This dish is all about that perfect balance of flavors — sweet, savory, and a little bit spicy. The creamy peanut sauce coats the chicken like a silky blanket, while the heat from the chili flakes and a dash of sesame oil adds just enough kick to keep your taste buds dancing. The crunch of the crispy chicken is like a satisfying bite of comfort, and the coolness of the cucumber garnish offers a refreshing contrast. Every bite feels like a little burst of joy, with the sauce clinging to the tender meat in the most glorious way. It’s not just food; it’s a conversation starter, something you’ll want to make again and again because it’s just that good. Plus, there’s something fun about it — dipping, twirling, and savoring the combination of textures and flavors.
Key Ingredients in Bang Bang Chicken
The magic of Bang Bang Chicken lies in the blend of simple yet bold ingredients that work together to create the ultimate comfort food experience. Each one has a specific role, enhancing flavor, texture, and overall deliciousness. Here’s a rundown of the key players:
* Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Tender and juicy, chicken breasts are the star of this dish. They provide the perfect base for the crispy coating and allow the creamy, spicy sauce to shine through with every bite.
* All-purpose flour
The flour creates the crispy coating that makes each bite of chicken irresistible. When combined with the cornstarch, it helps achieve the perfect crunch without being too heavy.
* Salt
A simple but essential ingredient that enhances all the flavors in the dish. It draws out the natural taste of the chicken and balances the sweetness of the sauce.
* Black pepper
Adds a subtle heat and sharpness to balance the richness of the sauce. Its bite complements the smoothness of the creamy peanut sauce.
* Garlic powder
This ingredient gives a savory depth to the chicken, adding warmth and fragrance. It brings a comforting, familiar flavor that pairs perfectly with the other spices.
* Onion powder
Like garlic powder, onion powder adds a subtle savory note that rounds out the flavor profile. It’s a behind-the-scenes hero, giving the dish an extra layer of complexity.
* Large eggs
Eggs act as a binding agent for the flour and cornstarch coating, ensuring that it sticks to the chicken perfectly. They also help create a light, crispy texture when fried.
* Cornstarch
When paired with flour, cornstarch helps achieve that signature crispy, golden exterior. It keeps the coating light and crunchy, providing the perfect contrast to the tender chicken inside.
* Milk
Milk helps create a smooth batter that coats the chicken evenly. It adds a touch of creaminess and helps balance the dryness of the flour and cornstarch.
* Mayonnaise
The mayonnaise adds a rich, creamy texture to the peanut sauce. It helps bind the sauce together and gives it that silky smooth consistency that coats the chicken so beautifully.
* Sweet chili sauce
This sauce brings the perfect level of sweetness and a mild heat that complements the other flavors in the dish. It’s what gives the Bang Bang Chicken its signature sweet-spicy flavor.
* Honey
Honey deepens the sweetness in the sauce, balancing the heat from the sriracha. It adds a glossy finish and makes the sauce even more addictive.
* Rice vinegar
The acidity from the rice vinegar helps cut through the richness of the mayonnaise and honey, balancing out the sauce and keeping it from being overly sweet.
* Sriracha sauce
For that signature kick, sriracha brings heat to the sauce. It adds depth and a slight tanginess, giving the dish a bit of a spicy punch that wakes up your taste buds.
* Sesame oil
A small amount of sesame oil infuses the sauce with its unique, nutty flavor. It adds a layer of complexity to the overall taste and brings an earthy depth to the dish.
* Chopped green onions
Green onions add a fresh, crisp contrast to the richness of the chicken and sauce. Their slight sharpness gives the dish a burst of freshness and color.
* Sesame seeds
These tiny seeds add a delicate crunch and a nutty flavor to the dish. They also provide a lovely visual appeal, making the final plate look even more enticing.
Each ingredient in this recipe is carefully chosen to work in harmony, creating a dish that is full of depth, flavor, and textures.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken
1. Gather all the ingredients:
– 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup of all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 1 teaspoon of black pepper
– 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon of onion powder
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
– 1/2 cup of milk
– 1/4 cup of mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup of sweet chili sauce
– 2 tablespoons of honey
– 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon of sriracha sauce
– 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon of chopped green onions
– 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds
2. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken later.
3. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces or strips, making them easier to coat and fry.
4. Set up your breading station:
– Place 1 cup of all-purpose flour in a shallow dish.
– In a separate shallow bowl, whisk 2 large eggs until fully beaten.
– In a third shallow bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder.
5. Add 1/2 cup of milk to the dry ingredients (in the third bowl) and whisk everything together until smooth and well combined.
6. Coat the chicken pieces:
– Dip each piece of chicken into the flour mixture first, ensuring an even coating.
– Then dip the chicken into the egg wash to fully coat it.
– Finally, dip the chicken back into the flour mixture for a second coating.
7. Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat and add a few tablespoons of oil for frying. Allow the oil to heat up for a couple of minutes until it shimmers.
8. Fry the chicken:
– Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
– Fry the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
9. Drain excess oil:
– Once the chicken is cooked, transfer the pieces to a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess oil and maintain crispiness.
10. Prepare the sauce:
– In a small mixing bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, 1/4 cup of sweet chili sauce, 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon of sriracha sauce, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil.
– Mix until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust the level of sweetness or spice to your liking.
