If you’re looking for a delightful fusion of crispy, savory chicken with a tantalizing creamy sauce, this Bang Bang Chicken recipe is the answer. This delectable dish combines perfectly fried chicken with a flavorful Bang Bang Sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Known for its signature balance of spicy, creamy, and sweet, Bang Bang Chicken is perfect for serving as an appetizer or a main course at gatherings or for a quick family dinner.
Essential Tools and Equipment for Perfect Bang Bang Chicken:
- Mixing Bowls: For preparing the marinade and sauce.
- Whisk: To blend the Bang Bang Sauce.
- Skillet: To fry the chicken to golden, crispy perfection.
- Meat Thermometer: Ensures chicken is cooked thoroughly at 165°F internally.
- Tongs: For safely handling the chicken while frying.
- Paper Towels: For draining excess oil from the chicken.
Ingredients List:
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 cups plain panko breadcrumbs
- Canola oil (for frying)
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, mix buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (optional). Whisk until smooth. Add the chicken tenderloins, making sure they are well coated. Allow them to marinate for 10 minutes.
- Coat the Chicken: Spread panko breadcrumbs on a plate. Take each chicken tender from the marinade and coat it evenly in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they adhere.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat canola oil in a skillet over medium-high heat to 365°F. Fry the chicken tenders in batches, about 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to confirm an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Drain and Toss: Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Then, toss the hot chicken tenders in the prepared Bang Bang Sauce, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chicken with chopped parsley and serve warm for a deliciously crispy and saucy treat.
Best Side Dish Pairings:
To make your Bang Bang Chicken a complete and satisfying meal, consider these tasty side dishes:
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: A perfect complement to balance the bold flavors of Bang Bang Chicken.
- Asian-Style Cucumber Salad: The crisp and tangy flavors of cucumber offer a refreshing contrast to the rich sauce.
- Garlic Butter Noodles: Simple, savory noodles with garlic and butter enhance the meal.
- Sweet Potato Fries: The natural sweetness of crispy fries pairs beautifully with the spicy chicken.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Using Low-Quality Oil: Avoid low-smoke-point oils that may burn and affect flavor. Opt for canola or peanut oil for frying.
- Overcrowding the Pan: Fry in small batches to keep the oil’s temperature high, ensuring crispy chicken.
- Not Checking Chicken Temperature: Undercooked chicken is unsafe, and overcooked chicken can dry out. Use a thermometer for precision.
- Skipping the Marinade: The buttermilk marinade is key for tenderness and flavor. Skipping it results in a less juicy, flavorful chicken.
- Not Draining Properly: Make sure to drain the fried chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil and keep it crispy.
Tips for the Best Results:
- Marinate Longer: For even more tender chicken, marinate for up to 1 hour.
- Double-Dip for Extra Crispiness: After the first breading, let the chicken rest and then dip again for an extra crispy coating.
- Serve Fresh: Toss the chicken in sauce just before serving to maintain its crispiness.
Storing Leftovers:
- Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate to preserve crispiness.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze uncooked breaded chicken tenders on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating Instructions:
- Oven: Preheat to 375°F and bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 5-6 minutes for crispy results.
- Avoid Microwaving: Microwaving can make the chicken soggy.
FAQs About Bang Bang Chicken:
- What is Bang Bang Chicken? A crispy fried chicken dish coated in a sweet, spicy, and creamy sauce, influenced by Sichuan cuisine and popular in Western versions.
- Can I make this in the air fryer? Yes! Air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- What does Bang Bang Sauce taste like? It’s a creamy blend of spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors.
- Is Bang Bang Chicken spicy? It’s mildly spicy, but you can adjust the heat level to your taste.
- What are the best side dishes? Jasmine rice, cucumber salad, and sweet potato fries are great options.
Conclusion:
Bang Bang Chicken is a flavor-packed dish that’s crispy, spicy, and satisfying. Its sweet and spicy sauce brings a perfect balance to each bite, making it a true delicacy food that’s sure to impress. Whether you serve it with a side of rice, noodles, or fries, this dish is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.