why make this recipe
Bang Bang Chicken is a delicious dish that combines crispy fried chicken with a sweet and spicy sauce. It is perfect for those who love a little kick in their meals. This recipe is easy to follow and results in a satisfying dish that can be served as an appetizer or a main course. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, friends, or family, Bang Bang Chicken will surely impress everyone at the table.
how to make Bang Bang Chicken
Making Bang Bang Chicken is a straightforward process. Start by preparing the Bang Bang Sauce, which combines mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey for a sweet and spicy flavor. The chicken tenderloins are marinated in buttermilk before being coated in a mixture of flour, cornstarch, and seasonings. Finally, the chicken is breaded with panko breadcrumbs and fried until golden and crispy.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (232 g) mayonnaise
- ½ cup (132 g) Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha (or more to taste)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 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)
Directions:
- In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey to create the Bang Bang Sauce. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, soak the chicken tenderloins in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
- In another bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- In a small bowl, beat the egg and add the extra Sriracha.
- Remove chicken from buttermilk and dip each piece into the egg mixture, then coat in the flour mixture.
- After coating, dip the chicken back into the egg mixture and then coat with panko breadcrumbs.
- In a large frying pan, heat canola oil over medium heat. Fry the breaded chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Once cooked, drain on paper towels and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
- Serve with the prepared Bang Bang Sauce drizzled on top or as a dipping sauce on the side.
how to serve Bang Bang Chicken
Bang Bang Chicken can be served as an appetizer, on a bed of rice, or in a wrap. It is great for gatherings, game days, or any occasion where you want to serve something tasty and unique. Pair it with a fresh salad or some steamed veggies for a complete meal.
how to store Bang Bang Chicken
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can bake them in the oven to retain their crispiness or microwave them if you prefer.
tips to make Bang Bang Chicken
- For extra crunch, double coat the chicken pieces by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps.
- Adjust the level of Sriracha based on your taste preferences for a milder or spicier dish.
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to avoid soggy chicken.
variation
You can swap out the chicken tenderloins for shrimp or cauliflower to make a seafood or vegetarian version of Bang Bang. Simply adjust the cooking time for shrimp and ensure the cauliflower is tender before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I make Bang Bang Chicken in the oven?
Yes, you can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until golden, flipping halfway through.
2. Can I use frozen chicken tenderloins?
Yes, but thaw them completely and pat them dry before soaking in buttermilk to ensure the coating sticks.
3. How can I make the sauce spicier?
Add more Sriracha to the Bang Bang Sauce or include diced fresh chilies for an extra kick.