The smell of crispy, golden-fried chicken fills the air. It calls to your taste buds. The first bite is a mix of sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors. This is Bang Bang Chicken Recipe, a dish loved by many in America.
This dish is inspired by Bonefish Grill’s bang bang shrimp. It features juicy chicken in a tasty sauce. The crunchy outside and soft inside make it perfect for any meal.
Key Takeaways
- Bang Bang Chicken is a popular crispy chicken dish with a sweet and spicy flavor profile.
- The recipe features a creamy sauce made with mayonnaise, chili-garlic sauce, and honey.
- The chicken is coated in a crispy, cornstarch-based breading and fried to perfection.
- This Americanized version is inspired by the Bonefish Grill’s famous bang bang shrimp.
- The dish can be served as an appetizer or a main course, and offers various cooking methods like air frying, grilling, or baking.
What is Bang Bang Chicken and Its Origins
Bang Bang Chicken, also known as Bàng Bàng Jī or Bon Bon Chicken, is a favorite dish from Sichuan, China. It’s made with tender chicken in a spicy, creamy sauce. This makes it a hit in many Chinese and American-Chinese restaurants.
Traditional Chinese vs. American Version
The traditional Bang Bang Chicken Recipe is poached or steamed. Then, the chicken is tenderized and shredded by “banging” it with sticks. The sauce combines sesame paste, chili oil, Sichuan peppercorns, black vinegar, and fresh herbs like scallions and cucumbers.
The American version is different. It has deep-fried chicken pieces in a mayonnaise-based sauce. This version adds honey or Sriracha for sweetness and spice. It’s made for Western tastes, with a love for crispy textures and creamy, sweet-spicy flavors.
Evolution of the Popular Dish
The “bang bang” name comes from pounding the chicken to make it tender. The dish has changed over time. The American version is now popular in Chinese-American restaurants and places like The Cheesecake Factory.
Despite changes, Bang Bang Chicken Recipe is still loved. It celebrates Sichuan’s bold flavors. It also offers a Western twist that has won over many in the United States.
Essential Ingredients for Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
To make the perfect Bang Bang Chicken, start with the right ingredients. You’ll need juicy chicken breasts or thighs. These are the base for the dish’s sweet and spicy flavors.
For the crunch, use cornstarch or potato starch to coat the chicken before frying.
The Bang Bang sauce is the dish’s star. It’s a mix of mayonnaise, chili-garlic sauce, sriracha, honey, lemon juice, and a bit of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika. This blend of bang bang sauce components brings together heat, sweetness, and tanginess. It perfectly complements the fried chicken.
You’ll also need vegetable oil for frying and fresh parsley and chili flakes for garnish. With these bang bang chicken ingredients, you can make a delicious Bang Bang Chicken feast at home.
“The secret to the best Bang Bang Chicken is in the careful selection and balance of its key components.”
By choosing the right ingredients, you can bring out the best in this beloved dish. Enjoy a delicious experience that will make you want more.
Making the Perfect Bang Bang Sauce
The secret to a great Bang Bang Chicken dish is its sauce. This homemade sauce is creamy, spicy, and sweet. It makes your chicken taste like it’s from a restaurant. We’ll explore the key ingredients and how to adjust the heat to your liking.
Base Ingredients and Proportions
The sauce starts with mayonnaise, chili-garlic sauce, sriracha, and honey. Here’s what you need:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup chili-garlic sauce
- 2 teaspoons sriracha
- 1 tablespoon honey
This mix gives you a sauce that’s creamy, slightly spicy, and perfect with crispy chicken.
Customizing Heat Levels
Want more heat? Add more sriracha or cayenne pepper. For a milder taste, use sweet chili sauce instead of chili-garlic. You can make this bang bang sauce just how you like it.
Storage Tips
You can make the spicy mayo sauce ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 48 hours. It’s great for quick, tasty meals. Just stir it well before using.
“This bang bang sauce is the star of the show! The perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy – it’s a game-changer for my chicken dishes.”
– Roshani Wickramasinghe, Food Blogger
Preparing the Chicken for Maximum Crispiness
To get the perfect crispy fried chicken, start with soaking the chicken in buttermilk. This makes the meat tender and adds flavor. It’s the first step to a crunchy coating.
