By Dr. Leah Alexander | Published on May 25, 2023 | Last Updated on November 26, 2023
If you are a fan of Asian cuisine, there is no doubt you will have heard of the delicious dish known as Boom Boom Chicken. This popular dish is a combination of crispy chicken nuggets covered in a creamy and spicy sauce. The flavors are so amazing that they will leave you wanting more.
This is suitable for all occasions, be it a weekend dinner or a festive gathering. The great part about this dish is that it can be prepared in no time at all and requires just a few simple ingredients.
Here I will discuss what is Boom Boom Chicken, the ingredients, and tools required for the dish, cooking tips, and methods, and nutrition information. So, let’s get started!
What Is Boom Boom Chicken?
Boom Boom Chicken is a popular Korean-style dish that originated in the United States. It consists of pieces of fried chicken coated with a creamy and spicy sauce made from mayonnaise, honey, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha hot sauce, buttermilk, egg, and some salt and pepper.
The chicken pieces are breaded in cornstarch and all-purpose flour before being fried in hot oil until they turn golden brown and crispy. The dish can be served as a snack, appetizer, or main course. It is also great for parties, picnics, potlucks, and other casual gatherings.
Where Did I First Try Boom Boom Chicken?
I first tried Boom Boom Chicken at a Boom Boom Chicken restaurant in Fort Lee, United States. The restaurant was located in a busy shopping mall. As soon as I entered the restaurant, I was greeted by a friendly staff member.
The interior of the restaurant was very modern and stylish. There were several booths set up for diners to sit in and enjoy their meals. On one side of the room, an open kitchen allowed diners to watch their meal being prepared.
The menu had a wide variety of dishes, but I was immediately drawn to the Boom Boom Chicken. The dish was described as “crispy chicken nuggets covered in a creamy and spicy sauce” and that is exactly what it was.
When my order arrived, I couldn’t wait to tuck in. The chicken pieces were fried perfectly and the sauce was a delicious combination of sweet and spicy flavors that complemented each other perfectly.
The texture of the dish was also amazing, with the crunchy exterior giving way to succulent chicken pieces on the inside. Every bite was full of flavor in my mouth.
I was so impressed with how delicious the Boom Boom Chicken was, that I have been ordering it every time I visit this restaurant. It has become one of my favorite dishes and it never fails to leave me feeling satisfied.
Ingredients
- Mayonnaise: Some mayonnaise is required to make the Boom Boom sauce creamy.
- Honey: Honey will provide a subtle sweetness and helps to balance out the spiciness of hot sauce and chili sauce.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: Sweet chili sauce gives Boom Boom chicken it’s signature flavor. If you can’t find it, you can use a mix of ketchup and sriracha.
- Sriracha Hot Sauce: Sriracha adds a kick of spiciness to the Boom Boom sauce. Use as much or as little as you like according to your taste preferences.
- Buttermilk: Buttermilk is used in the sauce for an extra creamy texture. You can also use regular milk instead.
- Egg: An egg is required to bind the sauce together and make sure all of the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Salt and Pepper: A pinch of salt and pepper will enhance the flavor of the Boom Boom sauce.
- Cornstarch & All-Purpose Flour: These dry ingredients help create a crunchy and crunchy coating on the chicken.
- Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe as they cook quickly and stay juicy.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These Japanese breadcrumbs provide an extra crunchy texture that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
- Vegetable Oil: Vegetable oil is used to fry the chicken until golden and crispy.
Cooking Directions
Step 1
Start by preparing the Boom Boom sauce. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha hot sauce, and buttermilk until combined. Add in the egg and season generously with salt and pepper. Whisk to combine once more. Set aside for later use.
Step 2
In a separate bowl, mix together the cornstarch and all-purpose flour. Add in some salt and pepper to season. Place the cubed chicken breast into the flour mixture and coat each piece evenly with the dry ingredients. Once all of your chicken is coated, place it onto a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
Step 3
Preheat vegetable oil in a large saucepan or skillet over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Working in batches, fry the chicken for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
Step 4
When all of the chicken is cooked, return it to the saucepan and pour in the Boom Boom sauce. Toss to fully coat each piece with the sauce.
Step 5
Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs over top and gently toss them once more. Serve your Boom Boom chicken immediately while hot and crispy.
Cooking Tips
- Make sure the chicken pieces are well coated with the sauce before coating them in cornstarch and all-purpose flour.
- Cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. This will ensure that each piece is cooked evenly.
