This Easy Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is a total crowd-pleaser! It’s made with crunchy chicken pieces tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce, making every bite a burst of flavor.
You won’t believe how simple it is to whip up! I love serving it with rice or veggies, but honestly, it’s so good, I could eat it straight from the bowl. Who’s with me? 🍗✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for this dish. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could use chicken tenders or even shrimp for a seafood twist!
Flour and Cornstarch: The combination gives that extra crunch. If you’re gluten-free, try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour.
Sweet Chili Sauce: This is the star of the Bang Bang sauce! If you can’t find it, a mix of honey and chili flakes can work in a pinch. Just adjust to your desired sweetness!
Sriracha: Adjust the amount based on your love for spice! You can swap it with any hot sauce you have on hand or omit it for a mild version.
How to Fry Chicken Without Making a Mess?
Frying can be tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll manage just fine! First, ensure your oil is hot enough — aim for 350°F (175°C). This helps create a crispy exterior.
- Use a deep skillet to prevent oil splatter. Fill it with about 2 inches of oil.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in small batches for even cooking.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken, letting excess oil drain before placing on paper towels.
- If you want to avoid frying altogether, consider baking the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for a healthier option — just spray with a little oil for crispiness!
Easy Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2-3 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 tsp Sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar
- 1 tsp rice vinegar or lime juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 15-20 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll enjoy this delicious dish in around 30-35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by cracking the eggs into a large bowl and whisking them together until smooth. In another bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Mix this dry mixture well so that everything is evenly combined. This will be the coating for your chicken!
2. Coat the Chicken:
Take the chicken pieces and dip them into the whisked eggs, ensuring they are fully coated. Next, transfer the chicken into the flour mixture and dredge it until each piece is well coated. Set the coated chicken aside on a plate while you get the oil ready.
3. Heat the Oil:
In a deep skillet or pot, pour in enough vegetable oil so that it fills about 2 inches deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature for frying and will give your chicken a nice crispy texture.
4. Fry the Chicken:
Once the oil is hot, carefully add a batch of the chicken pieces to the skillet. Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can make it soggy. Let them cook for about 4-5 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken and allow it to drain on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
5. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until the sauce is smooth and well combined. Taste the sauce and adjust the spiciness with more Sriracha if you like it hotter!
6. Combine:
In a large mixing bowl, add the crispy fried chicken pieces and pour the bang bang sauce over the top. Toss everything together gently until all the chicken is fully coated in that delicious, sticky sauce.
7. Serve:
Serve your crispy Bang Bang Chicken immediately while it’s fresh and warm. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if you’d like. It pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, fresh salad, or just on its own for a tasty treat!
Enjoy your crispy, spicy-sweet Bang Bang Chicken!
FAQ for Easy Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, but be sure to fully thaw the chicken beforehand! It’s best to leave it in the refrigerator overnight or use the microwave’s defrost setting. Once thawed, pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy coating.
What Can I Use Instead of Mayonnaise in the Sauce?
If you prefer a lighter option or don’t have mayonnaise on hand, Greek yogurt works great as a substitute. It will give the sauce a nice tang while still keeping it creamy!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and coat it ahead of time, then refrigerate until ready to fry. To keep the coated chicken crispy, try to fry them just before serving. The sauce can also be made in advance and stored in the fridge for a couple of days.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Any leftover Bang Bang Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain some crispiness.
