Bang Bang Chicken – thestayathomechef.com

Give your taste buds a treat with our scrumptious Bang Bang Chicken recipe! This dish offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it an instant hit at any gathering.

A fork with a piece of bang bang chicken on it.

Dive into a world of incredible flavors and textures with our Bang Bang Chicken recipe, a culinary adventure your family will love! This delightful dish features tender, crispy fried chicken bites enveloped in a luscious, tangy, and mildly sweet sauce that will leave your taste buds dancing. Inspired by the rich and diverse flavors of Chinese cuisine, this Westernized version pays homage to its roots while delivering a unique and scrumptious culinary experience you’ll adore. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to impress and become a regular feature in your meal rotation.

History of Bang Bang Chicken

Bang Bang Chicken has its roots in Chinese cuisine, particularly in the Sichuan Province. Traditionally, the dish is made by pounding cooked chicken with a wooden stick or mallet, which is how it got its name – “bang bang” refers to the sound of the stick hitting the chicken. In the Westernized version, the chicken is coated and fried, and then served with a delicious sauce that combines elements of both Chinese and American flavors.

Cooking Tips

Do not let the egg white/panko mixture sit too long. The panko crumbs will lose their structure. It is best to coat and fry the chicken very quickly.
When frying, be sure to maintain the oil temperature at around 350°F to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture.
Fry the chicken in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pot, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken.

Can I use black pepper instead of white pepper?

Yes, you can use black pepper instead of white pepper. The main difference between the two is that white pepper has a milder taste, while black pepper has a stronger flavor. If you prefer a more robust flavor, feel free to use black pepper.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Bang Bang Chicken as an appetizer or main dish, accompanied by steamed jasmine rice, a side of fresh vegetables, or a simple green salad.

Overhead view of a black bowl filled with bang bang chicken.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Related Recipes

If you like this recipe, you may be interested in these other delicious Asian-inspired recipes:

Give your taste buds a treat with our scrumptious Bang Bang Chicken recipe! This dish offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it an instant hit at any gathering.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
3 egg whites
1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
Vegetable oil for frying
1/4 cup sliced green onions optional

Bang Bang Sauce:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
Sriracha sauce to taste
1 tablespoon honey

Instructions

Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey. Stir until smooth and combined. Set aside.
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together egg whites, panko bread crumbs, cornstarch, salt, and white pepper. Submerge the chicken breast pieces in the mixture and set aside.
Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F.
Fry the chicken pieces in small batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.
Drain the fried chicken on a paper towel-lined plate.
Toss the fried chicken pieces with the Bang Bang Sauce. Serve immediately and garnish with sliced green onions, if desired.