Bang Bang Chicken

If you’re looking for a dish that brings excitement to your dinner table, you’ve come to the right place! Bang Bang Chicken is a fantastic recipe that combines crispy, tender chicken with a creamy and spicy sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick yet delicious or for family gatherings when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

What makes this recipe so special is its crunchy panko crust and the delightful bang bang sauce that adds just the right amount of zing. Trust me, once you try it, this will become a go-to favorite you’ll want to share with friends and family!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious meal ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the crispy chicken and flavorful sauce. It’s a win-win!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can marinate the chicken ahead of time, making it even easier to whip up on busy nights.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet and spicy in the bang bang sauce creates an irresistible taste that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we need for our Bang Bang Chicken!

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

One of the best things about Bang Bang Chicken is its flexibility! Feel free to make it your own with these fun variations:

• Swap the protein: Try using shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a different twist.
• Make it spicy: Add more Sriracha or toss in some red pepper flakes if you like extra heat.
• Go baked: If you’re looking for a healthier version, bake the chicken instead of frying it. Just spray with oil and bake until golden!
• Add veggies: Toss in some sliced bell peppers or zucchini when frying for a pop of color and nutrition.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a bowl, mix together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. This creamy bang bang sauce will be drizzled over your crispy chicken later. Adjust the heat by adding more Sriracha if desired; it’s all about your personal taste!

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place your chicken tenderloins in a bowl and pour in buttermilk. Let them soak for at least 10 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps keep the chicken juicy and tender while adding flavor.

Step 3: Dredge Your Chicken

In another bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Mix until smooth. Take each tenderloin out of buttermilk one at a time and coat them well in this mixture before rolling them into panko breadcrumbs for that irresistible crunch!

Step 4: Fry Until Golden Brown

Heat canola oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. Once hot enough (you can test it by dropping in a breadcrumb), gently place your breaded chicken pieces into the oil. Fry them until they’re golden brown and cooked through—about 6 minutes should do it! Remember not to overcrowd the pan; working in batches ensures each piece gets that perfect crispiness.

Step 5: Drizzle and Serve

Once fried, let your chicken drain on paper towels briefly before plating. Drizzle generously with your homemade bang bang sauce and sprinkle with chopped parsley for a touch of freshness. Serve immediately and watch as everyone digs into this delicious dish!

Pro Tips for Making Bang Bang Chicken

Making Bang Bang Chicken can be a delightful experience, and with these tips, you’ll ensure that your dish is nothing short of perfection!

• Use fresh chicken tenderloins: Fresh ingredients lead to a better flavor and texture. If possible, choose high-quality, organic chicken to elevate your dish.

• Marinate in buttermilk: Letting the chicken soak in buttermilk not only adds moisture but also tenderness, creating a juicy bite every time you indulge.

• Heat the oil properly: Ensuring your oil reaches the right temperature (around 350°F or 175°C) before frying helps achieve that crispy golden crust without making the chicken greasy.

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Frying too many pieces at once lowers the oil temperature, leading to soggy chicken. Fry in batches for that perfect crunch!

• Customize your sauce: Feel free to adjust the Sriracha level in your bang bang sauce depending on how spicy you like it. This way, you can cater to everyone’s taste buds!

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken

Bang Bang Chicken is not just about its incredible taste; presentation can make it even more appealing! Here are some creative ideas for serving this delicious dish.

Garnishes

• Chopped parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a burst of color and a hint of freshness that complements the rich flavors.
• Sesame seeds: Toasted sesame seeds can provide a lovely crunch and nutty flavor, enhancing both the look and taste of your dish.

Side Dishes

• Crispy Asian slaw: This refreshing mix of cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers tossed in a light vinaigrette provides a crunchy contrast to the tender chicken.
• Steamed jasmine rice: Fluffy jasmine rice serves as a perfect base for soaking up any extra bang bang sauce, making each bite delightful.
• Roasted vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized add sweetness and balance out the richness of the fried chicken.
• Coconut curry dipping sauce: For an extra layer of flavor, serve alongside a creamy coconut curry sauce that pairs beautifully with the crispy chicken.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’re all set to impress your family and friends with your homemade Bang Bang Chicken! Enjoy every delectable bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Bang Bang Chicken recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and enjoy delicious bites throughout the week, making dinners or snacks a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• If you plan to keep it longer, consider freezing instead.

Freezing

• Cool the chicken completely before freezing.
• Place it in a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• For best results, freeze the chicken without sauce; add the sauce after reheating.

Reheating

• To reheat, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Place the chicken on a baking sheet and heat for about 15 minutes or until warmed through and crispy.
• Alternatively, reheat in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Bang Bang Chicken.

What is Bang Bang Chicken?

Bang Bang Chicken is a delightful dish featuring crispy panko-crusted chicken tenderloins drizzled with a rich bang bang sauce that combines mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha for a perfect balance of flavors.

Can I use other types of chicken for my Bang Bang Chicken?

Absolutely! While this recipe calls for tenderloins, you can substitute boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs if you prefer. Just adjust cooking times as needed.

How spicy is Bang Bang Chicken?

The spice level of your Bang Bang Chicken can be adjusted based on your preference. Start with the recommended amount of Sriracha and cayenne pepper, then increase according to taste!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this irresistible Bang Bang Chicken! Its crispy texture paired with that creamy, spicy sauce makes it truly special. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or adding it to your dinner table, it’s sure to impress. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe out—you’ll love how simple yet delicious it is!