Bang Bang Chicken – have you ever encountered a dish so vibrantly delicious, so perfectly balanced in its explosion of flavors, that it leaves an indelible mark on your culinary memory? I am thrilled to introduce you to one such masterpiece, a true gem of Sichuan cuisine that has captivated palates worldwide. This iconic dish, with its intriguing name, has a rich history rooted in Chinese tradition, where street vendors would tenderize chicken with a stick, creating a distinctive “bang bang” sound – hence its unforgettable moniker.
What makes this Bang Bang Chicken so universally adored? It’s an exquisite symphony of textures and tastes. Imagine succulent, tender chicken, perfectly shredded and generously draped in an incredibly complex, yet harmoniously blended, sauce. This magical concoction typically features creamy peanut butter, fiery chili oil, aromatic sesame paste, a hint of garlic, and a touch of sweetness and tanginess, creating an irresistible dance on your tongue. It’s a dish that offers a comforting richness alongside an invigorating spicy kick, making it wonderfully versatile for any occasion. Prepare to fall in love with its unique allure!
Ingredients:
- For the Poached Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1.5 pounds total)
- 6 cups water or unsalted chicken broth
- 2 thin slices fresh ginger, unpeeled
- 2 green onions, cut into 2-inch segments
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
- For the Signature Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup good quality mayonnaise (I highly recommend Kewpie mayonnaise for its rich, umami flavor that truly elevates this dish)
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons smooth peanut butter (ensure it’s not overly sweet; natural unsweetened is ideal)
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon unseasoned rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil (this adds a crucial nutty aroma)
- 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce (adjust to your preferred level of spice, or use Sriracha)
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (to balance the flavors)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated ginger (use a microplane for the best texture)
- 1 medium clove garlic, minced very, very finely
- For Garnish and Serving:
- 1/2 English cucumber, julienned or thinly sliced into matchsticks
- 2 tablespoons roasted peanuts, roughly crushed
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for a fresh, crisp garnish)
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, finely chopped (optional, but highly recommended for brightness)
- Optional: A sprinkle of toasted white or black sesame seeds
Preparing the Chicken for Your Irresistible Bang Bang Chicken
- Poaching the Chicken to Perfection: First, we need to prepare the star of our show: the tender chicken. Grab a medium-sized pot and place your two boneless, skinless chicken breasts inside. Pour in the water or chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is fully submerged. Add the ginger slices, green onion segments, sea salt, and whole black peppercorns to the pot. These aromatics are key to infusing the chicken with subtle, delicious flavors right from the start.
- Bringing to a Gentle Simmer: Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the liquid to a rolling boil. Once it’s vigorously boiling, immediately reduce the heat to the lowest setting, so it’s barely simmering. Cover the pot tightly with a lid. This gentle poaching method is crucial for ensuring the chicken remains incredibly moist and tender, rather than tough and dry.
- Resting and Cooling for Optimal Texture: Let the chicken poach gently for about 10-12 minutes. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your chicken breasts; a good rule of thumb is to cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). After 10-12 minutes, turn off the heat but keep the lid on. This is a very important step! Allow the chicken to continue cooking gently in the residual heat of the hot liquid for another 15-20 minutes. This resting period ensures the chicken stays incredibly juicy. Once rested, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the poaching liquid and transfer them to a plate or cutting board. Let them cool completely. You can even pop them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to cool down thoroughly, which makes shredding much easier.
- Shredding the Chicken: Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, it’s time to shred it. You can use two forks to pull the chicken apart into bite-sized strands, or for a faster method, use your clean hands to tear the chicken into rustic, uneven pieces. I find that using my hands gives the most authentic texture for Bang Bang Chicken, as the varied sizes of the shreds really absorb the sauce beautifully. Aim for pieces that are easy to pick up with chopsticks or a fork. Set the shredded chicken aside while we prepare our magnificent sauce.
Crafting the Irresistible Bang Bang Sauce
- Gathering Your Sauce Ingredients: Now for the heart and soul of our dish – the Bang Bang Sauce! This sauce is what gives “Bang Bang Chicken” its unique, explosive flavor. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, smooth peanut butter, light soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, chili garlic sauce (or Sriracha), granulated sugar, freshly grated ginger, and minced garlic.
- Achieving Smooth Perfection: Whisk all these ingredients together thoroughly until the sauce is completely smooth and uniform in color and consistency. You want to make sure there are no lumps of peanut butter remaining. A good whisking will emulsify the ingredients, creating a luxurious, creamy texture that coats the chicken perfectly.
