Savor the Flavor of Bang Bang Chicken at Home

Introduction

Bang bang chicken is a delightful dish that marries crispy chicken with a creamy, spicy sauce. Originating from Chinese cuisine, this dish has gained popularity for its bold flavors and satisfying texture.

The name 'bang bang' comes from the sound made when the chicken is tenderized, but it’s also a fitting description of the flavor explosion you’ll experience with each bite. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer for gatherings.

With a few simple ingredients, you can recreate this restaurant favorite in your own kitchen. The combination of sweet, spicy, and savory elements creates a dish that’s sure to impress both family and friends.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 green onions, finely sliced
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Directions & Preparation

1. Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, ensuring that all pieces are uniform for even cooking.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well to create the coating for the chicken.
3. Toss the chicken pieces in the cornstarch mixture until they are well-coated, shaking off any excess.
4. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken pieces in a single layer, ensuring they do not overcrowd the pan.
5. Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. You may need to do this in batches to avoid steaming the chicken.
6. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the bang bang sauce by combining the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a bowl. Stir until smooth and well-blended.
7. Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
8. In a large mixing bowl, toss the crispy chicken pieces with the prepared bang bang sauce until they are evenly coated.
9. Serve the bang bang chicken garnished with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Enjoy it warm as an appetizer or main dish.

FAQs

What if my chicken isn’t crispy enough?

Ensure that the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken, and avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause steaming.

Can I make the sauce less spicy?

Reduce the amount of sriracha in the sauce to your taste, or omit it entirely for a milder flavor.

What can I do if my sauce is too thick?

Add a teaspoon of water or additional rice vinegar to thin it out until you reach your desired consistency.

How can I make the dish healthier?

Consider baking the chicken instead of frying it for a lighter version, and use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.

Are there any good substitutions for the sweet chili sauce?

You can substitute sweet chili sauce with a mix of honey and soy sauce for a similar sweetness.

What can I do if my chicken is overcooked?

If the chicken is dry, try serving it with extra sauce on the side to add moisture and flavor.

Conclusion

Bang bang chicken brings a unique taste experience to your table, with its contrasting flavors and textures. Once you master this dish, it will quickly become a favorite in your household.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with the sauce or add your favorite vegetables for a personalized touch. Enjoy the process of cooking and savor every flavorful bite!

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Savor the Flavor of Bang Bang Chicken at Home

bang bang chicken made approachable with clear cues, pantry staples, and flexible swaps.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 green onions finely sliced
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Instructions

• Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, ensuring that all pieces are uniform for even cooking.
• In a mixing bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well to create the coating for the chicken.
• Toss the chicken pieces in the cornstarch mixture until they are well-coated, shaking off any excess.
• In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken pieces in a single layer, ensuring they do not overcrowd the pan.
• Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. You may need to do this in batches to avoid steaming the chicken.
• While the chicken is cooking, prepare the bang bang sauce by combining the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a bowl. Stir until smooth and well-blended.
• Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
• In a large mixing bowl, toss the crispy chicken pieces with the prepared bang bang sauce until they are evenly coated.
• Serve the bang bang chicken garnished with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Enjoy it warm as an appetizer or main dish.

Notes

Additional serving suggestions: pair with a crisp salad, garlic bread, or roasted seasonal vegetables for balance.

For make-ahead, prep components separately and assemble just before heating to preserve texture.

Taste and adjust with acid (lemon/vinegar) and salt right at the end to wake up flavors.