Crispy Bang Bang Chicken That Will Spice Up Family Dinner
Are you ready to elevate your family dinner with a dish that’s packed with flavor and crunch? This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of taste that brings everyone to the table. With years of culinary experience, I’ve perfected this recipe to offer you the perfect blend of spice and satisfaction.
Why Make This Recipe
- Delicious Taste: The combination of crispy chicken coated in a sweet and spicy bang bang sauce creates an explosion of flavors that everyone will love.
- Quick Preparation: With a prep and cook time of just about 30 minutes, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights.
- Family Favorite: It’s a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults, making it perfect for family dinners or informal gatherings.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as an appetizer or main dish, and pair it with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
- Makes Cooking Fun: The crunchy texture and bold flavors will make this a dish your family asks for again and again—it’s always a joy to prepare! I love making it because it’s not only satisfying but also brings smiles to my loved ones’ faces.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Cooking Method: Air frying or deep frying
In this recipe, you’ll coat chicken pieces in a flavorful batter, fry them until crispy, and then toss them in a delightful bang bang sauce that’s both sweet and spicy.
My Experience Making This Recipe
When I first attempted this recipe, I learned that the right balance of flavors is key. The first batch I made was a bit bland, so I adjusted the sauce and seasoning to achieve the perfect kick. Learning how important it is to let the chicken rest before frying also helped achieve that ideal crispy texture.
How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
This recipe starts with marinating tender chicken pieces in a mix of spices. You’ll then coat them in a crispy batter made from flour and cornstarch before frying to golden perfection. The real star is the bang bang sauce, made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a hint of sriracha for heat. Prepare for a delightful sizzle as the chicken fries!
Expert Tips for Success
- Choosing the Right Chicken: Chicken thighs work great for this recipe as they remain juicy and tender. Alternatively, chicken breasts can be used for a leaner option.
- Marinating Time: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes for maximum flavor absorption.
- Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to keep the oil at 350°F; this ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and gets crispy without being greasy.
- Batch Cooking: Avoid overcrowding the frying pan or air fryer to ensure each piece is evenly cooked and crispy.
- Resting the Chicken: Let fried chicken rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels; this prevents steaming and keeps that coveted crunch.
How to Serve Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
- Plate It Up: Serve your Crispy Bang Bang Chicken on a large platter, garnished with sliced green onions for a fresh touch.
- Pair with Sides: Complement it with jasmine rice or a crisp salad to balance out the flavors.
- Dipping Sauce: Provide extra bang bang sauce on the side for those who like an extra kick.
- Occasions: This dish is perfect for game day, family gatherings, or a fun Friday night dinner.
Storage and Reheating Guide
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the fried chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When reheating, use an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness—simply reheat at 375°F for about 10 minutes.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the batter.
- Spicy Kick: Add extra sriracha to the bang bang sauce if you love heat or substitute with a hot chili oil.
- Air Frying: For a healthier version, try air frying the coated chicken pieces instead of deep frying, using a light spray of oil.
- Vegetarian Twist: Replace chicken with cauliflower florets for a delicious vegetarian option.
Nutritional Highlights
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken provides a good source of protein from the chicken. Additionally, the sweet chili sauce contains antioxidants from the chili peppers. Keep in mind this dish is best enjoyed in moderation, as it can be high in calories due to the frying process.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Soggy Chicken: If the batter doesn’t stay crispy, ensure the chicken pieces are well-coated and not overcrowded during frying.
- Too Spicy: If the sauce is too spicy, adjust by adding more mayonnaise or honey to balance the heat.
- Batter Falling Off: If the batter doesn’t adhere well, make sure the chicken is slightly damp before coating.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use skinless chicken?
Yes, skinless chicken can be used, but keep in mind that the skin adds flavor and helps with crispiness. -
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Cook the chicken in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat in the oven before serving for the best texture. -
Can I make the sauce in advance?
Yes, the bang bang sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. -
What should I serve with Bang Bang Chicken?
This dish pairs well with steamed rice, a fresh green salad, or even on a bed of lettuce for a lighter meal.
Now, get ready to whip up this quick, crispy, and oh-so-delicious Bang Bang Chicken that your family will rave about! Enjoy the cooking adventure!
Print
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free Option Available
Description
This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is a celebration of taste, featuring crispy chicken coated in a sweet and spicy bang bang sauce, making it a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Marinate chicken pieces in spices for at least 15 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Dredge marinated chicken in the flour mixture until well coated.
- Heat oil to 350°F in a frying pan or air fryer.
- Fry chicken until golden brown and crispy.
- In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha to make the bang bang sauce.
- Toss the fried chicken in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions.
Notes
For a gluten-free option, substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour. For a vegetarian twist, replace chicken with cauliflower florets.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg