Bang Bang Chicken
If you’re looking for a dish that’s sure to impress, you’ve landed in the right spot! Bang Bang Chicken is one of those recipes that never fails to bring smiles to the table. It combines crispy chicken tenderloins with a sweet and spicy sauce that you just can’t resist. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a fun family gathering, this dish is perfect for any occasion.
What I love most about Bang Bang Chicken is its ability to be both simple and indulgent. With just a few ingredients, you’ll create a meal that feels special without spending hours in the kitchen. Your loved ones will be asking for seconds—and maybe even thirds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With only 20 minutes of prep time, you can whip this up even on your busiest days!
- Family-Friendly Flavor: The irresistible crunch paired with the sweet and tangy sauce makes it a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s an appetizer for game night or the main course at dinner, this recipe shines.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prep the chicken in advance, making it easy to fry up when you’re ready.
- Customizable Spice Level: Adjust the Sriracha to suit your taste—make it mild or turn up the heat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you may already have in your pantry. Let’s check them out:
For the Sauce
- 1 cup (232 g) mayonnaise
- ½ cup (132 g) Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha (or more to taste)
- 2 tablespoons honey
For the Chicken
- 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)
For Garnish
- Parsley (chopped)
Variations
One of the best things about Bang Bang Chicken is how flexible it can be! Here are some fun variations to consider:
- Swap the Protein: Instead of chicken tenderloins, try using shrimp or tofu for a different twist.
- Go Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with their gluten-free counterparts.
- Add Vegetables: Toss in some broccoli or bell peppers while frying for added nutrition and color.
- Experiment with Sauces: Swap out Thai sweet chili sauce for a mango chutney or spicy peanut sauce for a unique flavor profile.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by mixing together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey in a bowl. This homemade bang bang sauce is what gives our chicken its deliciously addictive flavor. Feel free to taste as you mix—if you want more heat, add more Sriracha!
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
In another bowl, pour buttermilk over the chicken tenderloins. Let them soak for at least 10 minutes. Marinating in buttermilk not only adds flavor but also helps keep the chicken juicy during frying.
Step 3: Set Up Your Breading Station
In one bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. In another bowl, whisk together an egg with additional Sriracha. Finally, place panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl. This setup allows for easy coating of each chicken piece.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Take each marinated tenderloin and dip it first into the flour mixture, then into the egg wash, and finally coat it well with panko breadcrumbs. This triple-breading method ensures maximum crispiness—trust me; it’s worth it!
Step 5: Fry Until Golden Brown
In a deep skillet or pot, heat canola oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully add breaded chicken pieces in batches so as not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown and cooked through—about 6 minutes per batch. Remove them from oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 6: Drizzle with Sauce & Serve
Once all your chicken is perfectly fried and crispy, drizzle generously with your homemade bang bang sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy every bite of this delightful dish with your family or friends!
Now that you have this wonderful recipe at hand, I hope you enjoy making Bang Bang Chicken as much as I do! Happy cooking!
Pro Tips for Making Bang Bang Chicken
Making Bang Bang Chicken can be a delightful experience, especially when you have a few pro tips up your sleeve!
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken and high-quality sauces make a huge difference in flavor. Always opt for fresh produce and check the expiration dates on your sauces for the best taste.
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Buttermilk Soak: Soaking the chicken tenderloins in buttermilk not only tenderizes the meat but also helps the coating stick better. This results in a juicier chicken with a crispier exterior.
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Temperature Control: Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying (around 350°F or 175°C). If it’s too cool, the chicken will absorb more oil and become greasy instead of crispy.
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Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches to ensure even cooking. Overcrowding can lower the oil temperature and lead to unevenly cooked chicken.
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Customize Your Sauce: Feel free to adjust the spiciness of your bang bang sauce by adding more or less Sriracha according to your taste preference. It’s all about making it perfect for you!
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken
Bang Bang Chicken is not only delicious but also visually appealing! Here are some creative ideas on how to present this dish beautifully.
Garnishes
- Chopped Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that balances out the rich flavors.
- Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds provide added crunch and a nutty flavor that enhances each bite beautifully.
- Green Onions: Thinly sliced green onions offer a mild onion flavor along with a vibrant touch that makes the dish visually stunning.
Side Dishes
- Crispy Vegetable Spring Rolls: These crispy delights are filled with colorful veggies and pair perfectly with the creamy bang bang sauce for an added crunch.
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: The light, fragrant rice acts as a lovely base, soaking up all those delicious flavors from the chicken and sauce.
- Garlic Roasted Broccoli: Tender broccoli florets roasted with garlic offer a nutritious side that complements the richness of the chicken perfectly.
- Asian Slaw: A refreshing mix of cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers tossed in a light dressing adds crunch and brightness to each meal.
With these tips and serving suggestions, your Bang Bang Chicken will surely impress family and friends alike! Enjoy every crispy, saucy bite!
Make Ahead and Storage
This Bang Bang Chicken recipe is perfect for meal prep! Whether you are looking to have a quick snack on hand or planning for a busy week ahead, these crispy chicken tenderloins can easily be made in advance and stored for later enjoyment.
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing.
- Place the chicken in an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For best results, keep the bang bang sauce separate until ready to serve.
Freezing
- Let the cooked Bang Bang Chicken cool completely.
- Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place wrapped chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
- Optionally, reheat the bang bang sauce separately in a small saucepan over low heat.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about Bang Bang Chicken!
Can I make Bang Bang Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep and fry the chicken ahead of time, allowing it to cool before storing. Just remember to reheat it in the oven for that crispy texture!
What can I serve with Bang Bang Chicken?
Bang Bang Chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, a fresh salad, or even as part of a fun appetizer spread. The possibilities are endless!
How spicy is Bang Bang Chicken?
The level of spice can be adjusted based on your preference! You can add more Sriracha if you like it spicier or reduce it for a milder flavor.
Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with tofu or even shrimp if you’re looking for alternative protein options.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you enjoy making this delightful Bang Bang Chicken at home! Its crispy texture combined with that sweet and spicy bang bang sauce makes for an unforgettable dish that everyone will love. Don’t hesitate to get creative and add your personal touch. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait for you to savor every bite!
Bang Bang Chicken
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Thai-inspired
Description
If you’re in search of a dish that delivers both flavor and ease, Bang Bang Chicken is your answer! This delightful recipe features crispy chicken tenderloins coated in a sweet and spicy homemade sauce that is sure to impress everyone at the table. With its perfect balance of crunch and zest, this dish is ideal for any occasion—whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a gathering with family and friends. Plus, it takes just 20 minutes to prepare, making it a fantastic option for busy days. Everyone will be reaching for seconds!
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha (or more to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken tenderloins
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey to create the bang bang sauce.
- Marinate chicken tenderloins in buttermilk for at least 10 minutes.
- Set up your breading station with flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne in one bowl; whisked egg with Sriracha in another; and panko breadcrumbs in a third.
- Coat marinated chicken by dipping it in the flour mixture, then egg wash, and finally panko breadcrumbs.
- Heat canola oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken pieces until golden brown (about 6 minutes per batch).
- Drizzle fried chicken with the bang bang sauce and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approximately 83g)
- Calories: 295
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
