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Sweet-Heat Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Sweet-Heat Bang Bang Chicken Recipe


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4.6 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 20-37 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Packed with fiery Szechuan flavors, Bang Bang Chicken delivers a zesty punch that’ll make your taste buds dance with excitement. Grab your chopsticks and prepare for a spicy adventure that brings the bold tastes of China right to your dinner table.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Coating and Seasoning:

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon white pepper
  • 1 egg white

Sauce Components:

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
  • 2 tablespoons sriracha
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • ½ teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 clove garlic
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger

Salad Base:

  • 4 cups shredded cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded carrots

Salad Dressing:

  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Garnishes:

  • ¼ cup chopped green onions
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
  • Crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon white pepper with 1.5 lbs cubed chicken breasts, ensuring every piece gets an even coating.
  2. Pour 1 lightly beaten egg white over the chicken and thoroughly blend to create a protective marinade layer.
  3. Refrigerate the seasoned chicken for 15-30 minutes to help the coating adhere and tenderize the meat.
  4. Pour 2 tablespoons vegetable oil into a large skillet, heating to medium-high until the surface shimmers with heat.
  5. Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer without overcrowding, allowing each piece to brown evenly.
  6. Sauté chicken for 5-7 minutes, rotating occasionally, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165F.
  7. Transfer cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil and maintain crispness.
  8. Whisk ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup sweet chili sauce, 2 tablespoons sriracha, and remaining sauce ingredients until smooth.
  9. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings to balance heat and sweetness according to your preference.
  10. Gently fold chicken pieces into the sauce, ensuring each morsel gets thoroughly coated.
  11. Toss 4 cups shredded cabbage, 1 cup shredded carrots, and ¼ cup green onions in a separate bowl.
  12. Blend 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 teaspoon sugar, and ¼ teaspoon salt for slaw dressing.
  13. Drizzle dressing over vegetable mixture and mix until evenly distributed.
  14. Chill slaw for 30 minutes to enhance flavor melding and crisp texture.
  15. Plate chicken over rice or noodles, topping with fresh green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
  16. Optionally sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Cornstarch creates a light, crispy coating that helps the chicken stay tender and juicy during cooking.
  • Marinating the chicken with egg white helps tenderize the meat and creates a silky texture.
  • Cook chicken in a single layer to ensure even browning and prevent steaming, which can make the meat soggy.
  • For a gluten-free version, replace soy sauce with tamari and use gluten-free sweet chili sauce.
  • Prep Time: 15-30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5-7 minutes
  • Category: Chicken
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 354 kcal
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 620 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 29 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg