Dive into the world of irresistible taste with “Explosive Flavor: Bang Bang Chicken,” a dish known for its perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. This culinary delight features tender chicken pieces coated in a creamy, spicy sauce that packs a flavorful punch. Originating from Chinese cuisine and popularized in Western fusion food, Bang Bang Chicken is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, main course, or side dish. Its bold flavors and simple preparation make it a favorite among those who love food with a bit of excitement.
Why You’ll Love Bang Bang Chicken:
- Incredibly Flavorful: The sauce, with its blend of mayonnaise, honey, and hot sauce, creates an addictive taste sensation.
- Perfectly Textured: Crispy, lightly breaded chicken provides the ideal canvas for the rich, creamy sauce.
- Quick and Easy: Simple to prepare, this dish is ready in minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Customizable Heat Level: Easily adjust the spiciness to suit your preference, making it enjoyable for everyone.
Ingredients Notes For Bang Bang Chicken:
- Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces for easy cooking and eating.
- Breading: A light coating of flour, egg, and breadcrumbs gives the chicken a crispy exterior.
- Bang Bang Sauce: A mix of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, and Sriracha or any hot sauce of your choice creates the signature spicy, sweet, and creamy sauce.
- Garnishes: Sprinkle with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or cilantro for a fresh, colorful finish.
Recipe Steps:
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, coat them in flour, dip in beaten egg, then cover with breadcrumbs.
- Cook the Chicken: Fry in hot oil until golden and crispy or bake in the oven for a healthier option.
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, and hot sauce to taste.
- Combine: Toss the cooked chicken in the Bang Bang sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve: Plate the chicken, garnish with your choice of toppings, and serve immediately.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerate: Store leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop to maintain the crispiness of the chicken.
How to Make Homemade Bang Bang Chicken
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko for coating
- Oil, for frying (if pan-frying) or use a spray oil for air frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (adjust to taste for spiciness)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Dredge the chicken in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and then coat with breadcrumbs or panko. Make sure each piece is well coated.
- Cook the Chicken:
- To pan-fry: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat and fry the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- To air-fry: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C), place the chicken in the basket, spray with oil, and cook for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
- In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, sriracha, and lime juice. Adjust the sauce ingredients to taste. The sauce should be creamy, sweet, tangy, and as spicy as you like.
- Toss the Chicken in Sauce:
- Once the chicken is cooked and still hot, toss the pieces in the Bang Bang sauce until well coated.
- Serve:
- Serve the Bang Bang Chicken immediately, garnished with sesame seeds or chopped green onions if desired.
