Irresistible Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Bang Bang Chicken is a flavorful and crispy dish that combines tender fried chicken with a creamy, spicy sauce. This easy recipe delivers a perfect balance of heat and sweetness, making it a favorite for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (Can substitute with Greek yogurt.)
• 1/4 cup Thai Sweet Chili Sauce
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha Sauce (Adjust to taste.)
• 1 tablespoon Honey (Maple syrup for vegan alternative.)
• 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Tenderloins (Can substitute with chicken breasts.)
• 1 cup Buttermilk (Regular milk can be used.)
• 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (Gluten-free flour as an option.)
• 1/2 cup Cornstarch
• 1 large Egg (Flaxseed or chia seed egg as vegan substitute.)
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (Fresh garlic can be substituted.)
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (Freshly ground preferred.)
• 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (Optional, use sparingly.)
• 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs (Regular breadcrumbs as a substitute.)
• 2 cups Canola Oil (Any vegetable oil can also work.)
• 2 tablespoons Chopped Parsley (For garnish.)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until smooth. Set this Bang Bang sauce aside.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Mix well.
3. Step 3: Add the chicken tenderloins to the marinade and coat thoroughly. Let them marinate for about 10 minutes.
4. Step 4: Dredge each marinated chicken piece in the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring an even coating. Arrange the breaded chicken on a plate.
5. Step 5: Heat canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken tenders for 2–3 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
6. Step 6: Remove the fried chicken and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
7. Step 7: Toss the fried chicken gently with the prepared Bang Bang sauce to coat.
8. Step 8: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegan version, substitute mayonnaise with vegan mayo or Greek yogurt with a plant-based alternative, and use flaxseed or chia egg replacer.
• Use chicken breasts cut into strips if chicken tenderloins are unavailable.
• Adjust the heat by adding more or less Sriracha according to your taste preference.
• Try baking the breaded chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes as a healthier alternative to frying.
• For extra crunch, double-dip the chicken in the marinade and breadcrumbs before frying.

Storage

Store leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in an oven or air fryer to keep the coating crisp. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can make the breading soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Bang Bang Chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken a few hours in advance. Fry the chicken just before serving to maintain its crispiness.

What can I serve with Bang Bang Chicken?

Bang Bang Chicken pairs well with steamed rice, fresh salads, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

Irresistible Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 243 reviews

This Irresistible Bang Bang Chicken recipe features crispy fried chicken tenders coated in a creamy, spicy, and sweet Bang Bang sauce made from mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Perfectly balanced with a hint of heat and a crispy exterior, it makes for a delightful appetizer or main dish that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare.

• Author: Victoria
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American with Asian influences

Ingredients

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Bang Bang Sauce

• 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (Can substitute with Greek yogurt.)
• 1/4 cup Thai Sweet Chili Sauce
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha Sauce (Adjust to taste.)
• 1 tablespoon Honey (Maple syrup for vegan alternative.)

Chicken and Breading

• 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Tenderloins (Can substitute with chicken breasts.)
• 1 cup Buttermilk (Regular milk can be used.)
• 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (Gluten-free flour as an option.)
• 1/2 cup Cornstarch
• 1 large Egg (Flaxseed or chia seed egg as vegan substitute.)
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (Fresh garlic can be substituted.)
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (Freshly ground preferred.)
• 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (Optional, use sparingly.)
• 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs (Regular breadcrumbs as a substitute.)
• 2 cups Canola Oil (Any vegetable oil can also work.)

Garnish

• 2 tablespoons Chopped Parsley

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until the sauce is smooth and well combined. Set aside for later use.
2. Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine buttermilk, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, egg, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Whisk until the batter is uniform, then add the chicken tenderloins. Coat the chicken evenly and marinate for about 10 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
3. Bread the Chicken: Remove each piece of marinated chicken from the batter, letting the excess drip off, then dredge thoroughly into the panko breadcrumbs. Place the coated chicken pieces on a plate, ready for frying.
4. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, pour in the canola oil and heat it until it reaches the ideal frying temperature, approximately 350°F (175°C), or when a breadcrumb sizzles upon contact.
5. Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the breaded chicken tenders into the hot oil. Fry them for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the exterior is a crispy golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain oil temperature and even cooking.
6. Drain Excess Oil: Use tongs to transfer the fried chicken to a plate lined with paper towels. Let the excess oil drain off to ensure the chicken stays crispy.
7. Toss with Bang Bang Sauce: While the chicken is still warm, toss the pieces gently in the prepared Bang Bang sauce, ensuring each piece is well coated.
8. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the coated chicken for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve immediately for optimal crispiness and flavor.

Notes

• For a vegan version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or vegan mayo, replace honey with maple syrup, and use a flaxseed or chia seed egg substitute.
• If using chicken breasts, slice them into strips to match tenderloin size for even cooking.
• To keep chicken crispy, avoid stacking pieces after tossing with sauce.
• Adjust Sriracha and cayenne pepper amounts to control the heat level.
• Use a thermometer to ensure oil is at correct frying temperature to prevent greasy or undercooked chicken.

Keywords: Bang Bang Chicken, crispy fried chicken, spicy chicken, Thai chili sauce, appetizer, chicken tenders