Craving a dish that’s both crispy and packed with flavor? You’re in the right place! My Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe is easy to make and sure to impress your family or friends. With juicy chicken, a crunchy coating, and a mouthwatering sauce, this recipe hits all the right notes. Ready to dive in and learn how to whip up this crowd-pleaser? Let’s get started!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients for Bang Bang Chicken
– Chicken breast (1 lb, cut into bites)
– Marinade: Buttermilk (1 cup)
Breading Ingredients
– All-purpose flour (1 cup)
– Cornstarch (1/2 cup)
– Seasonings: Garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper
Bang Bang Sauce Ingredients
– Mayonnaise (1/2 cup)
– Sweet chili sauce (2 tablespoons)
– Sriracha (1 tablespoon, adjust to taste)
– Honey (1 teaspoon)
– Lime juice (1 teaspoon)
To make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken, start with fresh chicken breast. Cut it into bite-sized pieces. This helps each piece cook evenly and stay juicy. Marinate the chicken in buttermilk. This makes the chicken tender and adds flavor. You can let it sit for at least an hour or overnight for best results.
Next, for the breading, mix all-purpose flour and cornstarch in a bowl. Adding cornstarch gives the chicken that extra crunch. Then, add garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. This mix will coat your chicken perfectly and give it a tasty kick.
For the Bang Bang sauce, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a bowl. This sauce is creamy and has a nice balance of sweet and spicy. You can adjust the sriracha to match your heat preference.
Using these ingredients, you will make a dish everyone will love. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Marinating the Chicken
First, take your chicken and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Place these pieces into a large bowl. Pour one cup of buttermilk over the chicken. Mix it well, ensuring all pieces are covered. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Let it marinate for at least one hour. If you have more time, marinate it overnight for extra flavor.
Preparing the Breading
In another shallow dish, combine one cup of all-purpose flour and half a cup of cornstarch. Add two teaspoons of garlic powder, one teaspoon of paprika, and one teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix all the dry ingredients well. This blend gives your chicken that perfect crispy texture.
Frying the Chicken
Now, heat oil in a deep frying pan. You need about one to two inches of oil. Heat it to 350°F (175°C). Use a cooking thermometer to check the temperature. Next, take the marinated chicken out of the fridge. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture. Make sure each piece is well-coated. Shake off any extra flour. Carefully place the chicken into the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pan; this can lower the oil temperature. Fry the chicken for about 4 to 5 minutes until it turns golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken and let it drain on paper towels.
Making Bang Bang Sauce
In a separate bowl, mix half a cup of mayonnaise, two tablespoons of sweet chili sauce, one tablespoon of sriracha, one teaspoon of honey, and one teaspoon of lime juice. Stir until everything is well combined. Taste your sauce and adjust the spice level by adding more sriracha if you like it hotter.
Coating the Chicken
Once your chicken is crispy and hot, put it in a large mixing bowl. Pour the Bang Bang sauce over the fried chicken. Gently toss the chicken until each piece is coated in the sauce. This step gives your chicken its signature flavor. Serve your Crispy Bang Bang Chicken warm and enjoy! For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Crispy Texture
To get that perfect crispy texture, marinating the chicken is key. I recommend letting it soak in buttermilk for at least one hour. This helps tenderize the meat and adds flavor. For even better results, try marinating overnight.
Next, the oil temperature is crucial. You want your oil heated to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to check. If the oil is too cool, the chicken will absorb too much oil. If it’s too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks.
Serving Suggestions
When serving your Bang Bang Chicken, think about garnishing it with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. They add a nice crunch and a burst of color. Lime wedges are also a great touch for a zesty kick.
For side dishes, consider pairing it with rice or a simple salad. Steamed veggies also complement the dish well, adding freshness and balance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is overcrowding the frying pan. If you add too many pieces at once, the oil temperature drops. This leads to soggy chicken instead of crispy. Fry in small batches to keep the heat steady.
Another mistake is not shaking off excess flour. This can cause clumps and uneven breading. Make sure to gently shake the chicken after dredging it in the flour mixture; this ensures a better coating.
For the full recipe, check out the section above.
Variations
Healthier Bang Bang Chicken
To make a healthier version, try oven-baking the chicken. Coat the marinated chicken in the flour mix, then place it on a baking sheet. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 20-25 minutes. This gives you crispy chicken without frying. If you want to swap out the protein, tofu or shrimp works well. Both options soak up the flavor nicely.
Spicier Options
If you love heat, add more sriracha to the sauce. You can also try other hot sauces like habanero or chili garlic sauce. For extra kick, sprinkle in spices like crushed red pepper or cayenne. Taste as you go to get your perfect heat level.
Kid-Friendly Versions
For kids, lower the spice level. Use less sriracha in the sauce or skip it altogether. You can also sneak in some finely chopped veggies, like bell peppers or carrots, into the chicken mix. This adds nutrition without changing the taste too much.
Storage Info
Refrigerating Leftovers
Store the leftover Bang Bang chicken in an airtight container. The chicken stays fresh for up to three days in the fridge. Make sure it cools down before sealing. This helps keep the chicken crispy and tasty. You can also keep the sauce separate to avoid sogginess.
Reheating Tips
To reheat the chicken, use an oven or air fryer. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes. If using an air fryer, set it to 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes. This method keeps the chicken crispy and warm without drying it out.
Freezing Options
You can freeze Bang Bang chicken for up to two months. Place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat using the oven or air fryer as mentioned above. This way, you can enjoy your crispy treat anytime!
For the full recipe, check out the complete guide.
FAQs
What is Bang Bang chicken?
Bang Bang chicken is a popular dish that comes from Asian cuisine. It features crispy chicken pieces coated in a spicy, creamy sauce. The dish has a bold flavor profile, mixing sweet, spicy, and savory notes. You get crunch from the chicken and a kick from the sauce. This dish is great for shareable appetizers or a main meal.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it properly. Place the chicken in the fridge overnight to defrost. If you need it fast, place it in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for about an hour. Once thawed, pat it dry and marinate it in buttermilk as usual.
How do I make my dish less spicy?
To lower the spice level, adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the breading. You can also reduce the sriracha in the sauce. Instead of sriracha, use a mild sauce or omit it altogether. Adding more honey or mayonnaise can help balance the heat while keeping the flavor.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time. Mix the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a bowl. Store it in the fridge for up to a week. This allows the flavors to blend well before you use it.
What can I serve with Bang Bang chicken?
Bang Bang chicken pairs well with many side dishes. Consider serving it with steamed rice or fried rice. You could also add a simple salad with a light dressing. Roasted vegetables or crispy fries can complement the dish nicely. For a fresh touch, serve with cucumber salad or pickled veggies.
Bang Bang chicken is a tasty dish that’s easy to make at home. We covered the key ingredients, marinating tips, and how to achieve that perfect crispy texture. Remember to avoid overcrowding the pan and shake off excess flour. You can also try healthier and kid-friendly versions of the dish. Whether you serve it with rice, veggies, or a fresh salad, this meal won’t disappoint. Enjoy your cooking, and make it your own with variations!