- Serve Boom Boom chicken immediately after cooking for the best results. It will lose its crunchiness if left to sit for too long.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer before serving.
- If you want a spicier sauce, add more sriracha hot sauce or chili flakes.
What Ingredients Can I Replace or Substitute While Making It?
- If you don’t have any buttermilk on hand, you can substitute it with regular milk or almond/soy milk.
- You can also replace the sweet chili sauce with a mixture of ketchup and sriracha sauce.
- If you want to make the Boom Boom sauce vegan, you can use vegan mayonnaise.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or cornstarch for the coating.
- Also, if you don’t have any honey available, you can use maple syrup instead.
Boom Boom Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- bowls
- Saucepan or skilletWire rack
- paper towel
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of sweet chili sauce offering a harmonious blend of sweetness and spiciness to the sauce
- 1 tablespoon of honey infusing a delightful touch of natural sweetness to balance the flavors
- 1/2 large egg adding a velvety and creamy texture to the sauce, acting as a binding agent
- 1/4 cup of creamy and tangy mayonnaise creating a luscious and velvety base for the sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon of Sriracha hot sauce bringing a fiery and bold kick to the sauce, adding depth and heat
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour providing a light and crispy texture to the sauce when cooked
- 1/8 cup of buttermilk or regular milk, contributing a creamy and slightly tangy element to enhance the sauce’s richness
- Salt and pepper to taste precisely measured to season the sauce, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors.
- 1/4 cup of cornstarch adding a smooth and thickening agent to achieve the perfect consistency
For Chicken:
- Salt and pepper to taste precisely measured to season the chicken, enhancing its natural flavors and creating a delicious savory profile.
- Vegetable oil for frying the chicken to golden perfection, creating a crispy and delicious coating
- 1/2 cup of crunchy panko breadcrumbs ensuring a light and crispy texture to the chicken when cooked
- 1/2 pound of tender boneless skinless chicken breast, cubed, providing a lean and flavorful protein source
Instructions
- Start by preparing the Boom Boom sauce. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha hot sauce, and buttermilk until combined. Add in the egg and season generously with salt and pepper. Whisk to combine once more. Set aside for later use.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the cornstarch and all-purpose flour. Add in some salt and pepper to season. Place the cubed chicken breast into the flour mixture and coat each piece evenly with the dry ingredients. Once all of your chicken is coated, place it onto a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
- Preheat vegetable oil in a large saucepan or skillet over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Working in batches, fry the chicken for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- When all of the chicken is cooked, return it to the saucepan and pour in the Boom Boom sauce. Toss to fully coat each piece with the sauce.
- Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs over top and gently toss them once more. Serve your Boom Boom chicken immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
- Make sure the chicken pieces are well coated with the sauce before coating them in cornstarch and all-purpose flour.
- Cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. This will ensure that each piece is cooked evenly.
- Serve Boom Boom chicken immediately after cooking for the best results. It will lose its crunchiness if left to sit for too long.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer before serving.
- If you want a spicier sauce, add more sriracha hot sauce or chili flakes.
Nutrition Information
One serving of Boom Boom Chicken provides approximately,
- Calories: 181 kcal
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fat: 11 g
- Sodium: 579 mg
- Fiber: 0.5 g
How to Store Leftover Boom Boom Chicken?
Any leftover Boom Boom chicken should be placed in an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the chicken pieces on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven or air fryer before serving.
The sauce can also be stored in an airtight container and kept refrigerated for up to two weeks.
When ready to serve, simply heat on the stovetop until warmed through.
FAQs
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, pregnant women can eat Boom Boom chicken as long as it is cooked properly. Pregnant women should avoid eating raw or undercooked food to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.
Is it suitable for people with diabetes?
Yes, although Boom Boom Chicken is higher in carbohydrates due to the breading and sauces, it is still suitable for people with diabetes as long as it is eaten in moderation.
Can I make Boom Boom Chicken without flour?
Yes, you can make Boom Boom Chicken without flour by omitting the cornstarch and all-purpose flour from the recipe. However, this will result in a less crunchy texture for the chicken.
Wrapping Up
As you have just seen making this delicious Boom Boom Chicken is very easy. This can save you time in the kitchen and provide you with a tasty meal. All it takes is a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen techniques. You can also customize this recipe to your liking by adding more or less certain ingredients.
So, why not give this amazing recipe a try? Make your own Boom Boom Chicken and enjoy the deliciousness it offers. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family.
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Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.
