Description
This Juicy Copycat Cheesecake Factory Bang Bang Chicken recipe features crispy fried chicken and shrimp coated in a light cornstarch batter, smothered in a rich and creamy peanut-curry sauce packed with aromatic spices and tender vegetables. Accompanied by fluffy jasmine rice and garnished with toasted sesame seeds, green onions, and fresh cilantro, this dish delivers a perfect balance of textures and bold flavors reminiscent of the famous restaurant favorite.
Ingredients
Curry Sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 onion, finely diced into 1/4-inch pieces
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp coriander
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp allspice
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp fish sauce
- 14 oz coconut milk (full fat)
- 1 large carrot, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 1 zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch half-moons
- 1/2 cup peas
Peanut Sauce
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 tbsp water
- 1 1/2 tbsp sugar
- 1 1/2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 2 tsp lime juice
Chicken and Shrimp
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast, cut into 1-inch bite-sized chunks
- 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 5 tbsp corn starch
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving and Garnish
- 2 cups jasmine rice, cooked
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced on the bias
- 1 1/2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Dice the onion into 1/4-inch pieces, mince the garlic, grate the ginger, peel and slice the carrot into 1/4-inch rounds, cut the zucchini into 1/2-inch half-moons, cut the chicken into 1-inch bite-sized chunks, peel and devein the shrimp, slice the green onions on the bias, and measure out all your spices. Start cooking the jasmine rice according to package directions so it’s ready by plating. This ensures a smooth cooking process and well-timed assembly.
- Cook Aromatics and Toast Spices: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 teaspoon sesame oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Stir frequently until the onion softens and becomes fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, allspice, and turmeric. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds to toast the spices and release their flavors.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in 1/2 cup water and bring to a boil. Add coconut milk and bring back to a boil. Stir in fish sauce, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes to meld the flavors. Add sliced carrots, zucchini half-moons, and peas. Continue simmering for 10 minutes until vegetables are tender but still slightly textured.
- Prepare Peanut Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together creamy peanut butter, 3 tablespoons water, sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and lime juice until smooth. Pour peanut sauce into the simmering curry mixture and stir well. Heat until just beginning to bubble, creating a rich peanut-curry hybrid sauce that defines the dish’s signature flavor.
- Coat and Fry Chicken and Shrimp: In a shallow bowl, combine cornstarch with salt and pepper. Toss chicken chunks and shrimp separately in the cornstarch mixture to coat evenly. Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Fry chicken in batches until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes total. Remove to a plate. In the same skillet, fry shrimp about 2 minutes per side until pink and cooked through; remove to plate.
- Assemble and Garnish: Divide cooked jasmine rice among serving plates. Top each plate with fried chicken and shrimp. Ladle warm peanut-curry sauce with vegetables over the top. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and fresh cilantro leaves for brightness and texture contrast.
Notes
- Using full-fat coconut milk adds creaminess to the sauce.
- Frying chicken and shrimp in batches prevents overcrowding and ensures crispiness.
- Adding vegetables near the end of simmering keeps them tender yet firm.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the contrasting textures of crispy proteins and creamy sauce.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred heat level.
