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Introduction
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is the ultimate fusion of bold, creamy, spicy, and sweet flavors packed into a perfectly crunchy bite. This crave-worthy dish turns humble chicken breasts into a flavorful feast, thanks to a coating of panko breadcrumbs and a luscious bang bang sauce. Whether you’re making it for a casual dinner, weekend treat, or party appetizer, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
Origin and Cultural Significance
Inspired by the popular “bang bang” dishes served in American-Asian fusion cuisine, this recipe borrows the name and signature sauce from its restaurant counterparts. Originally referencing a spicy peanut-based street food in China, the Westernized version evolved into a crispy fried dish served with creamy chili sauce. Today, “bang bang chicken” commonly refers to battered or breaded chicken topped with a sweet, spicy, and tangy sauce—a testament to how cultural flavors travel and transform to suit new palates.
Ingredients and Quantity
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp Sriracha sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
Optional Additions
- Chopped green onions – for a fresh, sharp finish
- Lime wedges – to balance the richness with citrusy zing
- Crispy shredded lettuce or cabbage – for a crunchy bed beneath
- Extra drizzle of bang bang sauce – for saucy lovers
- Sesame seeds – for garnish and a nutty crunch
- Pickled veggies – to cut through the richness
Tips for Success
- Pound chicken to even thickness for consistent cooking.
- Press breadcrumbs firmly into the chicken to maximize crispiness.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches to ensure even browning.
- Keep oil at medium heat to avoid burning the coating before the chicken is done inside.
- Rest on a paper towel or rack to drain excess oil and keep the coating crispy.
Instructions
- Prepare Breading: In a shallow dish, mix panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Make Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, and Sriracha until smooth.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the sauce mixture, coating thoroughly.
- Bread Chicken: Roll coated chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere.
- Fry: In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium. Fry chicken breasts for 6–8 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain: Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
- Serve: Enjoy hot, optionally garnished with parsley, green onions, or a drizzle of remaining sauce.
Description
This dish is crispy, creamy, spicy, sweet, and savory all at once—an explosion of textures and flavors. The panko crust delivers satisfying crunch, while the bang bang sauce brings just the right amount of heat and tang. Each bite is juicy, rich, and addictively good, making this dish a star whether served solo, over a salad, or in a wrap.
Nutritional Information (approx. per serving, based on 4 servings)
- Calories: ~610 kcal
- Protein: 38g
- Fat: 36g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: ~720mg
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Conclusion
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is a celebration of bold flavor and comforting texture. It’s a dish that brings joy to the table, whether served for family dinners, friendly gatherings, or solo indulgence. Simple to make, yet rich in flavor, it’s a reliable crowd-pleaser that never fails to deliver.
Recommendation
Pair this dish with a crisp side salad, roasted vegetables, or jasmine rice to round out the meal. For a fun twist, slice and serve the chicken in tacos, sliders, or lettuce wraps. And don’t forget extra sauce on the side—it’s the star of the show.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
To lighten things up without compromising taste:
- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a tangy, lower-fat sauce.
- Try air frying or oven baking the chicken for a crisp texture with less oil.
- Use whole wheat panko for added fiber.
- Add shredded lettuce or cabbage beneath the chicken to increase veggie intake.
This approach lets you enjoy indulgence with mindfulness—where pleasure and wellness meet on your plate.
Let me know if you’d like a printable version, a meal prep adaptation, or a vegetarian/vegan twist!