Looking to spice up your dinner routine? Look no further than this irresistible Bang Bang Chicken recipe. With its crispy exterior, tender chicken, and a flavorful Bang Bang sauce, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your household. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe is quick, easy, and guaranteed to impress. Let’s dive into the details of how to make this delicious dish.
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
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
Directions:
Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a bowl, mix together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until well combined. Set aside for later use.
Marinate the Chicken: In a separate bowl, combine buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir until smooth. Add chicken tenderloins to the mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Coat the Chicken: Place the panko breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Remove the marinated chicken from the bowl, allowing any excess batter to drip off. Dredge the chicken pieces in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere the breadcrumbs to the chicken.
Fry the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat canola oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 365°F (185°C). Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet. Fry the chicken for about 3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Drain and Toss: Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Then, transfer the fried chicken to a large mixing bowl. Pour the prepared Bang Bang sauce over the chicken and toss until each piece is evenly coated.
Serve and Enjoy: Garnish the Bang Bang Chicken with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately while the chicken is still hot and crispy. Enjoy this delectable dish with steamed rice, noodles, or your favorite side dishes.
Serving Tips:
Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or cilantro over the Bang Bang Chicken just before serving. Not only does it add a pop of color, but it also provides a burst of fresh flavor.
Pair with Rice or Noodles: Serve the Bang Bang Chicken alongside steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal. The sauce complements these starches perfectly, creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures.
Add Some Heat: If you like your dishes extra spicy, drizzle additional Sriracha sauce over the Bang Bang Chicken before serving. Customize the heat level according to your preference for a more intense flavor experience.
Include Fresh Vegetables: Enhance the meal by serving it with a side of steamed or stir-fried vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas. Not only does this add nutritional value, but it also adds color and freshness to the plate.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store any leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Make sure to allow the chicken to cool completely before refrigerating to prevent moisture buildup, which can make the coating soggy.
Reheating: To reheat the leftover Bang Bang Chicken, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side until warmed.
Sauce Separation: If the Bang Bang sauce separates or thickens in the refrigerator, simply give it a good stir before using it again. If it’s too thick, you can add a splash of water or lime juice to thin it out to the desired consistency.
Freeze Individual Portions: If you have a large batch of Bang Bang Chicken, consider freezing individual portions for later use. Place the cooked and cooled chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating each piece with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Frozen Bang Bang Chicken can be reheated in the oven or air fryer straight from the freezer for a quick and convenient meal option.
Related Recipes:
- Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta: Spicy Creamy Shrimp Pasta Delight
- Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken
- Baked Fried Chicken
FAQs:
Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken tenderloins for this recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken tenderloins are preferred for their tenderness and quick cooking time, chicken breasts can be used as a substitute. Simply slice the chicken breasts into thin, even strips to ensure they cook evenly and maintain the crispy texture.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken in the buttermilk mixture?
Marinating the chicken in the buttermilk mixture not only adds flavor but also helps tenderize the meat and create a juicy interior. However, if you’re short on time, you can skip the marinating step and still achieve delicious results. Just be sure to coat the chicken thoroughly in the flour mixture before frying to ensure a crispy exterior.
Can I make the Bang Bang Sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Bang Bang Sauce in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. In fact, allowing the sauce to sit for a while before serving can enhance its flavor as the ingredients meld together. Give it a good stir before using it to coat the fried chicken.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. Additionally, ensure that the other ingredients such as the Sriracha sauce, Thai sweet chili sauce, and mayonnaise are gluten-free. With these simple swaps, you can enjoy a delicious gluten-free version of Bang Bang Chicken without compromising on flavor or texture.
Conclusion:
With its crispy texture, bold flavors, and easy preparation, Bang Bang Chicken is a standout recipe that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re a fan of spicy foods or simply looking to switch up your dinner routine, this dish is sure to satisfy. Try making it for your next meal and watch as it becomes a new family favorite!
📖 Recipe:
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Bang Bang Chicken
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Indulge in the ultimate flavor explosion with our Bang Bang Chicken recipe. Crispy chicken tenderloins coated in a spicy Sriracha-infused batter, fried to perfection, and tossed in a creamy Thai sweet chili sauce. Quick to make and impossible to resist!
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
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
- Prepare the Bang Bang sauce by mixing mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Set aside.
- Marinate chicken tenderloins in a mixture of buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and optional cayenne.
- Coat marinated chicken in panko breadcrumbs and set aside.
- Fry breaded chicken in hot canola oil until golden and cooked through.
- Drain fried chicken and toss with prepared Bang Bang sauce.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Ensure oil is at the correct temperature for frying to achieve crispy chicken.
Adjust Sriracha and cayenne pepper amounts according to spice preference.
Serve Bang Bang Chicken immediately for best flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
