Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

This Bang Bang Chicken is a flavorful and crispy dish that’s perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a fun appetizer for a party. Tender chicken is coated in a crispy batter and then drizzled with a creamy, sweet, and spicy Bang Bang sauce. It’s a crowd-pleasing recipe that’s sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Bang Bang Chicken:

For the Sauce:

• Mayonnaise: Provides a creamy base for the sauce.
• Sweet chili sauce: Adds sweetness and a touch of heat.
• Hot sauce: Use your favorite hot sauce, such as Sriracha, for a spicy kick.
• Honey: Adds sweetness and balances the spice.
• Salt and pepper: To taste.

For the Chicken:

• Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces.
• All-purpose flour and cornstarch: Create a light and crispy batter.
• Buttermilk: Adds flavor and helps tenderize the chicken.
• Garlic powder and smoked paprika: Adds flavor and a touch of smokiness.
• Salt and pepper: To taste.
• Hot sauce: Adds a subtle kick to the batter.
• Egg: Helps bind the batter.
• Panko breadcrumbs: Creates a crispy coating.
• Vegetable oil: For frying the chicken.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken

Step 1: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined. Refrigerate the sauce until ready to serve.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and hot sauce. Add the egg and buttermilk, and whisk until you have a smooth batter. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss to coat evenly in the batter.

Step 3: Coat in Breadcrumbs

In another bowl, add the Panko breadcrumbs. Coat each piece of chicken in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat with the remaining chicken pieces.

Step 5: Serve

Drizzle the fried chicken with the prepared Bang Bang sauce and serve immediately.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken

• Main Course: Serve the Bang Bang Chicken with your favorite sides, such as rice, mashed potatoes, or vegetables.
• Appetizer: Serve it as an appetizer with extra Bang Bang sauce for dipping.
• Salad: Add it to your favorite salad for a protein boost and a flavorful twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead:

You can make the sauce up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The chicken can be coated in the batter and breadcrumbs up to 4 hours before frying.

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, the chicken may lose some of its crispiness.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs, but they may require a slightly longer cooking time.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes, you can bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F (204°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. However, the chicken may not be as crispy as the fried version.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Press the tofu or tempeh to remove excess moisture before coating and cooking.

How can I make this dish spicier?
Add more hot sauce to the batter and the sauce, or use a spicier variety of hot sauce.

There you have it! A delicious and easy-to-make recipe for Bang Bang Chicken that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!

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