Bang Bang Chicken: A Crispy, Flavor-Packed Delight
Bang Bang Chicken has become a fan favorite at restaurants, food trucks, and even home kitchens across the globe. Its crispy texture combined with a rich, creamy, spicy sauce delivers a mouthwatering experience that is hard to resist. Whether served as an appetizer, a main dish, or a party snack, Bang Bang Chicken is the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory.
In this article, we will dive deep into the origins, variations, and tips for making the perfect Bang Bang Chicken. We’ll also walk you through the recipe, highlighting key steps and giving you ideas for how to make this dish uniquely your own.
The History of Bang Bang Chicken
While it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact origin of Bang Bang Chicken, its roots are often traced back to Chinese-American cuisine, which is known for blending flavors from traditional Chinese cooking with American tastes. The name “Bang Bang” is thought to refer to the technique of pounding the chicken, though some believe it simply refers to the “bang” of bold flavors in the sauce.
Bang Bang Chicken rose to widespread popularity in the 2000s, often appearing on Chinese restaurant menus in the United States. Some variations of the dish feature a different type of sauce, such as sesame or peanut-based dressings, but the core concept of crispy, juicy chicken paired with a spicy sauce remains consistent across recipes.
While the original dish may have been more of a stir-fry or a cold appetizer, today’s version—crispy fried chicken with a tangy, creamy sauce—has taken the culinary world by storm. This crispy chicken paired with a zesty Bang Bang sauce has since evolved into a beloved comfort food, appearing on the menus of everything from fast-casual eateries to upscale restaurants.
Key Ingredients for Bang Bang Chicken
To recreate Bang Bang Chicken at home, you’ll need a few key ingredients. This dish’s appeal lies not only in the crispness of the fried chicken but also in the savory, sweet, and spicy flavors of the sauce.
The Chicken:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Chicken breasts are commonly used because they are lean and easy to work with. You can also substitute chicken thighs for a juicier, richer taste.
- Buttermilk: Marinating the chicken in buttermilk not only helps tenderize the meat but also creates a better coating for frying.
The Flour and Coating:
- All-purpose flour & cornstarch: These two ingredients work together to create the perfect crunchy coating. The flour provides the structure, while the cornstarch helps to make the coating extra crisp.
- Seasonings (garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper): These spices enhance the flavor of the chicken. Garlic powder adds depth, paprika brings warmth and color, and salt and pepper provide the necessary seasoning balance.
The Bang Bang Sauce:
- Mayonnaise: This creamy base gives the sauce its smooth texture. It also helps mellow out the heat from the sriracha and balances the sweetness of the honey and chili sauce.
- Sweet chili sauce: This sauce is slightly sweet with a mild heat, and it gives the Bang Bang sauce its signature flavor.
- Sriracha: For a spicy kick, sriracha adds heat without overpowering the dish.
- Honey: A little honey goes a long way in balancing out the heat and acidity, creating the perfect harmony of flavors.
Recipe: How to Make Bang Bang Chicken
Ingredients:
- For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Oil for frying
- For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp honey
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Place the chicken breasts in a bowl and cover them with buttermilk. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes—this allows the chicken to absorb moisture, become tender, and take on some flavor.
- Prepare the Coating:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will give the chicken a crispy, flavorful coating.
- Fry the Chicken:
- Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). You want the oil hot enough to fry the chicken quickly without making it greasy.
- Remove the chicken breasts from the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off, then coat each piece evenly in the flour mixture.
- Fry the chicken in small batches for 4-5 minutes or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Once fried, drain the chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey. Taste the sauce and adjust the levels of sriracha or honey depending on how spicy or sweet you want it.
- Coat the Chicken in Sauce:
- Toss the fried chicken pieces in the Bang Bang sauce until they are evenly coated.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve immediately while the chicken is crispy and the sauce is creamy. Enjoy your Bang Bang Chicken as a main dish with rice or vegetables, or serve it as an appetizer with a side of dipping sauce.
Tips for the Perfect Bang Bang Chicken
- Double Fry for Extra Crispiness:
If you’re aiming for extra crispy chicken, consider frying the chicken twice. First, fry it until it’s lightly golden, then let it rest for a few minutes before frying it again for 1-2 minutes. This will make the chicken extra crunchy. - Customize the Spice Level:
The sriracha sauce in the Bang Bang sauce gives the dish its heat, but you can adjust it according to your preferences. If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the sriracha and add more honey or sweet chili sauce. For an extra spicy kick, increase the sriracha or even add some chili flakes. - Add Some Garnishes:
To give the dish a fresh twist, top it with green onions, cilantro, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds. A side of sliced cucumbers or shredded carrots will also add a nice crunch and balance out the richness of the sauce. - Substitute the Chicken:
While chicken breasts are the traditional choice for Bang Bang Chicken, you can easily substitute chicken thighs for a more tender, juicy version. You can even make the dish with shrimp or tofu for a different variation. - Make-Ahead Option:
The Bang Bang sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week. You can also marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor. Just make sure to coat and fry the chicken fresh to maintain that crispy texture.
Variations of Bang Bang Chicken
While the traditional version of Bang Bang Chicken is already a crowd-pleaser, there are many creative ways to put a spin on the dish.
- Bang Bang Shrimp: Swap out chicken for shrimp for a lighter, seafood version of the dish. Simply coat the shrimp in the same flour mixture, fry until crispy, and toss in the sauce.
- Bang Bang Tofu: For a vegetarian version, swap out the chicken for tofu. Make sure to press the tofu beforehand to remove excess moisture for better frying results.
- Bang Bang Cauliflower: If you’re looking for a vegan or vegetarian alternative, cauliflower can be battered and fried in the same way as chicken. It’s a fantastic option for those who prefer a plant-based dish.
Conclusion
Bang Bang Chicken is a dish that has won hearts worldwide due to its combination of crispy fried chicken and a zesty, creamy sauce. Whether you’re making it for a quick dinner, a special occasion, or a party appetizer, it’s sure to impress. By following this recipe and tips, you can create a restaurant-quality dish at home and even experiment with variations to suit your tastes. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have a flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!