As I was rummaging through my pantry, I stumbled upon a treasure trove of ingredients destined for a culinary adventure. That’s when the idea for my Crispy Bang Bang Chicken struck! This dish, with its irresistible crunch and creamy, spicy sauce, combines comfort and excitement, making it perfect for both casual nights and celebratory gatherings. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a crowd-pleaser that boasts versatility—you can even swap out chicken for tofu or cauliflower for a delightful vegetarian twist! Whether you serve it as an appetizer or make it the star of your dinner table, each bite promises a satisfying contrast of textures that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with this flavorful dish? Let’s dive into the fun of making your own Bang Bang Chicken!
Why is Bang Bang Chicken so irresistible?
Crispy Texture: Each bite of this Bang Bang Chicken offers an exhilarating crunch from the panko coating, creating a satisfying contrast with the tender chicken inside.
Flavor Explosion: The sauce — a delightful blend of creamy mayonnaise, sweet Thai chili, and spicy Sriracha — tantalizes your taste buds, making it a hit for any gathering.
Versatile Dish: Perfect as an appetizer or a hearty main course, this dish easily adapts for vegetarians; simply swap chicken for tofu or cauliflower for a satisfying alternative!
Quick and Simple: You can whip this up in no time, making it an excellent solution for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a family meal, this dish is sure to impress and leave everyone asking for the recipe! If you’re interested in more comforting chicken recipes, check out my Dollys Chicken Stuffing or Slow Cooker Chicken options!
Bang Bang Chicken Ingredients
• Get ready to tantalize your taste buds!
For the Sauce
- Mayonnaise – Provides creaminess to the sauce; substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- Thai Sweet Chili Sauce – Adds sweetness and a hint of spiciness, enhancing the flavor profile of this Bang Bang Chicken.
- Sriracha – Offers heat and tanginess; adjust quantity to taste or swap for your favorite hot sauce.
- Honey – Sweetens the sauce; maples syrup can be used for a vegan alternative.
For the Chicken
- Buttermilk – Ensures the chicken is tender and flavorful; you can use milk mixed with vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute.
- Chicken Tenderloins – Absorb flavors beautifully; consider using chicken breasts or plant-based options like tofu or cauliflower for a vegetarian twist.
- All-Purpose Flour – Coats the chicken; gluten-free flour works well as a substitute.
- Cornstarch – Enhances crispiness, giving your Bang Bang Chicken that perfect crunch.
For the Coating
- Egg – Binds the breadcrumbs; easily replace with a flax egg for a vegan version.
- Panko Breadcrumbs – Provides a light, crispy texture; regular breadcrumbs can be used for less crunch.
Seasonings
- Garlic Powder – Adds depth of flavor; adjust to your preference for a stronger or lighter taste.
- Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning; these need to be adjusted according to your personal taste and also enhance the overall dish.
- Cayenne Pepper – For a kick of heat; increase or decrease based on spice tolerance.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Bang Bang Chicken
Step 1: Prepare Bang Bang Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Whisk these ingredients until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps. Set the sauce aside, as it will be drizzled over the crispy Bang Bang Chicken later, adding a delightful kick to the dish.
Step 2: Marinate Chicken
Place the boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins into a shallow dish and pour buttermilk over them, ensuring they are fully submerged. Let the chicken marinate for at least 10 minutes; this step helps to tenderize the meat and infuse moisture. While the chicken absorbs the flavors, you can prepare the dredging stations.
Step 3: Set Up Dredging Stations
Prepare three shallow dishes for the coating process. In the first dish, mix together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. In the second dish, whisk an egg and add a splash of Sriracha for an extra kick. Lastly, fill the third dish with panko breadcrumbs, which will create the crispy coating for your Bang Bang Chicken.
Step 4: Bread the Chicken
Take a chicken tenderloin from the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off, and dredge it in the flour mixture until fully coated. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to run off, before thoroughly coating it in panko breadcrumbs. Repeat this process for each piece of chicken, ensuring a good amount of the crispy coating sticks.
Step 5: Fry Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the breaded chicken tenderloins to the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, drain the chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Step 6: Serve
Place the crispy Bang Bang Chicken on a serving platter and generously drizzle the prepared bang bang sauce over the top. For an extra touch, garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Whether enjoyed as an appetizer or a main course, this dish promises a flavor explosion in every bite!
Bang Bang Chicken Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative and make this dish your own with these fun substitutions and variations!
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Vegetarian: Substitute chicken with tofu or cauliflower to create a vegetarian-friendly version that still delivers on flavor.
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Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or Italian seasoning to the breadcrumb mixture for an extra layer of taste that everyone will love.
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Crispy Alternative: If you’re after a lighter option, swap panko breadcrumbs for crushed cornflakes; this will add a new crunch and a hint of sweetness.
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Baked Version: For a healthier twist, bake the breaded chicken at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes instead of frying; just spray with a little cooking oil beforehand.
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Heat Adjustment: If you’re not fond of too much spice, reduce the Sriracha and replace it with a milder hot sauce or omit it entirely for a creamy sauce without the heat.
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Serve it Differently: Get creative at mealtime by serving your Bang Bang Chicken as sliders, stuffing them into small buns topped with salad greens.
