Bang Bang Chicken

If you’re looking for a dish that’s sure to impress your family or friends, let me introduce you to my beloved Bang Bang Chicken! This recipe has a way of brightening up any gathering, whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a fun weekend party. The crispy panko-crusted chicken tenderloins are drizzled with a delectable homemade bang bang sauce that’s simply irresistible. Trust me, once you try this dish, it will quickly become a favorite in your household!

What makes Bang Bang Chicken truly special is its perfect balance of flavor and crunch. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, making it a go-to recipe when you’re short on time but still want something delicious. Gather everyone around the table, and watch them devour these tasty bites!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish right at home!
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike love the crispy texture and sweet-spicy sauce.
• Perfect for meal prep: Make extra and enjoy leftovers for lunch or an easy dinner later in the week.
• Impressive presentation: The gorgeous golden chicken topped with sauce is sure to wow your guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Bang Bang Chicken recipe, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:

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)

Variations

One of the best parts about Bang Bang Chicken is how flexible the recipe can be! Here are some fun variations you might want to try:

• Swap the protein: Feel free to use chicken breasts or even tofu if you’re looking for a vegetarian option.
• Add some veggies: Toss in sliced bell peppers or zucchini with the chicken for added flavor and nutrition.
• Make it spicy: If you’re a heat lover, increase the Sriracha in both the sauce and coating for an extra kick!
• Try different coatings: Experiment with crushed cornflakes or almond flour instead of panko for a unique twist.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Whisk everything together until smooth. This sauce adds that signature sweet and spicy flavor that makes Bang Bang Chicken so addictive!

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken tenderloins in a bowl and cover them with buttermilk. Let them soak for about 10 minutes. This step not only adds flavor but also ensures your chicken stays juicy during cooking.

Step 3: Set Up Your Breading Station

In one shallow dish, mix together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. In another bowl, whisk together the egg and Sriracha until well combined. Finally, place panko breadcrumbs in a third dish. This setup makes breading your chicken quick and easy!

Step 4: Bread the Chicken

Take each marinated chicken tenderloin and first dip it into the flour mixture. Shake off any excess before dipping it into the egg mixture and finally coating it with panko breadcrumbs. Press gently so that the breadcrumbs stick well—this will give you that satisfying crunch when cooked.

Step 5: Fry Until Golden Brown

In a large skillet over medium heat, add enough canola oil for frying (about ½ inch deep). Once hot, carefully add your breaded chicken pieces in batches without overcrowding. Fry for about 3 minutes per side or until they reach a beautiful golden brown color. This ensures they stay crispy on the outside while remaining tender inside.

Step 6: Serve with Style

Once cooked, remove your Bang Bang Chicken from the oil and let it drain on paper towels. Drizzle generously with your homemade bang bang sauce and sprinkle with chopped parsley for garnish. Serve immediately while they’re hot—you’ll see everyone reaching for seconds!

Pro Tips for Making Bang Bang Chicken

Creating the perfect Bang Bang Chicken is all about attention to detail and a little love in the kitchen. Here are some tips to help you achieve that crispy, flavorful goodness!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your egg and buttermilk to room temperature helps create a smoother batter that adheres better to the chicken, leading to an even crispier coating.

• Don’t skimp on the panko: Using plain panko breadcrumbs instead of regular bread crumbs gives your chicken that irresistible crunch. Panko has a lighter and airier texture, which results in a superior crispness when fried.

• Control your frying temperature: Keeping your oil at around 350°F (175°C) ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and gets golden brown without absorbing too much oil. If it’s too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks through; if it’s too cool, it will be greasy.

• Let the chicken rest after frying: Allowing the fried chicken tenderloins to rest on a paper towel-lined plate for a few minutes helps absorb excess oil and keeps them crispy longer. This also allows the flavors to settle in!

• Customize your bang bang sauce: Feel free to adjust the level of Sriracha in your sauce according to your spice preference! Adding more can give it extra heat, while reducing it will make it milder and more family-friendly.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken

Bang Bang Chicken is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it perfect for various occasions. You can serve it as an appetizer at parties or as a main course for family dinners—it’s versatile enough for any gathering!

Garnishes

• Chopped parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds vibrant color and freshness, enhancing both presentation and flavor.
• Sesame seeds: Toasted sesame seeds provide a nutty flavor that complements the dish beautifully while adding a touch of elegance.
• Green onions: Finely sliced green onions introduce a mild onion flavor that brightens up each bite.

Side Dishes

• Crispy Asian slaw: A refreshing mix of cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers dressed in a light sesame vinaigrette adds crunch and balances out the richness of the chicken.
• Steamed jasmine rice: Fluffy jasmine rice serves as an excellent base for soaking up any extra bang bang sauce while providing a neutral contrast to the spicy flavors.
• Stir-fried vegetables: A colorful medley of bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas stir-fried with soy sauce brings an additional layer of nutrition and flavor.
• Sweet potato fries: The natural sweetness of sweet potato fries adds a delightful twist alongside savory chicken. They can be baked or fried for added texture.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips in hand, your Bang Bang Chicken will surely impress everyone at your table! Enjoy every crispy, saucy bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Bang Bang Chicken recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious, crispy chicken throughout the week without any hassle.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• Keep the bang bang sauce separate until you’re ready to serve.

Freezing

• Allow the cooked chicken to cool completely before freezing.
• Place the chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze without the sauce.

Reheating

• To reheat, place the chicken on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again.
• You can also microwave it for quicker reheating, but this may result in a softer texture.

FAQs

If you have questions about making Bang Bang Chicken, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries:

Can I make Bang Bang Chicken with other types of meat?

Absolutely! While this recipe calls for chicken tenderloins, you can substitute with chicken breasts or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

What should I serve with my Bang Bang Chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with rice or a fresh salad. You can also serve it as an appetizer at your next gathering!

How do I make the bang bang sauce spicier?

To give your bang bang sauce more heat, simply increase the amount of Sriracha to suit your taste. Start with an extra teaspoon and adjust from there!

Can I use gluten-free breadcrumbs?

Yes! If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, panko breadcrumbs made from rice flour work perfectly as a substitute.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delightful Bang Bang Chicken! It’s not just about the flavors but creating memories around the dinner table with loved ones. Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to impress. Happy cooking and don’t forget to share your creations!