Easy Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

If you’re a fan of sweet and spicy flavors with a crunchy texture, then Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is the recipe you need to try. This dish is the perfect combination of crispy fried chicken coated in a creamy, tangy, and spicy sauce that will leave your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, a main dish, or a party snack, this crispy chicken recipe is guaranteed to be a hit with everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Crispy Texture: The crispy coating on the chicken gives it that perfect crunch, creating a contrast to the creamy sauce.
2. Flavor Explosion: The sweet and spicy Bang Bang sauce is what truly makes this dish stand out. It’s a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and a little kick of heat.
3. Quick and Easy: While it might look like a dish that’s complicated, this recipe is simple and can be made in less than 30 minutes.
4. Versatile: You can serve it as a main dish, appetizer, or snack. It pairs well with a variety of sides like rice, vegetables, or even in wraps.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Cut the Chicken: Start by cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces or strips. This ensures that each piece will have enough crispy coating and allows the sauce to cover every bite.
2. Tenderize (Optional): If you want to make the chicken even more tender, you can use a meat mallet to gently pound the chicken to an even thickness. This will help the chicken cook more evenly and create a more tender texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating for the Chicken

1. Create the Dipping Stations: Set up two shallow bowls. In one bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Make the Wet Mixture: In the second bowl, whisk together the egg and buttermilk until smooth.
3. Breadcrumb Coating: On a plate, spread out the panko breadcrumbs. These will give your chicken that signature crispy crunch.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

1. Dredge in Flour: Take each piece of chicken and first dip it into the seasoned flour mixture. Make sure it’s fully coated, shaking off any excess.
2. Dip in Wet Mixture: Next, dip the floured chicken into the egg and buttermilk mixture. Coat it evenly, ensuring a smooth layer of the wet batter.
3. Coat with Panko: Finally, coat the chicken in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing them gently to make sure the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken. This step is crucial for achieving that crispy crunch.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat about 2 inches of oil over medium-high heat. To test if the oil is ready, drop in a small piece of bread; if it sizzles immediately, the oil is hot enough for frying.
2. Fry the Chicken: Working in batches, carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure each piece cooks evenly and crisps up perfectly. Fry the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
3. Drain the Chicken: Once the chicken is crispy and golden, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 5: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

1. Combine the Sauce Ingredients: While the chicken is frying, prepare the Bang Bang sauce by whisking together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and ground ginger (if using) in a small bowl. Taste the sauce and adjust the sriracha and honey depending on your preferred level of sweetness and spice.
2. Mix Until Smooth: Whisk the ingredients until the sauce is smooth and well combined. Set aside.

Step 6: Coat the Chicken in Sauce

1. Toss the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked and crispy, place it in a large mixing bowl. Pour the Bang Bang sauce over the chicken and toss gently until each piece is coated in the creamy, spicy sauce. Make sure the chicken is evenly covered for maximum flavor.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

1. Serve Immediately: Serve the crispy Bang Bang chicken hot, garnished with finely chopped green onions or cilantro if desired. You can also sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added crunch and flavor.
2. Accompaniments: This crispy chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, a side of vegetables, or a fresh salad. It can also be served in wraps or tacos for a fun twist!

Tips for Perfect Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

1. Double Coat for Extra Crunch: If you want extra crispy chicken, dip the chicken back into the wet mixture and breadcrumbs a second time for a thicker coating.
2. Use Panko Breadcrumbs: For the crispiest results, always use panko breadcrumbs. They’re larger and more delicate than regular breadcrumbs, which gives the chicken a superior crunch.
3. Adjust the Spice Level: You can easily control the heat level by adjusting the amount of sriracha in the sauce. For a milder version, reduce the sriracha, or for more heat, add extra!
4. Bake Instead of Frying: If you prefer a healthier version, you can bake the coated chicken pieces at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure an even crisp.
5. Make It Ahead: The chicken can be fried ahead of time, stored in the fridge, and then tossed in the sauce just before serving.

Flavor Variations for Bang Bang Chicken

1. Garlic Parmesan Bang Bang Chicken: Add grated Parmesan to the breadcrumbs for an extra cheesy crunch, or stir some Parmesan into the Bang Bang sauce for a rich, savory flavor.
2. Coconut Bang Bang Chicken: Add shredded coconut to the breadcrumbs to create a tropical twist that pairs perfectly with the sweet and spicy sauce.
3. Honey Mustard Bang Bang Chicken: Replace the sweet chili sauce with honey mustard for a tangy, sweet, and spicy variation.

Serving Suggestions

• As an Appetizer: Serve crispy Bang Bang chicken as an appetizer at your next party or holiday gathering. It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
• Main Course: Pair the chicken with jasmine rice or steamed vegetables for a delicious dinner.
• In Wraps or Tacos: Add the crispy chicken to a tortilla, drizzle with more sauce, and top with lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado for a flavorful wrap or taco.
• On a Salad: Serve the chicken on top of a green salad with a light dressing for a fresh, crunchy meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
   • Yes, chicken thighs work great for this recipe! They will remain juicy and tender while still getting crispy on the outside.
2. Can I make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time?
   • Absolutely! You can make the sauce a day or two ahead and store it in the fridge until ready to use.
3. How can I make the chicken extra crispy?
   • For an extra crispy coating, double dip the chicken in the egg mixture and breadcrumbs, or try frying in a deep fryer for an even crispier finish.
4. Can I make this dish without frying the chicken?
   • Yes! You can bake the chicken instead of frying it for a healthier version. Just make sure to coat the chicken thoroughly to ensure it gets crispy in the oven.

Yield: 4

Easy Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

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If you're a fan of sweet and spicy flavors with a crunchy texture, then Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is the recipe you need to try. This dish is the perfect combination of crispy fried chicken coated in a creamy, tangy, and spicy sauce that will leave your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, a main dish, or a party snack, this crispy chicken recipe is guaranteed to be a hit with everyone.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• For the Bang Bang Sauce:
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
• 1 tbsp sriracha sauce (adjust for heat preference)
• 1 tsp honey (optional for sweetness)
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar (optional for extra tang)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
   
2. Breading the Chicken:
   In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
   
3. Coating the Chicken:
   Dredge each piece of chicken first in the flour mixture, then dip it in the beaten egg, and finally coat it in the panko breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs into the chicken to ensure an even coating.
   
4. Fry the Chicken:
   Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken from the pan and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
   
5. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce:
   In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (if using), and rice vinegar (if using). Taste and adjust the seasoning or heat level to your liking.
   
6. Toss the Chicken in Sauce:
   Once the chicken is crispy and drained, place it in a large bowl. Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the chicken and toss gently to coat each piece evenly.
   
7. Serve:
   Serve the crispy Bang Bang chicken immediately, garnished with green onions or sesame seeds, if desired. It pairs well with steamed rice, salad, or as a stand-alone appetizer.

Notes

For a healthier version, you can bake the breaded chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce to make the dish as spicy as you like.

You can serve the chicken with extra sauce for dipping if desired.