What is Bang Bang Chicken?

Bang Bang Chicken is a crispy Korean-inspired chicken dish featuring tender pieces coated in a savory sauce and baked to perfection. The name comes from the Korean onomatopoeia "bang bang," mimicking the sizzling sound of cooking. The chicken is typically pounded thin, marinated in a flavorful mixture, coated with starch, then oven-baked until golden and crispy outside while remaining juicy inside.

How long does it take to cook Bang Bang Chicken?

Bang Bang Chicken typically takes 25-30 minutes to cook in the oven. You'll bake the chicken pieces at 400°F (200°C) until they're golden and cooked through. After baking, you'll grill or broil them on high heat for an additional 2-3 minutes to achieve that perfect caramelized exterior. If using chicken breasts instead of thighs, reduce the oven time to 18-20 minutes.

What makes Bang Bang Chicken crispy?

The signature crispiness of Bang Bang Chicken comes from a two-step cooking process. First, the chicken pieces are coated in cornstarch or a flour mixture before baking. This creates a light crust during the initial baking. The second crucial step is the final high-heat grilling or broiling for 2-3 minutes, which caramelizes the coating and creates that irresistible crunchy texture while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

Can I make Bang Bang Chicken less spicy for kids?

Absolutely! Traditional Bang Bang Chicken has a mild spice level that's already kid-friendly, with flavor coming mainly from garlic and ginger rather than hot peppers. To make it even milder, simply reduce or omit any red pepper flakes in the recipe. The dish's appeal to children is usually the crispy texture and savory-sweet flavor balance rather than heat, making it easy to adjust the spice level while maintaining the delicious taste.

What kitchen tools do I need for Bang Bang Chicken?

For making Bang Bang Chicken, you'll need basic kitchen tools: a meat mallet or heavy pan for pounding the chicken to even thickness, mixing bowls for the marinade, a baking sheet or pan, and a broiler pan or grill for the final caramelization step. A reliable oven thermometer is helpful to ensure proper temperature, and tongs make it easier to handle the chicken pieces during the broiling stage. No specialized equipment is required for this restaurant-quality dish.

Bang Bang Chicken Recipe: Perfect Crispy Coating Method

Name: Bang Bang Chicken
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: – 1 cup whole-egg mayonnaise for creamy base; – 1/4 cup sweet chilli sauce for sweet and tangy kick; – 1 tablespoon sriracha or hot chilli sauce for spicy twist; – 1 tablespoon honey for natural sweetness; – 1 tablespoon lime juice for fresh, zesty note; – 600 grams boneless chicken thighs for main protein; – 1 teaspoon sweet paprika for smoky sweetness; – 1 teaspoon onion powder for subtle depth; – 1/4 teaspoon black pepper for mild heat; – 1 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce for umami; – 1 tablespoon brown sugar for caramel-like sweetness; – 1 tablespoon olive oil to keep moist; – 1/4 cup bang bang sauce for glossy coating; – 1 sliced spring onion for garnish; – Steamed rice for neutral base; – Shredded red cabbage for crunch and color; – Grated or julienned carrots for sweetness and texture; – Sliced cucumber for cool, refreshing contrast; – Finely sliced spring onion for garnish

Ingredients

– 1 cup whole-egg mayonnaise for creamy base

– 1/4 cup sweet chilli sauce for sweet and tangy kick

– 1 tablespoon sriracha or hot chilli sauce for spicy twist

– 1 tablespoon honey for natural sweetness

– 1 tablespoon lime juice for fresh, zesty note

– 600 grams boneless chicken thighs for main protein

– 1 teaspoon sweet paprika for smoky sweetness

– 1 teaspoon onion powder for subtle depth

– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper for mild heat

– 1 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce for umami

– 1 tablespoon brown sugar for caramel-like sweetness

– 1 tablespoon olive oil to keep moist

– 1/4 cup bang bang sauce for glossy coating

– 1 sliced spring onion for garnish

– Steamed rice for neutral base

– Shredded red cabbage for crunch and color

– Grated or julienned carrots for sweetness and texture

– Sliced cucumber for cool, refreshing contrast

– Finely sliced spring onion for garnish

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Instructions

First Step: Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 220°C (425°F) and lining a baking tray with paper to prevent sticking. This sets the stage for even cooking and easy cleanup, taking just a minute or two.

Second Step: Make the Bang Bang Sauce: Mix together the sauce ingredients in a bowl, then set aside 1/4 cup for brushing later. This step takes about 2 minutes and ensures you have that flavorful topping ready to go.

Third Step: Prepare the Chicken: Pound the chicken thighs to an even thickness, then cut each piece in half vertically for uniform cooking. Next, marinate them with the paprika, onion powder, black pepper, soy sauce, brown sugar, and olive oil in a bowl for at least 5 minutes.

Fourth Step: Arrange and Bake: Lay out the marinated chicken on the prepared tray without overlapping, then brush on the reserved sauce. Pop it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until it’s golden and fully cooked through, flipping halfway for even crispiness.

Fifth Step: Add Finishing Touches: Once baked, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes on high heat if you want extra caramelization. Finally, serve it up with steamed rice, shredded red cabbage, carrots, and cucumber, drizzling the remaining sauce on top and sprinkling with spring onions for a complete meal.

Last Step:

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Notes

🌡 For extra crispiness, broil chicken 2-3 minutes on high heat at the end if your oven wasn’t hot enough for perfect caramelization
🍚 Marinate chicken up to 48 hours ahead for deeper flavor penetration and more tender results
🥡 Prepare sauce up to 48 hours ahead and refrigerate – the flavors meld together beautifully over time

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baked
Cuisine: Asian
Diet: Regular

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 385
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 680mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 18g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 105mg