Japanese-Style Bang Bang Chicken: Crispy Karaage with Sweet Chili Mayo

Japanese-Style Bang Bang Chicken: The Ultimate Sweet Chili Mayo Fusion

If you love Karaage (Japanese fried chicken) but want to give it a Southeast Asian twist, this recipe is for you! While traditional Karaage relies on soy sauce and ginger, this version tosses crispy chicken in a creamy, tangy Sweet Chili Mayonnaise.

What is Bang Bang Chicken?

In the U.S., “Bang Bang” dishes are famous for their signature sauce: a creamy, spicy, and sweet blend of mayo and chili. While the American version often uses “Sriracha,” my Japanese-style version uses homemade sweet chili sauce and Doubanjiang (chili bean paste) for a deeper, more complex flavor profile.

The Secret: Homemade Sweet Chili Sauce

Most people only use sweet chili sauce for fresh spring rolls, but it’s a game-changer for fried chicken. By making the sauce from scratch and mixing it with mayonnaise, you achieve an exquisite balance. The mayo mellows out the sweetness and adds a rich, velvety texture that clings perfectly to the crispy chicken skin.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Crunch: Using the Japanese double-fry method (starting at 170∘C and finishing at 200∘C) ensures the chicken is juicy inside and incredibly crunchy outside.
The Balance: Unlike the heavy, sugar-laden bottled sauces, this homemade version allows you to control the acidity and heat.
Versatility: The sauce is so good, it doubles as a dip for your garnish of purple cabbage, carrots, and cucumber!

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 338 kcal
Protein: 33.7 g
Fat: 17.3 g
Carbs: 15.3 g
Salt: 1.8 g
Note: Calculated with an 8% oil absorption rate.

Ingredients (Serves 3)

Chicken Thigh: 300g
Seasoning: Salt (2g), Pepper (to taste)
Coating: Wheat flour (20g)
Fry: Oil (Moderate amount)
Creamy Element: Half-calorie mayonnaise (15g)
The “Bang Bang” Base (☆):
- Sugar: 18g
- Grain vinegar: 50g
- Salt: 1g
- Grated garlic: 2g
- Doubanjiang (Chili bean paste): 4g

Instructions

Prep the Chicken: Cut the chicken thigh into bite-sized pieces (approx. 30g each). Place them in a plastic bag and coat thoroughly with salt, pepper, and flour.
The Double-Fry Method: Deep-fry in salad oil (submerging about half the chicken).
- Fry at 170∘C (338∘F) for the first 5 minutes to cook through.
- Increase heat to 200∘C (392∘F) for the final 3 minutes to achieve maximum crispiness. Drain well.
Simmer the Sauce: Combine the sugar, vinegar, salt, garlic, and Doubanjiang in a saucepan. Heat over medium until the mixture thickens into a syrup.
The Final Toss: Whisk the mayonnaise into your homemade chili sauce, then toss the hot fried chicken into the glaze until every piece is beautifully coated.

Related Link🔗

If you have any leftover sauce, it makes a fantastic dip for steamed broccoli or roasted potatoes!

If you’ve fallen in love with these flavors, don’t miss my recipe for [Singapore Chicken Rice & Best Homemade Sweet Chili Sauce] —it’s the perfect way to use up that extra sauce!

naokoan

Hi, I’m Naoko! I am a licensed Registered Dietitian in Japan, currently working in a hospital setting. My daily mission is to provide nutritious, healing meals to patients, ensuring that every dish supports their health and brings a smile to their face. My recipes are more than just cooking guides—they are built on scientific nutritional balance and clinical experience. Why I provide ingredients in grams (g): You might notice that all my recipes use precise gram measurements. This is because, as a dietitian, I believe that accuracy is the key to true health management. Whether you are tracking calories, managing salt intake, or simply want to recreate the exact flavor of a professional hospital kitchen, these measurements ensure your success and well-being. My Specialty: I specialize in high-pressure cooking and oven recipes that save time without sacrificing nutrition. My goal is to introduce the world to “Real Japanese Home Cooking”—dishes that are simple, budget-friendly, and body-friendly. I’m thrilled to share the wisdom of Japanese nutrition with you. Let’s cook our way to a healthier life!