Bang Bang Chicken is a delightful dish that combines crispy panko-crusted chicken tenderloins with a sweet and spicy homemade bang bang sauce. This dish not only satisfies your cravings but also impresses guests at various occasions, from casual dinners to festive gatherings. The unique blend of flavors and textures makes it a standout choice for any meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Texture: The panko breadcrumbs create an irresistible crunch that elevates every bite.
- Quick Preparation: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious meal ready in no time.
- Customizable Spice Level: Adjust the Sriracha to make it as mild or spicy as you prefer, catering to all taste buds.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect as an appetizer, main course, or even as a party snack; it fits any occasion seamlessly.
- Homemade Sauce: The bang bang sauce is easy to whip up and adds a unique flavor that store-bought options can’t match.
Tools and Preparation
Before you begin making Bang Bang Chicken, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will streamline the cooking process and ensure success.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Deep frying pan or Dutch oven
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Cooking thermometer
- Paper towels
Importance of Each Tool
- Deep frying pan or Dutch oven: These provide enough space for the chicken to fry evenly without overcrowding.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients and preparing the batter and coating.
- Whisk: Perfect for mixing wet ingredients smoothly, ensuring a well-blended batter.
- Tongs: Ideal for flipping and removing the chicken from hot oil safely.
Ingredients
Bang Bang Chicken is panko-crusted chicken tenderloins deep-fried to a crispy golden brown, drizzled with homemade bang bang sauce.
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)
- parsley, (chopped, for garnish)
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Whisk until smooth. Taste and adjust the heat level by adding more Sriracha if desired. Set aside.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken tenderloins in another bowl and pour in the buttermilk. Let them soak for at least 10 minutes. This step ensures they remain juicy during frying.
Step 3: Set Up Your Breading Station
In one bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. In another bowl, whisk together the egg and additional tablespoon of Sriracha.
Step 4: Bread the Chicken
Remove each tenderloin from the buttermilk and let excess drip off. First coat in the flour mixture, then dip into the egg mixture before finally rolling in panko breadcrumbs until fully covered.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
Heat canola oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat until hot. Carefully place breaded chicken pieces into the oil without crowding them. Fry until golden brown and cooked through—about 6 minutes total. Use tongs to flip halfway through cooking.
Step 6: Serve
Once cooked, transfer fried chicken onto paper towels to drain excess oil. Drizzle with your homemade bang bang sauce and garnish with chopped parsley before serving warm. Enjoy your delicious Bang Bang Chicken!
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken
Bang Bang Chicken is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or a main course, here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
As an Appetizer
- Serve with toothpicks for easy snacking at parties.
- Pair with a side of bang bang sauce for dipping, enhancing the flavor.
In a Wrap
- Use tortillas to create a wrap with fresh veggies and the crispy chicken.
- Add a drizzle of extra sauce for a delicious and messy treat.
On a Salad
- Slice the chicken and add it over mixed greens.
- Top with avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a squeeze of lime for freshness.
With Rice
- Serve the crispy chicken on a bed of jasmine or brown rice.
- Drizzle with additional sauce to create a flavorful rice bowl.
As Sliders
- Place pieces of chicken in mini buns for sliders.
- Garnish with coleslaw for added crunch and flavor.
With Noodles
- Toss the chicken with stir-fried noodles and veggies.
- A splash of soy sauce complements the flavors perfectly.
How to Perfect Bang Bang Chicken
To achieve the ultimate Bang Bang Chicken, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure your dish turns out crispy and full of flavor every time.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh chicken and high-quality sauces can make all the difference in taste.
- Marinate in buttermilk: Allowing the chicken tenderloins to soak in buttermilk helps keep them juicy during frying.
- Heat oil properly: Ensure that your frying oil is hot enough (around 350°F) before adding the chicken. This prevents sogginess.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Frying too many pieces at once can lower the oil temperature, leading to uneven cooking.
- Let it rest: After frying, let the chicken rest on paper towels to absorb excess oil, keeping them crunchy.
- Customize the heat: Adjust Sriracha levels in your sauce for personal preference regarding spiciness.
Best Side Dishes for Bang Bang Chicken
Pairing side dishes with your Bang Bang Chicken can enhance your dining experience. Here are some delicious options that complement this dish perfectly.
- Garlic Fried Rice: Flavorful rice sautéed with garlic pairs well with crispy chicken.
- Asian Slaw: A tangy cabbage slaw adds a refreshing crunch alongside the rich flavors of the chicken.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides a healthy balance and vibrant color on your plate.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries bring sweetness that contrasts nicely with savory chicken.
- Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad offers coolness and crunch, perfect for balancing fried dishes.
- Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup can serve as a comforting side, especially on colder days.
- Pickled Vegetables: Tangy pickles add acidity that cuts through richness and enhances overall flavor.
- Quinoa Salad: A nutritious quinoa salad packed with veggies makes for a wholesome side option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Bang Bang Chicken can be a delicious dish, but there are common pitfalls that can impact your results. Here are some mistakes to watch for:
Using the wrong chicken cuts: Always choose boneless skinless chicken tenderloins for the best results. Other cuts may not cook evenly or have the right texture.
Skipping the marination step: Not soaking your chicken in buttermilk can lead to less juicy meat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes for optimal flavor and tenderness.
Incorrect frying temperature: Frying at too low a temperature can make your chicken greasy. Ensure oil is hot enough (around 350°F) for a crispy finish.
Neglecting the panko breadcrumbs: If you don’t coat the chicken thoroughly with panko, it won’t achieve that crunchy exterior. Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken.
Overcrowding the pan: Frying too many pieces at once lowers the oil temperature and leads to uneven cooking. Cook in batches for perfect results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Make sure it cools completely before sealing to avoid condensation.
Freezing Bang Bang Chicken
- Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Label with date for easy tracking.
Reheating Bang Bang Chicken
Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. This helps retain crispiness.
Microwave: Use medium power; heat in short intervals of 30 seconds until warm. This method may make it less crispy.
Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little oil. Cook for about 5 minutes per side until warmed through and crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bang Bang Chicken?
Bang Bang Chicken is a crispy fried chicken dish topped with a spicy and sweet homemade sauce, perfect as an appetizer or main course.
Can I make Bang Bang Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce separately in advance, then fry just before serving for optimal freshness.
How do I customize my Bang Bang Chicken?
Feel free to adjust the level of spice by adding more or less Sriracha to your sauce or experiment with different dipping sauces.
What sides pair well with Bang Bang Chicken?
Serve it with rice, coleslaw, or a fresh salad to complement its flavors and add variety to your meal.
Final Thoughts
Bang Bang Chicken is not only delightful but also versatile, making it suitable for various occasions. You can customize it by changing the spice levels or pairing it with different sides. Try this recipe today and enjoy a comforting, flavorful dish that everyone will love!
Bang Bang Chicken
Bang Bang Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that features crispy panko-crusted chicken tenderloins drizzled with a sweet and spicy homemade bang bang sauce. Perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to festive gatherings, this dish combines satisfying textures and bold flavors.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Thai-inspired
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken tenderloins
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
- canola oil for frying
- parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce by whisking together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey in a mixing bowl; set aside.
- Marinate the chicken in buttermilk for at least 10 minutes to keep it moist.
- Set up a breading station: mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne in one bowl; whisk egg and Sriracha in another.
- Coat each tenderloin first in the flour mixture, then dip in egg mixture before rolling in panko breadcrumbs.
- Heat canola oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat and fry the chicken until golden brown (about 6 minutes total).
- Drain excess oil on paper towels, drizzle with homemade sauce, and serve warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (85g)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
