Bang Bang Chicken is a delicious dish that combines crispy chicken with a flavorful sauce that’s both sweet and spicy. This recipe is easy to follow and delivers an amazing taste that’s sure to impress your family and friends. So let’s dive into making your very own Bang Bang Chicken!
Why You’ll Love Bang Bang Chicken:
- Crispy Texture: The chicken is coated in a crunchy layer that makes every bite satisfying.
- Flavor Explosion: The tangy, sweet, and mildly spicy sauce creates a flavor combination that’s irresistible.
- Quick Recipe: This dish can be made in less than an hour, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a great dish for gatherings or parties that everyone will love.
- Customizable: You can tweak the sauce and spices to cater to your taste preferences.
Prep & Cook Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
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
Directions Made Simple
1. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha sauce, and honey until smooth. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
2. Prepare the Chicken Marinade:
In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk and one tablespoon of Sriracha sauce. Add the chicken tenderloins and let them marinate for about 15 minutes for maximum flavor and tenderness.
3. Coat the Chicken:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if you are using it. In a separate plate, beat the egg. Take each marinated chicken tenderloin, dip it in the egg, then coat it well in the flour mixture. Make sure to shake off any excess flour.
4. Fry the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of canola oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the coated chicken tenderloins in batches, frying until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes on each side. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
5. Drain and Toss:
In a large mixing bowl, add the crispy chicken and half of the prepared Bang Bang sauce. Toss the chicken to coat it thoroughly.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Transfer the sauce-coated chicken to a serving platter. Drizzle any remaining sauce on top and garnish with chopped parsley. Enjoy your Bang Bang Chicken!
Pro Tips to Perfect Bang Bang Chicken
- Marinate Longer: For even more flavor, let the chicken marinate for 1 to 2 hours.
- Use a Thermometer: Ensure your oil is at the right temperature (about 350°F) for frying. Too cold, and the chicken will absorb oil; too hot, and it will burn.
- Double-Dip for Extra Crispiness: For an extra crunchy texture, you can dip the chicken in egg and then in the flour mixture a second time before frying.
- Keep in a Warm Oven: If frying in batches, keep the finished chicken in a warm oven (around 200°F) while you fry the remaining pieces.
- Customize Your Sauce: Adjust the heat and sweetness in the sauce to fit your taste. Add more Sriracha for spice or more honey for sweetness.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken
Bang Bang Chicken is best served hot and fresh. You can pair it with steamed rice, noodles, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. It also makes a wonderful appetizer. Serve it with extra Bang Bang sauce on the side for dipping, and perhaps some cucumber slices to balance the heat.
Storing Your Bang Bang Chicken
- Refrigerate Quickly: Let the chicken cool completely before storing it in an airtight container.
- Use within 3 days: For the best taste and quality, eat leftovers within three days.
- Reheating: To retain the crispiness, reheat the chicken in an oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes.
- Avoid Saucing Leftovers: Store extra sauce separately to prevent the chicken from getting soggy.
- Freeze for Later: If you want to store it longer, freeze the cooked chicken in a sealed bag for up to 3 months.
Keys to Recipe Success
- Quality Ingredients: Use fresh chicken and high-quality sauces for the best results.
- Even Coating: Take your time coating the chicken evenly for consistent frying.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in small batches to ensure even cooking and crispy results.
- Check for Doneness: The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F to be fully cooked.
Flavor Twist Ideas
- Add Spices to the Flour Mixture: Experiment with smoked paprika or Italian seasoning for added flavor.
- Make it Sweet and Sour: Incorporate pineapple juice into the sauce for a tropical twist.
- Try Different Proteins: Substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different variation.
- Make it Creamier: Mix in a bit of cream cheese with the sauce for a richer texture.
- Serve with Pickled Vegetables: Add tangy pickled veggies for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Bang Bang Chicken FAQ Guide
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
Yes, chicken breasts work well. Just cut them into strips for similar cooking times.
2. Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
You can bake the chicken instead of frying it. Coat with cooking spray and bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
3. Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
4. What should I serve with Bang Bang Chicken?
Pair it with rice, noodles, or a fresh salad. It also goes great with steamed vegetables.
Closing Remarks
Bang Bang Chicken is a delightful dish that’s easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. Whether for a busy weeknight dinner or a fun gathering, this recipe is sure to be a hit. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a restaurant-quality meal right at home. Enjoy every bite!
Bang Bang Chicken
Ingredients
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)
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha sauce, and honey until smooth. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
- In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk and one tablespoon of Sriracha sauce. Add the chicken tenderloins and let them marinate for about 15 minutes for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if you are using it. In a separate plate, beat the egg.
- Take each marinated chicken tenderloin, dip it in the egg, then coat it well in the flour mixture. Make sure to shake off any excess flour.
Frying
- In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of canola oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the coated chicken tenderloins in batches, frying until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes on each side.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Final Steps
- In a large mixing bowl, add the crispy chicken and half of the prepared Bang Bang sauce. Toss the chicken to coat it thoroughly.
- Transfer the sauce-coated chicken to a serving platter. Drizzle any remaining sauce on top and garnish with chopped parsley. Enjoy your Bang Bang Chicken!
