Bang Bang Chicken – This easy crispy chicken bang bang consist of juicy boneless chicken breasts which is crispy crunchy on the outside made in less than 10 minutes served a perfect party appetizer.
What is Bang Bang Chicken?
It is a Chinese-inspired dish featuring tender pieces of chicken, usually boneless thighs, that are coated in a light and crispy batter or breading, then tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce. The “bang bang” part of the name likely refers to the double coating of the sauce – once before frying for a flavorful base, and again after for that lip-smacking glaze.
The Bang Bang Breakdown: Chicken & Sauce
There are two main components to this dish: the chicken and the sauce. Let’s break them down:
The Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the classic choice for Bang Bang Chicken. They stay juicy and flavorful even with frying. However, you can also use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a slightly leaner option. Just be mindful of cooking time to avoid drying out the chicken.
The Sauce: This is where the magic happens! The base of the Bang Bang sauce is typically mayonnaise, but feel free to use Greek yogurt for a lighter option. Sweet chili sauce adds a sweet and tangy element, while Sriracha or your favorite hot sauce brings the heat. Honey or brown sugar balances the spice, and a squeeze of lime or rice vinegar adds a touch of brightness.
Bang Bang Chicken – Tips and Tricks
Marinating Magic: Marinating your chicken in the buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) helps tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.
Double Dredge for Extra Crisp: Dredge your chicken pieces in the flour mixture first, then in the buttermilk, and finally, coat them generously with the panko breadcrumbs for a superbly crispy crust.
Frying Finesse: Maintain a consistent oil temperature around 350°F (175°C) to ensure the chicken cooks through without burning.
Spice it Up (or Down): Adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce to your desired level of heat.
Recipe Variations
Fiery: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped red chili pepper to the sauce for an extra kick.
Go Gluten-Free: Swap out the all-purpose flour in the breading for a gluten-free flour blend. Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs as well.
Veggie Twist: Replace the chicken with bite-sized pieces of cauliflower or tofu for a vegetarian alternative.
How to Serve This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken?
Bang Bang Chicken is incredibly versatile! Here are some delicious serving ideas:
- Pair it with fluffy white rice or brown rice for a satisfying meal.
- Serve it over a bed of fresh greens for a lighter option.
- Tuck it into lettuce wraps for a fun and healthy handheld meal.
- Drizzle with extra sauce for dipping!
How to Store The Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, the crispy coating might soften slightly. To reheat, use an oven or air fryer to regain some crispness.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are naturally juicier and more flavorful, making them a great option for this recipe.
What’s the difference between cornstarch and all-purpose flour in the breading?
Cornstarch helps achieve that extra crispy texture we’re after, while all-purpose flour adds a bit of structure.
Don’t have buttermilk?
No problem! Mix 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice, let it sit for 5 minutes, and you’ve got a buttermilk substitute!
Bang Bang Chicken
Bang Bang Chicken - This easy crispy chicken bang bang consist of juicy boneless chicken breasts which is crispy crunchy on the outside made in less than 10 minutes served a perfect party appetizer.
Ingredients
For the chicken
- 1 pound chicken breasts, boneless, skinless, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 3 cups cooking oil
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup cornstarch
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumb
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
For the sauce
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons Frank’s Hot Sauce
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add in cornstarch, hot sauce, egg, buttermilk, flour, salt and pepper. Whisk well.
- Dip chicken chunks into the mixture, then dredge in Panko crumbs. Coat well.
- Heat a Dutch oven on medium high heat. Add oil.
- Once the oil is hot sizzling, add chicken and fry for about 2-3 minutes or until golden and crispy brown.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to soak excess oil.
- In a small mixing bowl, add all the sauce ingredients and combine well.
- Drizzle with sweet chili sauce and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Enjoy immediately.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 639Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 151mgSodium: 698mgCarbohydrates: 69gFiber: 2gSugar: 14gProtein: 46g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Other delicious chicken recipes to try: