Get ready to savor a crispy, flavorful treat with my Bang Bang Chicken recipe! This dish features tender chicken pieces coated in a crunchy shell, topped with a spicy-sweet sauce that will make your taste buds dance. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner or a fun gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the ingredients and unlock the secret to this delicious dish!
Ingredients
Main Components
– 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
Seasoning Mix
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Sauce Ingredients
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
– 1 tablespoon sriracha
– Green onion and sesame seeds for garnish
The key to making Bang Bang Chicken lies in selecting quality ingredients. First, the chicken breast should be fresh and cut into evenly sized pieces. This ensures all pieces cook evenly. The cornstarch adds a great crunch, while Panko breadcrumbs give a light, crispy texture.
Next, the seasoning mix is vital. The salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika work together to enhance the chicken’s flavor. You can tweak these spices to match your taste.
For the sauce, mayonnaise forms a creamy base. Sweet chili sauce adds a hint of sweetness, and sriracha brings the heat. Feel free to adjust the amount of sriracha if you like it spicier. Lastly, sprinkling green onions and sesame seeds on top not only adds flavor but also a nice pop of color.
You can find the Full Recipe for Bang Bang Chicken at the top of this section. This recipe offers a delightful balance of crispy chicken and a tangy, spicy sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
To start, gather your chicken breast. Cut it into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, mix together the cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This mix adds flavor and helps the chicken crisp up.
Coat each piece of chicken in the cornstarch mixture. Make sure every piece is coated well. Shake off any extra. Next, dip the chicken into beaten eggs or water. If you prefer a vegan option, water works just fine. After that, roll the chicken in Panko breadcrumbs. Press lightly to ensure they stick well.
Cooking the Chicken
Now it’s time to cook! Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot before adding the chicken. This helps achieve that golden brown color. Cook the chicken in small batches, about five pieces at a time. Fry each batch for 4 to 5 minutes. You want them crispy and cooked through. Once done, remove them and let them drain on paper towels. This keeps them crisp.
Making the Bang Bang Sauce
While the chicken cooks, let’s whip up the Bang Bang sauce. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Mix until smooth. This sauce adds a creamy and spicy kick to your chicken.
Once all the chicken is cooked, toss the pieces in half of the Bang Bang sauce. Make sure they are well coated. For serving, lay the chicken on a platter and drizzle the remaining sauce on top. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. This adds flavor and a nice touch to your dish.
For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe.
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips
To make your Bang Bang Chicken perfect, heat the oil well. Oil that is too cool will make your chicken soggy. The right temperature gives you a nice, crispy crust. Use a thermometer to check if needed.
Also, avoid overcrowding the pan. If you add too many pieces at once, they steam instead of fry. Fry in small batches for even cooking. This way, you get that golden-brown color and crunch.
Ingredient Substitutions
Want a vegan twist? You can replace eggs with water. This keeps your coating crispy without the eggs. For the sauce, swap mayonnaise with a vegan version or yogurt. If you want it spicier, use more sriracha or a chili paste.
Presentation Tips
Garnishing makes your dish pop. Use chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a fresh look. Drizzle extra Bang Bang sauce on top for color.
For serving, consider a side of steamed rice or a fresh salad. This adds balance and makes your meal more filling. Pairing is key for a tasty experience.
Variations
Spicy Bang Bang Chicken
To make it more exciting, you can add more sriracha to the sauce. This will boost the heat and flavor. You can also use spicy seasoning blends. Try cayenne pepper or chili powder for a kick. These changes will make your dish stand out.
Bang Bang Chicken Bowls
You can serve the Bang Bang chicken over rice or quinoa. This adds a nice base and makes it filling. Adding vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli will give it more color and crunch. It’s a great way to get more nutrients into your meal.
Gluten-Free Option
If you need a gluten-free meal, swap the Panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones. This will keep the crunch without the gluten. Make sure all sauces you use are gluten-free too. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish without worry.
For the full recipe, check the Bang Bang Chicken Delight section.
Storage Info
Refrigeration
To store leftover Bang Bang Chicken, place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and safe. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure it cools down to room temperature before sealing the container. This helps prevent moisture buildup, which can make the chicken soggy.
Freezing
If you want to keep Bang Bang Chicken for longer, freezing is a great option. Place the chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. You can also use the microwave for quick thawing if needed.
Reheating Tips
To reheat Bang Bang Chicken and keep it crispy, use an oven or an air fryer. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. An air fryer works well too; just set it to 350°F (175°C) for about 5-8 minutes. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the chicken soggy. Enjoy the crunch!
FAQs
What is the origin of Bang Bang Chicken?
Bang Bang Chicken has roots in Chinese cuisine. It is said to come from the Sichuan region. The dish became popular for its crunchy texture and tasty sauce. In recent years, it gained fame in Western restaurants. People love it for its bold flavors and fun presentation.
Can I make Bang Bang Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Bang Bang Chicken in advance. Cook the chicken and store it in the fridge. You can keep it for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it gently in the oven. This helps keep it crispy. You can also make the sauce ahead of time. Just mix the sauce and store it separately.
Is Bang Bang Chicken spicy?
Bang Bang Chicken can be spicy, but you can adjust the heat. The sauce has sriracha, which adds heat. If you prefer less spice, use less sriracha. You can also swap it for a milder sauce. Taste as you mix and find what you like best. This way, you can make it perfect for your taste!
This blog post covers how to make Bang Bang Chicken. We explored the key ingredients, including chicken, cornstarch, and Panko breadcrumbs. You learned how to prepare, cook, and make the tasty sauce. Tips for cooking, ingredient swaps, and presentation ideas were included.
In conclusion, Bang Bang Chicken is easy and fun to make. You can customize it to suit your taste. Whether you enjoy it spicy or mild, this dish is sure to impress. Don’t hesitate to try different variations and enjoy your delicious creation!