- Tasting and Adjusting – The Chef’s Secret: This is arguably the most crucial step for any sauce. Take a small taste of your Bang Bang Sauce. Does it need more heat? Add a touch more chili garlic sauce. Could it use a little more sweetness or tang? Adjust with a tiny pinch of sugar or another splash of rice vinegar. Is it missing that umami depth? A tiny dash more soy sauce might do the trick. Remember, personal preference is key here! Keep tasting and adjusting until you’ve created a sauce that you absolutely adore. The ideal Bang Bang Sauce is a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, spicy, and tangy, with a nutty undertone. Once you’re happy with the flavor, set the sauce aside.
Assembling Your Delectable Bang Bang Chicken
- Layering the Fresh Cucumber: It’s time to bring everything together! On a serving platter or in a shallow bowl, arrange your julienned or thinly sliced cucumber as the base layer. The crisp, cool cucumber provides a wonderful textural contrast and freshness against the rich sauce and chicken. Spread it out evenly to create a vibrant green foundation.
- Arranging the Shredded Chicken: Gently pile the cooled, shredded chicken on top of the cucumber layer. You can make it into a neat mound in the center, or spread it out slightly, leaving a border of cucumber visible for an appealing presentation. The goal is to create a delightful canvas for our star sauce.
- Drenching with the Bang Bang Sauce: Now for the moment we’ve all been waiting for! Generously spoon or drizzle your perfectly crafted Bang Bang Sauce over the shredded chicken. Don’t be shy here; you want every piece of chicken to be thoroughly coated in that glorious, creamy, spicy goodness. You can use the back of the spoon to gently spread the sauce, ensuring even coverage. This generous application of sauce is what truly defines a fantastic Bang Bang Chicken. The amount of sauce you use can be adjusted to your liking; some prefer it heavily sauced, while others like a lighter touch. I tend to go for a generous coating!
Final Touches and Serving Your Bang Bang Chicken Masterpiece
- Adding the Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle the crushed roasted peanuts evenly over the sauced chicken. These provide a fantastic crunch and an extra layer of nutty flavor that complements the peanut butter in the sauce beautifully. The texture contrast is so satisfying!
- Garnishing with Freshness: Scatter the thinly sliced green onions and chopped fresh cilantro (if using) over the dish. These not only add a pop of color but also contribute a refreshing, aromatic lift that cuts through the richness of the sauce. They are essential for a visually appealing and delicious Bang Bang Chicken.
- Optional Sesame Seeds: For an extra touch of elegance and a subtle nutty flavor, you can sprinkle a few toasted white or black sesame seeds over the top. This is purely for aesthetics and an extra layer of aroma, but it really elevates the dish’s appearance.
- Serving Your Bang Bang Chicken: Your magnificent Bang Bang Chicken is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it immediately as a stunning appetizer, a light lunch, or even a flavorful main course with a side of steamed rice. The combination of tender chicken, crisp cucumber, and that unforgettable, creamy, spicy, and tangy Bang Bang Sauce is truly a culinary delight. Encourage everyone to dig in and experience the wonderful explosion of flavors and textures in every bite. Enjoy!
Conclusion:
And there you have it, friends! We’ve journeyed through the creation of what I truly believe is one of the most delightful and satisfying dishes you can whip up in your own kitchen. This recipe, with its incredible balance of flavors and textures, isn’t just another meal; it’s an experience waiting to happen. From the moment you taste that first bite, you’ll understand why this dish has captured hearts and taste buds around the globe. It’s the perfect harmony of spicy, sweet, and savory, complemented by that wonderful crunch from the peanuts and the tender, juicy chicken. Trust me when I say, this is an absolute must-try for anyone who appreciates vibrant, exciting flavors and a meal that truly delivers on all fronts. It’s comforting, it’s exhilarating, and it’s surprisingly straightforward to achieve such a professional-tasting result right in your home. The depth of flavor we’ve achieved with accessible ingredients is something I am particularly proud of, making this a true weeknight hero or a fantastic option for entertaining guests without feeling overwhelmed. It’s more than just food; it’s a moment of culinary joy that I’m thrilled to share with you.
Serving Suggestions & Delightful Variations:
Now that you’ve mastered the art of this fantastic dish, let’s talk about how to make it an even more versatile star in your culinary repertoire. While fantastic on its own, I personally love serving it over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice, allowing the incredible sauce to generously coat every grain. For a lighter touch, it’s absolutely wonderful served alongside a simple cucumber and carrot salad, dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. If you’re a noodle lover, tossing it with some warm lo mein or even cold sesame noodles creates an entirely new, equally delicious meal. Don’t shy away from garnishing it generously; a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, some thinly sliced green onions, and an extra scattering of toasted sesame seeds truly elevate both its presentation and its flavor profile. For those who enjoy an extra kick, a drizzle of chili oil right before serving can take the spice level up a notch, while a squeeze of fresh lime juice can brighten the whole dish with its zesty acidity.
