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If you love bold flavors with a perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and tangy, then this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe is bound to become your new go-to favorite. This dish combines crispy, golden fried chicken pieces drenched in an irresistibly rich and zesty sauce that will have you craving bite after bite. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a gathering, this recipe is simple enough to whip up quickly but delivers a deliciously memorable experience every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe lies in its thoughtfully chosen ingredients, each one playing a key role in creating the perfect layers of flavor and texture. From the creamy mayonnaise that forms the base of the sauce to the spice kick brought by chili-garlic sauce and sriracha, every component matters.
- Mayonnaise: Provides a luscious and creamy base for the sauce that balances the heat.
- Chili-garlic sauce: Adds a flavorful spicy punch with a touch of garlic for depth.
- Honey: Infuses a subtle sweetness that mellows the spice nicely.
- Sriracha: Boosts the heat profile and brings a smooth chili flavor.
- Paprika: Offers a smoky undertone and vibrant red color to both the sauce and coating.
- Lemon juice: Gives a bright, acidic kick that cuts through the richness.
- Black pepper and salt: Essential seasonings enhancing every other flavor.
- Chicken breast: The tender, juicy star of the dish, cut into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
- Cornstarch: Creates a perfectly crispy and light coating when fried.
- Buttermilk: Helps the coating adhere to the chicken and adds slight tanginess.
- Vegetable oil: Used for frying to achieve that golden crisp exterior.
- Spicy chili flakes (optional): Sprinkle on top for an extra layer of heat and texture.
- Fresh chopped parsley (optional): Adds a burst of green freshness and color contrast.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Chicken Sauce
Start by whisking together the mayonnaise, chili-garlic sauce, honey, sriracha, paprika, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl. Each ingredient blends to create a sauce that’s creamy, spicy, sweet, and tangy all at once. Once mixed well, set it aside to let those flavors meld while you move on to the chicken.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
In a shallow bowl, combine the cornstarch, paprika, salt, and black pepper. The paprika here not only boosts color but gives a subtle smokiness to the crispy exterior. Dip each chicken piece first into buttermilk, which tenderizes and helps the coating stick, then dredge them through the cornstarch mixture until completely covered. This process sets the stage for that irresistible crunch.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Heat enough vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer over medium-high heat until shimmering hot. Carefully add the chicken pieces in batches so the oil temperature stays steady and doesn’t get crowded. Fry for about 3 to 4 minutes or until each piece turns a gorgeous golden brown and reaches a crisp texture. Remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to shed any excess oil.
Step 4: Toss with the Signature Sauce
Once all your chicken is fried to perfection, place the pieces in a large bowl and pour over the Bang Bang Chicken Sauce. Gently toss the chicken so every piece is luxuriously coated in that creamy, spicy sauce you prepared. This is where the dish truly comes alive, marrying crunchy and saucy perfection.
Step 5: Garnish and Finish
For a final flourish, sprinkle optional spicy chili flakes for an extra hit of heat and some fresh chopped parsley to brighten up the presentation. These little touches not only add visual appeal but also elevate the flavor profile to new heights.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Bang Bang Chicken Recipe immediately while the chicken remains crisp and the sauce fresh. This dish is best enjoyed hot and fresh for that perfect combination of textures and flavors.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of spicy chili flakes can add a bit of fire to each bite for those who love heat, while fresh chopped parsley brightens the dish with a pop of green and a hint of herbal freshness. These garnishes help make every mouthful interesting and inviting.
Side Dishes
Bang Bang Chicken pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice to soak up all that luscious sauce. To balance the richness, a simple cucumber salad or steamed greens add a refreshing crunch and cool contrast. For those who want to get adventurous, serving it over a bed of soba noodles or alongside crispy roasted potatoes can be just perfect.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Bang Bang Chicken on a platter with a variety of dipping sauces for guests to customize their heat levels. You can also pile the chicken onto lettuce cups for a handheld appetizer or tuck the saucy pieces inside soft steamed buns with a drizzle of extra sauce for a creative twist that is sure to wow any crowd.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Bang Bang Chicken Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it an excellent option for quick lunches or snacks the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save it longer, freezing is possible but the chicken’s crispiness may soften upon thawing. To freeze, let the fried chicken cool completely, toss lightly in sauce or keep separate, and freeze in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 1 month.
Reheating
To retain as much crunch as possible, reheat leftovers in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and crispy again, usually around 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that delightful crisp texture intact.
FAQs
Is Bang Bang Chicken Recipe spicy?
This Bang Bang Chicken Recipe carries a moderate spice level thanks to the chili-garlic sauce and sriracha, but you can easily adjust the heat to your preference by adding more or less of these ingredients.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will bring a bit more juiciness and flavor, although the cooking time might need a slight adjustment. Just make sure to cut them into bite-size pieces for even cooking.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, mix ½ cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to curdle. This homemade buttermilk substitute works well in this recipe.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes, for a healthier twist, you can bake the coated chicken on a greased baking sheet at 425°F (220°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. It won’t be quite as crispy, but still delicious when coated in the Bang Bang sauce.
How long does it take to make the Bang Bang Chicken Recipe?
This recipe is wonderfully quick, taking around 15 minutes to prep and another 15 minutes to cook, making it a fantastic option for both weeknight meals and unexpected guests.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that combines crispy, saucy, and spicy all in one, this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s straightforward to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Give it a try soon — I promise it will become a cherished addition to your recipe rotation!
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Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Bang Bang Chicken is a flavorful, crispy fried chicken dish coated in a creamy, spicy sauce made with mayonnaise, chili-garlic sauce, honey, and sriracha. This recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet heat and savory crunch, making it a delicious appetizer or main course that’s quick to prepare and sure to please spice lovers.
Ingredients
Bang Bang Chicken Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup chili-garlic sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons sriracha
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Black pepper, to taste
- Salt, to taste
Chicken Coating
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ¾ cup cornstarch
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Frying
- Vegetable oil, enough for frying
Optional Garnishes
- Spicy chili flakes
- Fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, chili-garlic sauce, honey, sriracha, paprika, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and set aside to allow flavors to meld.
- Coat the Chicken: Combine cornstarch, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a shallow bowl. Dip chicken pieces into buttermilk then dredge evenly in the cornstarch mixture, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Heat Oil and Fry Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer over medium-high heat until hot. Fry chicken pieces in batches, cooking about 3-4 minutes per batch until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Toss Chicken in Sauce: Once all pieces are fried, transfer them to a large bowl and toss thoroughly with the prepared Bang Bang Chicken Sauce to coat each piece evenly.
- Add Garnishes: Sprinkle with spicy chili flakes and fresh chopped parsley if desired, adding both color and an extra kick of flavor.
- Serve: Serve the Bang Bang Chicken immediately for the best texture and taste, enjoying the delightful combination of spicy, creamy sauce and crispy chicken.
Notes
- Ensure oil temperature is adequately hot before frying to achieve a crispy crust without greasy chicken.
- Do not overcrowd the frying pan; cook chicken in batches for even frying.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha and chili flakes for desired spice level.
- Use fresh parsley for a pop of freshness and color.
- For extra crispiness, double dip the chicken by repeating the buttermilk and cornstarch coating once more.
