Bang Bang Chicken

If you’re looking for a dish that’s crispy, spicy, and absolutely delicious, then Bang Bang Chicken is the perfect choice. This popular dish combines tender chicken with a flavorful, crunchy coating and a sweet-and-spicy sauce that will leave your taste buds craving more. Whether you’re making dinner for the family or hosting a get-together, Bang Bang Chicken is sure to be a hit. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to create this irresistible dish, along with tips to make it your own.

Ingredients:

• 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

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

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

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce:

In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until well combined. Set the sauce aside for later use. This sauce is the star of the dish, providing a sweet and spicy kick that complements the crispy chicken perfectly.

2. Marinate the Chicken:

In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Add the chicken tenderloins to the mixture, ensuring each piece is well-coated. This marinade helps tenderize the chicken while infusing it with flavor.

3. Coat the Chicken with Panko:

After marinating, dredge the chicken tenderloins in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure an even coating. The panko gives the chicken its signature crispy texture, making it extra crunchy when fried.

4. Fry the Chicken:

Heat canola oil in a skillet over medium heat until it reaches 365°F (185°C). Fry the chicken in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook each piece for about 3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through. The chicken should have a crispy, golden exterior with a tender, juicy inside.

5. Toss and Garnish:

Once fried, drain the chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil. Then, toss the chicken in the prepared Bang Bang sauce until fully coated. Garnish with chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

1. Pair with Fresh Veggies: Serve Bang Bang Chicken alongside a fresh, crunchy salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or asparagus to balance the richness of the dish.
2. Make it a Wrap: For a quick and easy meal, wrap the Bang Bang Chicken in a tortilla with lettuce, tomatoes, and a drizzle of extra Bang Bang sauce. It makes a delicious, portable meal.
3. Rice or Noodles: Serve the chicken over a bed of steamed rice, fried rice, or even stir-fried noodles to create a hearty, satisfying dish. The rice or noodles will soak up the extra sauce, making every bite flavorful.
4. Slider Style: Place the Bang Bang Chicken on small slider buns with a slice of pickle or a bit of coleslaw for a fun and tasty appetizer.
5. Spice Adjustment: If you’re serving to guests who might not like too much heat, consider serving the sauce on the side, allowing everyone to control the level of spice they prefer.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigeration: Store any leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
2. Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until heated through. This will help maintain the crispy texture. You can also reheat in a skillet over medium heat. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the chicken soggy.
3. Freezing: If you want to store the chicken for longer, you can freeze it. Place the cooked, cooled chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the pieces to a freezer-safe bag or container. The chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven.
4. Sauce Storage: The Bang Bang sauce can be made ahead and stored separately in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Stir well before using.
5. Make Ahead: You can prepare and bread the chicken ahead of time. Store the breaded chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Fry just before serving for the best texture.

Variations:

1. Baked Bang Bang Chicken

For a healthier version, try baking the chicken instead of frying it. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a wire rack. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Toss the baked chicken in the Bang Bang sauce just before serving.

2. Bang Bang Shrimp

Swap out the chicken for shrimp to create a seafood twist on the classic recipe. Follow the same steps, but reduce the frying time to about 2 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and crispy. This variation is perfect as an appetizer or served over rice.

3. Bang Bang Cauliflower

For a vegetarian option, use cauliflower florets in place of chicken. Coat the cauliflower in the same buttermilk mixture and panko breadcrumbs, then bake or fry until golden brown. Toss the crispy cauliflower in the Bang Bang sauce for a delicious meatless meal or side dish.

4. Spicy Bang Bang Chicken

If you love extra heat, increase the amount of Sriracha in both the marinade and the sauce. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the panko mixture for an even spicier kick.

5. Gluten-Free Bang Bang Chicken

Make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and panko breadcrumbs. Ensure that your other ingredients, like the mayonnaise and Sriracha, are also gluten-free. The result will be just as crispy and delicious as the original.

6. Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken

For a lighter version, use an air fryer to cook the chicken. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the breaded chicken in a single layer for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The air fryer gives the chicken a crispy texture with less oil.

7. Bang Bang Chicken Salad

Turn Bang Bang Chicken into a refreshing salad. Slice the cooked chicken and serve it over a bed of mixed greens, along with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and avocado. Drizzle with extra Bang Bang sauce as the dressing, and garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro.

8. Bang Bang Chicken Tacos

Transform this dish into Bang Bang Chicken tacos. Serve the crispy chicken in soft tortillas with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a drizzle of Bang Bang sauce. Add a squeeze of lime juice and some chopped cilantro for a fresh, tangy finish.

9. Low-Carb Bang Bang Chicken

To make a low-carb version, replace the panko breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for the breading. Serve the chicken over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to keep the meal low in carbs while still enjoying the bold flavors.

FAQs:

1. What is Bang Bang Chicken? Bang Bang Chicken is a popular dish featuring crispy, breaded chicken tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce made with mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. It’s known for its bold flavors and satisfying crunch.
2. Can I make Bang Bang Chicken healthier? Yes! You can make Bang Bang Chicken healthier by baking the chicken instead of frying it or using an air fryer. Additionally, you can use Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise in the sauce to reduce calories and fat.
3. What is the origin of Bang Bang Chicken? Bang Bang Chicken is inspired by a traditional Chinese dish known as “Bang Bang Ji,” which features shredded chicken with a spicy peanut sauce. The American version has evolved to include breaded and fried chicken with a spicy, creamy sauce.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken in the oven to maintain its crispiness, and toss it with the sauce just before serving.
5. What should I serve with Bang Bang Chicken? Bang Bang Chicken pairs well with a variety of sides, such as steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it as a sandwich or in tacos for a fun twist.