If you're ready for a fun and tasty dinner, get excited about Crispy Bang Bang Chicken! This dish combines juicy chicken with a crunchy coating and a zesty sauce that packs a punch. In this article, I'll walk you through an easy recipe, share tips for extra crispiness, and offer fun variations to suit your tastes. Let’s dive into making your next meal a hit!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Crispy Texture: The panko breadcrumbs create an irresistible crunch that makes every bite satisfying.
- Flavorful Marinade: Marinating the chicken in buttermilk infuses it with moisture and enhances its flavor.
- Versatile Sauce: The Bang Bang sauce is a perfect balance of sweet and spicy, great for dipping or drizzling.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients for Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk mixed with 1 tablespoon vinegar)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
The chicken breast is the star of this dish. You want to cut it into small, even pieces. This ensures they cook fast and evenly. Using buttermilk makes the chicken juicy. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix milk with vinegar for a similar effect. The flour gives the chicken a nice base. Panko breadcrumbs add that perfect crunch.
Ingredients for Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
For the sauce, mayonnaise gives a creamy base. Sweet chili sauce adds a sweet touch. If you like heat, Sriracha is your friend. Honey balances the flavors, while lime juice brightens everything up.
Additional Seasonings and Oil
- Salt and pepper
- Oil for frying
Salt and pepper are simple yet key for flavor. Use any frying oil you prefer, like vegetable or canola oil. Heat it to the right temperature for the crispiest chicken.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Marinating the Chicken
To start, take one pound of chicken breast and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Place the chicken in a large bowl and cover it with one cup of buttermilk. If you don't have buttermilk, you can make your own by mixing one cup of milk with one tablespoon of vinegar. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For even more flavor, you can marinate it overnight.
Preparing the Breading Station
Next, set up your breading station with three separate bowls. In the first bowl, mix one cup of all-purpose flour with salt, pepper, one teaspoon of garlic powder, one teaspoon of onion powder, and one teaspoon of paprika. In the second bowl, add one cup of panko breadcrumbs mixed with one tablespoon of cornstarch. The third bowl will hold the marinated chicken.
Coating the Chicken
Now, it’s time to coat the chicken. Take each piece of chicken out of the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. First, dredge the chicken in the seasoned flour. Make sure to coat it well. Then dip the chicken back into the buttermilk briefly. Finally, coat the chicken with the panko breadcrumbs, pressing down firmly to help the breadcrumbs stick.
Frying the Chicken
Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Aim for an oil temperature of about 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches to avoid crowding the pan. Cook each piece for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. After frying, place the chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Making the Bang Bang Sauce
For the Bang Bang sauce, combine half a cup of mayonnaise, three tablespoons of sweet chili sauce, one tablespoon of Sriracha, one teaspoon of honey, and one teaspoon of lime juice in a small bowl. Whisk everything together until smooth. Feel free to adjust the Sriracha to match your spice preference.
Serving the Dish
Once your chicken is crispy and golden, you can serve it. Place the chicken on a large platter and drizzle some extra Bang Bang sauce on top. For a fresh touch, garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Enjoy your meal!
Tips & Tricks
How to Achieve Extra Crispy Chicken
To get that crunchy bite, double coating is key. First, coat the chicken in seasoned flour. Then, dip it back in buttermilk. Finally, roll it in panko breadcrumbs. This extra layer makes a big difference.
For frying, use a deep pan with enough oil. Heat the oil to about 350°F (175°C). Fry in small batches. This keeps the oil hot and helps the chicken cook evenly.
Marination Time Recommendations
Marinating chicken is important for flavor and juiciness. A short marination of 30 minutes gives good taste. However, if you have time, let it marinate overnight. Longer marination enhances the flavor and tenderness even more.
Alternative Cooking Methods
If you prefer not to fry, you can bake the chicken. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
You can also use an air fryer. Set it to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 12-15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway to ensure even cooking. Both methods yield tasty results with less oil.
