This Easy Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is a fun dish with tender chicken coated in a crunchy layer. Toss it in a sweet and spicy sauce that makes every bite exciting!
It’s perfect for dinner or a tasty snack. I love serving it over rice or with veggies for a complete meal. You’ll want to make this again and again! 🍗✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I prefer using chicken thighs for their juiciness, but breasts work well too. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use turkey chunks instead!
Cornstarch: This is key for that extra crispy texture. If you need a gluten-free option, you can substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Buttermilk: This adds flavor and moisture. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for a few minutes.
Bang Bang Sauce: The sauce is customizable! If you want less heat, reduce the sriracha or use a milder sauce like a honey mustard. For a lighter version, you could swap mayo with Greek yogurt.
What’s the Trick for Extra Crispy Chicken?
The secret to crispy chicken is in the coating. The combination of flour and cornstarch creates a perfect crunch. Here’s how to ensure great results:
- Double dip the chicken! Coat in the egg mixture, then the flour mixture. For an even crunchier finish, repeat this step.
- Keep the oil hot! Use a thermometer to maintain the temperature around 350°F (175°C). If the oil is too cool, the chicken will soak up more oil instead of frying.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! Fry in small batches to let each piece cook evenly and stay crispy.
With these tips, your Bang Bang Chicken will be a hit, crispy from the outside, and tender on the inside! Enjoy!
Easy Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 to 2 teaspoons sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes for preparation and an additional 15-20 minutes for cooking. Altogether, expect around 40 minutes to have delicious Bang Bang Chicken ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar. Taste your sauce and adjust the spiciness or sweetness if needed. Once mixed well, set it aside for later.
2. Set Up the Dredging Stations:
In one bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk until everything is well combined. This will help the coating stick to the chicken!
3. Coat the Chicken:
Take each piece of chicken and dip it into the egg mixture first, making sure it’s fully coated. Then, dredge it in the flour mixture, pressing down a bit to ensure an even coating. For an extra crispy finish, you can repeat the egg dip and then coat it in the flour mixture one more time.
4. Heat the Oil:
In a deep skillet or pot, pour vegetable oil until it’s about 2 inches deep. Heat the oil until it reaches 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can check if the oil is ready by dropping a small piece of flour in—if it sizzles, it’s time to fry!
5. Fry the Chicken:
Fry the chicken in small batches to avoid crowding. Cook each batch for about 4-5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
6. Toss in Sauce:
Place the crispy chicken pieces in a large bowl. Pour the Bang Bang sauce generously over the chicken and gently toss everything together until the chicken is well-coated.
7. Serve Immediately:
For a lovely touch, garnish your Bang Bang Chicken with chopped green onions or sesame seeds. This dish is fantastic served over steamed rice or alongside a fresh salad!
Enjoy your crispy, flavorful Bang Bang Chicken!
FAQ for Easy Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s essential to fully thaw it before cooking. To thaw, place the chicken in the refrigerator overnight or use the cold water method: seal it in a plastic bag and submerge it in cold water until thawed. Pat dry before proceeding to ensure a crispy finish!
How to Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this Bang Bang Chicken gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and the cornstarch with additional gluten-free flour if needed. Ensure all other ingredients, especially sauces, are labeled gluten-free as well!
Can I Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the Bang Bang sauce a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using it to coat the chicken, as it might thicken slightly when chilled.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in an oven or an air fryer to restore the crispiness, rather than using a microwave. Enjoy your meal again!
