Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Chicken breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces for easy frying and even cooking.

Cornstarch: Used to coat the chicken, giving it a crispy exterior when fried.

Soy sauce: Adds a savory, umami flavor to the chicken during marination.

Mayonnaise: Forms the base of the creamy sauce that coats the fried chicken.

Sriracha: Provides a spicy kick to the sauce, balancing the creaminess of the mayonnaise.

Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness to the sauce, complementing the heat from the sriracha.

Rice vinegar: Adds a tangy note to the sauce, enhancing its overall flavor.

Vegetable oil: Used for frying the chicken, ensuring it cooks evenly and becomes crispy.

When marinating the chicken with soy sauce, ensure that each piece is evenly coated. This will help to infuse the chicken with a deeper flavor. Additionally, when coating the marinated chicken in cornstarch, shake off any excess to avoid clumping and ensure a crispier texture. For the sauce, whisk the mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth to achieve a well-balanced, creamy consistency.

• chicken breast - Substitute with tofu: Tofu is a great plant-based alternative that absorbs flavors well and provides a similar texture when cooked.

• cornstarch - Substitute with all-purpose flour: All-purpose flour can be used as a thickening agent and for coating, though it may not be as crispy as cornstarch.

• soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative that offers a similar umami flavor.

• mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a creamy texture and tangy flavor with fewer calories and more protein.

• sriracha - Substitute with hot sauce: Any hot sauce can be used to provide the necessary heat, though the flavor profile may vary slightly.

• honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup offers a similar sweetness and viscosity, making it a suitable alternative.

• rice vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has a similar acidity and can be used to achieve a comparable tangy flavor.

• vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a healthier alternative that can be used for cooking and adds a slight flavor difference.

• Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the chicken soggy.
• Transfer the cooled chicken into an airtight container. If you have a lot of chicken, consider using multiple containers to avoid overcrowding.
• Store the sauce separately in another airtight container. This keeps the chicken from becoming too soggy and allows you to reheat it more effectively.
• Place both the chicken and sauce in the refrigerator if you plan to consume them within 3-4 days. This ensures the chicken remains fresh and safe to eat.
• For longer storage, place the chicken in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag. Ensure you remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Label the containers with the date to keep track of their freshness.
• When ready to eat, reheat the chicken in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This helps maintain the chicken's crispy texture.
• Warm the sauce separately in a microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.
• Toss the reheated chicken in the warmed sauce just before serving to ensure it remains crispy and flavorful.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the Bang Bang Chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until the chicken is warmed through. This method helps maintain the crispiness of the chicken while ensuring it's heated evenly.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of vegetable oil to the pan. Place the Bang Bang Chicken in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even reheating. This method helps keep the chicken crispy while reheating.

• Microwave Method: Place the Bang Bang Chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to prevent drying out. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking and stirring halfway through. This is the quickest method but may result in slightly less crispy chicken.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the Bang Bang Chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even reheating. This method helps restore the crispiness of the chicken.

• Steaming Method: If you prefer a softer texture, place the Bang Bang Chicken in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for about 5-7 minutes or until heated through. This method keeps the chicken moist but will not retain the crispy texture.

• Mixing bowl: Use this to combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce for marination.

• Skillet: This is essential for frying the chicken pieces until they are golden brown and cooked through.

• Whisk: Use this to mix together the mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar to create the sauce.

• Tongs: These will help you handle the chicken pieces while frying and tossing them in the sauce.

• Measuring cups: These are necessary for accurately measuring the ingredients like cornstarch, mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar.

• Measuring spoons: Use these to measure out the soy sauce and vegetable oil.

• Plate lined with paper towels: This will be useful for draining the excess oil from the fried chicken pieces.

• Serving dish: Use this to serve the final dish immediately after tossing the chicken in the sauce.

Marinate in advance: Marinate the chicken the night before to save time on the day of cooking.

Pre-make the sauce: Mix the mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar ahead of time and store it in the fridge.

Use a large skillet: Fry more chicken pieces at once by using a large skillet, reducing the number of batches.

Cut uniform pieces: Ensure the chicken is cut into uniform pieces for even cooking and faster frying.

Organize ingredients: Lay out all ingredients and tools before starting to streamline the cooking process.