Then, mix up your cornstarch coating. Use a bowl to combine cornstarch, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Coat each chicken piece well. Make sure the chicken is the same thickness for even cooking.
Heat your oil to 375°F (190°C) for frying. For an extra crispy layer, try double-frying. First, fry at 325°F (165°C) for 90 seconds. Then, fry again at 350°F (175°C) for another 90 seconds. This method makes the chicken super crispy.
The key to achieving restaurant-quality crispiness is all in the preparation. By taking the time to properly soak, coat, and fry the chicken, you’ll be rewarded with a dish that’s truly worthy of a standing ovation.
Step-by-Step Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Get ready to enjoy a delicious Bang Bang Chicken dish! It’s easy to make and full of flavor. Follow these steps to make your own Bang Bang Chicken at home.
Marinating Process
Begin by marinating the chicken. Cut 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Mix the chicken with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 teaspoons of garlic powder, and more.
Include 1/2 teaspoon each of black pepper, chili powder, garlic salt, and onion powder. Cover and marinate for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours, in the fridge.
Coating and Frying Techniques
After marinating, coat and fry the chicken. Mix 1 cup of cornstarch in a shallow dish. Dredge the chicken in the cornstarch until fully coated.
Heat 1/2 inch of oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven to 375°F. Fry the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Sauce Application
In a separate bowl, mix 1/4 cup of yum yum sauce, 1/4 cup of sweet chili sauce, and lime juice. This makes the bang bang sauce. Toss the fried chicken in the sauce until coated.
Serve the Bang Bang Chicken immediately. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds, if you like.
For a healthier option, bake the chicken instead of frying. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and bake the chicken for 8-11 minutes, until it’s 165°F inside.
Brush the baked chicken with the bang bang sauce and broil for 2-3 minutes. This gives it a caramelized finish.
Enjoy your homemade Bang Bang Chicken, ready in under 20 minutes. It’s perfect for meal-prepping. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Cooking Methods and Variations
Explore different ways to make bang bang chicken. This dish can be cooked in many ways, each with its own twist. You can enjoy the sweet and spicy flavors in new and exciting ways.
Deep-Frying
For a crispy exterior, deep-fry the chicken in hot oil. Use oil between 350-375°F (175-190°C). Make sure not to fry too much at once for the best results.
Air Fryer
Use an air fryer for a crispy texture with less oil. Cook the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes. Flip it halfway for a healthier bang bang chicken.
Grilled Bang Bang Chicken
Grill the chicken over medium heat until it’s done. Then, chop it and mix it with bang bang sauce. This adds a smoky flavor.
Baked Version
For a lighter option, bake the chicken. Place it on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. It will be golden and crispy.
Try adding different seasonings like garlic powder or Cajun seasoning. These can give your bang bang chicken a unique taste.
“The versatility of bang bang chicken allows you to put your personal stamp on this beloved dish.”
Choose from deep-frying, using an air fryer, or baking. Each method offers a different way to enjoy bang bang chicken. Find the method that suits your taste and cooking style.
Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes
Make your bang bang chicken even better with tasty sides. Serve it over steamed white rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb choice. For a full bang bang chicken bowl, add crispy chicken on top of mixed greens, julienned carrots, and bean sprouts.
Rice and Noodle Pairings
Bang bang chicken goes well with many grains and noodles. Try it on jasmine rice or brown rice for a different taste. For a filling meal, mix it with udon, lo mein, or zucchini noodles for a gluten-free option.
Vegetable Accompaniments
- Steamed or sautéed broccoli florets
- Crisp snow peas or sugar snap peas
- Roasted cauliflower or brussels sprouts
- Shredded cabbage or lettuce wraps for a lighter touch
For a burst of color and crunch, add shredded carrots, diced cucumbers, or sliced scallions. You can mix and match to make a balanced meal.
