Hello food lovers! Ready to elevate your meal game? Today, we are diving into the world of Bang Bang Chicken, a dish that’s both spicy and sweet, crispy and juicy. Whether you’re a fan of quick 30-minute meals or just looking to try something new, Bang Bang Chicken promises to satisfy your cravings in the most delicious way possible. Let’s get started on this easy-to-make dish that will soon become a favorite in your household.
Introduction
Bang Bang Chicken has roots in Chinese cuisine but has taken on a modern twist in many American kitchens. This recipe transforms a traditional dish into a crispy, flavorful experience by combining the magic of fried chicken with a luscious sauce. It’s a dish that’s perfect for those nights when you want something quick, tasty, and full of bold flavors. The sauce, a combination of mayonnaise, sweet chili, and Sriracha, gives this dish its signature “bang bang” taste—sweet with a spicy kick!
Ingredients for Bang Bang Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need to make this Bang Bang Chicken:
For the Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce (I used Frank’s)
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (Sriracha works great)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Chicken:
- 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 cup buttermilk (adjust if batter is too thick)
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (Sriracha)
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Optional Substitutions:
- For a lighter version, bake the chicken instead of frying.
- Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option.
- For a dairy-free version, replace buttermilk with almond milk mixed with a bit of vinegar.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken – Step by Step
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and refrigerate until needed.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce. Whisk until you achieve a smooth, thick batter.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Add the chicken pieces to the batter, ensuring each piece is fully coated. In another bowl, pour Panko breadcrumbs. Roll each piece of chicken in the breadcrumbs to coat thoroughly.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces for 3 minutes on each side, or until golden and crispy. Place the cooked chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
Step 5: Serve with Sauce
Once all the chicken is fried, drizzle it generously with the prepared sauce and serve immediately.
Helpful Tips for Bang Bang Chicken
- Tip 1: Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the right temperature (around 350°F). This helps the chicken cook evenly and prevents sogginess.
- Tip 2: For extra crispiness, double coat the chicken by dipping it in the batter, rolling it in breadcrumbs, and repeating the process.
- Tip 3: Serve the sauce on the side if you prefer a less saucy chicken or want to dip.
Cooking Tips for the Best Bang Bang Chicken
- Tip 1: Make sure not to overcrowd the pan when frying. Fry in batches to maintain a crisp outer layer.
- Tip 2: Use fresh oil for frying to ensure the chicken tastes clean and crisp.
- Tip 3: For a healthier version, use an air fryer instead of deep frying. Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Serving Suggestions for Bang Bang Chicken
- Serve Bang Bang Chicken over a bed of rice or alongside a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
- Pair this dish with a refreshing iced tea or a zesty lemonade to balance the spiciness.
- Garnish with chopped scallions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of Bang Bang Chicken provides a delightful balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates, making it a filling meal.
Nutritional info for Bang Bang Chicken:
- Calories: 497 kcal
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 31g
Storage and Leftovers for Bang Bang Chicken
- Storage: Keep leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To keep the chicken crispy, reheat it in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or in an air fryer for 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it may make the chicken soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Bang Bang Chicken
1. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes! To make a healthier version of Bang Bang Chicken, bake it in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or until crispy and golden.
2. What can I substitute for buttermilk?
If you’re out of buttermilk, you can use regular milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice mixed in.
3. How spicy is Bang Bang Chicken?
The dish has a mild kick from the Sriracha, but you can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less hot sauce according to your taste.
4. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free flour and Panko breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version of Bang Bang Chicken.
Related Recipes for Bang Bang Chicken Lovers
For those who enjoyed this recipe, here are two more tasty treats to explore from Optimal Recipes:
- Ultimate Cowboy Casserole Cornbread: A hearty meal that pairs perfectly with crispy chicken.
- Homemade Yukon Gold Potato Chips: The ideal side dish for your Bang Bang Chicken.
Conclusion
That’s it for our Bang Bang Chicken recipe! With its crispy coating and tantalizing sauce, this dish is a surefire winner for any meal. Try it out, and feel free to experiment with your own variations. Don’t forget to share your feedback in the comments below—I’d love to hear how it turned out for you!
Enjoy the bang and crunch in every bite!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Recipe: Crispy, Spicy, and Sweet Delight
Description
Hello food lovers! Ready to elevate your meal game? Today, we are diving into the world of Bang Bang Chicken, a dish that’s both spicy and sweet, crispy and juicy. Whether you’re a fan of quick 30-minute meals or just looking to try something new, Bang Bang Chicken promises to satisfy your cravings in the most delicious way possible. Let’s get started on this easy-to-make dish that will soon become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce (I used Frank’s)
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (Sriracha works great)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Chicken:
- 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 cup buttermilk (adjust if batter is too thick)
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (Sriracha)
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Optional Substitutions:
- For a lighter version, bake the chicken instead of frying.
- Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option.
- For a dairy-free version, replace buttermilk with almond milk mixed with a bit of vinegar.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and refrigerate until needed.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce. Whisk until you achieve a smooth, thick batter.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Add the chicken pieces to the batter, ensuring each piece is fully coated. In another bowl, pour Panko breadcrumbs. Roll each piece of chicken in the breadcrumbs to coat thoroughly.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces for 3 minutes on each side, or until golden and crispy. Place the cooked chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
Step 5: Serve with Sauce
Once all the chicken is fried, drizzle it generously with the prepared sauce and serve immediately.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Tip 1: Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the right temperature (around 350°F). This helps the chicken cook evenly and prevents sogginess.
- Tip 2: For extra crispiness, double coat the chicken by dipping it in the batter, rolling it in breadcrumbs, and repeating the process.
- Tip 3: Serve the sauce on the side if you prefer a less saucy chicken or want to dip.
