The crunch of crispy fried chicken enveloped in a creamy, spicy sauce hits you like a warm hug on a chilly day. This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken isn’t just a meal; it’s a fusion dish that brings together vibrant flavors inspired by Sichuan cuisine, tailored perfectly for our Western palates. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply looking for a quick weeknight feast, this recipe is a total crowd-pleaser that can transform any meal into something special. Plus, it’s adaptable for various dietary preferences—think shrimp or tofu instead of chicken or even baking it for a lighter twist. Are you ready to take your tastebuds on an exciting journey? Let’s dive into creating this delightful dish!
Why is Bang Bang Chicken a Must-Try?
Irresistible Flavor: This dish features a perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and sweet, transforming ordinary meals into a taste adventure.
Crispy Perfection: Each bite presents a satisfying crunch followed by a juicy interior, making it hard to resist seconds.
Versatile: Swap out chicken for shrimp, tofu, or even cauliflower to cater to everyone at the table, ensuring no one feels left out.
Quick Cooking: With simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners or last-minute gatherings, saving you time while delivering flavor.
Healthier Options: Enjoy this dish with options for air frying or baking, giving you the chance for a lighter meal without compromising taste.
Elevate your meal repertoire with this Crispy Bang Bang Chicken, and don’t forget to check out my other favorites like Garlic Parmesan Chicken or Mushroom Chicken Soup for more delicious dinner ideas!
Bang Bang Chicken Ingredients
For the Bang Bang Sauce
• Mayonnaise – Adds creaminess to the sauce; substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
• Thai Sweet Chili Sauce – Provides sweetness and a mild kick; use regular chili sauce for less sweetness.
• Sriracha Sauce – Offers heat and tang; adjust according to your spice preference or use any hot sauce.
• Honey – Sweetens and balances the sauce; maple syrup can be used instead as a substitute.
For the Chicken
• Boneless Skinless Chicken Tenderloins – The main protein; tender and easy to cook; swap with shrimp or tofu for variations.
• Buttermilk – Acts as a marinade to tenderize chicken; replace with a combination of milk and vinegar for a DIY version.
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides a crispy coating; use gluten-free flour for those with sensitivities.
• Cornstarch – Enhances crunchiness when combined with flour; allow for an even crispier texture.
• Egg – Binds the flour mixture; omit for a vegan option or substitute with flaxseed meal.
Seasonings
• Garlic Powder – Enhances flavor; fresh garlic is a great alternative if preferred.
• Salt – Essential for taste; adjust to your liking.
• Black Pepper – Adds depth to the seasoning mix; feel free to use freshly cracked for better flavor.
• Cayenne Pepper – Introduces heat; use cautiously based on your spice tolerance.
For Coating and Frying
• Panko Breadcrumbs – Creates a crunchy coating; substitute with regular breadcrumbs if desired.
• Canola Oil – Used for frying; any neutral oil, like vegetable oil, works as an alternative.
For Garnishing
• Chopped Parsley – Adds color and freshness for serving; a little goes a long way!
Craving that perfect explosion of flavors and textures with Bang Bang Chicken? Get ready to cook up a storm!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Bang Bang Chicken
Step 1: Prepare Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Stir the mixture until smooth and creamy, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated. Once combined, cover the bowl and set it aside, allowing the flavors to meld while you prepare the chicken.
Step 2: Marinate Chicken
In a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne until smooth. Add the boneless skinless chicken tenderloins to the marinade, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Let the chicken sit in the marinade for about 10 minutes to tenderize and absorb the flavors.
Step 3: Coat Chicken
On a flat plate, spread out the panko breadcrumbs in an even layer. Take each marinated chicken tender and dredge it in the breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to ensure a good coating. Continue this process until all the chicken tenders are coated, creating a crunchy exterior that is essential for your Bang Bang Chicken.
Step 4: Fry Chicken
In a large skillet, heat canola oil over medium-high heat until the temperature reaches 365°F. Carefully add the coated chicken tenders in batches, frying for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use a thermometer to check that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring they are fully cooked.
Step 5: Drain and Sauce
Once fried, carefully transfer the cooked chicken tenders to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. While the chicken is still hot, toss it in the prepared Bang Bang sauce, ensuring each piece is well-coated with the creamy, spicy goodness that makes this dish so irresistible.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
To finish, sprinkle the hot, sauced chicken with chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the Bang Bang Chicken warm, either on its own or alongside your favorite sides like jasmine rice or a crisp cucumber salad for a complete meal.
Bang Bang Chicken Variations
Feel free to get creative with your Bang Bang Chicken and make it your own with these fun adjustments!
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Shrimp Swap: Replace chicken with shrimp for a delightful seafood twist. Just be sure to adjust cooking time to prevent overcooking!
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Tofu Option: Marinate firm tofu cubes instead of chicken for a vegan alternative. The tofu absorbs the flavors beautifully and gives a satisfying texture.
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Cauliflower Crunch: Substitute bite-sized cauliflower florets for a veggie-centric dish. Bake or air fry them for an easy, healthy version that’s packed with flavor!
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Healthier Cooking: Opt for baking or air frying your chicken instead of frying for a lighter take that still yields a delightful crunch.
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Spicy Kick: Enhance the heat by adding extra Sriracha or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the sauce for those who crave a bolder flavor!
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Gluten-Free Flour: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour and cornstarch for a friendly option without sacrificing the crispy coating.
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Yogurt Base: Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt in the Bang Bang sauce for a tangy, lighter alternative that still delivers on creaminess.
