Pounded Peanut Chicken

This Bang Bang Chicken recipe is a culinary sensation that truly lives up to its vibrant name. Prepare your taste buds for an explosion of flavor! Each tender-on-the-inside, crispy-on-the-outside cube of perfectly pan-fried chicken is generously enveloped in a smooth, rich, and spicy Sriracha-infused sauce, ensuring every single bite is an unforgettable delight. It’s not just “good” – it’s absolutely “BANGIN'” delicious!

There’s an undeniable magic in breaded and fried chicken, captivating palates across cultures and in all its delicious forms. Yet, this Bang Bang Chicken recipe elevates that beloved experience to an entirely new level. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an absolutely addicting culinary journey. From the very first morsel, you’ll find yourself reaching for another, eager to savor the harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Imagine the experience: You select a golden-brown piece of chicken, its surface shimmering with sauce. As you bring it closer, the aroma of sriracha and savory spices teases your senses, making your mouth water in anticipation. The initial bite is a satisfying “crunch,” revealing a perfectly crispy breading that has absorbed the creamy, spicy sauce. Inside, the chicken is incredibly tender and juicy, a stark contrast to the exterior. As you chew, all the distinct flavors meld together into a symphony: a delightful kick of spice, a deep savory base, a refreshing tang, and just a whisper of sweetness. Truly, an exquisite sensation that will leave you craving more.

What Exactly is Bang Bang Chicken? Unpacking a Sichuan Classic

Bang Bang Chicken, or Bon Bon Chicken (棒棒鸡, Bàng Bàng Jī) as it’s known in its native China, is a renowned Sichuan dish celebrated for its distinctive preparation and mouth-watering flavors. Traditionally, it features cold, shredded chicken served with a rich, aromatic, and often spicy sauce. The intriguing name “Bang Bang” is said to originate from the sound made by street vendors in Sichuan province. They would use a wooden baton or stick to pound the cooked chicken, a technique believed to tenderize the meat and break it down into shreds, making it easier to absorb the vibrant flavors of the sauce. This rhythmic “banging” gave the dish its memorable name.

While the classic version often presents cold, shredded chicken, the modern interpretation, especially popular in Western Chinese restaurants and increasingly in home kitchens, often involves breaded and fried chicken pieces. Our recipe embraces this beloved contemporary style, offering succulent chicken cubes encased in a perfectly crisp breading, all drenched in a sweet, spicy, and creamy sauce. It’s a delightful fusion that retains the spirit of the original while adding an irresistible textural element.

Why This Bang Bang Chicken Recipe Will Become Your New Favorite

Prepare to fall in love with this Bang Bang Chicken recipe. It’s a symphony of crunchy texture and explosive flavor that will have you coming back for seconds (and thirds!). Here are just a few compelling reasons why this dish consistently receives rave reviews and quickly becomes a household favorite:

• Effortlessly Simple Preparation. Don’t let the gourmet taste fool you; this chicken dish is incredibly straightforward to prepare. Utilizing common pantry ingredients and requiring only a few easy-to-follow steps, it’s an ideal recipe for cooks of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned chefs. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests without stress.
• The Unforgettable, All-Encompassing Sauce. The heart and soul of this Bang Bang Chicken lies in its phenomenal sauce. It’s a masterful blend of spicy Sriracha, creamy mayonnaise, a touch of tangy rice vinegar, and a hint of sweetness. This velvety concoction doesn’t just sit on the chicken; it skillfully seeps into every single crack and crevice of the crispy breading. This ensures that each and every bite is not just coated, but deeply infused with an unparalleled explosion of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor.
• Perfectly Crispy and Tender Breading. The breading on these chicken pieces is nothing short of extraordinary. Expertly seasoned and achieving a beautiful golden crispness during the frying process, it creates a magnificent textural contrast. The satisfying initial crunch gives way to incredibly tender, juicy chicken within. This delightful juxtaposition ensures that your palate is engaged and eager for the next bite even before the first one is fully savored.
• All the Crunch, Less of the Guilt (Not Deep-Fried!). One of the greatest advantages of this recipe is that it delivers the same intensely crispy, satisfying texture you’d expect from a deep-fried chicken, but without the need for a deep fryer! By shallow-frying or pan-frying, you achieve that coveted golden-brown crispness with significantly less oil, making it a slightly lighter option without compromising on flavor or texture. Enjoy all the goodness and indulgence with a little less guilt!

Essential Ingredients for Your Bang Bang Chicken Journey

What makes this recipe truly fantastic is its reliance on readily available ingredients, many of which you might already have stocked in your pantry and fridge. Here’s a comprehensive list of what you’ll need to create your incredible homemade Bang Bang Chicken. For precise measurements and quantities, please refer to the detailed recipe card further below.

• Chicken Tenderloin: We opt for chicken tenderloins for their inherent tenderness and consistent texture. It’s crucial to cut them into uniformly sized cubes, roughly 1-inch pieces. This attention to detail ensures that all the chicken cooks evenly and at the same rate, preventing any pieces from being undercooked or overcooked. Chicken breast or thighs can also be used, though cooking times might vary slightly.

For the Signature Bang Bang Sauce

This creamy, spicy, and irresistible sauce is the star of the show, bringing all the vibrant flavors together.

• Mayonnaise: The base for our incredibly creamy sauce. It provides a rich, smooth texture that carries the other flavors beautifully.
• Sriracha Sauce: This popular chili sauce delivers the characteristic spicy kick of Bang Bang Chicken. Adjust the amount to your personal preference for heat – add more for extra fire, less for a milder experience.
• Granulated Sugar: A touch of sugar is essential to balance the heat and tang, adding a subtle sweetness that rounds out the flavor profile perfectly.
• Rice Vinegar: Provides a bright, slightly acidic note that cuts through the richness of the mayo and enhances the overall complexity of the sauce.

For the Perfect Egg Wash Mixture

• Egg: A single beaten egg forms the crucial adhesive layer for our breading.
• Milk: Mixed with the egg, milk helps to thin the wash slightly, ensuring an even coating and contributing to the golden-brown finish.

For the Crispy, Flavorful Breading

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the initial dry layer for the breading, helping the egg wash adhere. For a gluten-free option, feel free to substitute with your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: This is a non-negotiable ingredient for achieving that superior, airy crunch. Panko breadcrumbs are coarser and lighter than traditional breadcrumbs, resulting in an incomparably crisp texture that makes this dish truly special. While seasoned breadcrumbs might be tempting, Panko’s unique qualities are far preferable here.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning the breading and enhancing the overall flavor of the chicken.
• Ground Black Pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and peppery depth.
• Garlic Powder: Infuses the breading with a savory, aromatic foundation.
• Dried Basil: A surprising but delightful addition that adds a fragrant, herbaceous note, complementing the other spices beautifully.

Mastering the Art: How to Craft Your Own Bang Bang Chicken

Creating this delicious, spicy Bang Bang Chicken is simpler than you might think, breaking down into a few distinct stages: preparing the rich sauce, breading your tender chicken, perfectly frying it to a golden crisp, and finally, tossing it all together in a glorious union of flavor. Here’s a quick overview of the process. For precise, step-by-step instructions with measurements, please refer to the detailed recipe card below.

• Step 1: Whisk Up the Irresistible Sauce. In a medium-sized bowl, combine all the ingredients designated for the Bang Bang sauce. Whisk them thoroughly until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and beautifully emulsified. Set this flavorful sauce aside, allowing the flavors to meld while you prepare the chicken.
• Step 2: Prepare Your Breading Station. Set up two shallow dishes. In the first dish, whisk together the egg and milk to create your egg wash. In the second dish, combine the all-purpose flour, Panko breadcrumbs, salt, ground pepper, garlic powder, and dried basil, ensuring all the dry ingredients are well mixed.

• Step 3: Expertly Bread the Chicken. Take each chicken cube and first dredge it in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the egg wash, allowing any extra to drip off. Finally, thoroughly coat the chicken in the Panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure good adhesion. Place the breaded chicken pieces onto a clean plate. Once all the chicken is breaded, transfer the plate to the refrigerator and let the chicken rest for at least 20 minutes. This crucial step helps the breading adhere firmly to the chicken, preventing it from falling off during frying.

