Sheet Pan Bang Bang Crispy Chicken

This Sichuan-inspired dinner is full of tongue-tingling spice from chile oil and oodles of umami courtesy of soy sauce and Chinese black vinegar.

2 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts or any other bone-in, skin-on pieces

1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil 1 teaspoon salt

1⁄2 teaspoon white pepper

2 tablespoons chile oil

1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

1⁄4 cup soy sauce

1⁄4 cup Chinese black vinegar or red

wine vinegar

2 tablespoons sugar

1 (1-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and julienned

Steamed rice; cooked Asian wheat noodles, soba noodles or bean thread noodles; or shredded lettuce for serving

1 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded

and julienned

1⁄2cup roasted peanuts, coarsely

chopped (optional)

2 scallions, thinly sliced on a bias 1 cup cilantro leaves and tender

stems, coarsely chopped

Instructions: Heat the oven to 450 degrees.

Rub the chicken with the sesame oil, salt and white pepper. Gently slide your finger underneath the skin of each breast to loosen it from the meat a bit (this will encourage the skin to crisp up in the oven). Place the chicken on a sheet pan, skin-side up. Roast for 30-35 minutes, until the chicken skin is nicely crisped and a kitchen thermometer inserted into a breast registers 165 degrees.

Meanwhile, make the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the chile oil, sesame oil, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar and ginger. Set aside.

Remove the pan from the oven and transfer to a flat surface that’s heatproof or protected with hot pads. Slowly press down on each chicken piece with a rolling pin and roll along its length so the meat breaks and shreds apart a bit. If preferred, remove and discard the bones. Scrape the pan to collect any browned bits and juices and add them to your sauce.

Place the rice, noodles or shredded lettuce in a large serving dish and set the banged-up chicken pieces on top; otherwise, put the chicken directly in the serving dish. Scatter the cucumber over the chicken, then pour the sauce all over. Top with the peanuts (if using), scallions and cilantro and enjoy.

Makes 4 servings

Adapted from “Sheet Pan Chicken” by Cathy Erway (Ten Speed Press)