Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

If you are searching for a dish that perfectly balances crispy, creamy, spicy, and sweet all in one bite, look no further than Bang Bang Chicken. This flavor-packed recipe combines golden, crunchy chicken tenderloins with a luscious homemade sauce that brings just the right amount of heat and sweetness. Bang Bang Chicken is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make at home and will quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals when you want something satisfying and full of character.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Bang Bang Chicken recipe lies in its straightforward but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a key role, from the tender chicken soaked in a flavorful batter to the sauce that ties everything together with a creamy, spicy kick.

• Mayonnaise: Provides a rich and creamy base for the bang bang sauce that complements the crispy chicken perfectly.
• Thai sweet chili sauce: Adds sweetness and an exciting tang that brightens the flavor profile.
• Sriracha: Brings the essential spicy heat that defines classic bang bang sauce.
• Honey: Balances out the heat with a touch of natural sweetness for a well-rounded taste.
• Boneless skinless chicken tenderloins: These tender pieces cook quickly and remain juicy inside that crispy coating.
• Buttermilk: Helps tenderize the chicken while adding subtle tanginess to the batter.
• All-purpose flour and cornstarch: Combine to create a light, crispy batter that sticks beautifully to the chicken.
• Egg: Binds the dry ingredients and buttermilk, ensuring the coating clings well.
• Garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper: Enhance the seasoning of the batter, making each bite flavorful and well-balanced.
• Panko breadcrumbs: Give the chicken an irresistibly crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the creamy sauce.
• Canola oil: Ideal for frying the chicken evenly at the proper temperature without overpowering flavors.
• Chopped parsley: A fresh garnish that adds color and a subtle herbaceous note to brighten the dish.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce

Start by mixing mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey in a small bowl. This easy sauce brings together creaminess, sweetness, and heat in perfect harmony. Set it aside while you get the chicken ready so the flavors can meld slightly.

Step 2: Make the Batter and Coat the Chicken

In a medium bowl, whisk buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper until smooth. This batter is the key to tender, flavorful chicken with a coating that crisps up expertly. Add the chicken tenders and toss them in the mixture until thoroughly coated.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken with Panko

Place the panko breadcrumbs on a shallow plate. One by one, remove each chicken tender from the batter, shaking off the excess. Press each piece into the panko, making sure they are well coated—this step guarantees that perfect crunchy texture once fried.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat about an inch of canola oil in a large skillet to 365°F. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, fry the coated chicken tenders for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until beautifully golden and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil before moving on.

Step 5: Toss in the Bang Bang Sauce

Just before serving, toss the crispy fried chicken in your homemade bang bang sauce until each piece is coated in glossy, flavorful goodness. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a fresh pop of color and subtle flavor.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken

Garnishes

Chopped fresh parsley not only adds a lovely green contrast but also brings a fresh herbal note that cuts through the richness of the sauce. For an extra zing, consider adding thinly sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds on top for texture and subtle flavor enhancements.

Side Dishes

Bang Bang Chicken pairs beautifully with simple sides that balance its bold flavors. Think steamed jasmine rice, fluffy coconut rice, or even crisp Asian slaw to add crunch and freshness. A side of sautéed greens or roasted vegetables can also round out the meal with nutritious color and flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to take your Bang Bang Chicken to the next level, try serving it in lettuce wraps for a fresh, hand-held delight, or pile it over a salad for a lighter meal with layers of texture. You could also transform it into a sandwich with some crunchy slaw and extra sauce for a satisfying lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Bang Bang Chicken keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken, so give it a gentle stir before reheating or serving cold.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked Bang Bang Chicken, but keep in mind the crispy texture may soften after thawing. For best results, freeze the fried chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To preserve some of that delightful crunch, reheat the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can make the coating soggy. Warm the sauce gently on the stovetop or microwave and toss with the chicken just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?

Absolutely! You can cut chicken breasts into strips similar in size to tenderloins. Just adjust cooking time slightly as thicker pieces might need a bit longer to cook through.

Is the sauce very spicy?

The bang bang sauce has a balanced heat level thanks to Sriracha and chili sauce, but you can easily adjust the spiciness by adding more or less Sriracha based on your preference.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

You can bake the coated chicken at 425°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. While baking results in a healthier dish, the texture won’t be quite as crispy as frying.

What can I substitute for buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes. This homemade buttermilk works perfectly in the batter.

Is Bang Bang Chicken gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. Also, check the labels on sauces to ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

Bang Bang Chicken is one of those dishes that’s incredibly fun to make and even more fun to eat. The crispy texture, creamy and spicy sauce, and simple preparation make it a standout recipe to have in your rotation. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making Bang Bang Chicken again and again because it’s just that delicious and addictive!

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