What is Bang Bang Chicken? The Creamy, Spicy Sensation With a Curious Name

Have you ever heard of Bang Bang Chicken and wondered what all the fuss is about? Maybe you’ve seen it on a restaurant menu or scrolled past a recipe online Well, I’m here to unravel the mystery behind this delicious dish that’s been capturing taste buds worldwide!

Bang Bang Chicken is essentially a flavorful chicken dish that features tender chicken coated in a creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce. The combination creates an explosion of flavors that’ll make your taste buds dance! But there’s way more to this dish than meets the eye, and I’m gonna walk you through everything you need to know.

The Origin Story: Where Did Bang Bang Chicken Come From?

Bang Bang Chicken has quite an interesting history. Contrary to what many people think, this dish actually originates from Sichuan, China. The authentic Chinese version (棒棒雞, bàng bàng jī) is quite different from what you might find in Western restaurants today.

Some food historians believe the dish originated in the town of Hang Yang Ba during the early 20th century. The traditional Chinese version involves poaching or steaming chicken, then literally “banging” it with wooden sticks to tenderize the meat and shred it into strips.

This technique is actually where the name comes from! “Bàng” (棒) is the Chinese word for stick, referring to the wooden baton or cudgel used in the traditional preparation method It’s not, as some might assume, from the “bang bang” sound of pounding the chicken (though that’s a popular myth!)

Traditional vs. Western Bang Bang Chicken

There are two distinct versions of Bang Bang Chicken that exist today:

Traditional Sichuan Version:

• Poached or steamed chicken that’s tenderized with wooden sticks
• Sauce made with sesame paste, chili oil, Sichuan pepper, and black vinegar
• Often served with fresh herbs and julienned cucumbers
• Served cold or at room temperature

Western/American Version:

• Usually features breaded and fried chicken pieces
• Creamy sauce typically made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha
• More indulgent and heavier than the traditional version
• Often served hot as an appetizer or main dish

The Western version became popular through restaurant chains and has evolved quite differently from its Chinese counterpart. In fact, the American version may have been inspired by “Bang Bang Shrimp” dishes found on menus at places like Bonefish Grill.

What Makes Bang Bang Chicken So Special?

The Chicken: Building a Solid Foundation

The chicken is obviously the star of the show here. In traditional recipes, it’s usually poached or steamed, then tenderized and shredded. In Western versions, chicken thighs or breasts are often cut into bite-sized pieces, breaded, and deep-fried until golden and crispy.

For the best results, many chefs recommend:

• Using chicken thighs for more flavor and juiciness
• Marinating the chicken before cooking (soy sauce, garlic, ginger work great)
• Ensuring the chicken is perfectly cooked – juicy inside, crispy outside if fried

The Magical Bang Bang Sauce: Heart and Soul

Let’s be honest – the sauce is what truly defines Bang Bang Chicken. It’s where all the magic happens!

The traditional Chinese sauce includes:

• Sesame paste
• Chili oil
• Sichuan pepper
• Black vinegar

The Western-style sauce typically contains:

• Mayonnaise (for creaminess)
• Sweet chili sauce (for sweetness and a mild kick)
• Sriracha or hot sauce (for heat)
• Sometimes peanut butter (for nuttiness)
• Soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil (for depth of flavor)

The beauty of this sauce is its perfect balance of creamy, sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors. It’s seriously addictive! And the best part? You can easily adjust the ratios to make it spicier or milder depending on your taste.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken at Home

I’ve tried making Bang Bang Chicken at home several times, and it’s surprisingly easy! Here’s a simplified recipe based on the Western version:

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 4 chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons minced ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 egg white
• Cornstarch for coating
• Oil for frying
• Green onions for garnish

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
• 3 tablespoons sriracha (adjust according to your heat preference)

Instructions:

1. Combine the chicken with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, salt, pepper, and egg white in a bowl. Mix well and refrigerate for at least an hour.

2. While waiting, make the sauce by mixing the mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha until well combined. Set aside.

3. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) for frying.

4. Coat the marinated chicken pieces in cornstarch, shaking off any excess.

5. Deep fry the chicken for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and crispy (internal temperature should reach 175°F). Do this in batches to avoid overcrowding.

6. Once all chicken is cooked, reheat the oil to 350°F and fry the pieces once more for 45-60 seconds for extra crispiness.

7. Toss the fried chicken with the Bang Bang sauce, adding a little at a time until coated to your liking.

8. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve!

Common Questions About Bang Bang Chicken

Can I make Bang Bang Chicken ahead of time?

Yes! The flavors actually get better after a few hours in the refrigerator. However, if you’re using the Western fried version, it’s best to keep the sauce separate until just before serving to maintain the crispiness of the chicken.

What if I’m allergic to peanuts?

No problem! If your Bang Bang sauce recipe calls for peanut butter, you can substitute with almond butter or sunflower seed butter instead.

What sides go well with Bang Bang Chicken?

Bang Bang Chicken pairs beautifully with:

• Steamed rice
• Noodles
• Fresh salad
• Steamed vegetables
• Spring rolls

Can I make Bang Bang Chicken less spicy?

Absolutely! Just reduce the amount of sriracha or chili sauce in your Bang Bang sauce. You can start with a small amount and add more to taste.

Is Bang Bang Chicken always fried?

Nope! While the popular Western version is typically breaded and fried, you can definitely make healthier versions. Try grilling or baking the chicken instead of frying it. The sauce is flavorful enough that you won’t miss the breading!

Variations to Try

One thing I love about Bang Bang Chicken is how versatile it is. Here are some fun variations to experiment with:

Bang Bang Shrimp

Replace the chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist. The shrimp cooks even faster, making this a super quick meal option!

Vegetarian Bang Bang

Use cauliflower florets, tofu, or tempeh instead of chicken. They absorb the flavors wonderfully and provide a great texture.

Bang Bang Chicken Salad

Serve the Bang Bang Chicken over a bed of mixed greens with some cucumber, carrots, and bell peppers for a refreshing meal.

Bang Bang Chicken Tacos

Stuff some soft tortillas with Bang Bang Chicken, add some slaw, and you’ve got amazing fusion tacos!

Why Bang Bang Chicken Has Become So Popular

There’s no mystery why Bang Bang Chicken has gained such popularity worldwide. It hits all the right notes:

• It’s got that perfect balance of flavors – spicy, sweet, creamy, and savory
• The textural contrast between crispy chicken and smooth sauce is incredible
• It’s adaptable to different heat levels and dietary preferences
• It’s relatively easy to make at home
• It works as an appetizer, main dish, or even in sandwiches and wraps

Plus, let’s be honest – the name is catchy and fun to say!

Final Thoughts

Bang Bang Chicken is one of those dishes that showcases how culinary traditions evolve and transform as they travel around the world. Whether you prefer the authentic Sichuan version with its complex, nuanced flavors, or the Western adaptation with its creamy, indulgent sauce, there’s no denying that Bang Bang Chicken delivers a memorable dining experience.

I remember the first time I tried making it at home – I was a bit intimidated by getting the sauce just right, but was amazed at how simple it actually was! My family now requests it regularly, and I’ve started experimenting with different variations to keep things interesting.

So next time you’re looking for something new to try in the kitchen or spot it on a restaurant menu, give Bang Bang Chicken a chance. Your taste buds will thank you for introducing them to this creamy, spicy sensation!