• Step 4: Fry the Chicken to Golden Perfection. Heat a generous layer of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers but does not smoke. Carefully add the breaded chicken cubes to the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken in two batches to maintain optimal oil temperature and crispness. Cook each batch for about 4-6 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown, crispy, and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C). Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
• Step 5: Drench and Toss in the Glorious Sauce. Once all the chicken is fried, transfer the warm, crispy pieces to a large mixing bowl. Pour the prepared Bang Bang sauce generously over the chicken. Using tongs or a spatula, gently toss the chicken until every single piece is thoroughly coated in the luscious, spicy sauce. Serve immediately and prepare for an ecstatic culinary reaction!

Mastering the Art: Expert Tips for Unforgettable Bang Bang Chicken

While the recipe is straightforward, a few key tips and tricks can elevate your Bang Bang Chicken from simply delicious to truly extraordinary. Follow these insights to achieve the crispiest, most flavorful, and perfectly sauced chicken possible. You’ll thank yourself later!

• Consistency is Key: Evenly Sized Cubes. When preparing your chicken tenderloins, take a moment to slice them into pieces of roughly equal size, ideally about 1-inch cubes. This uniformity is crucial for ensuring that every piece cooks at the same rate, preventing some from being underdone while others become dry and overcooked.
• The Chilling Secret: Let the Breading Set. After you’ve breaded your chicken, resist the urge to fry it immediately. Instead, place the plate of breaded chicken in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes. This resting period allows the moisture from the egg wash to be absorbed by the flour and Panko, creating a stronger bond between the breading and the chicken. This significantly reduces the chances of the crispy coating falling off during the frying process, guaranteeing maximum crunch.
• Precision Frying: Get the Oil Temperature Right. The temperature of your frying oil is paramount for perfect results. Oil that is too hot will quickly burn the breading to a dark crisp before the chicken inside has a chance to cook through. Conversely, oil that is too cool will lead to soggy, greasy chicken, as the breading will absorb too much oil instead of crisping up. Aim for a medium-high heat; a good indicator is when a sprinkle of Panko sizzles immediately upon contact. Using a kitchen thermometer can help ensure accuracy.
• Avoid Crowding: Fry in Batches. It is absolutely essential not to overcrowd your skillet with too many chicken pieces at once. Overcrowding dramatically lowers the oil’s temperature, leading to the dreaded soggy and greasy outcome we want to avoid. Work in two, or even three, batches if necessary. This allows each piece of chicken ample space to fry evenly and achieve that coveted golden, crispy crust.
• Maximize Flavor: Toss Thoroughly. One of the most enjoyable aspects of Bang Bang Chicken is how every surface is drenched in its incredibly flavorful sauce. After frying, transfer your chicken to a large bowl and pour the sauce over. Use tongs or a large spoon to gently but thoroughly toss the chicken until every single cube is completely enveloped in the creamy, spicy goodness. You want every centimeter of that crispy breading coated for the ultimate taste experience.
• Pat Dry for Crisper Results: Before breading, pat your chicken pieces thoroughly dry with paper towels. Excess moisture on the chicken can prevent the breading from adhering properly and can lead to less crispy results.
• Season the Chicken Itself: While the breading is seasoned, a light sprinkle of salt and pepper directly on the chicken before breading can add another layer of flavor.

