Bang Bang Chicken

Bang Bang Chicken is a delectable dish featuring crispy, panko-crusted chicken tenderloins drizzled with a sweet and spicy homemade sauce. This fusion of textures and flavors makes it a standout appetizer or main course.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe offers a harmonious blend of crunch and zest, making it a crowd-pleaser for various occasions. The succulent chicken, enveloped in a crispy coating and topped with a tantalizing sauce, provides a delightful culinary experience. Additionally, the versatility of preparation methods—deep-frying, air-frying, or baking—allows you to choose according to your preference.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Chicken tenderloins

  • Buttermilk

  • All-purpose flour

  • Cornstarch

  • Egg

  • Sriracha

  • Garlic powder

  • Kosher salt

  • Black pepper

  • Cayenne pepper (optional)

  • Panko breadcrumbs

  • Canola oil (for frying)

  • Mayonnaise

  • Thai sweet chili sauce

  • Honey

  • Parsley (for garnish)

Directions

  1. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Mix well and set aside.

  2. Marinate the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, whisk together buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Add the chicken tenderloins, ensuring they are fully coated.

  3. Coat the Chicken: Place panko breadcrumbs on a plate. Remove each chicken piece from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off, and dredge in panko, pressing gently to adhere.

  4. Cook the Chicken:

    • Deep-Frying: Heat about an inch of canola oil in a skillet to 365°F (185°C). Fry the chicken in batches, 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.

    • Air-Frying: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place coated chicken in the basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. Spray lightly with cooking oil. Cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

    • Baking: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spray with cooking oil. Bake for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway, until crispy and cooked through.

  5. Serve: Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the cooked chicken and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve warm.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: Approximately 4

  • Preparation Time: 20 minutes

  • Cooking Time: 6 minutes (deep-frying); 10 minutes (air-frying); 12-15 minutes (baking)

  • Total Time: Varies based on cooking method

Variations

  • Spicier Sauce: Increase the amount of Sriracha in the sauce to elevate the heat.

  • Alternative Proteins: Substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different twist.

  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free panko and flour to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Storage/Reheating

To store leftovers, allow the chicken to cool completely. Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. For freezing, wrap the chicken pieces individually and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 6 months. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and crispy.

FAQs

What is Bang Bang Chicken?

Bang Bang Chicken is a dish featuring crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and spicy sauce, known for its delightful combination of textures and flavors.

Can I make Bang Bang Chicken without deep-frying?

Yes, you can prepare Bang Bang Chicken using an air fryer or by baking in the oven for a healthier alternative.

Is Bang Bang Chicken spicy?

The dish has a mild to moderate spice level, which can be adjusted by varying the amount of Sriracha in the sauce.

What can I serve with Bang Bang Chicken?

Common accompaniments include steamed rice, mixed greens, or a side of vegetables to balance the flavors.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Absolutely, the Bang Bang sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

How do I ensure the chicken stays crispy?

Serve the chicken immediately after cooking. If needed, reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of tenderloins?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used; adjust cooking times as necessary to ensure thorough cooking.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

To make it dairy-free, substitute buttermilk with a dairy-free alternative or a mixture of dairy-free milk and a tablespoon of vinegar.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free panko and flour to adapt the recipe for a gluten-free diet.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?

Modify the amount of honey or Thai sweet chili sauce to achieve your desired level of sweetness.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Chicken offers a delightful fusion of crispy texture and flavorful zest, making it a versatile dish suitable for various occasions. With multiple preparation methods and the ability to adjust the spice and sweetness levels, this recipe can be tailored to suit different preferences. Enjoy crafting this culinary delight in your kitchen.

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Bang Bang Chicken

Bang Bang Chicken

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  • Author: Sarra
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 23 servings 1x
  • Category: Appetizer, Main Dish
  • Method: Fry
  • Cuisine: American-Asian Fusion

Description

Bang Bang Chicken is a crispy, juicy chicken dish coated in a creamy, sweet-and-spicy sauce made with mayo, chili sauce, and a touch of honey. It’s the perfect appetizer, snack, or quick dinner that tastes just like your favorite restaurant version!


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • For the Chicken:
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tsp vinegar)
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Oil, for frying
  • For the Bang Bang Sauce:
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to heat preference)
  • 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lemon juice
  • Optional Garnish:
  • Sliced green onions
  • Sesame seeds

Instructions

  • Marinate the Chicken:
  • Toss chicken in buttermilk and let sit for 10–15 minutes while you prep other ingredients.
  • Coat & Fry:
  • Mix flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  • Dredge chicken pieces in the flour mixture and shake off excess.
  • Heat oil in a skillet or deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches until golden and crispy (4–6 minutes). Drain on paper towels.
  • Make the Sauce:
  • In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and vinegar.
  • Toss & Serve:
  • In a large bowl, toss the hot fried chicken with the bang bang sauce until coated.
  • Garnish and serve immediately over rice, in tacos, or on salad.

Notes

  • Bake or air-fry the chicken for a lighter version.
  • Use Greek yogurt or light mayo for a healthier sauce.
  • Great for meal prep—just keep the sauce separate until serving.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 520 kcal
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

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