Bang Bang Chicken

Bang Bang Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that combines crispy, panko-crusted chicken tenderloins with a rich and flavorful homemade bang bang sauce. Perfect for any occasion, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. With its delightful crunch and spicy-sweet sauce, Bang Bang Chicken stands out as an appetizer or main course. Get ready to elevate your meal with this irresistible recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Texture: The panko breadcrumbs give the chicken a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey creates a perfect balance of sweet and spicy.
• Quick to Prepare: With just 20 minutes of prep time and 6 minutes of cook time, you can whip up this delicious dish in no time.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as an appetizer for parties, a main course for dinner, or even as a snack!
• Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is loved by all ages, making it great for family gatherings or casual get-togethers.

Tools and Preparation

To make Bang Bang Chicken efficiently, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Shallow dishes
• Frying pan
• Tongs
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: These are crucial for combining ingredients smoothly without spills.
• Frying pan: A good pan ensures even cooking and helps achieve that perfect golden brown color on the chicken.
• Tongs: They make handling hot food easier and safer during the frying process.

Ingredients

Bang Bang Chicken features a blend of flavors that makes every bite a delight. Gather these ingredients:

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, whisk together:
1. Mayonnaise
2. Thai sweet chili sauce
3. Sriracha
4. Honey

Set aside for later use.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

In another bowl:
1. Pour buttermilk over the chicken tenderloins.
2. Allow them to marinate for at least 10 minutes.

Step 3: Set Up Breading Station

Prepare three shallow dishes:
1. In the first dish, combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
2. In the second dish, beat the egg with one tablespoon of Sriracha.
3. In the third dish, place panko breadcrumbs.

Step 4: Bread the Chicken

Coat each chicken tenderloin:
1. Dredge in the flour mixture.
2. Dip in the egg mixture.
3. Roll in panko breadcrumbs until fully coated.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken

1. Heat canola oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
2. Fry chicken tenderloins in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 6 minutes total.
3. Drain on paper towels.

Step 6: Serve

Drizzle with prepared bang bang sauce and garnish with chopped parsley before serving warm.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your delicious Bang Bang Chicken!

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken

Bang Bang Chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in many delightful ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a casual meal, these serving suggestions will elevate your dining experience.

As a Main Dish

• Serve the crispy chicken on a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa for a satisfying meal.

In a Wrap

• Take fresh lettuce leaves and wrap the chicken with vegetables like cucumbers and carrots for a refreshing bite.

On a Salad

• Slice the Bang Bang Chicken and add it to a mixed green salad topped with your favorite dressing for extra flavor.

As Appetizers

• Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and serve it with toothpicks alongside the bang bang sauce for dipping.

With Dipping Sauces

• Offer various sauces such as ranch, blue cheese, or extra Sriracha to complement the flavors of the chicken.

How to Perfect Bang Bang Chicken

Achieving perfect Bang Bang Chicken requires attention to detail and some handy tips. Follow these recommendations for best results.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken tenderloins and high-quality sauces will enhance the overall flavor of your dish.
• Marinate Overnight: Allowing the chicken to marinate in buttermilk overnight makes it juicier and more flavorful.
• Heat Oil Properly: Ensure that your oil is hot enough before frying. This prevents greasy chicken and gives you that crispy texture.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Tailor the amount of Sriracha according to your heat preference for a personalized touch.

Best Side Dishes for Bang Bang Chicken

Pairing side dishes with your Bang Bang Chicken can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some delicious options to consider:

1. Steamed Broccoli – Add vibrant green broccoli lightly steamed for a nutritious accompaniment.
2. Coconut Rice – The slight sweetness of coconut rice complements the spicy flavors of the chicken beautifully.
3. Coleslaw – A refreshing coleslaw adds crunch and balances out the richness of the fried chicken.
4. Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide comfort and satisfaction alongside.
5. Crispy Sweet Potato Fries – Sweet potato fries offer a tasty contrast with their sweetness against the spicy chicken.
6. Grilled Vegetables – A mix of grilled bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus brings color and healthiness to your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can help you create the perfect Bang Bang Chicken. Here are a few tips to ensure your dish turns out great.

• Using too much sauce: Adding excessive bang bang sauce can overpower the chicken. Start with a light drizzle and adjust according to taste.
• Skipping the buttermilk: Not marinating the chicken in buttermilk can lead to dry meat. Make sure to soak the tenderloins for at least an hour for best results.
• Not heating oil properly: Failing to heat the oil sufficiently will result in soggy chicken instead of crispy coating. Test the oil with a breadcrumb; it should sizzle immediately.
• Overcrowding the pan: Placing too many pieces in the fryer at once can lower the oil temperature. Cook in batches for even cooking and crispiness.
• Using stale breadcrumbs: Old panko breadcrumbs won’t provide the desired crunch. Always use fresh breadcrumbs for optimal texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Bang Bang Chicken

• Place cooked chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Bang Bang Chicken

• Oven: Reheat at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. This helps retain crispiness.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, but this may make the chicken less crispy.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally until heated through, which helps maintain texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bang Bang Chicken?

Bang Bang Chicken is a dish made from panko-crusted chicken tenderloins, deep-fried until golden brown and served with a spicy-sweet homemade sauce.

How do I make homemade bang bang sauce?

To make bang bang sauce, mix mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey together until smooth.

Can I use different types of meat for this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with turkey or even beef if preferred, adjusting cooking times as necessary.

How spicy is Bang Bang Chicken?

The spiciness of Bang Bang Chicken can be adjusted by adding more or less Sriracha to the sauce based on your taste preference.

Can I prepare Bang Bang Chicken ahead of time?

You can marinate the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead of time, but it’s best to fry it just before serving for maximum freshness and crunch.

Final Thoughts

Bang Bang Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding different spices or adjusting the heat level of your sauce. Whether served as an appetizer or a main course, this dish is sure to impress anyone who tries it. Don’t hesitate to give it a go!