Pro Tips
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allowing the chicken to marinate in buttermilk for an extended period enhances tenderness and flavor, making each bite juicy and delicious.
- Perfect the Breading Process: Make sure to press the panko breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken to ensure they adhere well and create that irresistible crispy texture.
- Maintain Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to keep the oil at the right frying temperature (around 350°F or 175°C) to achieve a golden brown crust without greasy chicken.
- Customize Your Sauce: Feel free to adjust the sweetness and spiciness of the Bang Bang sauce by varying the amounts of honey and Sriracha to match your taste preference.
Variations
Healthy Versions of Bang Bang Chicken
You can make Bang Bang Chicken with different proteins. Tofu is a great choice for a plant-based option. Just cut the tofu into bite-sized pieces. Marinate it like chicken for best flavor.
Shrimp is another protein that works well. Use large shrimp and coat them just like the chicken. Fry until they turn pink and crispy. Both options taste great with the Bang Bang sauce.
Spice Level Adjustments
Want less heat? Use less Sriracha in the sauce. Start with one teaspoon and taste it. Add more if you like it spicier. You can also try mild chili sauce instead of sweet chili sauce.
For extra heat, add more Sriracha. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes on the chicken before frying. This gives a nice kick to each bite.
Alternative Dipping Sauces
You can switch up the Bang Bang sauce with other dips. Try ranch dressing or honey mustard for a different taste. These pair well with the crispy chicken too.
If you want to explore flavors from other cuisines, serve it with tzatziki or chimichurri. Each sauce brings its own twist to the dish. Enjoy experimenting!
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
To store your leftover Crispy Bang Bang Chicken, follow these simple steps:
- Use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well.
- Allow the chicken to cool down before sealing it. This prevents moisture buildup.
Cooling your chicken properly helps keep it crispy. Place it on a rack for 10-15 minutes. This lets excess steam escape.
Freezing Instructions
If you want to freeze your Bang Bang Chicken, use these steps:
1. Let the chicken cool completely.
2. Place pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about 1 hour. This helps keep the chicken from sticking together.
3. Once frozen, transfer the chicken to a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as you can.
To reheat, bake the chicken in the oven. Set it to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Shelf Life of Prepared Chicken and Sauce
Your Crispy Bang Bang Chicken lasts up to 3 days in the fridge. Keep it in an airtight container.
The Bang Bang sauce can stay fresh for about a week. Store it in a sealed jar in the fridge. If you freeze the sauce, it can last for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge before use.
FAQs
What is Bang Bang Chicken?
Bang Bang Chicken is a fun, crispy dish. It has roots in Chinese cuisine. The name comes from the spicy sauce that adds flavor. The chicken is coated and fried until crispy. Then, it gets tossed in a creamy and slightly spicy sauce. It’s a crowd-pleaser and perfect for sharing.
Can I use skinless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use skinless chicken. Skinless chicken breast works well in this recipe. The key is to keep the chicken moist while frying. You can also use chicken thighs for more flavor. They stay juicy and tender during cooking. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free flour. You can also use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. Ensure the sweet chili sauce and other sauces are gluten-free. These simple swaps make the recipe safe for gluten-sensitive diets while keeping it delicious.
What side dishes pair well with Bang Bang Chicken?
Bang Bang Chicken goes well with many sides. Here are a few tasty options:
- Steamed rice or fried rice
- Fresh salad with a light dressing
- Stir-fried veggies for added crunch
- Asian-style coleslaw for extra flavor
These sides balance the rich flavors of the chicken.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to a week. This makes meal prep easier. Just give it a good stir before serving. Adjust the spice level as needed for your taste.
Bang Bang Chicken is a tasty dish made from simple ingredients. You learned how to marinate chicken, coat it, and make a delicious sauce. I shared tips for extra crispiness and offered healthy and spicy options. You can store or freeze leftovers easily. Try different sides to complete your meal. This dish is fun to make and great for any occasion. Enjoy the flavors and impress your friends and family.
