Bang Bang Chicken
Bang Bang Chicken Recipe: A Deliciously Spicy Delight
Bang Bang Chicken is a finger-licking dish that captures the perfect balance of heat and sweetness. This popular Asian-inspired recipe features crispy fried chicken drizzled with a creamy and zesty Bang Bang sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or a main course, this dish is sure to impress your friends and family.
Why Make This Recipe
There are countless reasons to try Bang Bang Chicken! First and foremost, it delivers an explosion of flavor with every bite. The combination of the crunchy texture from the breaded chicken and the spicy, tangy sauce makes it irresistible. This recipe is also versatile; serve it as an appetizer for a party, a main dish for dinner, or even as a topping for salads. Plus, who can resist a dish that looks so gorgeous with its vibrant colors?
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken
Making Bang Bang Chicken is easier than you might think! Follow the step-by-step guide below to create this delicious dish at home.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (232 g) mayonnaise
- ½ cup (132 g) Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha (or more to taste)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken tenderloins
- 1 cup (245 g) buttermilk
- ¾ cup (94 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (64 g) cornstarch
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 cups (216 g) plain panko breadcrumbs
- Canola oil (for frying)
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
Directions
- Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, 1 teaspoon Sriracha, and honey. Set aside.
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, soak the chicken tenderloins in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
- Create the Breading Station: Place flour, cornstarch, and the egg mixed with the remaining Sriracha in three separate bowls. Season the flour mixture with garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken tenderloin in flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip them into the egg mixture followed by coating with panko breadcrumbs.
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of canola oil over medium-high heat until hot.
- Fry the Chicken: Add the coated chicken tenderloins in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side.
- Drain the Chicken: Remove the chicken and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
- Serve: Drizzle with Bang Bang sauce and garnish with chopped parsley.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken
Bang Bang Chicken is best served hot, fresh from the skillet. You can plate it on a serving platter with additional Bang Bang sauce drizzled over the top. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a light salad or steamed vegetables to balance the flavors.
How to Store Bang Bang Chicken
If you have leftover Bang Bang Chicken, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through, which will help maintain its crunchiness.
Tips to Make Bang Bang Chicken
- For an extra crispy texture, double-dip the chicken in flour and panko breadcrumbs.
- Adjust the level of Sriracha in the sauce to suit your taste if you prefer a milder or spicier flavor.
- Experiment with adding other spices to the breading for a unique twist.
Variations
If you’re looking for alternatives, you can substitute chicken tenderloins with chicken breasts or thighs. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour. You can also make a vegetarian version using firm tofu or cauliflower florets.
FAQs
1. Can I make Bang Bang Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken ahead of time. However, for maximum crispiness, it’s best to fry the chicken just before serving.
2. What side dishes go well with Bang Bang Chicken?
Bang Bang Chicken pairs well with fried rice, Asian slaw, or a simple cucumber salad to refresh your palate.
3. Can I bake Bang Bang Chicken instead of frying it?
Yes, you can bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until golden and cooked through. Make sure to spray the chicken with cooking oil for a crispy texture.
Enjoy cooking and savoring this delightful Bang Bang Chicken recipe!
Bang Bang Chicken
Ingredients
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha or more to taste
- 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 room temperature
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- 2 cups plain panko breadcrumbs
- Canola oil for frying
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
- In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, 1 teaspoon Sriracha, and honey. Set aside.
Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, soak the chicken tenderloins in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
Create the Breading Station
- Place flour, cornstarch, and the egg mixed with the remaining Sriracha in three separate bowls. Season the flour mixture with garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
Coat the Chicken
- Dredge each chicken tenderloin in flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip them into the egg mixture followed by coating with panko breadcrumbs.
Heat the Oil
- In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of canola oil over medium-high heat until hot.
Fry the Chicken
- Add the coated chicken tenderloins in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side.
Drain the Chicken
- Remove the chicken and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
Serve
- Drizzle with Bang Bang sauce and garnish with chopped parsley.