Remember to have extra bang bang sauce for dipping. This lets everyone adjust the flavor and spice to their liking.
| Dish | Serving Suggestion | Estimated Servings |
|---|---|---|
| Bang Bang Chicken | Served over steamed rice or noodles, with a side of sautéed vegetables | 4 servings |
| Bang Bang Chicken Bowl | Chicken on a bed of mixed greens, shredded cabbage, carrots, and bean sprouts | 2-3 servings |
| Bang Bang Chicken Lettuce Wraps | Chicken with shredded cabbage and carrots, wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves | 3-4 servings |
Tips for Achieving Restaurant-Quality Results
To make your homemade Bang Bang Chicken taste like it’s from a restaurant, focus on a few important steps. Make sure all chicken pieces are the same size for even cooking. Use a thermometer to keep the oil at 350°F to 375°F for the best crispiness.
Don’t overcrowd the frying pan. This can make the chicken steam instead of crisp up. For extra crunch, try double-frying. Fry the chicken at a lower temperature first, then increase the heat for a second fry.
If you prefer a healthier option, bake the chicken instead. Preheat your oven well and space the chicken pieces out to prevent steaming. Brush the chicken with Bang Bang sauce before baking for a delicious caramelized finish.
| Technique | Details |
|---|---|
| Consistent Chicken Size | Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking |
| Proper Oil Temperature | Maintain temperature between 350°F to 375°F |
| Avoid Overcrowding | Cook in batches to prevent steaming |
| Double-Fry Technique | First fry at lower temp, then crank up the heat |
| Oven-Baked Version | Preheat oven thoroughly and brush with sauce |
Follow these homemade bang bang chicken tips and crispy chicken techniques to get restaurant-quality results at home. With a bit of practice, your Bang Bang Chicken will be as good as any restaurant’s.
Make-Ahead and Storage Guidelines
Start your Bang Bang Chicken early by marinating the chicken up to 48 hours ahead. This step adds amazing flavor to the meat. You can also make the bang bang sauce up to 2 days before. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
Leftover Bang Bang Chicken can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, use the microwave or oven for the best taste. Freezing the fried chicken isn’t recommended as it can lose its crispiness.
Prep the chicken ahead by cutting and seasoning it. Keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. Then, mix the chicken with the bang bang sauce when you’re ready to serve. This makes the final steps easy and quick.
FAQ
What is Bang Bang Chicken?
Bang Bang Chicken is a tasty appetizer. It has crispy fried chicken pieces in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce. This dish is inspired by the famous bang bang shrimp from Bonefish Grill.
Where does Bang Bang Chicken Recipe originate from?
It started as a Chinese dish with chicken in spicy sauce. But the American version is different. It focuses on crispy fried chicken with a creamy sauce.
What are the key ingredients for Bang Bang Chicken?
You need chicken breast or thighs, buttermilk, and cornstarch. Seasonings like cayenne pepper or smoked paprika are also key. The sauce has mayonnaise, chili-garlic sauce, sriracha, honey, cayenne, lemon juice, and salt and pepper.
How do you make the perfect Bang Bang Sauce?
Mix 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup chili-garlic sauce, 2 tsp sriracha, and 1 tbsp honey for the sauce. You can adjust the heat by changing the sriracha and cayenne amounts.
How do you achieve maximum crispiness for the fried chicken?
Soak the chicken in buttermilk for a few minutes. Then, coat it in a mix of cornstarch, cayenne (or paprika), salt, and pepper. Fry at 375°F (190°C) for the best crispiness.
What are the different cooking methods for Bang Bang Chicken?
You can cook Bang Bang Chicken in many ways. Try deep-frying, air frying, grilling, sautéing, or baking. Each method gives a unique texture and flavor.
What are some good side dishes to serve with Bang Bang Chicken?
Serve Bang Bang Chicken over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles. Pair it with steamed broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, snow peas, or sautéed mushrooms for a great meal.
How can you achieve restaurant-quality Bang Bang Chicken at home?
For restaurant-quality Bang Bang Chicken, use even-sized chicken pieces. Keep the oil at the right temperature. Don’t overcrowd the pan. Double-frying can make it extra crispy.
Can you make Bang Bang Chicken in advance?
Yes, marinate the chicken up to 48 hours before. You can also make the bang bang sauce up to 48 hours in advance. Store leftover chicken in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Where Can I Find More Recipe Ideas?
You can explore more recipes in our categories: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. For additional inspiration, check out popular sites like AllRecipes and Tasty.
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