Bang Bang Chicken: The Ultimate Recipe and Guide

Bang Bang Chicken: Prepare to have your taste buds tantalized! This isn’t just another chicken recipe; it’s an explosion of flavor that will leave you craving more. Imagine succulent, shredded chicken coated in a creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce – that’s the magic of Bang Bang Chicken.

While the exact origins are debated, many believe this dish hails from Sichuan cuisine, known for its bold and complex flavors. The “bang bang” name is thought to refer to the sound of the cleaver used to tenderize the chicken, a technique that ensures each bite is perfectly soft and juicy. Over time, this dish has evolved and been embraced across various cultures, each adding its own unique twist.

What makes Bang Bang Chicken so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of textures and tastes. The tender chicken, the creamy sauce, the subtle heat, and the hint of sweetness all come together in perfect harmony. It’s also incredibly versatile! Serve it over rice, noodles, or even in lettuce wraps for a lighter option. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make at home, meaning you can enjoy this restaurant-quality dish whenever the craving strikes. Get ready to experience a culinary adventure!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, for cooking
• For the Bang Bang Sauce:
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon water (or more, to thin)
• For the Slaw (Optional, but highly recommended!):
• 4 cups shredded cabbage (green and/or red)
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• For Garnish:
• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions
• Crushed peanuts (optional)

Preparing the Chicken:

Okay, let’s get started with the chicken. This is the foundation of our Bang Bang Chicken masterpiece, so let’s treat it right!

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, grated ginger, garlic powder, and white pepper. Make sure every piece of chicken is nicely coated. This marinade is going to tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or even better, for an hour in the refrigerator. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will be!
2. Heat the Oil: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be hot enough to sear the chicken quickly, but not so hot that it burns. A good way to test is to drop a tiny piece of chicken into the oil; if it sizzles immediately, you’re good to go.
3. Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken to the hot skillet in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the chicken will steam instead of sear. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and nicely browned. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
4. Remove and Set Aside: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Making the Bang Bang Sauce:

Now for the star of the show – the Bang Bang Sauce! This sauce is what makes this dish so addictive. It’s creamy, sweet, spicy, and tangy all at the same time. Don’t be afraid to adjust the ingredients to your liking!

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
2. Adjust the Consistency: Add water, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. I like mine to be easily pourable, but not too thin.
3. Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. If you want it spicier, add more sriracha. If you want it sweeter, add more honey. If you want it tangier, add more rice vinegar. This is your chance to customize the sauce to your perfect palate!

Preparing the Slaw (Optional):

The slaw is optional, but I highly recommend it! It adds a refreshing crunch and balances out the richness of the chicken and sauce. Plus, it’s super easy to make.

1. Combine the Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, and chopped cilantro.
2. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Dress the Slaw: Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to combine. Make sure everything is evenly coated.
4. Chill (Optional): For best results, let the slaw chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the cabbage to soften slightly.

Assembling the Bang Bang Chicken:

Alright, we’re in the home stretch! Time to put everything together and enjoy our delicious Bang Bang Chicken.

1. Combine Chicken and Sauce: In a large bowl, toss the cooked chicken with the Bang Bang Sauce until the chicken is evenly coated. Make sure every piece gets a generous helping of that amazing sauce!
2. Serve: Serve the Bang Bang Chicken immediately over rice, noodles, or the prepared slaw.
3. Garnish: Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and crushed peanuts (if using). These garnishes add a nice visual appeal and extra flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions:

• Over Rice: Serve the Bang Bang Chicken over a bed of steamed white rice or brown rice. The rice will soak up all that delicious sauce!
• With Noodles: Toss the Bang Bang Chicken with cooked noodles, such as lo mein or udon noodles.
• In Lettuce Wraps: Serve the Bang Bang Chicken in lettuce wraps for a lighter, healthier option.
• As an Appetizer: Serve the Bang Bang Chicken as an appetizer at your next party.

Tips and Tricks:

• Adjust the Spice Level: If you’re not a fan of spicy food, reduce the amount of sriracha in the Bang Bang Sauce. You can also add a pinch of sugar to balance out the heat.
• Make it Ahead: You can prepare the chicken, sauce, and slaw ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken and toss it with the sauce.
• Use Different Proteins: If you’re not a fan of chicken, you can use shrimp, tofu, or even cauliflower in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the slaw, such as bell peppers, cucumbers, or edamame.
• Storage: Store leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Variations:

• Bang Bang Shrimp: Substitute the chicken with 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Cook the shrimp in the same way as the chicken, until pink and opaque.
• Bang Bang Tofu: Use firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed to remove excess water. Cut the tofu into cubes and pan-fry or bake until golden brown. Toss with the Bang Bang Sauce.
• Bang Bang Cauliflower: Cut a head of cauliflower into florets and roast them in the oven until tender and slightly browned. Toss with the Bang Bang Sauce.
• Healthier Bang Bang Chicken: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in the Bang Bang Sauce for a healthier option. You can also use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit instead of honey.

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! This Bang Bang Chicken recipe is truly a must-try, and I’m not just saying that. The explosion of flavors, the satisfying crunch, and the overall ease of preparation make it a weeknight winner and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory, all wrapped up in a crispy, irresistible package. Trust me, once you make this, it will become a regular in your rotation.

But why is it so special? Beyond the incredible taste, this recipe offers a fantastic opportunity to impress your friends and family without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a dish that looks and tastes like it came from a restaurant, but you can whip it up in your own home with minimal effort. The vibrant colors and textures are visually appealing, making it a great option for dinner parties or potlucks. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile!

Speaking of versatility, let’s talk serving suggestions and variations. I love serving this Bang Bang Chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice or quinoa. The grains soak up all that delicious sauce, creating a truly satisfying meal. For a lighter option, try serving it over a bed of crisp lettuce with shredded carrots and cucumbers for a refreshing salad. You could even use it as a filling for lettuce wraps for a fun and interactive appetizer.

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of ways to customize this recipe to your liking. Want to kick up the heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce mixture. Prefer a sweeter flavor? Increase the amount of honey or maple syrup. You can also experiment with different types of protein. While chicken is the classic choice, shrimp, tofu, or even cauliflower florets would work beautifully.

For a vegetarian option, simply substitute the chicken with firm tofu, pressed to remove excess water and then cubed. Toss the tofu in cornstarch and pan-fry or bake until crispy before coating it in the Bang Bang sauce. You can also add some extra vegetables to the dish, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas, for added nutrients and flavor.

Another variation I enjoy is adding a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions as a garnish. This not only adds a touch of elegance but also enhances the nutty flavor of the dish. You can also experiment with different types of nuts, such as peanuts or cashews, for added crunch.

I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get cooking!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the magic of Bang Bang Chicken for yourself. Once you’ve made it, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any modifications? What did you serve it with? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below! Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create delicious and easy-to-follow recipes. Happy cooking!