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Noodle Bowl: For a unique twist, cut the cooked chicken into strips and toss it over a bed of rice noodles with your favorite vegetables, drizzling the bang bang sauce on top.
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Zesty Sauce: Experiment with a hint of lime juice or zest in the sauce to add brightness and a refreshing kick that perfectly complements the richness.
For more delicious chicken recipes, consider trying my Cheddar Bay Chicken or the irresistible Thai Peanut Chicken that also brings that delightful fusion of flavors!
Helpful Tricks for Bang Bang Chicken
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Dry Before Dredging: Ensure your chicken is patted dry to help the coating adhere better, preventing it from falling off during frying.
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Oil Temperature Matters: Use a thermometer to check oil temperature; frying at 350°F (175°C) gives you that perfect crispy texture we all love in Bang Bang Chicken.
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Avoid Overcrowding: Frying too many pieces at once lowers the oil temperature, resulting in soggy chicken. Fry in batches to maintain that crispy goodness!
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Immediate Frying: Fry the chicken immediately after breading to achieve the ultimate crunchiness. Letting it sit may cause the coating to become soggy.
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Adjust Spice Level: Modify the amount of Sriracha in your sauce based on your heat tolerance, ensuring everyone can enjoy your delicious Bang Bang Chicken!
Make Ahead Options
These Crispy Bang Bang Chicken tenderloins are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can marinate the chicken in buttermilk up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring it’s juicy and full of flavor when you’re ready to cook. Additionally, you can prepare the breading stations (flour mixture, egg wash, and panko) the day before, allowing you to simply dredge the chicken and fry it in no time. To maintain quality, store the marinated chicken in an airtight container in the fridge and keep the breading ingredients in separate containers to prevent sogginess. When ready to serve, just fry the chicken until golden brown, drizzle with the prepared bang bang sauce, and enjoy restaurant-quality results with minimal effort!
What to Serve with Bang Bang Chicken
Elevate your meal with delightful sides that balance flavors and textures, creating a memorable dining experience.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The buttery softness of mashed potatoes pairs beautifully with the crunchy chicken, providing a comforting contrast.
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Crisp Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the sauce, adding brightness to the meal.
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Steamed Broccoli: The mild flavor and vibrant color of steamed broccoli not only enhance the plate visually but also add a healthful, crunchy element.
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Savory Fried Rice: Fried rice, with its savory seasoning and delightful textures, complements the Bang Bang Chicken perfectly, creating an Asian-inspired feast.
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Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy, sweet potato fries add a touch of sweetness that balances the spicy sauce, making for a tantalizing side that everyone will love.
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Chilled Cucumber Salad: The cool, refreshing crunch of cucumbers dressed in a light sesame dressing offers a perfect contrast to the warm, spicy chicken.
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Ginger Beer or Iced Green Tea: These refreshing beverages pair wonderfully, cleansing the palate between bites and enhancing the overall dining experience.
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Chocolate Mousse: Wrap up your meal with a rich chocolate mousse for dessert; its creamy texture creates a deliciously indulgent finish.
How to Store and Freeze Bang Bang Chicken
Fridge: Store any leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days to keep it fresh and flavorful.
Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze the cooked chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness, avoiding sogginess that can occur in the microwave.
Thawing: When ready to enjoy again, thaw the frozen Bang Bang Chicken overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain quality.
Bang Bang Chicken Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best chicken for Bang Bang Chicken?
Absolutely! For crispy Bang Bang Chicken, opt for boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins as they are more tender and absorb flavors beautifully. If you can’t find tenderloins, chicken breasts can work well too. Make sure the chicken pieces are uniform in size for even cooking, and check for freshness by avoiding any packages with dark spots or a strange odor.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
To keep your delicious Bang Bang Chicken fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you anticipate longer storage, you can freeze it! Just make sure it’s completely cooled, then place the chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. After that, transfer the pieces to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Can I freeze Bang Bang Chicken? If so, how?
Yes, you can freeze your Bang Bang Chicken! First, let it cool completely. Place the cooked chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 2 hours, or until firm. Then, transfer the chicken to a freezer-safe bag, squeezing out excess air. This method helps to prevent freezer burn! When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
What should I do if my chicken coating isn’t crisping up?
Very! If your Bang Bang Chicken isn’t getting that desired crunch, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take. First, ensure your oil is hot enough (around 350°F or 175°C) before adding the chicken; use a thermometer for accuracy. Overcrowding the pan can also cool the oil down, so fry in smaller batches. Lastly, if you’ve prepared the chicken ahead of time, try to fry the pieces immediately after breading to retain that sought-after crispiness.
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re looking to make this dish suitable for certain diets, you can easily adapt it. For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for tofu or cauliflower. If someone has egg allergies, you can replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water). For gluten-free options, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs. Always remember to adjust the sauce ingredients to meet dietary preferences or restrictions!
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken: Flavor Explosion in Every Bite
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Whisk until smooth and set aside.
- Place chicken tenderloins in a shallow dish and pour buttermilk over them. Let marinate for at least 10 minutes.
- Prepare three shallow dishes: one with flour mixture (flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, pepper, cayenne), one with beaten egg and Sriracha, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
- Dredge marinated chicken in the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, and finally coat well with panko breadcrumbs.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain the chicken on paper towels and drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the top before serving.
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