Bang Bang Chicken

Bang Bang Chicken is a delicious dish that brings together crispy chicken tenderloins with a sweet and spicy sauce. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, parties, or even as a fun weeknight meal. The combination of crunchy panko coating and the bold flavors of the homemade bang bang sauce makes it irresistible. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it’s also a crowd-pleaser that can be served in various ways, such as in tacos or over rice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and cook time, you can have this delightful dish ready in under 30 minutes.
• Flavor Explosion: The balance of sweet chili sauce and Sriracha creates a mouthwatering flavor that everyone will adore.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve Bang Bang Chicken as an appetizer, main dish, or toss it into tacos for a fun twist!
• Crispy Texture: The panko breadcrumbs provide an irresistible crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken.
• Customizable Heat: Adjust the Sriracha levels to suit your taste—make it mild or spicy!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowls
• Shallow dish for breading
• Deep frying pan or pot
• Whisk
• Tongs or slotted spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large mixing bowls: Ideal for combining ingredients like the bang bang sauce and marinating the chicken without any mess.
• Deep frying pan or pot: Ensures even cooking by allowing the chicken to fry thoroughly while achieving that perfect golden brown color.

Ingredients

Bang Bang Chicken is panko-crusted chicken tenderloins deep-fried to a crispy golden brown, drizzled with homemade bang bang sauce.

For the Sauce

• 1 cup (232 g) mayonnaise
• ½ cup (132 g) Thai sweet chili sauce
• 1 teaspoon Sriracha (or more to taste)
• 2 tablespoons honey

For the Chicken

• 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken tenderloins
• 1 cup (245 g) buttermilk
• ¾ cup (94 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (64 g) cornstarch
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 2 cups (216 g) panko breadcrumbs (plain)
• Canola oil (for frying)
• Parsley (chopped, for garnish)

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce

Start by creating your flavorful bang bang sauce. In a large mixing bowl:
1. Combine the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey.
2. Whisk until smooth and well blended.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary; set aside.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Next, prepare your chicken tenderloins:
1. Place the buttermilk in a shallow dish.
2. Add the chicken tenderloins to soak for at least 15 minutes. This will keep them juicy during cooking.

Step 3: Set Up Breading Station

While your chicken marinates:
1. In another shallow dish, mix together flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and one tablespoon of Sriracha.
2. Beat the egg in yet another bowl.

Step 4: Bread the Chicken

Now it’s time to coat those tenders:
1. Remove each tender from buttermilk; let excess drip off.
2. Dredge in the flour mixture, then dip in egg wash.
3. Finally, coat with panko breadcrumbs for that crispy exterior.

Step 5: Frying

Heat canola oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat:
1. Once hot, carefully add breaded chicken pieces in batches—avoid overcrowding.
2. Fry until golden brown on both sides (about 3-4 minutes per side).
3. Drain on paper towels after removing from oil.

Step 6: Serve

Drizzle your delicious bang bang sauce over crispy chicken tenders:
1. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
2. Enjoy your homemade Bang Bang Chicken with rice or in tacos!

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken

Bang Bang Chicken is not only delicious on its own but also versatile in how you can serve it. Whether as a main dish or part of a larger meal, here are some fantastic serving suggestions.

With Rice

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: The fluffy texture of jasmine rice perfectly complements the spicy sauce.
• Fried Rice: Toss the chicken with fried rice for an exciting twist and added flavor.

In Tacos

• Crispy Chicken Tacos: Serve the chicken in soft tortillas topped with fresh vegetables and extra bang bang sauce for a delightful meal.
• Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter option, wrap the chicken in crisp lettuce leaves with shredded carrots and cilantro.

On Salad

• Bang Bang Chicken Salad: Slice the chicken over mixed greens with avocado, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette.
• Coleslaw Base: Place the crispy chicken on a bed of creamy coleslaw for crunch and flavor contrast.

How to Perfect Bang Bang Chicken

To achieve the best results when making Bang Bang Chicken, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Buttermilk Marinade: Soaking the chicken in buttermilk ensures tenderness and adds flavor.
• Panko Breadcrumbs for Crunch: Opt for panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs for an extra crispy coating.
• Adjust Spice Level: Modify the amount of Sriracha in both the sauce and batter to suit your heat preference.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Ensure your oil stays hot during frying for crispy chicken without excess grease.
• Garnish Generously: Adding fresh parsley not only enhances presentation but also adds a burst of freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Bang Bang Chicken

Pairing side dishes with Bang Bang Chicken can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide a comforting contrast to the spicy chicken.
2. Stir-Fried Vegetables: A colorful mix of bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas adds nutrition and crunch.
3. Quinoa Salad: Light and nutty quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes and cucumbers offers a refreshing side.
4. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries bring sweetness that balances well with the spiciness of the chicken.
5. Asian Noodle Salad: Cold noodle salad tossed with sesame dressing complements the flavors of Bang Bang Chicken beautifully.
6. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob is an easy side that everyone loves.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Bang Bang Chicken, there are a few common mistakes that can impact the final dish. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Skipping the marinade: Not marinating the chicken in buttermilk can lead to dry meat. Always allow at least 30 minutes for marinating.
• Inadequate oil temperature: Frying at too low a temperature results in soggy chicken. Ensure your oil reaches around 350°F (175°C) before frying.
• Overcrowding the pan: Adding too many chicken pieces at once can lower the oil temperature. Fry in batches for better crispiness.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Each brand of Sriracha varies in spice level. Taste your sauce and adjust accordingly to suit your heat preference.
• Not draining excess oil: Failing to drain fried chicken on paper towels will make it greasy. Allow it to rest briefly on paper towels after frying.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Place a paper towel inside the container to absorb moisture.

Freezing Bang Bang Chicken

• Freeze cooked Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.
• Label the container with the date for reference.

Reheating Bang Bang Chicken

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate, cover loosely, and heat for 1-2 minutes. This method may result in less crispiness.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little oil. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Bang Bang Chicken:

What is Bang Bang Chicken?

Bang Bang Chicken is a dish featuring crispy chicken tenderloins coated with a flavorful sauce made from mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha.

How do I make Bang Bang Sauce?

To create the perfect bang bang sauce, mix mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey together until smooth.

Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?

Yes! You can customize by using different sauces or swapping out chicken for turkey or lamb if desired.

How spicy is Bang Bang Chicken?

The spice level can be adjusted based on your preference by controlling the amount of Sriracha used in both the sauce and coating.

What can I serve with Bang Bang Chicken?

Bang Bang Chicken pairs well with rice, steamed vegetables, or as a filling in tacos for a delicious meal.

Final Thoughts

Bang Bang Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile! You can enjoy it as an appetizer, main course, or even as part of a taco night. Feel free to customize the sauce by adjusting spice levels or adding extra herbs for flavor. Try this recipe today; you won’t be disappointed!