Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

This Bang Bang Chicken Recipe is a crowd-pleaser that brings together tender, juicy chicken coated in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce. Perfect for parties, game days, or as a delicious appetizer, this dish stands out with its bold flavors and crispy texture. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking, you can whip up this dish in no time.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of creamy mayonnaise and spicy chili-garlic sauce creates a mouthwatering taste that keeps you coming back for more.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s game day or a family gathering, this bang bang chicken fits right in as an appetizer or snack.
• Customizable Heat Levels: Adjust the spice by using cayenne pepper or smoked paprika based on your preference for heat.
• Great Leftovers: This dish tastes amazing even the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools. Having the right equipment makes everything easier and more efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Frying pan or deep fryer
• Tongs
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining your ingredients thoroughly without spills.
• Frying pan or deep fryer: Key to achieving that perfect crispy chicken texture.
• Tongs: Helpful for flipping the chicken pieces safely while frying.

Ingredients

For the Sauce

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup chili-garlic sauce
• 2 teaspoons sriracha
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon cayenne or use smoked paprika for a milder version
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Chicken

• 1 pound chicken breast (chopped into bite-sized pieces)
• 1/2 cup buttermilk or use milk
• 3/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper; use smoked paprika for a milder version (or use both!)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Frying and Garnish

• Vegetable oil for frying
• Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)
• Spicy chili flakes (for garnish)

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, chili-garlic sauce, sriracha, honey, cayenne (or smoked paprika), lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth. Set aside.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chopped chicken breast in another bowl. Pour in the buttermilk and season with salt and pepper. Allow it to marinate for at least 10 minutes.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

After marinating, remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk mixture. Dredge it in cornstarch until well-coated. This will give your chicken that coveted crispy exterior.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

In a frying pan or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You want enough oil to submerge the chicken pieces.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken

Carefully add coated chicken pieces to the hot oil. Fry them until golden brown and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Use tongs to turn them halfway through cooking.

Step 6: Toss with Sauce

Once fried, transfer the chicken to a large bowl while they’re still hot. Pour your prepared sauce over them and toss gently until all pieces are evenly coated.

Step 7: Serve

Garnish your bang bang chicken with fresh chopped parsley and spicy chili flakes before serving warm. Enjoy this flavorful delight!

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Bang Bang Chicken is a delightful appetizer that packs a punch of flavor. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy dinner, this dish can be served in various ways to enhance your meal.

On a Bed of Greens

• Fresh Salad: Serve the chicken on a bed of mixed greens for a refreshing crunch.
• Spinach and Arugula: Pair with spinach and arugula for an earthy flavor contrast.

With Dipping Sauces

• Extra Sauce: Offer extra bang bang sauce on the side for dipping.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: A sweet chili sauce adds another layer of sweetness and spice.

As Tacos

• Tortilla Wraps: Use small tortillas to create bang bang chicken tacos. Top with fresh veggies.
• Crunchy Slaw: Add a crunchy slaw to give texture and additional flavor.

With Rice

• Jasmine Rice: Serve over fluffy jasmine rice for a filling meal.
• Fried Rice: Pair with fried rice for an Asian-inspired twist.

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How to Perfect Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Perfecting your Bang Bang Chicken involves attention to detail and some handy tips. Follow these guidelines to elevate your dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken and quality spices make all the difference in flavor.
• Marinate Properly: Allow the chicken to soak in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes to ensure tenderness.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep the frying oil at the right temperature (around 350°F) for crispy chicken without greasiness.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Tailor the heat by adjusting sriracha or cayenne according to your taste preference.
• Garnish Generously: Fresh parsley or spicy chili flakes not only make it look appealing but add extra flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Pairing side dishes with Bang Bang Chicken can make your meal even more enjoyable. Here are some fantastic ideas:

1. Coconut Rice: This lightly sweet rice complements the spicy flavors of the chicken beautifully.
2. Coleslaw: A classic crunchy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the crispy chicken.
3. Garlic Noodles: Stir-fried garlic noodles offer a savory accompaniment that balances the dish’s sweetness.
4. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled veggies add color and healthiness to your plate.
5. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn enhances the overall flavor profile, making it a fun addition.
6. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges are perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce while adding comfort food vibes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making this bang bang chicken recipe can be simple, but some common mistakes can affect the outcome. Avoid these pitfalls for the best results.

• Skipping the marinade: Failing to marinate the chicken in buttermilk can lead to dry meat. Allow at least 30 minutes for tender and juicy chicken.
• Using too much heat: Overheating the oil can cause burnt chicken. Keep the oil temperature around 350°F for a perfect fry.
• Not coating evenly: Skipping even coating in cornstarch leads to uneven crispiness. Ensure every piece of chicken is well-coated before frying.
• Ignoring sauce proportions: Altering the sauce ingredients without balancing flavors may ruin the taste. Stick to the recommended amounts for the best sweet and spicy experience.
• Overcrowding the pan: Frying too many pieces at once can lower oil temperature. Cook in batches to achieve that crispy texture.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftover bang bang chicken in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

• Freeze cooked chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• It can last up to 2 months in the freezer.

Reheating Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a bit of oil; add chicken and sauté until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about this bang bang chicken recipe.

What is Bang Bang Chicken?

Bang bang chicken is a delicious appetizer featuring fried chicken tossed in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce. It’s known for its bold flavors and satisfying crunch.

Can I make this recipe healthier?

You can make it healthier by baking instead of frying or using less mayonnaise in the sauce. Consider substituting Greek yogurt for a lighter option.

How do I adjust spice levels?

To reduce spiciness, decrease the sriracha and cayenne pepper amounts. Alternatively, add more honey to balance out heat with sweetness.

Can I use other proteins?

Yes! This recipe works well with shrimp or tofu as substitutes for chicken if you prefer different proteins.

Final Thoughts

This bang bang chicken recipe is not only an amazing appetizer but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can customize it by adjusting spice levels or trying different sauces. Whether you’re hosting a game day or just craving something delicious, this dish will surely satisfy!