Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is a delightful fusion dish that combines the crunchiness of perfectly fried chicken with a creamy, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce. This recipe is a restaurant-quality dish you can easily recreate at home, making it perfect for casual dinners, appetizers, or even party snacks. The irresistible sauce—made famous by its creamy, tangy, and spicy balance—elevates this dish into a true flavor sensation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredible Crunch: The chicken is coated in a light, crispy breading that stays crunchy even after being drizzled with the sauce.
• Bang Bang Sauce: The star of the dish, this sauce blends creamy mayonnaise, tangy sweet chili sauce, and spicy sriracha, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
• Quick and Easy: With straightforward steps, you can have this dish ready in under an hour.
• Versatile: Enjoy it as an appetizer, pair it with rice or noodles for a main dish, or serve it over a salad for a lighter option.
• Customizable Heat: You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste, making it perfect for everyone.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts or thighs
• Buttermilk
• All-purpose flour
• Cornstarch
• Baking powder
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Pepper
• Vegetable oil (for frying)
• Mayonnaise
• Sweet chili sauce
• Sriracha

Directions

Preparing the Chicken

1. Cut the Chicken: Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces or strips, depending on your preference.
2. Marinate: Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and cover with buttermilk. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 4 hours for extra tenderness.

Preparing the Breading

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a shallow dish, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.

Frying the Chicken

5. Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain the temperature.
6. Fry the Chicken: Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook each batch for about 4-5 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack or paper towels.

Making the Bang Bang Sauce

7. Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha until smooth. Adjust the sriracha to your desired spice level.

Assembling the Dish

8. Coat or Drizzle: Toss the fried chicken pieces in the Bang Bang sauce for a fully coated experience, or drizzle the sauce over the top for a crispier bite.
9. Serve Immediately: Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Variations

• Baked Version: Instead of frying, bake the coated chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Spray the breading with cooking oil for extra crispiness.
• Air Fryer Option: Use an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper to the breading or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick.
• Healthier Sauce: Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version of the Bang Bang sauce.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 4

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the chicken in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness. Microwave reheating is not recommended as it will make the coating soggy.
• Sauce Storage: The Bang Bang sauce can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to a week. Stir well before using.

FAQs

How spicy is Bang Bang Chicken?

The dish has a mild heat, but the spice level is adjustable by adding more or less sriracha to the sauce.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can fry the chicken and store it separately. Reheat it before serving and toss or drizzle with the sauce.

What’s the best oil for frying?

Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are excellent options due to their high smoke points.

Can I use chicken wings instead of boneless chicken?

Absolutely! This recipe works wonderfully with chicken wings—just adjust frying time to ensure they’re fully cooked.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

Can I use store-bought Bang Bang sauce?

Yes, but homemade sauce has a fresher taste and allows you to control the spice level.

What can I serve with Bang Bang Chicken?

Pair it with steamed rice, noodles, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Not in its original form, but you can make it keto-friendly by using almond flour and unsweetened chili sauce.

Can I freeze Bang Bang Chicken?

The chicken can be frozen after frying. Reheat in an oven or air fryer for best results. Avoid freezing the sauce.

Is Bang Bang Chicken the same as popcorn chicken?

While both are bite-sized fried chicken, Bang Bang Chicken is coated in a signature sauce, making it a distinct dish.

Conclusion

Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that combines irresistible textures and flavors in every bite. The crunchy chicken paired with the creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce is sure to become a favorite in your home. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a family dinner, or treating yourself, this recipe is a must-try. Gather your ingredients and experience the magic of Bang Bang Chicken today!

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