Sizzling Bang Bang Chicken Recipe: Sweet Heat Perfection

Crispy, zesty bang bang chicken bursts with flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Layers of creamy, spicy sauce coat tender pieces of perfectly cooked meat.

Crunchy textures blend seamlessly with a delightful kick of heat.

Regional Chinese cuisine inspires this crowd-pleasing dish that feels like a party on your plate.

Weeknight dinners suddenly become extraordinary with these bold, irresistible flavors.

Each bite promises a delicious adventure that combines crunch, spice, and satisfaction.

FAQs

• Is cornstarch necessary for this recipe?

Yes, cornstarch creates a crispy, golden exterior on the chicken and helps the sauce stick better, ensuring a crunchy texture and enhanced flavor.

• Can I make this recipe spicy or mild?

Absolutely! You can adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing the amount of sriracha in the bang bang sauce. For a milder version, use less sriracha, and for extra heat, add more.

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken tenders are ideal. They cook evenly, absorb the sauce well, and provide a tender, juicy result that’s perfect for bang bang chicken.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free cornstarch and ensure your mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha are gluten-free certified. Always check ingredient labels carefully.

Why Bang Bang Chicken Recipe Delivers Bold Flavor Fast

• Quickest Weeknight Dinner: Whip up this bang bang chicken in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: The sweet, spicy, and creamy bang bang sauce transforms simple fried chicken into an irresistible dish that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
• Beginner-Friendly Cooking: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels, requiring minimal cooking expertise to create a restaurant-worthy meal.
• Versatile Serving Options: Easily pair with rice, vegetables, or salad, making it a flexible recipe that adapts to different dietary preferences and mealtime needs.

Bang Bang Chicken Component Mix

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein for the main dish, best when fresh and boneless.
• Cornstarch: Creates a crispy, light coating for the chicken, helping achieve golden exterior.

• Mayonnaise, Sweet Chili Sauce, Sriracha, Honey: Combines for a creamy, sweet, and spicy bang bang sauce with balanced flavor profile.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential for enhancing chicken's natural taste.
• Oil: Neutral cooking oil needed for deep frying, such as vegetable or canola oil.

Cooking Bang Bang Chicken Easily

Step 1: Prepare Chicken for Sizzling Fry

Grab your chicken pieces and sprinkle them generously with salt and pepper.

Dust each piece thoroughly with cornstarch, ensuring a complete and even coating that will create a delightful crispy exterior.

Step 2: Create Golden Crispy Chicken

Pour oil into a skillet and warm it over medium heat.

Carefully place chicken pieces into the hot pan, allowing them to sizzle and transform into a gorgeous golden brown.

Cook each side for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken develops a crunchy, irresistible texture.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Spicy Sauce

• Mayonnaise
• Sweet chili sauce
• Sriracha
• Honey

Blend these ingredients until they create a smooth, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 4: Coat Chicken in Flavor Explosion

Transfer the crispy chicken pieces directly into the sauce bowl.

Gently toss and roll the chicken until every inch is generously covered with the mouthwatering bang bang sauce.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Plate your saucy chicken immediately alongside steamed rice or fresh crisp vegetables.

Get ready to experience a flavor sensation that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Tips For Balancing Heat And Cream In Bang Bang Chicken

• Ensure chicken is completely covered in cornstarch for a crispier, more uniform texture that locks in moisture.
• Maintain medium heat to prevent burning and achieve golden-brown, perfectly crispy chicken without excessive oil absorption.
• Adjust sriracha quantity to match your heat preference, adding more for intense spice or less for a milder flavor profile.
• Mix bang bang sauce in advance and store in refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld and intensify before coating chicken.
• Replace cornstarch with gluten-free alternatives like rice flour or almond flour for celiac-friendly version without compromising crunchiness.

How to Save Bang Bang Chicken Leftovers

• Store leftover bang bang chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place chicken on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Heat chicken in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming and maintain crispiness.
• Reheat only the portion you plan to eat to preserve texture and prevent bacterial growth.

Bang Bang Chicken Side Dishes

• Sizzle with Sweet Heat Pairing: Complement the spicy-sweet bang bang chicken with a crisp, cold Belgian wheat beer that balances the sauce's intensity and refreshes the palate.
• Cooling Crunch Companion: Serve alongside a light cucumber and green apple slaw, which provides a tangy, refreshing contrast to the rich, spicy chicken.
• Creamy Counterpoint: Add a side of coconut jasmine rice that absorbs the bang bang sauce and offers a smooth, subtle backdrop to the bold chicken flavors.
• Wine Whisper Match: Select a slightly sweet Riesling with low alcohol content to harmonize with the sriracha and chili sauce, cutting through the dish's richness.

Bang Bang Chicken Flavor Inspirations

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace cornstarch with rice flour or gluten-free flour blend for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap cornstarch with almond flour or crushed pork rinds to reduce carbohydrate intake.
• Baked Chicken Alternative: Instead of frying, place chicken on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes for a lighter preparation.
• Spicy Vegetarian Swap: Use firm tofu or cauliflower instead of chicken, maintaining the crispy coating and bang bang sauce for a plant-based version.