Name: Bang Bang Chicken
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 ½ lbs chicken tenders or boneless chicken breasts, cut into strips; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 cup all-purpose flour; ½ cup cornstarch; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp ground black pepper; Vegetable oil, for frying; ½ cup mayonnaise; ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce; 2 tbsp honey; 1 tbsp Sriracha; 1 tsp rice vinegar or lime juice; Chopped fresh parsley or green onions (optional); Red pepper flakes (optional)

If you’re on the hunt for a dish that strikes the perfect balance between crispiness and fiery flavor, look no further than Bang Bang Chicken. This delightful recipe offers a tantalizingly crunchy coating that encloses succulent chicken strips, all drizzled in a creamy, sweet, and spicy Bang Bang sauce. Originally rooted in Asian cuisine, this dish has transcended its origins to become a beloved favorite for families and foodies alike. Not only does it promise an explosion of flavors with every bite, but its straightforward preparation makes it a go-to for weeknight dinners or impressive party appetizers.

Bang Bang Chicken is not just another chicken recipe; it’s a versatile dish that caters to various occasions. Whether you’re having a friendly gathering, throwing a fun dinner party, or simply treating yourself to a cozy night in, this dish ensures satisfaction with its crispy texture and spicy kick. Plus, the fact that it takes only 30 minutes to prepare makes it an even more attractive option for busy cooks. So grab your apron, fire up your favorite skillet, and get ready to serve a meal that everyone will rave about!

Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Chicken

Incredible Flavor: The blend of spices along with the creamy sauce creates an irresistible flavor profile.
Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish becomes a quick favorite.
Great for Any Occasion: From dinner tables to party platters, Bang Bang Chicken fits every setting perfectly.
Customizable: Modify the heat level or add your favorite spices to make it truly your own.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Preparing to cook Bang Bang Chicken requires minimal setup, ensuring you can dive into the process without hassle. Start by gathering your ingredients. You’ll need chicken tenders or breasts, along with buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, and a variety of spices. A bowl for marinating the chicken, another for mixing the dry ingredients, and one more for your sauce will streamline your cooking process.

Using a heavy-bottomed skillet will yield the best results while frying, as it allows for even heat distribution. Make sure you have a good wire rack on hand for draining the excess oil from your crispy chicken once it’s cooked, ensuring every piece maintains its delightful crunch!

Ingredients

1 ½ lbs chicken tenders or boneless chicken breasts, cut into strips
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup cornstarch
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp salt
½ tsp ground black pepper
Vegetable oil, for frying
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp Sriracha
1 tsp rice vinegar or lime juice
Chopped fresh parsley or green onions (optional)
Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Begin your culinary journey by marinating the chicken strips in buttermilk, allowing them to soak for at least 20 minutes. This step is crucial as it not only tenderizes the meat but infuses it with flavor that sets the foundation for your dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

While the chicken is marinating, it’s the perfect time to create the delicious coating. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This dry mixture is what’ll give your Bang Bang Chicken its signature crunch and flavor, so ensure it’s well mixed!

Step 3: Dredge the Chicken

Once the marinating time is up, retrieve the chicken from the buttermilk and thoroughly dredge each piece in the flour mixture. For an extra crunch, consider dipping the chicken back in the buttermilk before coating it once more in the flour mixture. This double-dipping technique is key in achieving that desirable crispy crust!

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in your skillet to about 350°F. Fry the chicken strips in batches for 4–5 minutes on each side until they become golden brown and cooked through. Remember to drain the chicken on a wire rack afterward to keep it crispy and not soggy.

Step 5: Create the Bang Bang Sauce

In a separate bowl, mix the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, honey, Sriracha, and rice vinegar until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This sauce is the final touch that elevates your Chicken to the clouds of flavor!

Step 6: Serve the Chicken

Once all the chicken has been fried, toss or drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the hot chicken just before serving. Don’t forget to garnish with chopped parsley, green onions, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for that extra bite!

Variations

Protein: Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu to create a delightful twist on the traditional recipe.
Vegetables: Include sliced bell peppers or broccoli florets for a nutrient boost alongside your chicken.
Spices: Experiment with different spice levels by adjusting the amount of Sriracha or adding cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

Cooking Notes

Make sure your oil is hot enough to fry effectively; a temperature of 350°F is ideal.
Rest the fried chicken on a wire rack instead of paper towels to avoid excess oil soaking into the crispy coating.
Feel free to adjust the thickness of the Bang Bang sauce to your preference by adding more mayonnaise or chili sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Bang Bang Chicken over a bed of rice for a hearty meal everyone will enjoy.
Accompany with your favorite dipping sauces or a fresh salad for an even more delectably balanced dish.

Tips

To achieve the best results, use fresh chicken that hasn’t been frozen.
If you’re a fan of crunch, consider substituting half of the all-purpose flour with panko breadcrumbs.
Ensure you adjust the spice level of your sauce and seasoning based on personal taste preferences; there’s room for creativity!

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 500 per serving
Protein: About 35g per serving
Sodium: Approximately 800mg per serving

FAQs

Can I make Bang Bang Chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and the sauce ahead of time. Just fry the chicken fresh before serving for the best texture.

What can I substitute for buttermilk?

You can use a mixture of regular milk and vinegar or lemon juice. Simply add 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.

Can I bake instead of fry the chicken?

While frying gives the chicken its signature crispiness, you can bake them at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes for a healthier version.

Is Bang Bang Chicken spicy?

The heat level can be adjusted based on your preference; you can reduce the amount of Sriracha or omit red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder dish.

Conclusion

BANG BANG CHICKEN has emerged not only as a delightful option for meals but as a true crowd-pleaser at gatherings. Once you master this simple recipe, you’ll find it hard to resist making it again and again. Each bite offers a burst of flavor that’s both creamy and spicy, making it incredibly satisfying. Don’t forget to share your variations of this dish in the comments below! Trying new takes on an already thrilling recipe is half the fun. So gather your ingredients and dive into the world of culinary delight with Bang Bang Chicken – you won’t be disappointed!