Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Description

Bang Bang Chicken is a flavorful, spicy, and slightly sweet dish that originated in Sichuan, China, but has gained popularity worldwide. This dish features tender shredded or crispy chicken coated in a creamy, nutty, and spicy sauce, creating an explosion of flavors in every bite. Whether served cold in its traditional style or fried for a Western twist, this recipe guarantees a delicious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 chicken thighs)
• 2 cups water (for poaching) OR 1 cup buttermilk (for frying)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika (for frying version)
• ½ cup cornstarch (for frying version)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (for frying version)
• 1 egg (for frying version)
• Oil (for frying, if applicable)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced

For Garnishing:

• 2 tablespoons chopped peanuts or sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon chopped green onions or cilantro
• ½ cup julienned cucumber (optional)

Small Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • For Traditional Poached Chicken: Bring water to a boil with salt. Add chicken and simmer for 12-15 minutes until fully cooked. Let cool and shred.
   • For Crispy Fried Chicken: Soak the chicken in buttermilk for 30 minutes. Dredge in flour-cornstarch mixture and beaten egg. Fry at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown.

2. Make the Sauce:

   • In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic.

3. Assemble the Dish:

   • Toss the chicken with the sauce until fully coated.
   • Garnish with peanuts, sesame seeds, green onions, and cucumber.

4. Serve & Enjoy:

   • Serve cold for the authentic version or warm if using fried chicken.