Bang Bang Chicken

Bang Bang Chicken Recipe: A Flavor Explosion!

Bang Bang Chicken is an easy yet irresistible dish that combines crispy fried chicken with a creamy, spicy sauce. It’s perfect for a casual dinner, a family gathering, or even game day celebrations. With its delightful crunch and zesty kick, this recipe has quickly become a favorite in my household. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be dreaming about that crispy chicken and tangy sauce!

What Makes This Dish So Special?

Why should you make Bang Bang Chicken at home? It’s not just about the pleasing crunch and the creamy sauce; it’s also incredibly quick and budget-friendly. You can whip this up in about 45 minutes, making it a fantastic choice for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. Plus, it’s always a hit with kids and adults alike, often turning a simple meal into a fun dining experience.

"I made Bang Bang Chicken for my family, and they couldn’t get enough! The flavors were amazing, and the crunch was out of this world!" — Sarah T.

Understanding the Cooking Process

Crafting Bang Bang Chicken is straightforward and enjoyable. You’ll start by marinating chicken pieces to ensure they stay tender. As you move through the recipe, you’ll create a flavorful coating and a lip-smacking sauce. Here’s a sneak peek of what you’ll be doing:

1. Marinate the chicken in buttermilk for tenderness.
2. Prepare a seasoned flour mixture.
3. Fry the chicken pieces until crispy.
4. Create the creamy Bang Bang sauce.
5. Toss everything together and serve with a flourish!

Gather Your Ingredients

Here’s everything you will need for this delectable dish:

• For the Chicken:

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

• For the Bang Bang Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice

Ingredient Notes:

• If you don’t have buttermilk, you can create a substitute by mixing milk with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice.
• Feel free to adjust the sriracha based on your spice tolerance!

Step-by-Step Directions

Ready to bring Bang Bang Chicken to your table? Here’s how to do it:

1. Marinate: In a medium bowl, add the chicken pieces and pour in the buttermilk. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. This will keep your chicken juicy.

2. Prepare Dry Mix: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and black pepper until combined.

3. Coat the Chicken: Once the chicken is ready, drain it from the buttermilk. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Set aside on a plate.

4. Heat Oil: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature for frying.

5. Fry Chicken: Cook the chicken pieces in batches, frying until they are golden brown and crispy—about 6-8 minutes depending on the size. Remove them and let them drain on paper towels.

6. Make the Sauce: While the chicken is getting crispy, prepare the Bang Bang sauce. In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice. Stir until smooth.

7. Toss Together: Once all the chicken is done frying, toss the crispy pieces in the Bang Bang sauce until they are evenly coated.

8. Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with chopped green onions or cilantro if desired. Enjoy the delicious crunch!

Delicious Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve made this scrumptious Bang Bang Chicken, how should you serve it? Here are some mouthwatering ideas:

• Plating: Serve the chicken on a large platter garnished with fresh herbs for a pop of color.
• Pairings: This dish pairs beautifully with jasmine rice or a fresh mixed green salad to balance the richness.
• Sides: Consider serving with spring rolls or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Did you have leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to keep them fresh:

• Storage: Place any cooled leftover chicken in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To keep the chicken crispy, reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, rather than using the microwave.
• Freezing: You can freeze the chicken before frying. Just dredge, then freeze. When you’re ready to enjoy, fry straight from the freezer, increasing cooking time.

Pro Tips for Success

1. Marination Time: Don’t skimp on marinating! The buttermilk makes the chicken incredibly tender.
2. Oil Temperature: Ensure your oil is hot enough before frying to achieve that perfect crunch. A kitchen thermometer can help.
3. Batch Cooking: Fry in batches to avoid crowding the pan, as this can lower the oil’s temperature and make the coating soggy.

Fun Variations to Try

Get creative with your Bang Bang Chicken! Here are some exciting twists:

• Buffalo Bang Bang: Add buffalo sauce to the Bang Bang sauce for an extra kick.
• Pineapple Twist: Toss in some crushed pineapple to the sauce for a tropical vibe.
• Veggie Option: Substitute chicken with cauliflower florets for a delightful vegetarian alternative.

Your Burning Questions Answered

What’s the prep time for Bang Bang Chicken?

Preparation takes about 30-45 minutes, including marinating the chicken.

Can I substitute chicken with something else?

Absolutely! Cauliflower, shrimp, or tofu can all be used as great alternatives for this recipe.

How do I know if the chicken is cooked through?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer for precise results.

So, gather your ingredients, embrace your inner chef, and enjoy the blissful experience of cooking Bang Bang Chicken at home!

Bang Bang Chicken

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Bang Bang Chicken is an easy yet irresistible dish that combines crispy fried chicken with a creamy, spicy sauce, perfect for casual dinners or family gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 500

Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

For the Chicken

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup buttermilk You can substitute by mixing milk with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying Ensure oil is hot at 350°F (175°C) for frying.

For the Bang Bang Sauce

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha Adjust to taste.
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon lime juice

Method

 

Preparation

1. Marinate the chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes to ensure tenderness.
2. In another bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and black pepper until combined.
3. Drain the chicken from buttermilk and dredge each piece in the flour mixture, ensuring full coating. Set aside.

Frying

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook chicken pieces in batches, frying until golden brown and crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Sauce Preparation

1. In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth.

Combining and Serving

1. Toss the crispy chicken pieces in the Bang Bang sauce until evenly coated.
2. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped green onions or cilantro if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 600mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5g

Notes

For best results, ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve the perfect crunch. Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!