Thinking about variations? The possibilities are endless! For a vegetarian twist, consider swapping the chicken for crispy pan-fried tofu or even roasted cauliflower florets – the sauce is so robust, it pairs beautifully with almost anything. If chicken isn’t your preferred protein, shrimp or even thinly sliced pork loin would also be absolutely delicious. Adjusting the spice level is incredibly easy; for a milder version, simply reduce the amount of chili flakes or hot sauce in the dressing, or for those who crave intense heat, feel free to add more! I’ve even experimented with adding blanched broccoli florets or snap peas directly into the sauce for an extra veggie boost, and it was a delightful success. The core of this recipe is its amazing sauce, so don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own. It’s truly a dish that invites personalization, ensuring that every time you make it, it feels fresh and exciting.
Your Turn to Create & Share!
My greatest joy in sharing recipes like this is knowing that you’ll be creating delicious memories in your own kitchen. I genuinely hope this recipe brings as much warmth and flavor to your table as it has to mine. Seriously, give this a go! I promise you won’t regret dedicating a little time to prepare something so spectacularly tasty. The payoff in flavor and satisfaction is immense, making it a truly rewarding cooking experience. Once you’ve whipped up your own batch of this glorious Bang Bang Chicken, I’d absolutely love to hear all about it! Did you stick to the recipe, or did you put your own unique spin on it? What were your favorite serving suggestions? Please, don’t keep your culinary triumphs to yourself! Come back and leave a comment below to share your experience, your tips, and especially your variations. I thrive on hearing your feedback and seeing your creations. Even better, snap a photo of your masterpiece and share it on your favorite social media platform – tag me if you like, I’d be thrilled to see it! Let’s inspire each other to keep cooking, keep exploring flavors, and keep enjoying the incredible journey that is homemade food. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear from you!
Spicy Bang Bang Chicken
Bang Bang Chicken – a dish so vibrantly delicious and perfectly balanced in flavor it leaves an indelible mark. This iconic dish, with its intriguing name from traditional street vendors tenderizing chicken, offers an exquisite symphony of textures and tastes. Imagine succulent, tender chicken, perfectly prepared and generously draped in an incredibly complex, yet harmoniously blended, sauce. It’s a dish that offers a comforting richness alongside an invigorating spicy kick, wonderfully versatile for any occasion. Prepare to fall in love with its unique allure!
Ingredients
-
1 cup (232 g) mayonnaise
-
½ cup (132 g) Thai sweet chili sauce
-
1 teaspoon Sriracha, or more to taste
-
2 tablespoons honey
-
1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken tenderloins
-
1 cup (245 g) buttermilk
-
¾ cup (94 g) all-purpose flour
-
½ cup (64 g) cornstarch
-
1 large egg, room temperature
-
1 tablespoon Sriracha
-
½ teaspoon garlic powder
-
½ teaspoon kosher salt
-
¼ teaspoon black pepper
-
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
-
2 cups (216 g) panko breadcrumbs, plain
Instructions
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Step 1
In one shallow bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (if using). In a second shallow bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and 1 tablespoon Sriracha until well combined. In a third shallow bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs. -
Step 2
Working with one chicken tenderloin at a time, dip it first into the buttermilk mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let excess drip off. Next, dredge the tenderloin in the flour mixture, coating thoroughly and shaking off any excess. Dip it back into the buttermilk mixture briefly, then finally coat fully with the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the panko adheres well to all sides. Set aside on a plate and repeat with remaining chicken. -
Step 3
Heat about 2-3 inches of cooking oil (e.g., vegetable, canola) in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the breaded chicken tenderloins in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 4-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown, crispy, and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C). Remove the fried chicken to a wire rack set over a paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain excess oil. Repeat with remaining batches. -
Step 4
While the chicken fries, prepare the Bang Bang Sauce. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the 1 cup mayonnaise, ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce, 1 teaspoon Sriracha (add more if you prefer extra spice), and 2 tablespoons honey. Whisk all ingredients together thoroughly until the sauce is completely smooth and uniform in color and consistency. -
Step 5
Once all chicken tenderloins are fried and rested, you can either serve them whole or slice them into bite-sized pieces. Arrange the crispy fried chicken on a serving platter. Generously spoon or drizzle the prepared Bang Bang Sauce over the chicken. Serve immediately as a flavorful appetizer or a light main course. Optional garnishes such as julienned cucumber, thinly sliced green onions, and crushed roasted peanuts can be added for extra freshness and crunch.
Important Information
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
Allergy Information
Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
