Bang Bang Chicken

Bang Bang Chicken is a delightful dish that combines crispy chicken tenders with a creamy, spicy sauce. This recipe brings an exciting twist to your table, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. The contrast between crunchy chicken and a tangy sauce creates an irresistible experience that appeals to both kids and adults alike.

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Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Chicken

Bang Bang Chicken is not just tasty; it’s also easy to make. The crispy texture of the chicken, paired with the flavorful sauce, makes it a crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for anyone looking to treat their family to something special, whether for a weekday meal or a weekend feast. The dish is easy to customize for spice levels, allowing you to adjust the heat to fit your taste. Plus, it’s excellent for meal prep or leftovers!

How to Make 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)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Make the Bang Bang Sauce:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha sauce, and honey.
2. Mix thoroughly until smooth and set aside.

Prepare the Chicken Marinade:

1. In a large bowl, pour the buttermilk over the chicken tenderloins.
2. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes. This step ensures juicy and flavorful chicken.

Coat the Chicken:

1. Set up a dredging station with three bowls.
   • In the first bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
   • In the second bowl, whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon of Sriracha sauce.
   • Place panko breadcrumbs in the third bowl.
2. Remove each chicken tender from the buttermilk marinade, letting excess buttermilk drip off.
3. Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, then dip it into the egg mixture, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs.

Fry the Chicken:

1. In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of canola oil over medium-high heat.
2. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated chicken tenders. Fry them in batches until golden brown and cooked through, roughly 4-5 minutes per side.
3. Drain the cooked chicken on a paper towel-lined plate.

Drain and Toss:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the crispy chicken with the Bang Bang Sauce. Toss gently to coat each piece evenly.

Garnish and Serve:

1. Serve the Bang Bang Chicken immediately, garnished with chopped parsley for added color and freshness.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken

Bang Bang Chicken makes a fabulous main dish. Pair it with sticky rice or Asian-style slaw for a complete meal. You can also serve it as an appetizer at your next gathering. Place the chicken on a platter with extra Bang Bang Sauce on the side for dipping. It’s also fun to serve in a taco style, with fresh veggies and tortillas for a unique twist.

How to Store Bang Bang Chicken

Store any leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. This method helps retain the crunchiness of the coating.

Tips to Make Bang Bang Chicken Perfect

1. Marination Is Key: Allowing the chicken to soak in buttermilk makes it tender and flavorful.
2. Oil Temperature: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying. Use a kitchen thermometer; the ideal frying temperature is around 350°F (175°C).
3. Batch Frying: Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and make the chicken soggy.

Flavor Variations

• Spicy Variation: Increase the amount of Sriracha in the Bang Bang Sauce for an extra kick.
• Zesty Twist: Add lime juice or zest to the sauce for a refreshing citrus flavor.
• Healthier Option: Bake or air-fry the chicken instead of deep frying for a lighter version.

Pro Tips for Success

• If you like a thicker coating, you can double-dip the chicken in the flour mixture and egg before coating it with panko breadcrumbs.
• For added texture, consider mixing the panko with crushed cornflakes or fried onion strings.
• Use a food processor to finely crush the panko if you prefer a fluffier coating.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Bang Bang Chicken is a dish that’s sure to impress. With its crispy coating and flavorful sauce, it offers a delightful dining experience. Easy to prepare and customizable, it’s a perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you serve it at a family dinner or as a party appetizer, this dish will leave your guests asking for the recipe. Enjoy making it today!