If you're looking for a dish that packs a punch of flavor, Bang Bang Chicken is the perfect recipe for you! This spicy, crispy, and creamy dish will satisfy your taste buds and leave you craving more. Whether you're preparing it for a family dinner or impressing guests at a party, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Keep reading for a step-by-step guide to making the perfect Bang Bang Chicken at home.
What is Bang Bang Chicken?
Bang Bang Chicken is a popular dish that combines crispy chicken bites with a spicy, creamy sauce made from mayonnaise, sriracha, and sweet chili sauce. The dish gets its name from the "bang" of heat that comes from the chili sauce and sriracha, paired with the satisfying crunch of the fried chicken. Originating from the Sichuan region of China, this dish has gained popularity worldwide for its bold flavors and simple preparation.
Ingredients List for Bang Bang Chicken
- For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk (for marinating the chicken)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to your heat preference)
- 2 tablespoon sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for added sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice (for tanginess)
Substitutions and Variations
- Chicken: If you want a healthier version, you can swap out the chicken for grilled chicken instead of fried. Alternatively, use shrimp, tofu, or cauliflower for a vegetarian or pescatarian option.
- Sauce: If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of sriracha and increase the mayo or sweet chili sauce. For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of soy sauce or a dash of garlic powder.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, and ensure your cornstarch and sauces are also gluten-free.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Start by placing your chicken pieces in a bowl with buttermilk. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the fridge. This will help tenderize the chicken and keep it juicy during frying.
- Prepare the Dry Mix: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This will be used to coat the chicken for frying.
- Heat the Oil: Pour enough vegetable oil into a deep pan or pot to cover the chicken pieces. Heat the oil to about 350°F (175°C) over medium-high heat.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove the marinated chicken from the buttermilk and dredge each piece in the flour mixture, making sure each piece is evenly coated.
- Fry the Chicken: Working in batches, carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil. Fry for about 4-5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Drain and Cool: Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
How to Cook Bang Bang Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking Bang Bang Chicken may seem like a challenge, but it’s straightforward when broken down into manageable steps. Follow this guide to ensure your chicken comes out perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside:
- Start with Fresh Ingredients: Whether you're using chicken, shrimp, or a plant-based protein, the fresher the ingredients, the better the outcome.
- Marinate for Tenderness: The buttermilk marinade plays a key role in tenderizing the chicken. The longer you marinate, the more flavorful and tender the chicken becomes.
- Perfect Your Frying Technique: Maintaining the right oil temperature is crucial for crispy chicken. Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure the oil stays around 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause the temperature to drop and result in soggy chicken.
- Mix the Sauce Just Right: The sauce is what takes this dish to the next level. Be sure to taste and adjust the heat level before coating the chicken.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Pan: Fry the chicken in batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature. Overcrowded pans result in uneven cooking and soggy chicken.
- Skipping the Marinating Process: Marinating the chicken in buttermilk is essential for tenderness and flavor. Don’t rush this step, or you’ll end up with dry, tough chicken.
- Not Testing the Oil Temperature: If the oil is too hot, the outside of the chicken will burn before the inside is fully cooked. Too cool, and your chicken will absorb too much oil, making it greasy. Use a thermometer to get the perfect temperature.
Serving and Presentation Tips
- Sauce on the Side: While some people prefer tossing the chicken in the sauce, you can serve the sauce on the side for dipping, which helps keep the chicken crispy for longer.
- Add Fresh Garnishes: Brighten up your plate with fresh garnishes like chopped scallions, cilantro, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken
Bang Bang Chicken can be served as a main dish or as an appetizer. Here are some serving ideas:
- As an Appetizer: Serve Bang Bang Chicken as bite-sized pieces with toothpicks and a side of the Bang Bang sauce for dipping.
- As a Main Dish: Pair the chicken with steamed rice, a light salad, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
- In Tacos or Wraps: For a fun variation, use the chicken to fill soft tacos or wraps, adding lettuce, shredded carrots, and a drizzle of the sauce.
Presentation Ideas for Bang Bang Chicken
- Plating in a Bowl: For an elegant presentation, plate the chicken in a shallow bowl, drizzle the sauce over the top, and garnish with fresh herbs.
- Family-Style: Serve the chicken on a large platter with the sauce in a small bowl in the center. This is perfect for parties and casual dinners.
- Skewered Chicken Bites: If serving as an appetizer, thread the chicken onto skewers and drizzle with the sauce for a fun and convenient serving option.
Bang Bang Chicken Recipe Tips
- Double-Coating for Extra Crispiness: For even crispier chicken, you can double-coat the pieces by dipping them back into the buttermilk and then the flour mixture before frying.
- Make the Sauce Ahead: The Bang Bang sauce can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week. This makes the final preparation even faster and easier.
- Reheating Leftovers: To reheat leftover Bang Bang Chicken without losing the crunch, bake it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make Bang Bang Chicken in the air fryer?
Yes! To make a healthier version, you can air fry the chicken. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C), spray the coated chicken pieces with cooking spray, and air fry for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What can I use instead of buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Can I bake Bang Bang Chicken instead of frying?
Absolutely! To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spray with cooking spray, and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How spicy is Bang Bang Chicken?
The spiciness of Bang Bang Chicken largely depends on how much sriracha you use. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of sriracha in the sauce.
Conclusion
Bang Bang Chicken is a flavorful and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a crispy appetizer or a main course, the combination of tender chicken and a spicy, creamy sauce is sure to impress. With easy-to-follow steps, substitutions, and tips, you’ll be able to create a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen. Give this recipe a try, and don't forget to experiment with your own variations!
PrintBang Bang Chicken Recipe
Bang Bang Chicken is a deliciously spicy and creamy dish featuring tender, crispy chicken tossed in a tangy sauce. Perfect for a quick meal, this recipe combines simple ingredients like chicken, cornstarch, and a homemade bang bang sauce, making it an irresistible choice. Keywords: Bang Bang Chicken, spicy chicken recipe, crispy chicken, easy chicken dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American, Asian Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- 1 tsp honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then coat it with cornstarch.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken pieces until golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes per side.
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey to make the bang bang sauce.
- Toss the fried chicken in the bang bang sauce until well coated.
- Serve immediately with rice or vegetables.
Notes
- Adjust the spiciness by altering the amount of sriracha.
- For a healthier option, air fry the chicken instead of deep frying.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ of recipe
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
Leave a Reply