There’s something incredibly satisfying about the crispy crunch of fried chicken complemented by a creamy, spicy sauce. My first experience with Bang Bang Chicken was at a local Asian-inspired restaurant, where the combination of flavors captivated my taste buds. This dish has since become a staple in my kitchen, whether for a weeknight dinner or a lively gathering. The marriage of tender chicken and zesty sauce makes every bite irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Bang Bang Chicken isn’t just another fried chicken recipe; it’s a delightful explosion of flavors that will quickly earn a spot on your dinner rotation. First and foremost, it’s quick to prepare, making it an ideal candidate for busy weeknights. You can whip it up in about 35 minutes, all while enjoying a budget-friendly meal that even your kids will give a thumbs-up.
Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even just a cozy night in, this dish truly shines on any occasion. Plus, the balance of crispy, juicy chicken and a creamy, slightly spicy sauce brings a restaurant-quality meal right to your kitchen.
Bang Bang Chicken
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
Description
A delightful explosion of flavors with crispy fried chicken and a creamy, spicy sauce.
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)
Instructions
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a bowl, mix together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken Marinade: In a large bowl, combine buttermilk and Sriracha. Add the chicken, ensuring each piece is submerged. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Coat the Chicken: In another bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Beat the egg in a separate bowl. Dip the marinated chicken first into the egg, then coat thoroughly with the flour mixture.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat canola oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry the chicken in batches for about 5-6 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
- Drain and Toss: In a large bowl, toss the hot, crispy chicken with the Bang Bang sauce until evenly coated.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer to a serving platter, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and enjoy!
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute regular mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
“An explosion of flavor in every bite! My family didn’t leave a crumb behind!” – Satisfied Home Cook
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken
Before diving into the ingredients, let’s outline what you can expect from the cooking process.
- First, you’ll whip up the tangy sauce that gives this dish its name.
- Marinate the chicken to infuse flavor and ensure tenderness.
- Coat the chicken for that perfect crunch.
- Fry until golden brown and crisp.
- Drain excess oil, toss with the sauce, and you’re ready to impress!
Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 25 min | Total Time: 35 min
Ingredients
Gather These Items
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)
Note: You can substitute regular mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Directions
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a bowl, mix together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken Marinade: In a large bowl, combine buttermilk and Sriracha. Add the chicken, ensuring each piece is submerged. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Coat the Chicken: In another bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Beat the egg in a separate bowl. Dip the marinated chicken first into the egg, then coat thoroughly with the flour mixture.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat canola oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry the chicken in batches for about 5-6 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
- Drain and Toss: In a large bowl, toss the hot, crispy chicken with the Bang Bang sauce until evenly coated.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer to a serving platter, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and enjoy!
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken
To elevate your Bang Bang Chicken experience, consider serving it with a side of jasmine rice or a light salad to balance out the richness. You can also pair it with steamed broccoli or cucumber slices for a refreshing crunch. For a more casual vibe, serve it as an appetizer with toothpicks for dipping.
How to Store
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
Store any leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in an oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to restore its crispiness. If you’re planning on making it ahead of time, the sauce can be prepared in advance and stored separately for up to a week.
For maximum freshness, you can freeze the uncooked coated chicken pieces, ensuring the crispy texture remains intact. Just thaw and fry when you’re ready to enjoy!
Tips to Make
Here are a few pro chef tips for success:
- For an extra crunch, double-coat the chicken by repeating the egg and flour steps.
- Experiment with different hot sauces to customize the spice level to your liking.
- Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying; otherwise, the chicken can absorb too much oil.
Variations
If you want to switch things up, try adding different spices to the flour mixture, such as smoked paprika or onion powder, for a flavor twist. For a healthy alternative, consider baking the chicken instead of frying it. Simply place the coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment and bake at 400°F until golden and cooked through—about 20-25 minutes.
FAQs
Common Questions
Can I use chicken breast instead of tenderloins? Absolutely! Chicken breast works just as well. Just make sure to cut them into strips to ensure even cooking.
What’s a good substitute for buttermilk? You can create a quick substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, and you have homemade buttermilk!
Can I make this dish spicy? Definitely! Feel free to increase the amount of Sriracha in both the sauce and the chicken marinade for an extra kick.
This flavorful Bang Bang Chicken is a delicious way to spice up your dinner routine. Get ready to enjoy this delightful dish that brings bold tastes and satisfying crunch straight to your table!