01 -
First things first, let's get that chicken ready. Grab your boneless, skinless chicken thighs and cut them into bite-sized pieces, maybe about 1-inch chunks. You want them to cook evenly, you know? Then, in a bowl, toss those chicken pieces with a good pinch of salt and pepper. Don't be shy with the seasoning! In another bowl, whisk up an egg. And in a third, pour out your cornstarch. My kitchen always looks like a disaster zone at this point, but it's worth it, I swear.
02 -
Now for the fun part! Take each piece of seasoned chicken, dip it into the whisked egg, letting any excess drip off. Then, really get it coated in that cornstarch. Press it in there; you want a good, even layer for maximum crispiness. I usually do this in batches so I don't overcrowd the bowls. Sometimes, a piece slips out of my grasp, and I find cornstarch in the weirdest places later, but hey, that's home cooking!
03 -
Heat about 1-2 inches of neutral oil (like vegetable or canola) in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. You're looking for it to hit around 350-375°F (175-190°C). If you don't have a thermometer, a little piece of chicken should sizzle immediately when dropped in. Carefully place your coated chicken pieces in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook them for about 4-6 minutes, flipping halfway, until they're golden brown and wonderfully crispy. This is where the magic happens, honestly! You'll hear that satisfying sizzle.
04 -
While your chicken is frying, let's make that irresistible sauce! In a medium bowl, combine your mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar. Whisk it all together until it's smooth and creamy. Give it a taste. Need more heat? Add more Sriracha! Want it sweeter? A little more honey. This is your chance to customize it. I always taste it like five times, just to be sure, you know? It should be this perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and tangy.
05 -
Once all your chicken is cooked and beautifully crispy, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour that glorious Bang Bang sauce over the warm chicken. Toss everything gently until every piece of chicken is coated in that creamy, vibrant sauce. I usually find myself sneaking a piece or two at this stage – it's just too good to resist! This is when the kitchen starts smelling incredible, honestly, like a fancy takeout spot.
06 -
Plate your Crispy Bang Bang Chicken immediately. Garnish generously with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. The green onions add a lovely fresh crunch and color, and the sesame seeds just complete the look. It's meant to be enjoyed right away when that chicken is at its crispiest. Trust me, it's worth every single step. You'll see that golden chicken, smell the amazing sauce, and know you've made something truly special.