Bang Bang Chicken is the perfect dish for anyone who loves a spicy kick! This easy recipe features crispy chicken bites enveloped in a creamy, zesty sauce. Whether you serve it at a casual dinner, family gathering, or game day party, Bang Bang Chicken will surely impress your guests with its bold flavors and delightful crunch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With simple steps and common ingredients, this recipe can be made in under 30 minutes!
- Flavorful Experience: The combination of spices and sauces results in an explosion of flavor that tantalizes the taste buds.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy Bang Bang Chicken as an appetizer, main course, or even as a filling for wraps and sandwiches.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Its unique taste appeals to both adults and kids, making it a hit at any gathering.
- Customizable Heat: Adjust the sriracha to suit your heat preference—make it mild or spicy!
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into making Bang Bang Chicken, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Paper towels
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet: Ideal for frying the chicken evenly and achieving that golden crust.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for marinating the chicken and preparing your sauce without mess.
- Tongs: Perfect for flipping chicken pieces while frying, ensuring they don’t break apart.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Breading
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 cups vegetable oil, for frying
For the Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce, adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
For Garnish
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Pour buttermilk over the chicken, cover it with plastic wrap or a lid, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to marinate.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading
In one bowl, add flour; in another bowl, place panko breadcrumbs. Remove chicken from the buttermilk. Dredge each piece in flour first to coat lightly. Shake off excess flour before dipping into breadcrumbs to achieve an even coating.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot. Carefully add breaded chicken pieces in batches without overcrowding. Fry for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth. Adjust spiciness by adding more sriracha if desired.
Step 5: Mix Chicken with Sauce
In a large bowl, combine fried chicken with the prepared sauce. Toss everything together until each piece of chicken is well coated.
Step 6: Serve
Transfer your delicious Bang Bang Chicken to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve it with rice or lettuce wraps for an unforgettable meal!
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken
Bang Bang Chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a casual meal, these serving suggestions will elevate your dining experience.
In Lettuce Wraps
- Crisp lettuce leaves serve as the perfect wrap for Bang Bang Chicken. Just add a scoop of chicken and some sauce for a fresh and crunchy bite.
Over Steamed Rice
- Serving Bang Bang Chicken over steamed rice absorbs the sauce and adds a satisfying base to this spicy dish.
With Noodles
- Toss the chicken with your favorite noodles for a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. Add some vegetables for extra crunch.
As an Appetizer
- Cut the chicken into smaller pieces and serve it as an appetizer. Pair it with dipping sauces for an exciting starter at gatherings.
On a Salad
- Top mixed greens with Bang Bang Chicken for a flavorful salad. The creamy sauce adds richness to the fresh veggies.
In Tacos
- Use soft tortillas to create delicious tacos filled with Bang Bang Chicken, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds for added flair.
How to Perfect Bang Bang Chicken
To make the best Bang Bang Chicken, follow these tips that ensure crispy texture and bold flavor.
- Use Buttermilk: Marinating in buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken, making it juicy and flavorful.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Opting for panko instead of regular breadcrumbs creates a crunchier coating that enhances the overall texture.
- Heat the Oil Properly: Ensure your oil is hot enough before frying. This prevents the chicken from becoming greasy and ensures even cooking.
- Batch Frying: Fry chicken in small batches to maintain oil temperature, which leads to evenly cooked and crispy pieces.
- Adjust Sauce Spice: Feel free to customize the spiciness of your sauce by adding more or less sriracha according to your taste preference.
- Garnish Generously: Don’t skip on garnishing! Chopped green onions and sesame seeds not only enhance presentation but also add extra flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Bang Bang Chicken
Pairing side dishes with your Bang Bang Chicken can round out your meal beautifully. Here are some great options:
- Fried Rice: A classic side that complements the flavors of the chicken while adding texture.
- Asian Slaw: Crunchy cabbage and carrots tossed in a light dressing provide a refreshing contrast.
- Garlic Broccoli: Steamed broccoli sautéed with garlic adds nutrition without overpowering flavors.
- Cucumber Salad: Crisp cucumbers in vinegar balance out the spice of the chicken perfectly.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Their sweetness pairs nicely with the spicy sauce, offering a delightful contrast.
- Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup is comforting and enhances an Asian-inspired meal experience.
- Edamame Beans: Lightly salted edamame makes for a fun finger food side that’s healthy too.
- Spring Rolls: These crispy rolls filled with veggies make an excellent crunchy accompaniment to your dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Bang Bang Chicken, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Skipping the Marinade: Not marinating the chicken can lead to less flavor. Always marinate for at least 30 minutes to enhance taste and tenderness.
- Overcrowding the Pan: Frying too many pieces at once can result in uneven cooking. Cook in small batches for crispy chicken every time.
- Inconsistent Coating: Failing to coat chicken evenly in flour and breadcrumbs can lead to soggy bites. Make sure each piece is well-coated before frying.
- Ignoring Oil Temperature: Cooking in oil that isn’t hot enough will make the chicken greasy. Use a thermometer or test with a breadcrumb—if it sizzles, you’re good to go!
- Not Adjusting Sauce Spice: Leaving the sauce too mild can disappoint spice lovers. Taste as you go and adjust sriracha levels according to your preference.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container.
- It can last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Bang Bang Chicken
- Place cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Bang Bang Chicken
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, warm chicken for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bang Bang Chicken?
Bang Bang Chicken is a flavorful dish featuring crispy fried chicken coated in a creamy, spicy sauce, perfect for those who love a kick in their meals.
How spicy is Bang Bang Chicken?
The spiciness of Bang Bang Chicken depends on the amount of sriracha used. You can adjust it according to your personal taste preferences.
Can I make Bang Bang Chicken healthier?
Yes! You can bake instead of fry the chicken or use whole wheat breadcrumbs for a healthier option while still enjoying great flavor.
What do I serve with Bang Bang Chicken?
Bang Bang Chicken pairs well with rice, lettuce wraps, or fresh vegetables. It’s versatile and complements various sides!
Final Thoughts
Bang Bang Chicken offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures that will satisfy your cravings for something delicious and exciting. Feel free to customize it with different spices or side dishes to match your taste. Enjoy making this fantastic meal!
Bang Bang Chicken
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
Description
Bang Bang Chicken is a sensational dish that brings a delightful spicy kick to your dinner table. This quick and easy recipe combines crispy chicken bites with a creamy, zesty sauce that’s sure to impress your friends and family. Perfect for casual dinners, game day parties, or family gatherings, Bang Bang Chicken is not just about flavor; it’s about creating an unforgettable experience. With the ability to customize the heat level and versatility in serving options—whether as an appetizer or main course—this dish caters to all taste preferences. Prepare for an explosion of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjustable)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Green onions and sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: Season pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Pour buttermilk over them and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the breading: Set up two bowls with flour and panko breadcrumbs. Dredge marinated chicken in flour, then coat with breadcrumbs.
- Fry the chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken pieces in batches until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth.
- Combine: Toss fried chicken with the prepared sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds; enjoy with rice or lettuce wraps.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz (113g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Leave a Comment