Bang Bang Chicken Recipe: This irresistible Bang Bang Chicken recipe delivers a whirlwind of sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive appetizer. It offers a delightful restaurant-quality experience right in your own kitchen, making it incredibly useful for anyone craving a deliciously satisfying meal.
Key Ingredients for Bang Bang Chicken
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil, or other neutral high-heat oil
- For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (or more, to taste)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken
Prepare to be amazed by how easily this Bang Bang Chicken recipe comes together into a symphony of textures and tastes. With its straightforward preparation and incredibly satisfying creamy sauce, this dish is a weeknight winner, ready in under 30 minutes. Get ready for a flavor explosion that’s both simple and sensational!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the cut chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. This will help create a deliciously crispy exterior when cooked.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the coated chicken pieces in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure the chicken browns properly and gets crispy. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: While the chicken is cooking or draining, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, honey (if using), and minced garlic until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust the sriracha for your desired level of heat, or add a touch more honey if you prefer it sweeter.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Once all the chicken is cooked and drained, return it to the empty skillet (no need to clean it). Pour the prepared Bang Bang sauce over the chicken. Gently toss the chicken in the sauce until every piece is generously coated. Cook over low heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, just to heat the sauce through and allow it to cling beautifully to the chicken.
- Serve: Serve the Bang Bang Chicken immediately. It’s traditionally served over steamed rice, or it can be enjoyed as an appetizer on its own. Garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for an extra pop of flavor and texture.
Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Chicken
You’ll fall head over heels for this Bang Bang Chicken recipe because it masterfully balances a delightful kick of spice with a lusciously creamy sauce that coats every tender piece of chicken. Unlike many takeout options, this homemade version allows you to control the ingredients and achieve that perfect flavor profile, making it incredibly cost-effective without sacrificing any of the deliciousness. The addition of sweet chili and sriracha creates a flavor explosion that’s incredibly addictive, similar to the irresistible appeal of a classic Orange Chicken but with a bolder, spicier finish.
This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that brings a burst of excitement to your table. The simplicity of the preparation means you can whip up this restaurant-worthy dish even on your busiest nights, proving that fantastic flavor doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. So, why not ditch the delivery apps and unleash your inner chef with this sensational Bang Bang Chicken recipe? We promise you won’t be disappointed.
Storing and Reheating Tips
To store leftover Bang Bang Chicken, allow the dish to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate the leftovers for up to 3 days.
When reheating:
- On the Stovetop: This is the preferred method for preserving texture. Gently reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a tablespoon of water or a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much.
- In the Microwave: Reheat in a microwave-safe dish in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until hot. Be aware that microwaving can sometimes soften the crispy coating slightly.
For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked and sauced chicken. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop.
Final Thoughts
This Bang Bang Chicken recipe is truly a showstopper, offering an explosion of flavor that’s both comforting and exciting. Don’t hesitate to give this delightful dish a try; it’s surprisingly simple to make and guaranteed to become a new favorite!
Bang Bang Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, toss the cut chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. This will help create a deliciously crispy exterior when cooked.1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, 1/4 cup cornstarch, to taste salt, to taste freshly ground black pepper
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the coated chicken pieces in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure the chicken browns properly and gets crispy. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.1/4 cup vegetable oil, 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- While the chicken is cooking or draining, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, honey (if using), and minced garlic until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust the sriracha for your desired level of heat, or add a touch more honey if you prefer it sweeter.1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce, 1 tablespoon sriracha, 1 teaspoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon honey, 1 clove garlic
- Once all the chicken is cooked and drained, return it to the empty skillet (no need to clean it). Pour the prepared Bang Bang sauce over the chicken. Gently toss the chicken in the sauce until every piece is generously coated. Cook over low heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, just to heat the sauce through and allow it to cling beautifully to the chicken.1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Serve the Bang Bang Chicken immediately. It’s traditionally served over steamed rice, or it can be enjoyed as an appetizer on its own. Garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for an extra pop of flavor and texture.chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds