Name: Bang Bang Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 lb Chicken thighs (skinless, boneless); 2 pieces Japanese cucumbers (shredded); 1 clove Garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon Sesame paste; 2 tablespoons Water; 2 tablespoons Soy sauce; 1 tablespoon Rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon Sugar; 1 pinch Sichuan pepper powder; 2 tablespoons Chili oil

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Every time I think about Bang Bang Chicken, I’m transported back to a cozy night in my kitchen, the aroma of spices swirling around me. This dish has a special place in my heart. It’s quick, satisfying, and always brings a little kick to the table! I remember the first time I made it; I was looking for something that was not just delicious but also simple enough for a weeknight dinner. As I pulled out the ingredients, I was excited to create a meal that is not only easy to prepare but also a crowd-pleaser. The combination of tender chicken and the spicy-sweet sauce makes it irresistible. Plus, it’s a great way to impress friends or family without spending hours in the kitchen.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
20 mins

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
10 mins

Difficulty:
Easy

Calories:
350 kcal

Protein:
30 g

Diet:
Keto, Paleo, Whole30

Fat:
20 g

Tools Used:
Whisk, Chef’s Knife, Large Pot, Frying Pan

Why This Bang Bang Chicken Shines

1. It’s Packed with Flavor

The first reason to fall in love with Bang Bang Chicken is its incredible flavor profile. The balance between spicy and savory makes each bite a burst of deliciousness. The sauce, made with garlic, soy sauce, and chili oil, perfectly complements the tender chicken.

2. Quick and Easy Preparation

One of my favorite aspects of this dish is how quickly it comes together. In just about twenty minutes, you can have a meal on the table that tastes like it took hours to prepare. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without the fuss.

3. Versatile Ingredients

The ingredients in Bang Bang Chicken are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily substitute or add ingredients according to your preferences. Whether you want to add more vegetables or give it a different spice level, the possibilities are endless.

4. A Great Make-Ahead Option

This dish is fantastic for meal prep. You can make the chicken and sauce ahead of time, so when you’re ready to eat, all you have to do is reheat. The flavors meld beautifully, making it even more delicious the next day.

5. Perfect for Any Occasion

Bang Bang Chicken is great for any occasion. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, it fits perfectly. People will rave about it, and you’ll love how simple it was to make.

What You Need for Bang Bang Chicken

To create a stellar dish of Bang Bang Chicken, you’ll want to focus on a few key ingredients that work harmoniously together. Each ingredient plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of flavors. The tender chicken provides the main protein, while the cucumbers add freshness. The sauce combines savory, sweet, and spicy elements, making it irresistible.

1 lb chicken thighs, skinless, boneless – These are juicy and tender, perfect for this dish.
2 Japanese cucumbers, shredded – They add a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of the chicken.
1 clove garlic, minced – Garlic gives an aromatic base that enhances all flavors.
1 teaspoon sesame paste – It adds a nutty flavor and creaminess to the sauce.
2 tablespoons water – Helps to achieve the right consistency in the sauce.
2 tablespoons soy sauce – This provides a savory depth that’s essential in Asian cuisine.
1 tablespoon rice vinegar – Adds a tangy brightness that lifts the dish.
1 tablespoon sugar – Balances out the flavors, particularly the heat from the chili oil.
1 pinch Sichuan pepper powder – This adds a unique numbing spice that complements the dish beautifully.
2 tablespoons chili oil – A crucial ingredient for that spicy kick!

Putting Together Bang Bang Chicken

As we dive into creating Bang Bang Chicken, you’ll find that the process is straightforward and enjoyable. Here’s how to bring it all together in just a few simple steps.

Start by placing a saucepan on medium heat. Add the chicken thighs along with enough water to cover them. Bring this to a boil. The key here is to ensure the chicken is fully submerged so it cooks evenly.
Once the water is boiling, let it cook for about ten minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). At this point, the chicken should look opaque and no longer pink inside.
Remove the chicken from the saucepan and allow it to cool slightly. This is important; you don’t want to burn your fingers when you start shredding! The meat will be tender and juicy, perfect for this dish.
Once it’s cool enough to handle, cut the meat into bite-sized pieces or shred it, depending on your preference. Set it aside in a bowl.
Now it’s time to make the sauce! In a small bowl, whisk together the garlic, sesame paste, water, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, Sichuan pepper powder, and chili oil. Taste it and adjust the amount of chili oil based on your desired spice level.
Take a serving dish and arrange a bed of shredded cucumbers at the bottom. This adds a refreshing crunch to your dish.
Next, place the cooked chicken pieces on top of the cucumbers. Make sure they are spread out evenly.
Generously pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated. The sauce should glisten and look inviting.
For an extra touch, you can garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro. This adds freshness and visual appeal!
Finally, serve your Bang Bang Chicken immediately and enjoy the compliments!

Things Worth Knowing

Chicken Selection: Using chicken thighs ensures juiciness, but you can use chicken breast for a leaner option.
Cooking Method: Make sure to cook the chicken thoroughly for food safety, reaching that 165°F (74°C).
Serving Temperature: This dish tastes best when served fresh but can be enjoyed cold as well.
Flavor Depth: Allowing the sauce to sit for a few minutes helps the flavors meld and intensify.

Recipe Variations about Bang Bang Chicken

Exploring variations of Bang Bang Chicken can be an exciting adventure. The foundation is simple enough to allow for creativity!

Substituting Proteins: You can use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a different twist.
Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for additional flavor and color.
Adjusting Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of chili oil or replace it with a milder sauce.
Serving Ideas: Serve it over rice or noodles for a heartier meal.
Make It a Salad: For a lighter option, toss the chicken and sauce with mixed greens.

Perfect Matches for Bang Bang Chicken

When serving Bang Bang Chicken, there are numerous delicious pairings to consider:

Steamed Rice: This classic pairing helps balance the dish’s spiciness.
Stir-Fried Vegetables: A colorful mix of bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots complements the chicken beautifully.
Noodles: Serve it over soba or rice noodles tossed lightly in soy sauce for a complete meal.
Cold Beer: An ice-cold drink can also provide a refreshing contrast to the heat.
Occasions: This dish is perfect for casual family dinners, parties, or meal prep for the week ahead.

FAQ

Bang Bang Chicken is a delicious dish known for its tender chicken coated in a spicy, savory sauce. It features a combination of flavors, including garlic, soy sauce, and chili oil, making it a popular choice for those who love a little heat in their meals. Often served over a bed of fresh cucumbers, this dish is perfect for any occasion and is both satisfying and easy to prepare.

Absolutely! Bang Bang Chicken is a great dish for meal prep. You can cook the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead of time. Simply store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just heat them up and combine. The flavors meld beautifully, making it even more delicious the next day.

Bang Bang Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. Noodles tossed lightly in soy sauce also complement this dish. For a lighter option, a simple salad can enhance the meal’s freshness without overshadowing the main flavor.

Yes, Bang Bang Chicken can be spicy, depending on how much chili oil you use in the sauce. If you’re sensitive to spice, feel free to adjust the amount of chili oil to suit your taste. You can also add cooling garnishes, like cucumber, to balance the heat.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Bang Bang Chicken stands out for its incredible flavor and ease of preparation. It’s a dish that can quickly become a favorite in your household. I encourage you to try making it yourself; I’m sure you’ll love it just as much as I do. Don’t hesitate to add your own twist; cooking is all about creativity and enjoyment!