Bang Bang Chicken Recipe | The Recipe Critic

Bring a bang to your dinner table with this explosive bang bang chicken! It’s crispy but tender and coated in a thick, creamy sauce that’s savory, spicy, and sweet all at once!

If you’re looking for more Chinese-inspired dishes that are loaded with flavor, here are a few recipes to add to the dinner lineup: firecracker chicken, General Tso’s chicken, and kung pao chicken!

Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Imagine tender chunks of juicy, battered chicken, coated in a delightful homemade sauce that packs a flavorful punch. That’s bang bang chicken, a dish filled with all the best sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. With its zesty and creamy sauce, it will leave your family begging for seconds!

So, why settle for takeout when you can whip up a batch of bang bang chicken? It’s super easy to make and the homemade sauce only needs a few simple ingredients to whip up. Fresh is always best! Not only does homemade bang bang sauce taste better, but it’s also free from preservatives that bottled sauces have. And can we talk about the flavor? The creamy mayo tames the heat of the Sriracha and sweet chili sauce, creating a harmonious medley that’s impossible to resist. You’re going to love it.

All Ingredients Needed

To make this homemade bang bang chicken, all you need to do is break out your spice rack and a few staple ingredients from your pantry. Feel free to customize the flavor to preference!

• Boneless Chicken Breasts: Perfect for absorbing the flavors of the sauce and creating a satisfying texture. You can also use boneless chicken thighs if you prefer for a juicier result.
• Whole Milk: The whole milk acts as a binding agent, helping the flour and cornstarch stick to the chicken.
• Large Egg: The egg adds richness to the chicken coating and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Cornstarch and All-Purpose Flour: For the perfect crispy coating!
• Salt and Black Pepper: This acts as the first layer of seasoning for the bang bang chicken.
• Vegetable Oil: For frying the chicken in.

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• Mayonnaise: Acting as the creamy base, mayonnaise adds richness and smoothness. Greek yogurt or sour cream can also be used.
• Honey: Adds sweetness and also helps to balance out the heat.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: Tangy and mildly spicy, sweet chili sauce brings a unique flavor to the sauce.
• Sriracha: Mix this in for the perfect kick of spice!
• Salt: Adjust to taste to boost the overall flavor of the sauce.
• Sesame Seeds: (Optional) For garnish. Sesame seeds also add an extra pop of nutty flavor.

Let’s Make Bang Bang Chicken!

It’s actually pretty easy to make bang bang chicken at home. And trust me, it will taste better than your favorite takeout spot! Your family won’t be able to get enough of the chicken’s crispy, juicy goodness coated in a creamy, slightly spicy sauce. Complete the meal by serving bang bang chicken with a tasty bed of white or fried rice!

Preparing the Sauce and Batter

1. Prepare Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together your mayonnaise, honey, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and sesame seeds. Then set aside.
2. Cut Chicken: Prepare your chicken by cutting it all into 1 inch cubes.
3. Prepare Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together your milk and egg. Then in a separate bowl, whisk together your cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper.
4. Egg Mixture: Place all your cubed chicken into the bowl of milk and egg, stir to coat completely. While the chicken is soaking in the milk mixture for a minute, heat your frying oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.
5. Coat in Flour: Remove the chicken from the milk and egg mixture, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Then pour your flour mixture into a large plastic bag, place all your soaked chicken into the bag, seal it up and shake the bag to coat the chicken completely with the flour mixture.

Frying

1. Add to Skillet: You may need to cook the chicken in a couple batches. remove the chicken from the bag and carefully place into the hot oil.
2. Fry: Fry the chicken for about 3-4 minutes, rotating throughout so it cooks evenly. The chicken should be golden brown and cooked through.
3. Transfer to Plate: Remove from the oil and then place on a paper towel lined plate to allow excess oil to drip off.
4. Toss in Sauce: Once all the chicken is done, transfer it all into your bowl with the sauce and stir so each piece is coated evenly.
5. Serve: Bang bang chicken is best enjoyed fresh!