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Sauce Twist: Experiment with different flavored hot sauces or Asian chili pastes in the sauce for unique flavor profiles, like sesame or kimchi, that can take this dish to the next level!
No matter how you choose to customize your dish, it’s bound to be a family favorite! And if you’re in the mood for more delicious chicken recipes, don’t forget to check out my Italian Chicken Panini or Chicken Caesar Wraps for even more inspiration!
What to Serve with Crispy Bang Bang Chicken?
Pairing this flavorful dish with the right sides can turn it from a simple meal into an unforgettable culinary experience.
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Jasmine Rice: This aromatic rice absorbs the spicy sauce beautifully, providing a perfect, fluffy base to enjoy the Bang Bang Chicken.
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Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad with a tangy dressing balances the richness of the chicken, adding a crisp, cool bite to your meal.
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Sweet Potato Fries: The sweetness of the fries complements the spicy flavors of the chicken, creating a delightful contrast that will have everyone reaching for more.
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Sautéed Asparagus: The earthy taste of asparagus adds a wonderful texture and vibrant color to your plate, making this a wholesome side choice.
Imagine a plate with crispy Bang Bang Chicken, savory jasmine rice, and colorful cucumber salad—it’s a feast for both the eyes and the palate!
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Cold Szechuan Noodles: These flavorful, cold noodles bring a delightful chewiness and a spicy-sour punch, enhancing the overall dining experience.
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Mango Margarita: A perfectly paired drink like a mango margarita can refresh your palate and complement the spicy heat of the chicken.
Whatever you choose, these pairings will elevate the star of your dinner table—Crispy Bang Bang Chicken!
Expert Tips for Bang Bang Chicken
- Perfect Temperature: Maintain the oil temperature at 365°F for optimal crispiness; using a thermometer ensures perfectly cooked chicken.
- Spice Control: Adjust the amount of Sriracha based on your spice preference; remember, it’s easy to add more but hard to tone down the heat.
- Crunchy Coating: Double-dip the chicken tenders in the marinade and breadcrumbs for an extra crispy finish that everyone will love.
- Marination Time: Don’t rush the 10-minute marination—this step is crucial for the chicken to absorb those delicious flavors.
- Versatile Variations: Explore using shrimp, tofu, or even cauliflower as substitutes for Bang Bang Chicken, catering to varied dietary needs.
Make Ahead Options
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is a fantastic option for meal prep, helping you save time on busy weeknights! You can marinate the chicken in the buttermilk mixture up to 24 hours in advance, which not only flavors the chicken but also keeps it incredibly tender. Prepare the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to cook, simply dredge the marinated chicken in breadcrumbs, fry it until golden, and toss in the sauce. This approach ensures your dish is just as delicious, with that crispy coating and flavorful sauce ready to impress!
Storage Tips for Bang Bang Chicken
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure to stir the Bang Bang sauce before reapplying it to keep the flavors fresh.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooked and cooled chicken in a single layer. Once firm, transfer it to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, place frozen chicken in the oven at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also warm it gently in a skillet over low heat.
Room Temperature: Avoid leaving Bang Bang Chicken out at room temperature for more than 2 hours to ensure food safety.
Bang Bang Chicken Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right ingredients for the sauce?
Absolutely! For the best Bang Bang sauce, ensure the mayonnaise is fresh, as it adds the creamy base. When selecting Thai sweet chili sauce, look for one that’s vibrant in color and not too watery, as this indicates better flavor. The Sriracha should be a good-quality brand; you can try it first to gauge your spice preference.
What are the best storage methods for leftover Bang Bang Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It’s important to stir the sauce before using it again to keep the flavors evenly distributed. If you’re looking to store it longer, you can freeze the cooked chicken in a single layer until firm, then transfer into a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Can I freeze Bang Bang Chicken? If so, how?
Yes, you can freeze Bang Bang Chicken! First, let the chicken cool to room temperature. Then, lay it in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container, ensuring to remove as much air as possible. When ready to enjoy, reheat baked chicken in the oven at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
What are some common issues I might run into?
One frequent problem is the coating not sticking to the chicken. To prevent this, ensure that your chicken is well-coated in the marinade before dredging in the breadcrumbs. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the coating may become soggy instead of crispy; using a thermometer to maintain the temperature at 365°F is a great way to ensure your chicken turns out perfectly.
Is Bang Bang Chicken safe for my pets or certain allergies?
While Bang Bang Chicken is a delicious human dish, it’s important to keep it away from pets, particularly spices and garlic, which can be harmful to them. Additionally, note that this recipe contains common allergens such as eggs and wheat. For those with gluten sensitivity, consider using gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs as substitutes. Always prioritize checking ingredient labels for allergens to ensure safety.
Can I adapt this recipe for a healthier version?
Very much so! You can bake or air fry the chicken instead of frying it to cut down on oil. For air frying, preheat your air fryer to 375°F, then coat the chicken tenders and place them in a single layer in the basket; cook for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. You could also opt for Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in the sauce to make it lighter without sacrificing flavor.
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken: A Spicy Taste Adventure at Home
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Stir until smooth and creamy. Cover and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne until smooth. Add chicken, ensuring each piece is coated. Let sit for 10 minutes.
- Spread panko breadcrumbs on a flat plate. Dredge each marinated chicken tender in the breadcrumbs, coating well.
- In a skillet, heat canola oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 365°F. Fry coated chicken tenders in batches for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Transfer fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Toss hot chicken in Bang Bang sauce until well-coated.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve warm, optionally with sides like jasmine rice or cucumber salad.
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