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First things first, let's get that chicken ready for its big moment. I like to pat my boneless, skinless chicken thighs super dry with paper towels – remember my soggy chicken disaster? Cut them into bite-sized pieces, roughly 1-inch cubes. Then, in a medium bowl, whisk up that egg. In another shallow dish, pour your cornstarch. Dip each chicken piece into the egg wash, letting any excess drip off, then dredge it thoroughly in the cornstarch, making sure it’s completely coated. This step is key for that crispy exterior we all want for our Bang Bang Chicken!
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Now for the fun part: frying! Pour about 1-2 inches of neutral oil (like vegetable or canola) into a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Heat it over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350-375°F (175-190°C). If you don't have a thermometer, a small drop of water should sizzle vigorously. Carefully add the chicken in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. I usually do 3-4 batches, depending on the size of my pot. Fry for 4-6 minutes per batch, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. It should look absolutely glorious and smell amazing. Remove with a slotted spoon to a wire rack set over paper towels to drain. This keeps the Bang Bang Chicken super crisp!
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While your chicken is frying, let's whip up that irresistible Bang Bang Sauce. In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha (start with less if you're shy about heat, you can always add more!), rice vinegar, and honey or maple syrup. Whisk it all together until it’s smooth and creamy. Give it a taste. Does it need more tang? More sweet? More heat? This is where you get to be the chef! I always taste and tweak until it’s just right – a perfect balance of all those wonderful flavors. This sauce is what makes our Bang Bang Chicken truly shine!
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Once all your chicken is fried and resting, it’s time to bring everything together. In a large bowl, gently add the crispy chicken pieces. Pour about two-thirds of the creamy Bang Bang Sauce over the chicken. Using tongs or a spatula, toss the chicken gently until each piece is beautifully coated in that luscious sauce. You want every nook and cranny to be covered! Honestly, this is where the magic happens and the house starts smelling incredible. Don't over-mix, just enough to get everything coated for our Bang Bang Chicken.
05 -
This is it, the grand finale! Transfer your saucy Bang Bang Chicken to a serving platter. Drizzle over the remaining sauce – because who doesn't love extra sauce? Then, sprinkle generously with those vibrant sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds. The colors just pop, and the aroma is fantastic. I always take a moment to admire it before digging in. Serve it immediately to enjoy that fantastic crispy texture, because we worked hard for it!
06 -
Now, grab your chopsticks or a fork and dig into your homemade Bang Bang Chicken! Seriously, take a moment to appreciate that crispy exterior, the juicy chicken inside, and that creamy, spicy, sweet sauce. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors. I usually serve it over fluffy white rice or with a side of steamed broccoli. It’s pure comfort and joy in every bite. Enjoy every single bit of this amazing dish!