Name: Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 2 eggs; ½ cup mayonnaise; ¼ cup sweet chili sauce; Sriracha sauce (to taste)

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Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is a crowd-pleaser that combines crispy fried chicken with a creamy and spicy sauce, creating a dish that’s both flavorful and satisfying. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to impress their family or guests without spending hours in the kitchen. With its crunchy exterior and rich sauce, this meal is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table. The combination of textures and flavors makes it an excellent choice for casual gatherings or weeknight dinners. In just about 30 minutes, you can whip up this delightful dish that pairs well with rice, noodles, or even a fresh salad. Let’s dive into why you’ll love making this crispy delight.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners

Ingredients for Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding
All-Purpose Flour: This helps create the crispy coating; consider using seasoned flour for added flavor
Panko Breadcrumbs: These provide an extra crunch; don’t skip them if you want that perfect texture
Eggs: They act as a binder for the flour and breadcrumbs to stick to the chicken
Bang Bang Sauce Ingredients (mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce): Combine these for a creamy and spicy kick that elevates the dish

For the Sauce:

Sriracha Sauce: Adjust based on your preferred spice level; it adds heat to the bang bang sauce

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting the boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they fry up nice and crispy.

Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station

In one bowl, whisk together eggs; in another bowl, combine flour with salt and pepper; in a third bowl, place panko breadcrumbs. This setup will help you efficiently coat each piece of chicken.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Dip each piece of chicken first into the flour mixture, then into the eggs, and finally coat them in panko breadcrumbs. Make sure each piece is fully covered for maximum crispiness.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Once hot (about 350°F/175°C), carefully add the breaded chicken pieces in batches. Fry until golden brown on all sides (approximately 5-7 minutes). Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.

Step 5: Prepare the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce. Add sriracha according to your taste preference; mix until smooth.

Step 6: Serve

Transfer to plates and drizzle with bang bang sauce for the perfect finishing touch. Enjoy your crispy masterpiece!

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

Even Cooking: Make sure all ingredients are cut to similar sizes for consistent cooking times
Temperature Control: Let ingredients reach room temperature before starting for better results
Crispiness Boost: For extra crunchiness, try double-dipping your chicken pieces in egg wash before breading again

How to Serve Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

Rice or Potatoes: A hearty base that soaks up the delicious sauce.
Fresh Salad: Adds a crisp and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
Crusty Bread: Perfect for enjoying every last drop of the flavorful sauce.

Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and sauce a day in advance. Marinate the chicken in your chosen spices for at least two hours or overnight for maximum flavor. Store the marinated chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook.
Storing: Leftover Crispy Bang Bang Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Ensure it’s cooled completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can use an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes for a crispy texture.

Suggestions for Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

Choose the Right Chicken Cut

Using the correct cut of chicken is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy texture. Breasts are popular, but thighs can offer more flavor and moisture. If you choose to use chicken breasts, ensure they are pounded to an even thickness. This helps them cook uniformly and allows for that crispy coating to adhere better. Thighs, on the other hand, tend to stay juicier during frying. Regardless of the cut you choose, make sure to trim any excess fat. This will prevent unwanted grease from affecting the crispiness of your Bang Bang Chicken.

Master Your Coating Technique

Coating your chicken properly is essential for a crispy finish. Start with a dry coating by seasoning flour or breadcrumbs with spices like paprika or garlic powder. Dredge the chicken pieces in this mixture before dipping them in an egg wash and then back into the dry mix for a double coating. This method creates layers that contribute to a crunchy exterior. Make sure to shake off any excess flour or breadcrumbs before frying to avoid clumping and ensure even cooking.

Control Your Frying Temperature

Maintaining the right oil temperature is vital when frying Crispy Bang Bang Chicken. If the oil is too hot, the coating may burn before the chicken cooks through. Conversely, oil that is too cool can result in soggy chicken that absorbs excess oil. Aim for a frying temperature between 350°F and 375°F (175°C to 190°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy and adjust your heat as necessary while cooking to maintain consistent temperature throughout the frying process.

Avoid Overcrowding the Pan

When frying your Crispy Bang Bang Chicken, overcrowding the pan can lead to uneven cooking and steaming instead of frying. To achieve that golden-brown crust, it’s best to fry in small batches. Leave enough space between each piece so that hot air circulates freely around them. This ensures that each piece gets equal exposure to heat and allows for optimal crispiness without compromising texture.

FAQs

What is Crispy Bang Bang Chicken?

Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is a popular dish known for its crunchy texture and spicy sauce. The chicken is typically breaded and fried until golden brown, then tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce made from ingredients like mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. This dish offers a delightful combination of flavors; it’s savory yet slightly sweet with an exciting kick from the heat of sriracha or similar sauces.

How do I make my Crispy Bang Bang Chicken extra crispy?

To enhance the crispiness of your Crispy Bang Bang Chicken, consider using cornstarch in your coating mixture alongside flour or breadcrumbs. Cornstarch creates an extra crunch due to its high starch content when fried at high temperatures. Also, allowing your coated chicken pieces to rest on a wire rack before frying helps set the coating and prevents it from falling off during cooking.

Can I bake Crispy Bang Bang Chicken instead of frying?

Yes! You can bake Crispy Bang Bang Chicken if you prefer a healthier option or want to avoid frying altogether. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). After coating your chicken pieces, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and spray them lightly with cooking oil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) while turning halfway through for even browning.

What can I serve with Crispy Bang Bang Chicken?

Crispy Bang Bang Chicken pairs wonderfully with various sides! Consider serving it over rice or quinoa for a hearty meal, or alongside fresh vegetables such as steamed broccoli or a light salad for balance. For dipping sauces, additional sweet chili sauce or ranch dressing complements its flavors perfectly and adds extra creaminess.

Conclusion for Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

In summary, mastering Crispy Bang Bang Chicken involves careful attention to detail at every step—from selecting the right cut of chicken to perfecting your coating technique and maintaining optimal frying temperatures. Avoid common mistakes like overcrowding the pan and ensure you allow each piece adequate space while cooking for maximum crispiness. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to create deliciously crispy chicken that delights anyone who tries it! Enjoy this dish with flavorful sides to truly enhance your dining experience.