Irresistibly Crispy Bang Bang Chicken: A Sweet & Spicy Takeout Favorite Made Easy
Prepare to elevate your weeknight meals with this incredible Bang Bang Chicken recipe, a heartier and more satisfying interpretation of the beloved classic Bang Bang Shrimp. If you’re already a fan of the iconic sweet and spicy shrimp dish, then you are absolutely going to adore this chicken version even more. This recipe delivers an explosion of flavor and a delightful textural contrast that will leave you craving every bite, making it an instant family favorite.
Why You Will Fall in Love with This Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
First and foremost, the flavor profile of this homemade Bang Bang Chicken is absolutely phenomenal. It hits every single note you could desire: the perfect blend of sweet and spicy, combined with the utterly crispy, savory texture and taste of perfectly fried chicken. From your very first bite, you’ll understand why this dish is so captivating. While we adore our classic Bang Bang Shrimp, there’s something undeniably satisfying about the chicken version that makes us reach for it more often.
You might ask, “Why chicken over shrimp?” There are several compelling reasons. Firstly, chicken is generally a more economical choice, offering more “bang for your buck” (pun intended!) compared to shrimp. With shrimp, it’s easy to devour a large quantity without realizing, often leading to a lighter wallet and still a bit of hunger. With chicken, you get a substantial, filling meal that truly satisfies.
Furthermore, this recipe offers flexibility: you can choose between tender chicken thighs or lean chicken breasts, each providing unique benefits depending on your dietary preferences and desired texture. Chicken thighs offer unparalleled juiciness and rich flavor, while chicken breasts provide a leaner protein option without sacrificing the delicious coating and sauce.
With this Bang Bang Chicken, absolutely nothing is sacrificed. The combination of perfectly crispy fried chicken coated in that irresistible sweet and spicy sauce is simply unforgettable. I won’t lie, I personally polished off an entire batch of this recipe within 24 hours – some of it even cold, straight out of the fridge! It’s that good.
Beyond its incredible taste, this recipe is remarkably straightforward. You won’t find any complicated techniques or exotic, hard-to-find ingredients here. Everything you need can be readily sourced from your local grocery store, making this an accessible and achievable dish for home cooks of all skill levels. If you’re looking for a new favorite Asian-inspired chicken dish, you absolutely need to try this recipe!
For a complete list of ingredients and precise quantities, please refer to the detailed recipe card provided below.
How To Make Perfectly Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
Crafting this incredible Bang Bang Chicken at home is a surprisingly simple process, divided into just a few key stages: marinating the chicken for maximum flavor, whipping up the creamy, spicy sauce, achieving that perfect crispiness through frying, and finally, tossing everything together. Follow these easy steps to bring this takeout favorite to your kitchen table.
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Begin by preparing your chicken. Dice the chicken thighs (or breasts) into uniform, bite-sized pieces. Separate the yolk from one egg white, discarding the yolk. Lightly beat the egg white in a small bowl until frothy. Then, in a larger mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken with the beaten egg white, soy sauce, mirin, sesame oil, finely minced garlic, and fresh minced ginger.
Once all ingredients are in the bowl, mix everything thoroughly to ensure the chicken pieces are evenly coated with the marinade. For best results and to allow the flavors to truly penetrate the chicken, marinate for a minimum of two hours. Ideally, prepare this step the night before and let the chicken marinate overnight in the refrigerator. This longer marination time will yield a more tender and flavorful result, making a significant difference in the final taste of your Bang Bang Chicken.
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While the chicken is marinating, prepare the star of the show: the Bang Bang Sauce. In a separate bowl, combine the Miracle Whip (or mayonnaise for a less sweet profile), Thai sweet chili sauce, fresh lemon juice, and sriracha. Whisk these ingredients together until the sauce is completely smooth and well-emulsified. Refrigerate the sauce until you are ready to use it, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
This sauce is the heart of the Bang Bang Chicken. The Miracle Whip (or mayo) provides a creamy base, the Thai sweet chili sauce brings the signature sweet and mild chili notes, while sriracha adds a customizable kick of heat. Fresh lemon juice cuts through the richness and brightens the overall flavor, creating a perfectly balanced condiment that coats the crispy chicken beautifully.
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Once your chicken is marinated, it’s time for the signature crispy coating. Liberally dredge the diced chicken pieces in cornstarch, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat your neutral oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully deep-fry the chicken in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken. Fry for 5 to 6 minutes, or until the chicken is beautifully golden brown and cooked through. Remove the fried chicken with a slotted spoon and drain excess oil on a wire rack or paper towels.
Achieving that perfect crispiness is crucial for Bang Bang Chicken. Using cornstarch creates a lighter, crispier crust than flour, and the egg white in the marinade helps the cornstarch adhere better. Frying in batches ensures consistent oil temperature and crispy results. It’s better to take a little extra time and fry in two or three batches than to end up with greasy, undercooked chicken.
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Once all the chicken is fried, transfer the hot, crispy pieces to a large mixing bowl. Pour the chilled Bang Bang sauce generously over the chicken. Using tongs or a spoon, gently toss the chicken, ensuring every piece is thoroughly coated in the delectable sweet and spicy sauce. The goal is to get a uniform, glossy coating on each piece.
