The aroma of crispy chicken wafting through the air is enough to make anyone weak in the knees. Picture this: succulent chicken thighs coated in a crunchy batter that leaves you wanting more with each bite. The sweet and spicy Sauce brings everything together, creating a dish that’s as comforting as it is exciting.
I still remember the first time I made Crispy Bang Bang Chicken for my friends; they devoured it like it was their last meal on Earth! This dish is perfect for parties, cozy dinners, or just one of those days when you need a little culinary sunshine. Trust me; your taste buds are in for a treat!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This crispy bang bang chicken recipe combines an easy preparation method with an explosion of flavor that will wow your dinner guests
- Its visual appeal makes it a centerpiece on any table, enticing everyone to dig in
- Plus, you can easily adapt the spice level to suit your taste preferences!
Sharing this dish at gatherings has always led to cheers and second servings—who doesn’t love crispy chicken?
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: Thighs provide juiciness and flavor compared to breasts; opt for organic if possible.
- All-Purpose Flour: This is essential for creating that lovely crispy coating; no fancy flours here!
- Rice Flour: Adding rice flour gives an extra crunch—it’s my secret weapon for texture.
- Cornstarch: This lightens the batter and enhances crispiness when frying; don’t skip it!
- Eggs: These help bind the flour mixture to the chicken; fresh eggs work best.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple but vital seasonings that enhance overall flavor.
For the Sauce:
- Sriracha Sauce: For that kick of heat—adjust based on how spicy you want it!
- Mayonnaise: Creamy goodness that balances out the heat perfectly—trust me on this one.
- Honey: Adds sweetness to complement the spice; pure honey works best!
- Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice brightens up all the flavors.
- Garlic Powder: A touch of garlic elevates the sauce’s flavor profile significantly.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
**Prepare Your Workspace**: Start by gathering all your ingredients and tools like mixing bowls and frying pans. It makes things easier when you’re ready to cook!
**Marinate the Chicken**: In a bowl, combine chicken thighs with salt and pepper; let them marinate while you prepare other ingredients. This step ensures maximum flavor infusion.
**Prepare the Battering Station**: Set up three bowls—one with flour mixed with cornstarch, another with beaten eggs, and a third with rice flour. This creates a well-organized assembly line.
**Coat the Chicken**: Dip each thigh into flour first, then egg wash, followed by rice flour. Press firmly so each piece gets well-coated—this step is crucial for crispiness!
**Heat Up Your Oil**: Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet until it’s about 1 inch deep. Heat over medium-high until shimmering but not smoking—a good sign it’s ready for frying.
**Fry the Chicken**: Carefully add coated chicken pieces to hot oil in batches. Fry until golden brown on both sides—this should take about 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness.
**Make Your Sauce**: While chicken fries, mix Sriracha sauce, mayonnaise, honey, lime juice, and garlic powder in a bowl until smooth—a little taste will confirm you’re onto something delicious!
Once everything’s cooked and sauced up beautifully, plate your crispy bang bang chicken and watch it disappear faster than free samples at Costco!
You Must Know
- Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is not just a dish; it’s a flavor explosion
- The crunchy texture paired with spicy-sweet sauce makes it irresistible
- Remember, getting the chicken crispy is the key, and don’t skimp on garnishes for that perfect finish!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating your chicken to infuse flavor, then coat it in cornstarch for an unbeatable crunch. Fry until golden brown before tossing in the bang bang sauce for a mouthwatering finish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to switch up the protein—shrimp or tofu work great too. Add extra spices like cayenne for heat or sesame seeds for crunch to personalize your dish and make it uniquely yours.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Crispy Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to restore its crispiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly crispy chicken, ensure it’s completely dry before coating
- Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature for even cooking
- Don’t rush the frying process; patience yields better results and flavor!
Cooking this Crispy Bang Bang Chicken reminded me of family gatherings, where friends would devour everything in sight and ask for seconds. Those laughter-filled moments are what I cherish most!
FAQ
Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Shrimp or cauliflower also work wonderfully with bang bang sauce.
How can I make this dish less spicy?
Reduce the amount of Sriracha or use a milder chili sauce instead.
What can I serve with Crispy Bang Bang Chicken?
Pair it with steamed rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is a mouthwatering delight featuring juicy chicken thighs enveloped in a crunchy coating, perfectly balanced with a sweet and spicy sauce that will keep everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- All-purpose flour
- Rice flour
- Cornstarch
- Eggs
- Sriracha sauce
- Mayonnaise
- Honey
- Lime juice
- Garlic powder
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken thighs in salt and pepper for enhanced flavor.
- Set up three bowls: one with a mix of all-purpose flour and cornstarch, one with beaten eggs, and one with rice flour.
- Coat each chicken thigh sequentially in flour, egg wash, and rice flour for maximum crunch.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet until shimmering (about 1 inch deep).
- Fry the coated chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through (5-7 minutes per side).
- Meanwhile, whisk together Sriracha, mayonnaise, honey, lime juice, and garlic powder to create the bang bang sauce.
- Toss fried chicken in the sauce before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (85g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 85mg