Bang Bang Chicken Fried Recipe

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The Comfort of Bang Bang Chicken Fried Recipe

There’s something truly satisfying about a dish that marries crispy, golden fried chicken with a spicy-sweet sauce that lingers just long enough on your palate. The Bang Bang Chicken Fried Recipe is one of those classics that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I love how the combination of crunchy panko exterior and velvety, aromatic sauce creates a joyful melody of textures and flavors in every bite.

When I first made this recipe, I was drawn to how straightforward it is without skimping on flavor. You don’t need a ton of fancy ingredients—just simple pantry staples and a little patience in the frying pan. By the time you’re done, you’ll notice that irresistible balance: crispy, tender chicken coupled with a luscious, tangy coating that’s never overwhelming but always attention-grabbing.

Whether you’re planning a casual weeknight dinner or want to impress a crowd at your next gathering, this recipe is a winner. So grab your apron, and let’s dive in to what makes the Bang Bang Chicken Fried Recipe such a comforting favorite.

Ingredient Guide

• Mayonnaise: Adds velvety creaminess to balance the heat in the sauce.
• Sweet chili sauce: Provides that signature sweet-heat punch, easily swapped for spicy plum sauce if you prefer.
• Hot sauce (Sriracha): Brings fiery heat and a touch of tang; adjust to your spice tolerance.
• Honey: Rounds out the sauce with gentle sweetness and depth.
• Chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easy dipping.
• Flour & cornstarch: The combo creates an ultra-crispy coating that’s light and crackly.
• Garlic powder & smoked paprika: Aromatic spices that add warmth and color.
• Buttermilk: Tenderizes chicken while giving the batter a subtle tang; regular milk with a squeeze of lemon works in a pinch.
• Egg: Helps bind the batter together for even coverage.
• Panko breadcrumbs: Essential for that crispy, flaky crust you crave.
• Vegetable oil: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point for perfect frying.

Prep Before You Begin

Timing is everything when working with fried chicken, and the beauty of this Bang Bang Chicken Fried Recipe is that you can pace yourself. Prepare the sauce ahead of time and pop it in the fridge so the flavors meld while you work on the chicken. Mise en place is your best friend here—measure spices, flour, and buttermilk before dipping your chicken. Set aside a spacious plate for breading and a cooling rack or paper towels for draining the fried pieces. With everything at arm’s reach, you’ll breeze through the steps confidently and keep the oil at the perfect temperature steadily.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Fried Recipe

1. Whisk the sauce: Start by combining mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, and honey in a bowl. Season it lightly with salt and pepper. This sauce is your golden ticket—smooth, shiny, and bursting with spicy-sweet aroma. Pop it in the fridge to let the flavors meld while you tackle the chicken.
2. Prepare the batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, hot sauce, egg, and buttermilk until smooth. This batter should be thick yet fluid enough to coat the chicken evenly, giving it that perfect texture once fried.
3. Coat the chicken: Toss your bite-sized chicken pieces in the batter, making sure every bit is thoroughly covered in the aromatic mix. The batter acts like a flavor sponge and a crisping agent, so don’t rush this step.
4. Bread carefully: Pour panko breadcrumbs into a separate bowl. Dredge each battered chicken piece, gently pressing breadcrumbs onto the surface. You’ll notice the difference that panko makes — lighter, flaky crust that crisps up beautifully instead of turning dense.

5. Heat your oil just right: Use about ½ inch of vegetable oil heated over medium-high. To test when it’s ready, drop a small breadcrumb in—if it sizzles and floats, you’re set. Maintaining consistent heat prevents soggy chicken or burnt bits.
6. Fry in batches: Don’t crowd the pan; too many pieces will lower the temperature and lead to greasy, less crisp chicken. Fry each batch about 3 minutes per side until deep golden and cooked through. The sizzle and aroma are a clear sign it’s cooking beautifully.
7. Drain & rest: Transfer fried chicken to paper towels to soak up extra oil. Let it rest for a couple of minutes before drizzling the Bang Bang sauce. This helps keep the crust crisp rather than getting soggy.
8. Serve immediately: You’ll enjoy the contrast of hot crispy chicken with smooth, cool sauce drizzled over. It’s a divine balance every time.

Creative Variations for Bang Bang Chicken Fried Recipe

• Add toasted sesame seeds to the panko for an extra nutty crunch and subtle aroma.
• Swap chicken breasts for thighs to get juicier, more flavorful bites.
• Mix fresh lime juice into the sauce for a zesty, bright twist that cuts through richness.
• Try a coconut milk batter instead of buttermilk for a subtle tropical flavor and crispy finish.
• Use a mixture of smoked paprika and cayenne pepper to dial up the smoky spice character.
• Serve alongside a crisp Asian slaw or steamed jasmine rice for a fuller meal experience.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating

• Storage: Keep leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; sauce separate for best texture.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken pieces on a baking tray, then transfer to zip bags; lasts well up to 1 month.
• Reheating: Reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven on a wire rack to restore crispiness, about 10-12 minutes.
• Sauce: Always add sauce fresh on serving day to keep that bright, contrasting flavor intact.

Bang Bang Chicken Fried Recipe FAQs

• Can I use frozen chicken? It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken for even cooking and better batter adhesion.
• Why add cornstarch with flour? Cornstarch keeps the coating crispier and lighter than flour alone.
• How spicy is this recipe? You can adjust the hot sauce amount in both batter and sauce for your preferred heat level.
• Can I bake instead of fry? Yes, but frying yields that signature crunch. Baking works but results in a softer crust.
• What can I serve it with? This chicken pairs beautifully with steamed rice, simple greens, or even in a sandwich.

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