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For a touch of freshness and color, optionally garnish your Bang Bang Chicken with finely sliced green onions, cut on a bias. Serve immediately while the chicken is still warm and crispy, and savor every mouthwatering bite!
The final presentation makes a big difference. Green onions add a vibrant green contrast and a subtle oniony bite that complements the rich sauce. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, allowing you to experience the ultimate combination of crispy chicken and creamy sauce before the chicken softens.
Perfect Pairings: What To Serve With Bang Bang Chicken
Bang Bang Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Whether you’re looking for something light, hearty, or a full Asian-inspired feast, there are plenty of options to complement its sweet and spicy flavors.
- Lettuce Wraps: For a fresh and crisp meal, you could easily transform this crispy chicken into amazing lettuce wraps. The cool crunch of lettuce perfectly contrasts with the warm, saucy chicken, making for a light yet satisfying appetizer or main course.
- Rice: Serving Bang Bang Chicken with a bed of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or even fried rice is always a fantastic idea. The rice soaks up the extra sauce and provides a comforting base for the bold chicken flavors.
- Noodles: If you’re a noodle enthusiast, this chicken is a match made in heaven. Serve it alongside a delicious vegetable lo mein or our very own spicy garlic noodle recipe for a truly satisfying and flavorful meal. The noodles add another layer of texture and absorb the delicious sauce.
- Steamed Vegetables: For a lighter accompaniment, consider steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus. A simple, lightly seasoned vegetable side can balance the richness of the fried chicken and sauce.
- Asian Salad: A crisp Asian-inspired salad with a light vinaigrette can offer a refreshing counterpoint to the sweet and spicy chicken, adding freshness and crunch.
Honestly, this Bang Bang Chicken is so delicious and flavorful, you can absolutely enjoy it as is, straight from the bowl, for a quick and satisfying snack or meal!
Expert Tips for the Best Bang Bang Chicken
To ensure your homemade Bang Bang Chicken turns out perfectly every time, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Marinate Overnight for Maximum Flavor: While two hours is sufficient, allowing your chicken to marinate overnight in the refrigerator truly infuses it with a deeper, more complex flavor and ensures maximum tenderness. Plan ahead for an even more delicious result.
- Fry in Small Batches: This is crucial for achieving truly crispy chicken. Overcrowding the pan dramatically drops the oil temperature, leading to greasy, soggy chicken rather than a perfectly crisp bite. Fry in manageable batches, allowing the oil to recover its temperature between additions.
- Maintain Oil Temperature: Use a kitchen thermometer to monitor your oil temperature. Aim for a consistent 350°F (175°C). If the oil is too cool, the chicken will absorb too much oil; if it’s too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks through.
- Choose the Right Oil: Opt for a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as canola oil, vegetable oil, or peanut oil, for deep frying. These oils won’t impart unwanted flavors and can withstand high temperatures.
- Drain Well: After frying, always transfer the chicken to a wire rack set over a baking sheet (or onto paper towels) to drain excess oil. This helps maintain the crispiness and prevents the chicken from becoming greasy.
- Sauce Consistency: If your Bang Bang sauce seems too thick, you can thin it out slightly with a teaspoon of water or a splash of milk until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, a tiny bit more Miracle Whip or mayonnaise can thicken it.
- Mayonnaise vs. Miracle Whip: The original recipe calls for Miracle Whip, which is sweeter and tangier than traditional mayonnaise. If you prefer a slightly less sweet and more savory sauce, or simply don’t have Miracle Whip, you can easily swap it for regular mayonnaise. Adjust the sweetness with a tiny pinch of sugar if needed.
- Fresh Ingredients for Best Flavor: Always use fresh garlic and ginger for the marinade. Their vibrant flavors make a significant difference compared to their powdered counterparts.
- Serve Immediately: For the best texture, serve the Bang Bang Chicken right after tossing it with the sauce. This preserves the crispiness of the chicken before the sauce has a chance to soften it.
Exciting Variations to Customize Your Bang Bang Chicken
This Bang Bang Chicken recipe is fantastic as is, but it also serves as an excellent canvas for customization. Feel free to experiment with these variations to suit your taste and dietary needs:
- Chicken Cut Options:
- Chicken Breast: For a leaner protein option, use boneless, skinless chicken breast instead of thighs. Just be mindful not to overcook them, as breasts can dry out more easily. Cut them into similar bite-sized pieces for consistent cooking.
- Ground Chicken or Turkey: For a quicker, less labor-intensive version, you could even form ground chicken or turkey into small meatballs, bake or pan-fry them, and then toss with the sauce.
- Alternative Cooking Methods:
- Air-Frying: For a lighter, healthier version, the chicken can be air-fried. After dredging in cornstarch, lightly spray the chicken pieces with oil and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. While the texture won’t be identical to deep-fried, it will still be delightfully crispy and flavorful.
- Baking: You can also bake the chicken for a hands-off approach. Follow the marinating and dredging steps, then arrange the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown, flipping halfway.