Serving Your Bang Bang Chicken: Perfect Pairings for Any Occasion

Whether you’re looking for a fun, interactive appetizer or a hearty, satisfying main course, Bang Bang Chicken is incredibly versatile. Its bold flavors and delightful textures make it a crowd-pleaser for almost any occasion. Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy this delicious dish:

• As a Dynamic Appetizer or Fun Finger Food. These saucy, crispy chicken bites are absolutely perfect for entertaining! Serve them on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing during game day gatherings, casual parties, or as a vibrant starter. They’re often described as “wings but better!” thanks to their irresistible coating and rich flavor.
• A Flavorful Main Course Over Rice. Transform your Bang Bang Chicken into a complete and utterly satisfying entree by serving it generously over a bed of fluffy white rice. The rice perfectly absorbs the extra sauce, creating a harmonious and comforting meal. For an adventurous twist, consider serving it with Kimchi Fried Rice or even a simple brown rice for added texture and nutrition. Pair it with one or two fresh vegetable sides to round out the meal.
• With a Medley of Fresh Vegetables. To create a balanced and wholesome meal, serve your Bang Bang Chicken alongside your favorite Asian-inspired vegetable dishes. Fantastic options include a savory Chinese Cabbage Stir Fry, tender Garlic Roasted Green Beans, crisp Cold Garlic and Soy Green Beans, or my personal favorite, a refreshing and zesty Spicy Chinese Cucumber Salad.
• Wrapped Up or Sandwiched In. Get creative with leftovers or use freshly prepared chicken by tucking it into a soft bun, a hearty sandwich, or a light wrap. This is an excellent way to enjoy the flavors in a different format. Think of it as a gourmet fried chicken sandwich with an Asian twist! You can find more specific ideas in our section below titled “Ways to Use Extra Bang Bang Chicken.”
• Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter, fresher take, serve the Bang Bang Chicken in crisp lettuce cups with shredded carrots or cucumbers.
• Noodle Bowl: Add the chicken to a bowl of warm noodles (ramen, lo mein, or rice noodles) with some broth and fresh toppings for a hearty and comforting meal.

Storing and Reheating Your Bang Bang Chicken: A Guide to Enjoying Leftovers

It’s a rare and fortunate event to have leftover Bang Bang Chicken, given its addictive nature! However, should you find yourself with extra, rest assured that it stores and reheats beautifully, allowing you to savor its deliciousness later. Proper storage ensures both safety and flavor retention.

To store, first allow the cooked chicken to cool completely to room temperature. This is important to prevent condensation and maintain texture. Once cooled, transfer the chicken to an airtight container. It can be safely refrigerated for up to 4 days, or frozen for up to 1 month. When freezing, for best results, spread the chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag; this prevents them from sticking together.

For reheating, the oven is your best friend for restoring that coveted crispiness. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the Bang Bang Chicken pieces in a single layer on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet. This setup allows air to circulate around the chicken, ensuring even heating and maximum crispness. Bake for approximately 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly heated through and the breading has regained its delightful crunch. If you are reheating directly from frozen, extend the baking time to about 15-20 minutes. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as this will result in a soft, less appealing texture.

Creative Repurposing: Exciting Ways to Utilize Leftover Bang Bang Chicken

If you’re lucky enough to have some of these delectable chicken bites remaining, why not transform them into a brand new meal? Leftover Bang Bang Chicken is incredibly versatile and can be repurposed into a variety of exciting dishes. Here are some imaginative ideas to breathe new life into your delicious leftovers:

• Gourmet Wraps. Slice your leftover chicken pieces into thinner strips and tuck them into warm tortillas or soft flatbreads. Add a generous drizzle of extra Bang Bang sauce (if you have some, or quickly whisk up a fresh batch!), along with crunchy shredded lettuce, a vibrant Asian-inspired slaw, or even some thinly sliced cucumbers and carrots for a delightful and easy lunch.
• Elevated Fried Chicken Sandwiches. Replace the protein in your favorite fried chicken sandwich recipe with heated Bang Bang Chicken. The spicy, creamy sauce adds an incredible flavor dimension. Serve it on a toasted brioche bun with a crisp pickle and perhaps a slice of tomato. Don’t have a go-to recipe yet? You might love my Beer Battered Fried Chicken Sandwiches, where Bang Bang Chicken can make a fantastic substitution.
• Spicy Salad Topper. Add a punch of flavor and protein to your next salad by tossing in chopped or sliced Bang Bang Chicken. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh, crisp green salad, especially those with an Asian vinaigrette. My Harvest Chopped Salad Bowl is already a treat, but incorporating some warmed Bang Bang Chicken takes it to an entirely new level of deliciousness and satisfaction.
• Bang Bang Chicken Tacos: Serve the chicken in warm corn or flour tortillas with a squeeze of lime, chopped cilantro, and a sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese.
• Loaded Fries or Nachos: Chop the chicken into smaller pieces and scatter them over a bed of crispy French fries or tortilla chips, then drizzle with extra sauce, melted cheese, and your favorite nacho toppings.

