Oh boy, do I have a treat for you today! If you’re in the mood for something delightfully crispy, spicy, and creamy all at once, let me introduce you to my all-time favorite: Bang Bang Chicken! This dish is the kind of finger-licking delight that brings back so many memories of gathering around with friends and family during game nights or movie marathons.
One whiff of these crispy chicken wings glazed with that irresistible Bang Bang sauce, and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a bustling street market. I remember the first time I made this dish; I was a little skeptical, thinking it might be too spicy, but the balanced flavors of the sweet chili sauce and mayonnaise mixed with the kick of sriracha created the perfect harmony. Now, I can hardly serve wings without making this sauce—it’s a crowd-pleaser, trust me!
What’s in Bang Bang Chicken?
Let’s dive into what makes this recipe shine. Here’s a breakdown of each ingredient, along with a few of my personal notes!
Chicken Wings: You can use 1 lb chicken wings, which are traditionally used for this dish, or opt for boneless chicken thighs if you prefer. Either way, they are going to get crispy and juicy.
All-Purpose Flour and Cornstarch: These are the magic dust that create that ultra-crispy coating! I love mixing them together for the perfect texture.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: They provide that savory background flavor that practically has everyone asking for seconds.
Spices (Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika): A little seasoning goes a long way. Paprika adds a smoky hint that I adore!
Eggs: Beaten eggs help the flour and cornstarch mixture stick to the chicken.
Oil for Frying: I typically use vegetable oil for frying, but peanut oil is fabulous if you’re looking for something with a high smoke point and a touch of flavor.
Bang Bang Sauce Ingredients: Oh, the sauce! This is where the magic really happens—mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, honey, and garlic powder come together for a creamy, spicy symphony. You’ll want to grab a spoon and eat this sauce right out of the bowl—it’s that good!
Garnishes: Sliced green onions and sesame seeds not only add a beautiful pop of color but also a lovely nutty taste that complements the dish.
Is Bang Bang Chicken Good for You?
Alright, let’s chat about the health angle here. While fried foods can sometimes get a bad rap, there are ways to navigate the splurge.
Chicken Wings: They are a great source of protein, but moderation is key because they can be high in fat; opting for light dipping sauces can help balance things out.
Sweet Chili Sauce: It adds a sweet flavor but can be higher in sugar, so keep an eye on portion sizes.
Sriracha: This spicy condiment does contain some calories but brings a lot of flavor and metabolism-boosting heat to the table.
If you’re looking for a healthier twist, baking the wings instead of frying them can greatly reduce the oil consumption while still yielding those crispy edges.
Ingredients
– 1 lb chicken wings (or boneless chicken thighs)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– 2 eggs, beaten
– Oil for frying
– **For Bang Bang Sauce:**
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
– 2 tbsp sriracha (adjust for spice level)
– 1 tsp rice vinegar
– 1 tsp honey
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)
– **Garnishes:**
– Sliced green onions
– Sesame seeds (optional)
This recipe serves about 4 people, depending on how hungry everyone is.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken?
Let’s get cooking, shall we?
1. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika. This will be the crispy coating for your wings!
2. In another bowl, beat the eggs until well mixed.
3. Take each chicken wing and dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then roll it in the flour-cornstarch mixture until well-coated.
4. In a deep frying pan, heat the oil over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to fry, but not smoking.
5. Fry the chicken wings in batches (don’t overcrowd the pan) until they are golden brown and crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Make sure to check that the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (75°C).
6. Once cooked, remove the chicken and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain off that excess oil.
7. Now it’s time for the Bang Bang Sauce! In a bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, honey, and garlic powder until smooth and well-combined.
8. In a large mixing bowl, toss the fried chicken wings with the Bang Bang sauce until they’re fully coated.
9. Plate those beauties and drizzle with some extra sauce if you’re feeling adventurous. Don’t forget to garnish with sliced green onions and sprinkle some sesame seeds on top!
10. Serve immediately! This dish is best enjoyed while it’s hot, with extra sauce on the side—trust me, you want that for dipping.
Let’s Get Creative!
If you’re like me and love experimenting in the kitchen, consider some variations! For a healthier approach, bake the chicken wings at 400°F (200°C) for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, before tossing them in the sauce. Want to turn up the heat? Adjust the spice level in the sauce by adding more or less sriracha.
Feel free to pair these wings with a crisp salad or some fresh veggies for a refreshing contrast. And remember, I’d love to hear your take on this—so when you make Bang Bang Chicken, snap a photo and share!
