Why Make This Recipe
Bang Bang Chicken is a fantastic dish that’s loved by many. It’s crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in a delicious, creamy sauce. This recipe brings together a perfect blend of flavors and textures that can satisfy anyone’s cravings for comfort food. Plus, it’s easy to make and perfect for gatherings or just a cozy dinner at home.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon lime zest
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Directions:
- In a large bowl, marinate the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
- In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Dredge the marinated chicken pieces in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess flour.
- Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per batch. Transfer cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the Bang Bang sauce until smooth and well combined.
- Toss the fried chicken pieces in the Bang Bang sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve hot, garnished with lime wedges, chopped green onions, and sesame seeds.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken
Bang Bang Chicken is best served hot. You can enjoy it on its own, or pair it with a side of rice or salad for a complete meal. The garnishes of lime wedges, green onions, and sesame seeds not only add flavor but also make the dish visually appealing.
How to Store Bang Bang Chicken
If you have leftovers, let the chicken cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay good for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the oven to maintain its crispiness. Avoid microwaving for the best texture.
Tips to Make Bang Bang Chicken
- For extra crunch, you can double-dip the chicken in the buttermilk and flour mixture.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough; otherwise, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha sauce in the Bang Bang sauce according to your spice preference.
Variation
You can make a healthier version of Bang Bang Chicken by baking the chicken instead of frying it. Simply coat the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, place them on a baking sheet, and bake at 400°F (200°C) until golden brown and cooked through, about 20-25 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They will provide a slightly different flavor but will still be delicious.
2. Can I make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the Bang Bang sauce up to a week in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using.
3. Is Bang Bang Chicken spicy?
The level of spiciness depends on how much sriracha sauce you add. You can adjust it to your taste or omit it entirely for a milder sauce.