11. Toss the chicken:
– Once all the chicken is fried and drained, place it in a large bowl and pour the sauce over the chicken pieces.
– Toss the chicken in the sauce until it is evenly coated.
12. Garnish and serve:
– Transfer the sauced chicken to a serving dish and garnish with 1 tablespoon of chopped green onions and 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds.
13. Serve immediately, and enjoy your delicious Bang Bang Chicken!
Serving Suggestions for Bang Bang Chicken
* Serve with steamed rice
There’s something magical about the way the creamy, spicy sauce clings to warm, fluffy rice. It’s the perfect base to soak up every last drop of sauce, making each bite even more satisfying. For extra texture, you could sprinkle a few toasted sesame seeds on top for a nice crunch.
* Pair with a crisp cucumber salad
A fresh, cool cucumber salad is the ideal sidekick to the rich and spicy chicken. The crispness of the cucumber and the brightness of a tangy vinaigrette create a refreshing contrast that balances out the heat. It’s like the chicken’s little moment of relaxation before the next bite.
* Add a drizzle of extra sriracha
If you like a bit more spice, drizzle a touch of extra sriracha over the chicken just before serving. It gives the dish an extra punch and adds that perfect fiery kick. If you’re feeling adventurous, a squeeze of lime juice on top could brighten the flavors even more!
How to Store Bang Bang Chicken
Keeping your Bang Bang Chicken fresh and delicious for later is easy if you follow these simple tips:
* Refrigeration
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge. This will help keep the crispy coating intact for a couple of days. The chicken will stay good for about 3 to 4 days. Just be aware that the crispy texture may soften a bit in the fridge, but it’s still packed with flavor!
* Freezing
If you want to keep your Bang Bang Chicken for longer, freezing is a great option. Place the chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen chicken to a freezer-safe bag or container. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just reheat it in the oven to restore some of that crispy texture.
* Sauce Storage
The peanut sauce can be stored separately in the fridge for about 1 week. To keep it fresh, store it in an airtight jar or container. If the sauce thickens over time, simply stir in a splash of water or milk to bring it back to a silky consistency before serving.
With these storage tips, you can enjoy your Bang Bang Chicken even after the first serving!
Conclusion
And there you have it — a plate of Bang Bang Chicken that’s sure to impress anyone lucky enough to share it with you! From the crispy, golden chicken to that creamy, spicy peanut sauce, this dish is a total flavor bomb. It’s one of those recipes that becomes a go-to, because let’s face it, who doesn’t want something this delicious on repeat? The balance of flavors, textures, and the fun of dipping and savoring each bite makes it feel like a little celebration in every forkful.
I really hope you give this recipe a try — it’s the perfect combo of comfort food with just the right amount of kick! And if you make it, I’d love to hear what you think. Any tweaks you made? Maybe you added a little extra spice or tried a new side? Drop me a comment or let me know if you need any help along the way.
This is one recipe you’ll want to keep around, and don’t forget to save it for those days when you’re craving something really special. Happy cooking, friends!
Bang Bang Chicken
Description
Crispy, tender chicken tossed in a creamy, spicy peanut sauce that packs a flavorful punch! With a perfect balance of heat and sweetness, Bang Bang Chicken is the ultimate satisfying bite that’ll have you coming back for more.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Begin by gathering all the ingredients: 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 2 large eggs, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, 1/2 cup of milk, 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, 1/4 cup of sweet chili sauce, 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon of sriracha sauce, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, 1 tablespoon of chopped green onions, and 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds.
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken later.
-
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces or strips to make them easier to coat and fry.
-
Set up a breading station by placing a shallow bowl with 1 cup of all-purpose flour in one dish.
-
In a separate shallow bowl, add 2 large eggs and whisk them together until fully beaten.
-
In a third bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder.
-
Add 1/2 cup of milk to the dry ingredients and whisk everything together until smooth and well combined.
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Dip each piece of chicken into the flour mixture first, coating it evenly, then dip it into the egg wash to fully coat the chicken, and finally dip the chicken back into the flour mixture for a second coating.
-
Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat and add a few tablespoons of oil for frying. Allow the oil to heat up for a couple of minutes until it shimmers.
-
Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
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Once the chicken is cooked, transfer the pieces to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and maintain crispiness.
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While the chicken is cooling slightly, prepare the sauce. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, 1/4 cup of sweet chili sauce, 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon of sriracha sauce, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil.
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Mix the sauce until it is smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust the level of sweetness or spice to your preference.
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Once all the chicken is fried and drained, place it in a large bowl and pour the sauce over the chicken pieces.
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Toss the chicken in the sauce until it is evenly coated.
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Transfer the sauced chicken to a serving dish and garnish with 1 tablespoon of chopped green onions and 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds.
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Serve immediately, and enjoy your delicious Bang Bang Chicken.
Note
- Make sure to maintain the oil temperature while frying, as too low of a temperature can make the chicken soggy.
- For a crispier coating, you can double-dip the chicken in the egg wash and flour mixture.
- You can substitute the chicken breasts with boneless, skinless thighs for a juicier bite.
- Adjust the sriracha and honey to balance the heat and sweetness to your preference.
- If you're looking for a healthier alternative, bake the chicken instead of frying it.
