If you’re craving crispy, flavorful chicken with a sweet and spicy kick, this Crispy Bang Bang Chicken recipe is for you! Inspired by Asian cuisine, this dish features juicy chicken tenderloins coated in a crunchy batter and tossed in a creamy, tangy bang bang sauce. Perfect for game days, family dinners, or any occasion where you want to impress, this recipe is incredibly easy to make and delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy & Crunchy: The perfect batter ensures a crunchy exterior while keeping the chicken tender and juicy inside.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet, spicy, and creamy bang bang sauce makes every bite irresistible.
- Quick & Easy: Made with simple ingredients and cooked in under 30 minutes.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great as an appetizer, main dish, or even meal prep.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level and tweak the ingredients to your liking.
Tools Needed
To make this recipe with ease, check out Our Shop for essential kitchen tools!
- Mixing Bowls – For preparing the sauce and batter.
- Whisk or Spatula – Helps mix the sauce and batter smoothly.
- Deep Frying Pan or Cast Iron Skillet – Perfect for frying with just an inch of oil.
- Cooling Rack – Helps keep the chicken crispy after frying.
- Meat Thermometer – Ensures the perfect doneness at 165°F.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins (or boneless chicken breast cut into strips)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 egg
- 3/4 cup water (adjust for consistency)
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp Sriracha (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 tbsp honey
Directions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Whisk until smooth. Set aside.
- Make the Batter: In another bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. In a separate bowl, beat the egg and mix in the water. Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, whisking until you achieve a smooth, thick batter. Adjust with more water if needed.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken tenderloin into the batter, ensuring a full coat. Let excess batter drip off before placing them on a tray.
- Heat the Oil: In a deep frying pan, heat about an inch of oil to 365°F (use a meat thermometer to check the temperature).
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully place chicken strips in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain & Rest: Transfer fried chicken onto a cooling rack or a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Coat in Sauce: Toss the crispy chicken in the prepared bang bang sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve & Enjoy: Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds and serve immediately!
Expert Tips for Perfect Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
- Use Chicken Tenderloins: They are juicier and cook faster than chicken breasts.
- Keep the Oil Temperature Consistent: If the oil gets too cool, the chicken will absorb oil and become greasy.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches to maintain a crispy texture.
- Drain on a Cooling Rack: This prevents the bottom from getting soggy.
Servings & Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the Batter Consistency Check: Too thick and it won’t coat well; too thin and it won’t stick.
- Frying at the Wrong Temperature: Too low = greasy chicken, too high = burnt coating.
- Not Draining Properly: Always use a cooling rack or paper towel to remove excess oil.
- Overcrowding the Pan: This lowers the oil temperature, making the chicken less crispy.
Variations
- Spicier Version: Add extra Sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Air Fryer Method: Cook at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use rice flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- Different Proteins: Try this recipe with shrimp or tofu!
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the fried chicken (without sauce) for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes.
- Reheating: To maintain crispiness, reheat in the oven or air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
FAQs
1. Can I make Bang Bang Chicken ahead of time?
Yes! You can fry the chicken ahead and reheat it in the oven before tossing it in the sauce.
2. What can I serve with Bang Bang Chicken?
It pairs well with rice, coleslaw, or a fresh salad.
3. Can I bake Bang Bang Chicken instead of frying?
Yes! Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
4. How do I make the sauce less spicy?
Reduce the Sriracha or substitute with a mild hot sauce.
5. What’s the best oil for frying?
Use a neutral oil like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.
Conclusion
There you have it—Crispy Bang Bang Chicken, a perfect balance of crunch, spice, and sweetness! Whether you’re making it for a party, a quick dinner, or just because you’re craving something delicious, this recipe is sure to impress. Try it out and let us know what you think!
