Bang Bang Chicken

Bang Bang Chicken is a delightful dish that combines crispy, panko-crusted chicken tenderloins with a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce. This recipe is perfect for various occasions, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a delicious meal at home. The unique combination of flavors and textures makes Bang Bang Chicken a standout choice for any food lover.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Sauce
• For the Chicken
• How to Make Bang Bang Chicken
• Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
• Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
• Step 3: Set Up Breading Station
• Step 4: Bread the Chicken
• Step 5: Fry the Chicken
• Step 6: Serve
• How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken
• As an Appetizer
• Over Rice
• In Tacos
• On a Salad
• With Dipping Sauces
• As a Sandwich
• How to Perfect Bang Bang Chicken
• Best Side Dishes for Bang Bang Chicken
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Bang Bang Chicken
• Reheating Bang Bang Chicken
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is Bang Bang Chicken?
• Can I make Bang Bang Chicken ahead of time?
• Is there a healthier way to prepare Bang Bang Chicken?
• How spicy is Bang Bang Chicken?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Texture: The panko breadcrumbs create an irresistible crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender meat.
• Flavor Explosion: The homemade bang bang sauce adds a creamy, sweet, and spicy kick that enhances every bite.
• Quick Preparation: Ready in just 26 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as an appetizer, main course, or even as part of a fun meal prep for the week.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With its appealing flavors and textures, this dish is sure to impress family and friends alike.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Bang Bang Chicken, gather the essential tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Deep frying pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tongs
• Cooking thermometer (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

• Deep frying pan: Ideal for achieving that crispy texture without overcrowding the chicken.
• Mixing bowls: Perfect for combining ingredients smoothly without spilling.
• Whisk: Helps in blending sauces or batter evenly for the best flavor.

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 Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until smooth. Set aside for later use.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

In another bowl, combine the buttermilk and chicken tenderloins. Let them marinate for about 10 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderness.

Step 3: Set Up Breading Station

In three separate bowls, prepare:
1. Flour mixed with garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
2. Beaten egg mixed with 1 tablespoon of Sriracha.
3. Panko breadcrumbs.

Step 4: Bread the Chicken

Take each marinated chicken tenderloin and dip it into:
1. The flour mixture to coat lightly.
2. The egg mixture to ensure adhesion.
3. Finally, coat it well with panko breadcrumbs.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken

Heat canola oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot:
1. Carefully add breaded chicken pieces in batches.
2. Fry until golden brown and cooked through—about 6 minutes total per batch.
3. Use tongs to transfer cooked chicken to paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 6: Serve

Drizzle the prepared bang bang sauce over the fried chicken or serve it on the side for dipping. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving hot!

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken

Bang Bang Chicken is a delicious dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want it as an appetizer at a gathering or as a main course for dinner, there are plenty of serving ideas to enhance your meal.

As an Appetizer

• Serve it on small skewers for easy eating.
• Pair with toothpicks for a fun finger food option.

Over Rice

• Place the crispy chicken over a bed of steamed jasmine rice.
• Drizzle extra bang bang sauce on top for added flavor.

In Tacos

• Use soft corn tortillas and fill them with the chicken.
• Add fresh toppings like cilantro and diced avocado for a refreshing twist.

On a Salad

• Slice the crispy chicken and serve it atop mixed greens.
• Top with crunchy veggies and a drizzle of bang bang sauce for a zesty salad.

With Dipping Sauces

• Offer additional sauces like ranch or blue cheese on the side.
• This adds variety and enhances the overall experience.

As a Sandwich

• Place the chicken in a toasted bun with lettuce and tomato.
• Spread some bang bang sauce inside for an extra kick.

How to Perfect Bang Bang Chicken

To achieve the best Bang Bang Chicken, consider these helpful tips that will ensure your dish is both flavorful and crispy.

• Use cold buttermilk – This helps create a crispy coating when frying.
• Double coat the chicken – For extra crunch, dip the tenderloins in flour, then buttermilk, and finally in panko breadcrumbs twice.
• Maintain oil temperature – Keep your frying oil around 350°F (175°C) to avoid soggy chicken.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan – Fry in batches to prevent lowering the oil temperature, which can affect crispiness.
• Let it rest after frying – Allowing the chicken to sit briefly helps maintain its crisp texture before serving.
• Adjust spice level – Modify Sriracha in the sauce based on your heat preference for personalized flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Bang Bang Chicken

Pairing your Bang Bang Chicken with delicious sides can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Steamed Broccoli – A healthy choice that adds color and nutrition to your plate.
2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy potatoes complement the crispy chicken perfectly.
3. Coleslaw – A crunchy side that provides a nice contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken.
4. Fried Rice – Flavorful fried rice pairs well with the spicy sauce of Bang Bang Chicken.
5. Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn brings freshness and balances out savory flavors.
6. Cucumber Salad – A light salad that provides a refreshing crunch alongside rich chicken bites.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Bang Bang Chicken can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to avoid.

• Using the wrong chicken cut: Always opt for boneless skinless chicken tenderloins for the perfect texture. Other cuts may not cook evenly.
• Skipping the marination: Marinating the chicken in buttermilk helps to tenderize it. Don’t skip this step for better flavor and moisture.
• Inadequate oil temperature: If the oil isn’t hot enough, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy. Use a thermometer to ensure it’s around 350°F (175°C).
• Overcrowding the frying pan: Frying too many pieces at once can lower the oil temperature. Fry in batches to achieve that crispy texture.
• Neglecting seasoning: Don’t forget to season your flour mixture. Proper seasoning enhances the flavor of the crust. Add salt and spices generously.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Bang Bang Chicken

• To freeze, place cooled chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Bang Bang Chicken

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place chicken on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until crispy.
• Microwave: This method can make it soggy, but if necessary, heat in short intervals (30 seconds) until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat and crisp up the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making and enjoying Bang Bang Chicken.

What is Bang Bang Chicken?

Bang Bang Chicken is panko-crusted chicken tenderloins that are deep-fried until golden brown and topped with a spicy homemade sauce.

Can I make Bang Bang Chicken ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare and fry the chicken beforehand and reheat it just before serving for best results.

Is there a healthier way to prepare Bang Bang Chicken?

You can bake or air-fry the chicken instead of deep-frying for a healthier alternative while still keeping it delicious.

How spicy is Bang Bang Chicken?

The level of spiciness depends on how much Sriracha you add. You can adjust it based on your taste preferences!

Final Thoughts

Bang Bang Chicken is not just a meal; it’s an experience! With its crispy texture and rich flavors from the homemade sauce, this dish is sure to please any crowd. Plus, it’s versatile—you can customize it with different spices or serve it with various sides. Try making this delicious recipe today!