Description
Crispy, golden chicken tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce, delivering a flavorful bang of heat and sweetness in every irresistibly crunchy bite.
Ingredients
Marinating for Flavor
One of the key techniques in making Bang Bang Chicken is marinating the chicken. A good marinade infuses flavor deep into the meat, enhancing its overall taste. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or ideally overnight, to achieve maximum flavor absorption.
Double Breading Technique
For that signature crunch, use a double breading technique. Dip the marinated chicken pieces first in flour, then in an egg mixture, and finally coat them in breadcrumbs. This ensures a crispy exterior when fried, making your Bang Bang Chicken irresistibly crunchy.
Perfect Frying Temperature
Maintaining the right frying temperature is crucial. Heat the oil to around 350°F (175°C) before adding the coated chicken. This ensures that the chicken cooks quickly and evenly while preventing it from becoming greasy.
Creating the Sauce
The sauce is what truly makes Bang Bang Chicken pop. Mixing mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce creates a creamy and spicy dressing that complements the crispy chicken. Balance the flavors with a touch of lime juice for brightness.
Instructions
Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This ensures they cook evenly and become tender and crispy. Using a sharp knife will make this process easier and safer. Once cut, place the pieces in a mixing bowl, ready for marination.
In the same bowl, add a delightful mix of spices and ingredients. Combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper for a flavor infusion. Add a splash of soy sauce for depth and mix it all together, ensuring every piece of chicken is thoroughly coated. Let this sit for at least 30 minutes—this marination process is where the magic happens! Your chicken will soak up all those zesty flavors.
Next, set up your breading station. Get three shallow dishes ready: one with flour, another with beaten eggs, and the third with breadcrumbs mixed with a hint of cornstarch for that extra crunch. Take each marinated chicken piece, dredge it in flour first, dip it in the egg wash, and then coat it with breadcrumbs. Make sure to press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken firmly for maximum crunchiness.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want that oil hot enough so that the chicken sizzles upon contact. Carefully add the breaded chicken pieces in a single layer—don’t overcrowd the pan! Fry until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes on each side. The aroma will fill your kitchen, and you won’t be able to resist snacking on a piece or two.
In a separate bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a dash of sriracha for that extra kick. Mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy. This sauce elevates your Bang Bang Chicken to a whole new level with its sweet and spicy profile that complements the crispy chicken perfectly.
Once your chicken is perfectly crispy, remove it from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. In a large bowl, carefully toss the chicken with the Bang Bang Sauce until evenly coated. Serve this deliciousness with fresh vegetables or over a bed of rice for a complete meal that will have everyone at the table reaching for more.
Notes
Adjust Spice Levels
Feel free to modify the amount of sriracha in the sauce according to your heat preference. Less for a milder taste or more for a fiery kick!
Cooking in Batches
If you have more chicken than fits in your skillet, cook in batches to maintain that crunchy texture. Keeping the temperature steady ensures even cooking.
Make Ahead
You can marinate the chicken a few hours ahead of time. Just remember to cover it well and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to deepen, making your Bang Bang Chicken even more delicious.