Bang Bang Chicken

In my kitchen, Bang Bang Chicken always brings out the smiles! This dish is a delightful mix of crispy chicken tenderloins coated in a creamy, spicy sauce that leaves everyone craving seconds. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or served as an enticing appetizer for gatherings. The combination of the crispy exterior and the rich, tangy sauce truly makes it special and irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

One of the standout features of Bang Bang Chicken is its versatility. It’s quick to prepare and full of flavor, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Plus, this dish is kid-approved! The fun crunch from the panko breadcrumbs and the sweet, tangy sauce are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

“Bang Bang Chicken has become a staple in our house! My kids can’t get enough of it, and it’s so easy to make.” – Happy Home Cook

Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4

How This Recipe Comes Together

Making Bang Bang Chicken is a delightful process that involves a bit of marinating, coating, and frying. To put it simply, you’ll begin by creating a creamy Bang Bang sauce, then marinate the chicken, coat it in a crunchy panko layer, and fry until golden brown.

Here’s a look at what you’ll need:

What You’ll Need

For the Sauce:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
• 1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey

For the Chicken:

• 1 ½ pounds boneless (skinless chicken tenderloins)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 2 cups plain panko breadcrumbs
• Canola oil (for frying)
• Chopped parsley (for garnish)

Directions to Follow

Make the Bang Bang Sauce:

Start by whisking the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey together in a bowl. Set aside to let those flavors meld together while you prepare the chicken.

Prepare the Chicken Marinade:

In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk and 1 tablespoon of Sriracha. Add in the chicken tenderloins and let them soak for at least 10 minutes. This helps to tenderize the meat and infuse flavor.

Coat the Chicken:

In another bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off, then dredge them in the flour mixture. Dip each piece back into the buttermilk and then coat with panko breadcrumbs until well-covered.

Fry the Chicken:

In a large skillet, heat about an inch of canola oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the coated chicken pieces in batches. Fry until golden and crisp, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan!

Drain and Toss:

Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Toss the crispy chicken pieces in the prepared Bang Bang sauce until well-coated.

Garnish and Serve:

Arrange your Bang Bang Chicken on a serving platter, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and get ready to enjoy!

Best Ways to Enjoy It

Bang Bang Chicken is delicious on its own, but you can elevate your meal even more! Serve it with a side of steamed rice, a fresh salad, or crispy veggie spring rolls. Pair it with a cool drink, like iced tea or a light beer, and you have a feast that will impress! Serve with extra sauce on the side for dipping—your guests will love it!

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, simply place the chicken in an oven set to 350°F for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.

Helpful Cooking Tips

• Marination Magic: Allow your chicken to marinate for longer if you have time—an hour in the buttermilk gives even better results.
• Breadcrumb Crunch: Panko gives that amazing crunch! Don’t skip this step.
• Oil Temperature Check: Ensure your oil is hot enough by dropping in a small piece of chicken. If it sizzles immediately, you’re ready to fry!
• Safety First: Always use a food thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked to 165°F.

Creative Twists

Looking to switch things up? Consider adding spices like smoked paprika or cayenne for extra heat. For a healthier alternative, you can bake the breaded chicken at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through. You could even serve the chicken in warm tortillas with fresh veggies for a beautiful fusion meal!

With all these tasty elements combined, your journey into making Bang Bang Chicken will surely be a hit, bringing joy to your dining table. Enjoy cooking, and don’t forget to share your experience!