Explore More Delectable Chicken Dinner Ideas

Chicken remains an incredibly versatile, affordable, and beloved protein, offering endless possibilities for delicious meals. If you’ve enjoyed the adventurous flavors of Bang Bang Chicken and are seeking more inspiration for your next dinner, here are some of my other cherished chicken recipes that promise to deliver both flavor and satisfaction:

• Comforting Smothered Chicken
• Irresistible Marry Me Chicken
• Crispy Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings
• Sweet Chili Glazed Grilled Chicken
• Better-Than-Takeout Orange Chicken
• Crunchy Beer Battered Fried Chicken Sandwiches

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5 out of 5 stars from 2 votes

Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

By:
Julie Chiou

Crispy, tender bites of breaded chicken are coated in a velvety spicy sauce. Yummy!

Prep Time:
40 minutes

Cook Time:
20 minutes

Total Time:
1 hour

Servings:
2 people

Equipment

• Cast iron skillet
• Dutch oven

Ingredients

• 5 chicken tenderloins, cubed

For the sauce

• ½ cup (112 g) mayo
• 5 teaspoon Sriracha sauce
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar

For the egg mixture

• 1 egg, beaten
• ½ cup (118 ml) milk

For the breading

• ½ cup (63 g) all purpose flour
• ½ cup (30 g) Panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon dried basil

Instructions

1. Prepare a plate lined with paper towels for the chicken after it’s done cooking in the oil. Set aside.
2. Combine all the ingredients for the sauce: ½ cup (112 g) mayo, 5 teaspoon Sriracha sauce, 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon rice vinegar. Whisk until smooth and set aside.
3. In a small, shallow dish, combine 1 beaten egg and ½ cup (118 ml) milk. Whisk well and set aside.
4. In another shallow dish, combine the ingredients for the breading: ½ cup (63 g) all purpose flour, ½ cup (30 g) Panko breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon ground pepper, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon dried basil. Mix thoroughly and set aside.
5. Bread the 5 chicken tenderloins (cubed) by first coating each cube in the breading mixture, then dipping it in the egg wash, and finally coating it thoroughly in the breading again. Place the breaded chicken cubes on a clean plate. Continue until all chicken pieces are breaded.
6. Place the plate of breaded chicken in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes. This critical step helps the breading adhere better to the chicken during frying.
7. In a large skillet, add a thin layer of vegetable oil (about ½ inch deep) and place over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to heat until it is shimmering.
8. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken in batches (do not overcrowd the pan, usually 2 batches work well). Cook the chicken for 4-6 minutes, flipping occasionally, until it is golden brown, cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C), and the breading is wonderfully crispy.
9. As each batch finishes cooking, transfer the crispy chicken to the prepared plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat with the second batch.
10. In a large mixing bowl, combine all the cooked chicken. Pour the prepared Bang Bang sauce generously all over the chicken. Toss well to ensure every single bite is thoroughly coated in the delicious, spicy sauce. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 0.5of recipe,
Calories: 776kcal,
Carbohydrates: 41g,
Protein: 37g,
Fat: 50g,
Saturated Fat: 9g,
Polyunsaturated Fat: 26g,
Monounsaturated Fat: 12g,
Trans Fat: 0.1g,
Cholesterol: 193mg,
Sodium: 2093mg,
Potassium: 688mg,
Fiber: 2g,
Sugar: 6g

This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition information can vary for a variety of reasons. For the most precise nutritional data use your preferred nutrition calculator based on the actual ingredients you used in the recipe.

The default measuring system for this website is US Customary. Unit conversions are provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. While we strive to provide accurate unit conversions, please be aware that there may be some discrepancies.

Photography by Eat Love Eats