If you’re a fan of crispy chicken with a kick, Bang Bang Chicken is a must-try. This dish takes the everyday chicken tender to the next level, combining a crisp batter with a sweet, spicy, and creamy sauce that’s simply irresistible. The name says it all—it’s bold, exciting, and will leave you coming back for more. Perfect for appetizers, game nights, or a quick dinner, this Bang Bang Chicken recipe can easily become a family favorite. Plus, it’s simple enough for any home cook to whip up, yet flavorful enough to impress even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken tenders (or boneless chicken thighs)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- Oil for frying (vegetable or peanut oil)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
Garnish:
- Fresh chopped green onions
- Chopped cilantro (optional)
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Marinate: Place your chicken tenders in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Let them marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for best results). The buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken and keeps it juicy.
2. Make the Coating:
- Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Dredge and Fry:
- Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, making sure to coat thoroughly.
- Fry: Heat the oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and place on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
4. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
- Combine the Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar. Adjust the seasoning to your taste—add more sriracha for extra heat or more honey for sweetness.
5. Serve:
- Drizzle or Dip: You can either drizzle the sauce over the fried chicken or serve it as a dipping sauce on the side. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions, cilantro, and sesame seeds for a pop of color and flavor.
6. Enjoy:
- Serve your Bang Bang Chicken alongside a bowl of fluffy white rice, on a bed of greens, or just by itself as a crunchy snack!
Tips for the Best Bang Bang Chicken
- Marinate for Tender Chicken: Buttermilk is key for tenderizing the chicken. If you have time, let it marinate for 2 hours or overnight for extra juiciness.
- Cornstarch for Extra Crunch: The combination of cornstarch and flour gives the chicken a light, crispy exterior. If you’re gluten-free, you can use a gluten-free flour mix and still achieve great results.
- Sauce Adjustments: Not a fan of too much heat? Start with 1 tablespoon of sriracha and gradually add more. If you love spicy food, feel free to kick it up a notch with some crushed red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce.
- Baking Option: If you want a lighter option, bake the breaded chicken tenders at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. You won’t get the same deep-fried crunch, but they will still be crispy and delicious.
Serving Suggestions
- As an Appetizer: Serve Bang Bang Chicken as a party appetizer. Pair it with other finger foods like crispy spring rolls or coconut shrimp for a fun, Asian-inspired snack spread.
- In a Wrap: Try making a Bang Bang Chicken wrap with lettuce, cucumber slices, and a drizzle of sauce wrapped in a warm tortilla.
- Over Rice: For a simple dinner, serve the chicken over a bowl of jasmine rice with steamed veggies on the side.
- On a Salad: Make a spicy Bang Bang Chicken salad by tossing the fried chicken pieces with a mix of romaine, cucumbers, carrots, and a light vinaigrette. Drizzle some extra sauce on top for an irresistible twist.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate to avoid sogginess.
- Reheating: To keep the chicken crispy, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid using the microwave, as it will make the coating soft.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 18g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 760mg
(Note: These values are estimates and will vary based on portion sizes and exact ingredients used.)
