Bang Bang Chicken

If you’re looking for a recipe that combines crispy, juicy chicken with a zingy sauce, then you’ve stumbled upon the right place! Bang Bang Chicken is a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a fun family gathering. The crunch of panko breadcrumbs paired with the creamy, spicy bang bang sauce is simply irresistible. Once you try this dish, it just might become a favorite in your household too!

This recipe is not only delicious but also quick to whip up, making it a go-to for those nights when you need something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me; everyone will be asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 20 minutes of prep and 6 minutes of cooking time, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly Flavor: The sweet and spicy bang bang sauce is sure to please even the pickiest eaters at the dinner table!
• Perfectly Crispy Texture: Panko breadcrumbs create an amazing crunch that makes every bite enjoyable.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can marinate the chicken ahead of time and fry it just before serving for extra ease.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as an appetizer or serve it over rice for a satisfying main course.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to make this delicious Bang Bang Chicken. These items are easy to find and come together beautifully to create a dish that will impress everyone at your table.

For the Sauce

• 1 cup (232 g) mayonnaise
• ½ cup (132 g) Thai sweet chili sauce
• 1 teaspoon Sriracha (or more to taste)
• 2 tablespoons honey

For the Chicken

• 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) panko breadcrumbs (plain)
• Canola oil (for frying)
• Parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Variations

This Bang Bang Chicken recipe is quite flexible! Here are some tasty variations you can try:

• Swap the protein: Use chicken breasts or even shrimp if you’re feeling adventurous!
• Make it spicy: Add more Sriracha or fresh chopped chili peppers to kick up the heat!
• Go veggie: Substitute chicken with tofu or cauliflower for a plant-based delight.
• Change up the coating: Try using crushed cornflakes instead of panko breadcrumbs for a different texture.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Mix well until smooth. This sauce is what makes the dish so special—its creamy texture combined with sweetness and spice brings everything together! Set aside while you prepare the chicken.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place your chicken tenderloins in another bowl and pour in buttermilk. Allow them to marinate for at least 15 minutes. This step helps tenderize the chicken and infuses it with flavor, ensuring every bite is juicy.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

In three separate shallow dishes, set up your breading station: one for flour mixed with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne; another for beaten egg mixed with Sriracha; and finally one filled with panko breadcrumbs. Take each piece of chicken out of the buttermilk, dip it into flour first, then into the egg mixture, and finally coat it well with panko breadcrumbs. This triple coating creates an incredibly crunchy exterior!

Step 4: Fry Until Golden

Heat canola oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Once hot enough (about 350°F), carefully add your coated chicken pieces in batches. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Frying until crispy ensures that each piece has that perfect crunch you crave.

Step 5: Serve It Up!

Once fried, transfer your Bang Bang Chicken onto paper towels to drain any excess oil. Drizzle generously with your prepared bang bang sauce and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve immediately while they are still warm—trust me; they won’t last long on the table!

Pro Tips for Making Bang Bang Chicken

Making Bang Bang Chicken can be a delightful experience, and here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time!

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Starting with room temperature chicken and egg helps the coating stick better and cooks evenly. This results in a crispier crust.

• Don’t Skip the Buttermilk: Marinating your chicken in buttermilk not only tenderizes it but also adds flavor. Plus, it helps the breading adhere better during frying.

• Double-Dip for Extra Crunch: For an even crunchier texture, dip the chicken in the flour mixture, then back into the buttermilk, and finally coat it with panko breadcrumbs again. This creates layers that fry up beautifully.

• Maintain Oil Temperature: Keeping your oil at the right temperature (about 350°F or 175°C) while frying ensures that the chicken cooks quickly without absorbing too much oil. Use a thermometer for accuracy!

• Serve Immediately: Bang Bang Chicken is best enjoyed fresh out of the fryer while it’s still crispy. Serve it as soon as it’s ready to impress your guests with that crunchy goodness!

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken

Bang Bang Chicken is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it a fun dish to serve at any gathering. You can present it in various ways to enhance your dining experience.

Garnishes

• Chopped Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that complements the rich flavors of the dish.
• Sliced Green Onions: Thinly sliced green onions provide a nice crunch and a mild onion flavor that brightens up each bite.
• Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds add an extra layer of texture and a nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the bang bang sauce.

Side Dishes

• Crispy Asian Slaw: A crunchy slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.
• Steamed Rice: Fluffy white or jasmine rice acts as the perfect base to soak up any extra bang bang sauce—simple yet satisfying!
• Roasted Broccoli: The slight bitterness of roasted broccoli balances out the sweetness of the chicken while adding some healthy greens to your plate.
• Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad with sesame oil and rice vinegar provides a cool, crisp side that complements the warm, crispy chicken wonderfully.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your Bang Bang Chicken will surely be a hit at any occasion! Enjoy every crispy bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Bang Bang Chicken recipe is fantastic for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and enjoy the deliciousness throughout the week. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat your leftovers to keep them tasty.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing.
• Place in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Enjoy within 3-4 days for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

• Place cooled Bang Bang Chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually.
• Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for best results.
• Place the chicken on a baking sheet and cover with foil to prevent drying out.
• Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Bang Bang Chicken!

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins for Bang Bang Chicken?

Absolutely! You can substitute chicken breasts cut into strips. Just adjust the cooking time as needed since they may take a bit longer to cook through.

How spicy is Bang Bang Chicken?

The spice level can be adjusted based on your preference. The Sriracha adds heat, but you can reduce or increase it according to your taste. Enjoy experimenting!

Can I make Bang Bang Chicken ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it in advance and store it as instructed above. This makes it a perfect option for meal prep.

What can I serve with Bang Bang Chicken?

Bang Bang Chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, salads, or even as a filling for wraps. Get creative with your sides!

Is there a vegetarian version of Bang Bang Chicken?

For a vegetarian alternative, consider using cauliflower or tofu instead of chicken while following the same breading and frying method!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited about this Bang Bang Chicken recipe as I am! It’s not only simple and quick to prepare but also bursting with flavors that will wow your family and friends. Enjoy making this dish and feel free to get creative with your toppings and sides. Happy cooking, and may every bite bring you joy!