Bang Bang Chicken Recipe: A Flavor Explosion
When you’re seeking a dish that’s crispy, flavorful, and downright addictive, look no further than Bang Bang Chicken. This delightful recipe combines the perfect balance of heat and sweetness, making it an instant favorite for families and friends alike. Whether you’re whipping it up for a weeknight dinner or serving it at a gathering, Bang Bang Chicken satisfies every palate. With simple preparation and easily accessible ingredients, this dish is as versatile as it is delicious!
Why Make This Recipe
Creating Bang Bang Chicken is not just about enjoying a remarkable meal; it’s about sharing joy and satisfaction with those you love. This dish is perfect for hectic weeknights or laid-back weekends, making it a fantastic addition to any dining occasion. With its crispy exterior and rich, creamy sauce, it appeals to all ages and fits well with various meal themes.
A Delectable, Comforting Dish
Bang Bang Chicken offers a unique blend of indulgent textures and vibrant flavors. The chicken is juicy and tender, cloaked in a crispy, golden-brown coating that provides a satisfying crunch. The star of the show is undoubtedly the Bang Bang sauce—a luscious, sweet, and spicy mix that elevates the entire dish. Each bite provides a comforting burst of flavor that will have everyone reaching for more!
Perfect for Gatherings
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser, Bang Bang Chicken is your answer! Its appealing presentation and delightful taste make it an ideal dish for family meals or gatherings with friends. Serve it as a main dish or as an appetizer for parties; it’s sure to impress. You can easily scale the recipe to feed a large group, making it a convenient choice for celebrations or casual get-togethers.
Quick and Easy
One of the remarkable features of Bang Bang Chicken is its minimal prep time. With straightforward ingredients and a simple cooking process, even beginner cooks can confidently create this dish. It’s a great option for those busy days when you want to whip up something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken
Ingredients
To make this delicious meal, you will need the following 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
Follow these simple steps to create your Bang Bang Chicken:
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Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Blend well and set aside.
Tip: Adjust the Sriracha based on your spice preference!
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Make the Batter: In a medium mixing bowl, combine buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Whisk until smooth. Add chicken tenderloins, coating them well.
Tip: Marinate the chicken in the mixture for a richer flavor!
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Prepare the Panko: Place panko breadcrumbs on a shallow plate.
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Coat the Chicken: Remove each piece of chicken from the batter, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge in the panko, pressing down gently to ensure it sticks. Transfer to a clean plate.
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Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, pour in about an inch of canola oil. Heat over medium-high heat until it reaches 365°F.
Tip: Use a thermometer for accurate oil temperature to avoid soggy chicken!
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Fry the Chicken: In batches, add the chicken to the hot oil, cooking for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Do not overcrowd the pan.
Safety Tip: Use a splatter guard to prevent oil from getting everywhere!
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Drain and Serve: Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil before transferring to a serving plate.
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Finish with Sauce: Toss the chicken with the Bang Bang sauce, add a sprinkle of chopped parsley for color, and serve warm.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken
Bang Bang Chicken shines when served fresh. Offer it alongside fluffy rice or crispy Asian-style coleslaw for a balanced meal. You can also serve it in lettuce wraps as a fun, interactive dish! To elevate the presentation, drizzle additional Bang Bang sauce over the top and garnish with more parsley.
How to Store Bang Bang Chicken
Got leftovers? No problem! Store any uneaten Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the stovetop for the best results, keeping the temperature low to preserve the crispy coating. You can also microwave it, but the texture won’t be as delightful.
Tips to Make Bang Bang Chicken
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the buttermilk mixture for at least an hour.
- Try adding a squeeze of lime or lemon juice to the sauce for a refreshing twist.
- If you’re in a hurry, pre-prepped chicken tenders can save time!
Variations
Feel free to get creative with your Bang Bang Chicken! Substitute chicken tenders for shrimp or cauliflower for a vegetarian option. You can also experiment with different sauces or spices to customize the heat levels.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
While ground turkey can be used, it would change the texture and cooking method. This recipe is best suited for whole pieces of chicken.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
Can I freeze this dish for later?
Yes! Bang Bang Chicken freezes well. Just ensure it’s properly wrapped and labeled for storage. Thaw it in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
Conclusion
Bang Bang Chicken is a delightful dish that promises to wow your taste buds and impress your guests. It’s easy to make, deliciously satisfying, and perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a lively gathering of friends. I invite you to give this recipe a try and experience the amazing flavors for yourself. Your kitchen will become a hub of mouthwatering scents that bring everyone to the table! Enjoy this flavorful adventure—happy cooking!