Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Bang Bang Chicken is a crispy, flavorful dish that combines tender fried chicken with a spicy-sweet sauce. Perfect for sharing as an appetizer or enjoying as a main, this recipe is easy to prepare and sure to please a crowd.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken tenderloins
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
• 1 teaspoon Sriracha (or more to taste)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Canola oil (for frying)
• Parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce by mixing mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey in a bowl until smooth.
2. Step 2: Marinate the chicken tenderloins in buttermilk for at least 10 minutes to keep them tender and juicy.
3. Step 3: Set up your breading station with three shallow dishes: one with the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper; one with the beaten egg mixed with a little Sriracha; and one with the panko breadcrumbs.
4. Step 4: Dredge each chicken tenderloin first in the flour mixture, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally coat evenly with panko breadcrumbs.
5. Step 5: Heat canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the breaded chicken in batches, about 3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (about 6 minutes total).
6. Step 6: Drain the cooked chicken on paper towels and drizzle generously with the prepared Bang Bang Sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, double-dip the chicken by repeating the egg and panko coating once more before frying.
• Adjust the heat level by adding more or less Sriracha to the sauce according to your taste.
• Serve with steamed rice and a side of vegetables for a complete meal.
• Use boneless chicken thighs instead of tenderloins for a juicier bite.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through to retain crispiness. The Bang Bang Sauce can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 5 days.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Yes, you can bake the breaded chicken on a greased baking sheet at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through. It will be less crispy but still delicious.

What can I use if I don’t have buttermilk?

To substitute buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes before using. This homemade version works well for marinating.

Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 83 reviews

This Bang Bang Chicken recipe features crispy, golden fried chicken tenderloins coated in a spicy, tangy, and sweet Bang Bang sauce. The chicken is marinated in buttermilk for tenderness, breaded with a flavorful combination of flour, cornstarch, and panko breadcrumbs, then fried to perfection. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish with a perfect balance of heat and sweetness, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

• Author: luca
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 16 minutes
• Total Time: 26 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American with Asian influence
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

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Chicken and Breading

• 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken tenderloins
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon Sriracha (for egg mixture)
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• Canola oil (for frying)

Bang Bang Sauce

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

Garnish

• Parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Set aside.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken tenderloins in a shallow dish and pour the buttermilk over them. Let the chicken soak for at least 10 minutes. This step tenderizes the chicken and helps the breading stick.
3. Set Up Breading Stations: In three separate shallow dishes, prepare the breading components: mix the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in the first dish; beat the egg with 1 teaspoon of Sriracha in the second dish; place the panko breadcrumbs in the third dish.
4. Bread the Chicken: Remove each chicken tenderloin from the buttermilk, allow excess to drip off, then dredge it first in the flour mixture, coating thoroughly. Next, dip it into the egg and Sriracha mixture, then finally coat it evenly with the panko breadcrumbs. Repeat for all pieces.
5. Fry the Chicken: Heat canola oil in a skillet over medium heat to approximately 350°F (175°C). Fry the breaded chicken tenderloins in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking each side until golden brown and cooked through, about 3 minutes per side or 6 minutes total. Drain the cooked chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil.
6. Serve: Arrange the fried chicken on a serving plate, drizzle generously with the prepared Bang Bang sauce, and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

• Ensure the oil temperature is maintained for even frying and crispy chicken.
• Adjust the amount of Sriracha in the sauce for desired spice level.
• For extra crispy chicken, double coat with the flour and panko layers.
• Use a thermometer to check that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
• Leftover Bang Bang sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
• This recipe pairs well with steamed rice or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

Keywords: Bang Bang Chicken, fried chicken, crispy chicken tenderloins, spicy chicken, Asian-inspired chicken, buttermilk chicken, panko breaded chicken