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I discovered this incredible bang bang chicken recipe during one of my late-night recipe browsing sessions, and it instantly caught my attention. The name alone was intriguing, but when I saw the photos of those golden, glossy chicken pieces, I knew I had to try it. The first time I made it, I was amazed by how simple yet impressive it was. The chicken gets this amazing crispy coating from the cornstarch, and when you toss it in that creamy, spicy sauce, it transforms into something absolutely magical. The sweet chili sauce provides the perfect base sweetness, while the sriracha adds just the right amount of heat. What I love most is how the sauce clings to every piece of chicken, creating this beautiful glossy coating that's both visually stunning and incredibly flavorful. The fresh scallions and sesame seeds aren't just garnish - they add essential freshness and texture that elevates the entire dish.
Why I love this recipe
What makes me absolutely love this bang bang chicken recipe is its perfect balance of simplicity and flavor impact. You can have this on the table in under 30 minutes, but it tastes like something you'd order at your favorite restaurant. The texture contrast is incredible - that satisfying crunch giving way to tender, juicy chicken, all coated in that addictive sauce. I love how versatile it is too; sometimes I serve it as an appetizer for parties, other times it's our main dish with rice and vegetables. The sauce is what really sets it apart - it's creamy from the mayo, sweet from the chili sauce, and has just enough heat to keep things interesting. Every time I make it, I'm reminded of why it became such a staple in our kitchen. It's one of those recipes that never gets old, and somehow tastes even better each time you make it. The way the flavors meld together and how that sauce caramelizes slightly on the chicken is pure culinary magic.
What You Need From Your Kitchen
- Chicken breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces and pat dry for better coating
- Cornstarch: Coat chicken pieces evenly for crispy texture
- Mayonnaise: Mix with sauces to create creamy base
- Sweet chili sauce: Combine with mayo for sweet flavor
- Sriracha: Add heat and spice to the sauce mixture
- Scallions: Chop finely for fresh garnish
- Sesame seeds: Sprinkle on top for extra texture
Let's Make These Together
- Prepare the chicken coating
- Start by cutting your chicken breast into uniform bite-sized pieces, which ensures even cooking. Pat them completely dry with paper towels - this step is crucial for the cornstarch to adhere properly. Toss the chicken pieces in cornstarch until they're evenly coated, then shake off any excess. This coating will give you that perfect crispy exterior we're after.
- Create the bang bang sauce
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha until you have a smooth, glossy sauce. The consistency should be creamy but not too thick. Taste and adjust the sriracha if you want more heat. This sauce is what makes the dish special, so make sure it's well combined.
- Fry to golden perfection
- Heat your oil to exactly 350°F - use a thermometer for accuracy. Fry the chicken pieces in small batches to avoid overcrowding, which would lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken. Each batch should take 3-4 minutes to reach that beautiful golden brown color. Remove and drain on paper towels immediately.
- Toss and serve immediately
- While the chicken is still hot and crispy, add it to your prepared bang bang sauce and toss until every piece is beautifully coated. Transfer to your serving plate and immediately garnish with the chopped scallions and sesame seeds. The contrast of colors and textures makes this dish as beautiful as it is delicious.
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Switch Things Up
I remember the first time I made this bang bang chicken for a casual Friday night dinner. I was looking for something different from our usual rotation, and this recipe caught my eye. The smell of the chicken frying filled the kitchen, and when I tossed those golden pieces in that glossy orange sauce, I knew we had a winner. My family gathered around the kitchen counter, and we ended up eating most of it straight from the pan with toothpicks. The sweet heat from the sauce paired with that incredible crispy coating was absolutely perfect. Now it's become our go-to recipe whenever we want something special but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen. The best part is watching everyone's faces light up with that first bite - pure joy!
Perfect Pairings
This bang bang chicken pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice to soak up that delicious sauce, or serve it over crispy lettuce cups for a lighter option. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or snap peas complement the rich flavors perfectly. For drinks, try it with an ice-cold beer or a refreshing cucumber mint water to balance the spice. It also makes an excellent appetizer alongside spring rolls or pot stickers for an Asian-inspired feast.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work wonderfully and may even be more flavorful and juicy. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
- → How spicy is this dish?
The heat level is moderate - the sweet chili sauce provides sweetness while the sriracha adds a gentle kick. You can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less sriracha to taste.
- → Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The bang bang sauce can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using.
- → What oil is best for frying?
Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil work best due to their high smoke points. Avoid olive oil as it has a lower smoke point and can burn easily.
- → How do I keep the chicken crispy?
Serve immediately after coating with sauce for maximum crispiness. Don't let the coated chicken sit too long as the sauce will soften the coating over time.
Conclusion
This bang bang chicken recipe delivers the perfect balance of crispy texture and bold flavors. The combination of sweet and spicy sauce creates an addictive coating that will have everyone coming back for more. It's simple enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for entertaining. Serve it as an appetizer or main dish - either way, it's guaranteed to be a crowd favorite.