat the chicken in an air fryer or oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5–8 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy. Instead, use a stovetop skillet for a quick reheat with better texture. Warm the sauce gently in a saucepan or at room temperature to prevent separation.

Freezing Crispy Chicken

If you plan to freeze crispy chicken, do so before adding the sauce. The crispy coating retains its crunch better this way. Freeze the fried chicken on a tray first, then transfer it to freezer-safe bags to avoid clumping. To reheat, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight and then follow the air fryer or oven method for the best results.

By taking these steps, you can enjoy leftover crispy chicken with the same crispy, flavorful quality as when it’s freshly made!


Dietary Adaptations for Crispy Chicken

With a few simple tweaks, crispy chicken can suit various dietary preferences while still retaining its bold flavors. For a gluten-free version, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and ensure your potato starch is certified gluten-free. Substitute the mayonnaise with a plant-based alternative to make this dish dairy-free, perfect for those with lactose intolerance.

Making Crispy Chicken Healthier

Baking or air-frying the chicken instead of deep-frying reduces the calorie content without sacrificing crispiness. Use Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise for a lighter, protein-packed sauce. Adjust the sweetness by using less honey or opting for a sugar-free sweet chili sauce.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

Swap the chicken with cauliflower florets or firm tofu for a plant-based twist on crispy chicken. Follow the same coating process, and fry or bake for similar results with a vegetarian-friendly crunch. Use vegan mayonnaise and skip the egg in the coating mixture for a completely vegan dish. With these adaptations, crispy chicken becomes a versatile recipe that anyone can enjoy, no matter their dietary needs or preferences!


FAQs About Crispy Chicken

What Makes Crispy Chicken Unique?

Crispy chicken stands out for its balance of textures, featuring crispy chicken coated in a creamy, spicy sauce. The combination of gochujang and shichimi togarashi adds depth and a touch of heat, setting it apart from traditional fried chicken.

Can I Prepare Crispy Chicken Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can fry the chicken in advance and store it in an airtight container. Reheat in an oven or air fryer for crispiness. The sauce can also be made a day ahead and refrigerated. Bring it to room temperature before serving for optimal flavor.

How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?

For a milder version of crispy chicken, reduce the amount of gochujang or substitute it with sweet chili sauce entirely. If you prefer extra heat, add more shichimi togarashi or incorporate a dash of sriracha into the sauce.

What Are Common Mistakes to Avoid?

Overcrowding the frying pan can lead to unevenly cooked chicken. Always fry in small batches for the best results. Skipping the wire rack can cause the coating to become soggy. Allow the chicken to cool properly after frying.

With these answers, preparing and enjoying crispy chicken becomes even more straightforward, ensuring success every time!


Final Thoughts on Bang Bang Chicken

  • Bang Bang Chicken is an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dish with bold flavors that will impress anyone. The combination of crispy chicken and spicy, creamy sauce creates a perfect harmony of textures and tastes. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or as an appetizer for a party, Bang Bang Chicken will definitely be a hit.

Why You Should Try Bang Bang Chicken Today

  • This recipe is versatile and can be adjusted to fit different dietary needs, from gluten-free to vegan options. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, Bang Bang Chicken is a dish anyone can master at home. The balance of heat, sweetness, and crunch ensures that each bite is as satisfying as the last.

In conclusion, Bang Bang Chicken is a delightful dish that combines flavor, texture, and versatility, making it a must-try for anyone craving a unique and delicious meal.

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