Bang Bang Chicken

Bang Bang Chicken is a popular dish featuring crispy, fried chicken pieces tossed in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce. It's known for its bold flavors and satisfying crunch, making it a favorite for those who enjoy a little heat with their meal. This Americanized version of a traditional dish is a perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and crunch.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• ⅓ cup milk

• 1 large egg

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes

• ¼ cup potato starch

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

• ¼ teaspoon shichimi togarashi (Japanese red pepper condiment)

• 2 cups oil for frying, or as needed

• ¼ cup mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce

• 1 teaspoon gochujang (Korean hot pepper paste)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together the milk and egg until well combined. Add the chicken cubes, stirring to coat. Allow the chicken to marinate for 15 minutes. Drain and discard the egg mixture.

2. Coat the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the potato starch, flour, salt, pepper, and shichimi togarashi. Pour the mixture into a large resealable plastic bag. Add the marinated chicken to the bag, seal it, and shake until the chicken is well coated.

3. First Fry: Heat 2 inches of oil in a deep saucepan over medium heat to 325°F (165°C). Working in batches of about 5 to 8 pieces at a time, cook the chicken in the hot oil for about 90 seconds. Remove the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate; keep each batch separate.

4. Second Fry: Increase the oil temperature to 350°F (175°C). The oil should be continuously boiling at this point. Carefully re-add the first batch of chicken and fry for another 90 seconds. Remove to another paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with the remaining batches of chicken.

5. Prepare the Sauce: In a large serving bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, honey, sweet chili sauce, and gochujang until well combined.

6. Combine and Serve: Add the fried chicken to the sauce, tossing gently to coat. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 404

• Total Fat: 21g

• Saturated Fat: 4g

• Cholesterol: 112mg

• Sodium: 546mg

• Total Carbohydrate: 27g

• Dietary Fiber: 1g

• Sugars: 13g

• Protein: 27g

• Calcium: 48mg

• Iron: 2mg

• Potassium: 261mg