Bang Bang Chicken
Introduction
Bang Bang Chicken is a deliciously bold and flavorful dish that combines crispy chicken with a creamy, spicy sauce. The dish is beloved for its perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and savory flavors. Typically served as an appetizer or main course, it’s often accompanied by rice or vegetables to balance the richness of the sauce. Bang Bang Chicken is popular in many Asian-inspired restaurants and has become a favorite in casual dining due to its irresistible flavor and satisfying texture.
The History of Bang Bang Chicken
The origins of Bang Bang Chicken are not entirely clear, but it is thought to have emerged from the fusion of Chinese and American flavors, especially in Chinese-American cuisine. The name “Bang Bang” is likely a playful reference to the bold, punchy flavors and the “bang” sound from the vibrant and spicy sauce. It became popular in the United States in the 2000s, where it was embraced for its addictive sauce and crispy chicken. Many variations of the dish have been created since, with some serving it in a salad, as an appetizer, or over rice.
Ingredients Breakdown
- Chicken: The main protein in this dish, usually boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Flour and Cornstarch: Used for coating the chicken pieces, ensuring a crispy exterior when fried.
- Egg: Helps bind the flour and cornstarch to the chicken.
- Bang Bang Sauce: The star of the dish! It’s typically made with a mix of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha for a balance of creamy, sweet, and spicy flavors.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and garlic powder to season the chicken.
- Oil: For frying the chicken and achieving that crispy texture.
- Garnishes: Green onions or cilantro for a fresh touch; sometimes toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of additional sauce.
Step-by-Step Recipe
- Prep the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Dredge the Chicken: In one bowl, whisk the egg. In another, combine the flour and cornstarch. Dip each chicken piece into the egg, then coat it with the flour and cornstarch mixture.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat a large pan with oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Adjust the amounts depending on how spicy you want it.
- Toss the Chicken in the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the crispy chicken pieces with the prepared Bang Bang sauce until they are well coated.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions, cilantro, or sesame seeds, and serve with rice or a side of vegetables.
Tips for the Perfect Bang Bang Chicken
- Double Coat the Chicken: For an extra crispy coating, dip the chicken in the egg and flour mixture twice before frying.
- Fry in Batches: To maintain a consistent temperature and avoid overcrowding the pan, fry the chicken in small batches.
- Make the Sauce to Taste: Adjust the amount of sriracha for more heat or sweet chili sauce for a milder flavor. You can also experiment with adding a dash of lime juice for a touch of acidity.
- Don’t Skip the Draining Step: After frying, allow the chicken to drain on paper towels to prevent the coating from becoming soggy.
- Use a Thermometer: For the crispiest results, make sure the oil is at the correct temperature, ideally around 350°F (175°C).
Variations and Customizations
- Spicy Bang Bang Chicken: Add more sriracha to the sauce or include a finely chopped fresh chili pepper to amp up the heat.
- Bang Bang Cauliflower: For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with cauliflower florets, battered and fried in the same way.
- Grilled Bang Bang Chicken: For a lighter version, skip the frying and grill the chicken pieces, then toss them with the sauce for a healthier alternative.
- Sweet and Tangy: Incorporate a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup into the sauce for a sweeter, more balanced flavor profile.
- Bang Bang Shrimp: Use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist on the classic dish.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
Bang Bang Chicken is certainly indulgent due to the crispy chicken and rich sauce, but there are ways to make it slightly healthier:
- Use Lean Chicken: Opt for skinless chicken breasts or thighs to reduce fat content.
- Air Fry Instead of Frying: Air frying the chicken instead of deep frying reduces the overall oil content.
- Reduce the Sauce’s Caloric Content: Use a lighter mayonnaise or Greek yogurt as the base for the sauce to cut down on calories and fat.
- More Veggies: Serve the chicken with a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for added nutrition.
Nutritional Information (approx. per serving):
- Calories: 350-450 (depending on the size and method of cooking)
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 25-35g
- Fiber: 2-3g
- Sodium: 600-800mg (can vary based on the amount of sauce used)
FAQ
- Can I make Bang Bang Chicken in advance? While the chicken is best served fresh for maximum crispiness, you can prepare the chicken ahead of time, store it, and then reheat it in the oven for a few minutes to restore some crispness before tossing it in the sauce.
- Can I use other proteins instead of chicken? Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or even cauliflower (for a vegetarian version). Just ensure the cooking method is adjusted accordingly for each protein.
- What kind of oil should I use for frying? For frying, it’s best to use oils with a high smoke point like vegetable oil, peanut oil, or canola oil. These oils can handle the high temperatures required for crispy chicken.
- Can I use a store-bought version of the Bang Bang sauce? Yes, many stores sell premade Bang Bang sauce or similar sauces labeled as “spicy mayo” or “sweet chili sauce.” You can skip the homemade sauce if you’re short on time.
- Can I make this dish gluten-free? Yes, you can make a gluten-free version by using gluten-free flour and cornstarch for the coating. Be sure to check that the sweet chili sauce and mayonnaise are gluten-free as well.
Enjoy your crispy, creamy, and spicy Bang Bang Chicken! It’s a fun and flavorful dish that’s sure to be a hit at any meal.
Bang Bang Chicken
Bang Bang Chicken is a deliciously bold and flavorful dish that combines crispy chicken with a creamy, spicy sauce. The dish is beloved for its perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and savory flavors. Typically served as an appetizer or main course, it’s often accompanied by rice or vegetables to balance the richness of the sauce. Bang Bang Chicken is popular in many Asian-inspired restaurants and has become a favorite in casual dining due to its irresistible flavor and satisfying texture.
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds thin-sliced chicken breasts
- Kosher salt freshly ground black pepper, and garlic powder (for seasoning)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups Panko breadcrumbs or more as needed
- Vegetable or canola oil for frying
- 12 slices mozzarella cheese
- 12 slider rolls
- For Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Generously season both sides of the chicken breasts with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. This helps build foundational flavor before the breading process.
- Set Up the Breading Station: In one shallow bowl, whisk together the flour and cornstarch. In a second bowl, combine buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce. Add Panko breadcrumbs to a third bowl and set them all within reach.
- Bread the Chicken: Dip each seasoned chicken breast into the flour mixture, coating thoroughly. Transfer to the buttermilk mixture, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Then press the chicken firmly into the breadcrumbs until fully coated. Set aside on a plate.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat a thin layer of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken without overcrowding. Fry for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden and crisp. The internal temperature should reach 165°F; if unsure, slice into the thickest part to check for no pink.
- Drain and Rest: Place the cooked chicken cutlets on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Keep warm in a low oven if needed while finishing the rest.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth. Adjust heat or sweetness based on personal preference.
- Assemble the Sliders: Cut the cooked chicken into slider-sized pieces and place them on toasted buns. Immediately top with mozzarella slices so they begin to melt from the warmth. Drizzle with bang bang sauce and serve hot.
Notes
- Use chicken tenders or boneless thighs if preferred. Air frying or oven-baking the chicken is a lighter option that still delivers crunch. Toasting the buns enhances texture and prevents sogginess from the sauce. You can prepare the sauce up to three days in advance and store it in the fridge.