Bang Bang Chicken is a delightful dish that promises to bring flavors and fun to your dining table. With its creamy, spicy sauce drenching tender chicken, you’ll find that it’s perfect for any occasion. Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe and discover how you can make this delicious dish at home!
Why You’ll Love Bang Bang Chicken:
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of spicy and sweet in the sauce creates a mouthwatering experience.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is simple enough for beginners, yet impressive enough for guests.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as an appetizer, party treat, or main dish with rice or salad.
- Crispy Texture: The panko breadcrumbs ensure a satisfying crunch that complements the juicy chicken.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level to fit your taste it’s all up to you!
Prep & Cook Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: About 4 people
What You Need For Bang Bang Chicken
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless (skinless chicken tenderloins)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 cups plain panko breadcrumbs
- Canola oil (for frying)
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
Step-by-Step: How to Make Bang Bang Chicken
1. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a bowl, mix 1 cup of mayonnaise, ½ cup of Thai sweet chili sauce, 1 teaspoon of Sriracha sauce, and 2 tablespoons of honey. Adjust the spice to your taste. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken Marinade:
In a large bowl, soak the 1 ½ pounds of chicken tenderloins in 1 cup of buttermilk for at least 15-30 minutes. This will keep the chicken moist.
3. Coat the Chicken:
In another bowl, combine ¾ cup of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of cornstarch, 1 large egg, 1 tablespoon of Sriracha sauce, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, and ⅛ teaspoon of cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well.
4. Fry the Chicken:
Dip each piece of marinated chicken into the coating mixture and ensure it’s fully covered. Heat canola oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Fry the chicken in batches for about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.
5. Drain and Toss:
Once cooked, place the fried chicken on paper towels to drain excess oil. Then toss the chicken in the prepared Bang Bang sauce until well-coated.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Transfer the sauced chicken to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color and serve hot!
Pro Tips to Perfect Bang Bang Chicken
- Marinate Longer: For even more flavor, let the chicken soak in buttermilk overnight.
- Adjust Spiciness: If you love heat, add more Sriracha to the sauce or coating.
- Use a Deep Fry Thermometer: Maintaining the right oil temperature (about 350°F) is essential for perfect frying.
- Double-Coat for Extra Crunch: For an even crunchier chicken, dip in the buttermilk again and coat with panko before frying.
- Keep the Sauce Separate: If serving as a party dish, serve the sauce on the side to keep the chicken crispy.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken
Bang Bang Chicken is best enjoyed hot and fresh. Serve it as an appetizer with toothpicks for easy snacking, or pile it onto a bed of rice or a fresh salad for a hearty meal. For added flair, complement your dish with a side of steamed broccoli or carrot sticks. It also pairs well with a light, refreshing drink like iced tea or lemonade.
Storing Your Bang Bang Chicken
- Refrigerate Promptly: After serving, make sure to refrigerate any leftovers within two hours to maintain freshness.
- Use an Airtight Container: Store Bang Bang Chicken in a well-sealed container to prevent it from drying out.
- Consume Within 3-4 Days: Enjoy left-over chicken within a few days for the best taste and quality.
- Reheat in the Oven: For reheating, use the oven to maintain that crispy texture rather than using the microwave.
- Freeze for Longer Storage: If you want to keep it longer, freeze the chicken (without sauce) for up to three months.
Keys to Recipe Success
- Quality Ingredients: Use fresh chicken and high-quality sauces for the best flavors.
- Watch the Fry Time: Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying; it can lower the oil temperature and result in sogginess.
- Don’t Rush the Marinating: Allow enough time for the chicken to soak in buttermilk for tenderness.
- Taste as You Go: Adjust spice levels in the sauce to your liking before serving.
Flavor Twist Ideas
- Add Citrus: Squeeze some lime or lemon juice into the sauce for a zesty kick.
- Try Different Proteins: Substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different twist.
- Include Veggies: Mix in sautéed veggies like bell peppers or broccoli for more nutrients.
- Experiment with Sauces: Use spicy garlic sauce or ranch dressing as alternatives to the Bang Bang sauce.
Bang Bang Chicken FAQ Guide
1. Can I make Bang Bang Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce separately. Fry the chicken just before serving to keep it crispy.
2. Is Bang Bang Chicken spicy?
It depends on how much Sriracha you use. You can adjust the heat level to match your preference.
3. What can I serve with Bang Bang Chicken?
It goes well with rice, salad, or even as a sandwich filling. Pair it with veggies for a balanced meal.
4. Can I bake Bang Bang Chicken instead of frying?
Yes, for a healthier option, you can bake it. Coat the chicken, place it on a baking sheet, and bake at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes.
Closing Remarks
Bang Bang Chicken is a delightful treat packed with flavor that everyone will enjoy. This recipe is not only easy to follow but also adaptable to suit your taste. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends, this dish is sure to impress. Try it out and make mealtime memorable with the vibrant and delicious Bang Bang Chicken!
Bang Bang Chicken
Ingredients
For the Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce Adjust to taste
- 2 tablespoons honey
For the Chicken
- 1 ½ pounds boneless (skinless chicken tenderloins)
- 1 cup buttermilk For marinating
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce For coating
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) Adjust to taste
- 2 cups plain panko breadcrumbs
- canola oil (for frying)
- chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, mix 1 cup of mayonnaise, ½ cup of Thai sweet chili sauce, 1 teaspoon of Sriracha sauce, and 2 tablespoons of honey. Adjust the spice to your taste. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, soak the 1 ½ pounds of chicken tenderloins in 1 cup of buttermilk for at least 15-30 minutes.
Coating and Cooking
- In another bowl, combine ¾ cup of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of cornstarch, 1 large egg, 1 tablespoon of Sriracha sauce, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, and ⅛ teaspoon of cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well.
- Dip each piece of marinated chicken into the coating mixture and ensure it’s fully covered.
- Heat canola oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Fry the chicken in batches for about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.
Serving
- Once cooked, place the fried chicken on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Toss the chicken in the prepared Bang Bang sauce until well-coated.
- Transfer the sauced chicken to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