- Pan-Frying: If you prefer not to deep-fry, you can pan-fry the chicken in a shallow layer of oil in a skillet until golden and crispy on all sides.
- Adjust the Spice Level: The heat of the Bang Bang sauce is easily adjustable.
- Less Spicy: Reduce the amount of sriracha or omit it entirely if you prefer a milder, sweeter sauce.
- More Spicy: Increase the sriracha to your liking, or add a pinch of red chili flakes, a dash of cayenne pepper, or a few drops of chili oil to the sauce for an extra fiery kick.
- Garnishes Galore: Beyond green onions, consider these delicious additions:
- Toasted sesame seeds for nutty flavor and crunch.
- A sprinkle of fresh cilantro for herbaceous freshness.
- Chopped peanuts or cashews for added texture and richness.
- A wedge of lime for an extra squeeze of citrus before serving.
- Vegetarian/Vegan Option: You can easily adapt this recipe to be meat-free. Replace chicken with cubed extra-firm tofu (pressed and drained well), cauliflower florets, or even firm paneer. Marinate and fry as directed, then toss with the sauce. For a vegan version, swap Miracle Whip/mayo for a vegan mayonnaise.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bang Bang Chicken
Here are some common questions about making and enjoying Bang Bang Chicken:
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work wonderfully if you prefer a leaner meat option. When using chicken breasts, just be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out more quickly than thighs. Thighs are generally more forgiving and retain juiciness even if slightly overcooked.
Yes, you certainly can for a lighter twist! To air-fry, dredge the marinated chicken pieces in cornstarch as directed. Then, lightly spray them with cooking oil. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 12–15 minutes, making sure to shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking and crisping. While the texture won’t be identical to traditional deep-fried chicken, it will still be wonderfully crispy and incredibly delicious.
Bang Bang Chicken usually has a delightful kick, primarily from the sriracha in the sauce. It’s generally more of a sweet-and-spicy balance than intensely hot. You have full control over the heat level; simply adjust the amount of sriracha you add to the sauce to make it as mild or as fiery as you prefer.
Store any leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, the best method is to use an air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. Microwaving is possible but will likely result in softer chicken.
Absolutely! The chicken can be marinated overnight, which is highly recommended for deeper flavor. The Bang Bang sauce can also be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This makes assembling the dish on a busy weeknight much quicker and easier.
Other Delicious Chicken Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this Bang Bang Chicken, you’re sure to find more favorites among our collection of chicken recipes:
Grilled Chicken Shawarma
Grilled Bourbon Chicken
Grilled Chicken Teriyaki Skewers
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Bang Bang Chicken
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Pin
Rate
Appetizer, Main, Main Course
American, Asian
10
minutes
10
minutes
2
hours
4
343
kcal
Ingredients
Chicken
-
4
Chicken thighs
cubed, bite size
-
2
tbsp
Soy sauce
-
1
tsp
Mirin
-
2
tsp
Sesame oil
-
3
cloves
Garlic
minced
-
1
tbsp
Ginger
minced
-
1/2
tsp
Kosher salt
-
1/2
tsp
Black pepper
-
1
egg white
beaten
-
Cornstarch
-
Neutral oil
Bang Bang Sauce
-
1/2
cup
Miracle whip
-
1/4
cup
Thai sweet chili sauce
-
3
tbsp
Sriracha sauce
-
1
tbsp
Lemon juice
freshly squeezed
Garnish
-
Green onions
cut on a bias
Instructions
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In a bowl, combined diced chicken with the soy sauce, mirin, sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, egg white, and salt and pepper.4 Chicken thighs,
2 tbsp Soy sauce,
1 tsp Mirin,
2 tsp Sesame oil,
3 cloves Garlic,
1 tbsp Ginger,
1/2 tsp Kosher salt,
1/2 tsp Black pepper,
1 egg white -
Mix to combine well and allow to marinated for 2 hours to overnight.
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In another bowl whisk all the bang bang sauce ingredients together until well combined. Refrigerate until you’re ready to use.1/2 cup Miracle whip,
1/4 cup Thai sweet chili sauce,
3 tbsp Sriracha sauce,
1 tbsp Lemon juice -
Dredge the chicken in the cornstarch, coating it well. Deep fry in batches for 5 to 6 minutes. Remove and place on paper towels or wire rack.Cornstarch,
Neutral oil -
Toss the fried chicken with the bang bang sauce, coating evenly.
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Optionally garnish with green onion. Serve and enjoy.
Nutrition
Calories:
343
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
16
g
|
Protein:
21
g
|
Fat:
22
g
|
Saturated Fat:
6
g
|
Polyunsaturated Fat:
5
g
|
Monounsaturated Fat:
9
g
|
Trans Fat:
0.1
g
|
Cholesterol:
114
mg
|
Sodium:
1571
mg
|
Potassium:
316
mg
|
Fiber:
1
g
|
Sugar:
12
g
|
Vitamin A:
128
IU
|
Vitamin C:
10
mg
|
Calcium:
20
mg
|
Iron:
1
mg