How to Make Bang Bang Chicken at Home

Bang Bang Chicken

Bang Bang Chicken is a vibrant, flavorful dish that brings together perfectly cooked chicken with a creamy, spicy sauce that excites your taste buds. This recipe is not only delicious but also simple enough to whip up on a weeknight, making it a perfect choice for anyone wanting to learn how to make Bang Bang Chicken at home. With its blend of crunchy textures and bold flavors, this dish always becomes a family favorite and a guaranteed hit at any table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, ideal for busy days when you want something tasty fast.
  • Flavorful and Balanced: Combines creamy, spicy, and sweet notes for a mouthwatering experience.
  • Versatile: Perfect as a main course, salad topping, or even a wrap filling.
  • Healthy Ingredients: Lean chicken breast paired with fresh vegetables and a flavorful sauce.
  • Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice level to match your taste preferences effortlessly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Bang Bang Chicken are simple and easily available, working together to create a dish bursting with contrasting flavors and textures. Each component, from the tender chicken to the creamy sauce, plays a vital role in delivering the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and crunch.

  • Chicken Breast: The lean protein base, tender and juicy when cooked right.
  • Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and helps marry the flavors in the sauce.
  • Sriracha Sauce: Brings the classic spicy kick essential for Bang Bang Chicken.
  • Honey: Balances the heat by adding a sweet touch to the sauce.
  • Rice Vinegar: Provides mild acidity to brighten and enhance the sauce.
  • Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle, savory depth that’s key in the sauce mix.
  • Green Onions: Adds freshness and a mild crunch in the final dish.
  • Sesame Seeds: For garnish and a little extra nuttiness.
  • Vegetable Oil: Used for cooking the chicken to a golden perfection.

Variations for Bang Bang Chicken

One of the best things about Bang Bang Chicken is how easily you can tweak the recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs. Whether you want it lighter, spicier, or packed with veggies, these variations can inspire your next kitchen adventure.

  • Grilled Bang Bang Chicken: Swap pan-frying for grilling to get a smoky flavor and healthier cooking method.
  • Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with battered tofu or cauliflower florets for a meatless option.
  • Low Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or leafy greens instead of traditional sides.
  • Extra Crunch: Add crushed peanuts or fried wonton strips for an irresistible crunch.
  • Mild Sauce: Reduce the Sriracha and add more honey for a less spicy but still flavorful sauce.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken at Home

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by slicing the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces or strips, ensuring they cook evenly. Pat them dry with a paper towel to help achieve that delicious golden crust when frying.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in batches without crowding the pan. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Sriracha sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and garlic powder until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust ingredients as needed for your preferred balance of spicy, sweet, and tangy.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Add the cooked chicken to a large bowl, pour the Bang Bang sauce over it, and toss until every piece is fully coated in the creamy, spicy goodness.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top for that perfect fresh crunch and an appealing finish. Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or in a salad for a complete meal.

Pro Tips for Making Bang Bang Chicken

  • Use Fresh Chicken: Always start with fresh, high-quality chicken breast for the best texture.
  • Control Heat: Add Sriracha gradually, tasting as you go to avoid overpowering the dish.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches to ensure even browning and crispiness.
  • Make Sauce Ahead: Prepare the Bang Bang sauce in advance to save time on busy nights.
  • Serve Immediately: For the best flavor and texture, serve the dish as soon as it’s mixed and garnished.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken

Garnishes

Fresh green onions and toasted sesame seeds add vibrant color and a subtle crunch that elevate the dish’s presentation and flavor. You can also add thinly sliced red chili or fresh cilantro for an extra flavor boost.

Side Dishes

Bang Bang Chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, crisp stir-fried vegetables, or a refreshing cucumber salad. These sides help balance the dish’s bold flavors and make for a complete, satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Bang Bang Chicken in lettuce wraps for a fun, low-carb meal or use it as a topping for a creamy noodle bowl. It’s also fantastic layered in tacos or pita pockets for a vibrant lunch or dinner twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate if possible to maintain the chicken’s texture and crispness.

Freezing

While not ideal to freeze with the sauce, you can freeze cooked chicken pieces on their own in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating, then toss with fresh sauce.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet or microwave, preferably without the sauce. Once warm, stir in freshly made Bang Bang sauce to keep flavors bright and textures enjoyable.

FAQs

What does Bang Bang Chicken taste like?

Bang Bang Chicken delivers a unique balance of creamy, spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors, with juicy chicken pieces coated in a luscious, zesty sauce that has a pleasant kick of heat.

Is Bang Bang Chicken traditionally spicy?

Yes, traditionally it has a bit of spice due to the inclusion of Sriracha or chili sauce, but the heat level is easily adjustable to suit personal preferences.

Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Shrimp, tofu, or even cauliflower are great alternatives, making this a versatile recipe suitable for various dietary needs and preferences.

How do I make Bang Bang Chicken gluten-free?

Simply ensure your mayonnaise and Sriracha sauce are gluten-free, and avoid any soy sauce in sides or variations unless labeled gluten-free.

What’s the best way to serve Bang Bang Chicken?

It’s fantastic over steamed rice, tossed with noodles, or served atop a fresh green salad. The creamy sauce pairs well with mild, simple sides that let the chicken shine.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how to make Bang Bang Chicken at home, it’s time to get cooking and enjoy this crowd-pleasing dish bursting with flavor and texture. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, a family dinner, or entertaining friends, this recipe is sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face and keep them coming back for more. So grab your ingredients and dive into the tasty world of Bang Bang Chicken tonight!

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Bang Bang Chicken

Bang Bang Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring tender, juicy chicken breast pieces coated in a creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for weeknight meals and can be served as a main course, salad topping, or wrap filling. With crunchy green onions and a garnish of sesame seeds, this dish offers a perfect balance of textures and bold flavors that will excite your taste buds and become a family favorite.

  • Author: Mary
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Pan-frying
  • Cuisine: Asian-American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1 lb chicken breast, sliced into bite-sized pieces or strips
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, for cooking

Bang Bang Sauce

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Garnishes

  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces or strips to ensure even cooking. Pat them dry with a paper towel to help achieve a golden, crispy crust when frying.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add chicken pieces in batches without overcrowding the pan. Cook each side for 3-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  3. Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Sriracha sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and garlic powder until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust the balance of spicy, sweet, and tangy to your preference.
  4. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Place the cooked chicken into a large bowl, pour the Bang Bang sauce over it, and toss until every piece is fully coated with the creamy, spicy sauce.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top for freshness and crunch. Serve immediately over steamed rice, noodles, or in a salad for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Use fresh, high-quality chicken breast for the best texture and flavor.
  • Add Sriracha sauce gradually and taste frequently to control the heat level.
  • Cook chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even browning and crispiness.
  • Make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time to save preparation time on busy nights.
  • Serve the dish immediately after mixing and garnishing to enjoy optimal flavor and texture.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg

Keywords: Bang Bang Chicken, spicy chicken, creamy chicken sauce, quick dinner, Asian-inspired chicken, gluten free chicken recipe

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