Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Table of Contents

Picture this: I’m in my cozy kitchen, the warmth of the afternoon sun streaming through the window, filling the space with a cozy glow. The smell of sizzling chicken dances in the air, and my heart is full. It was one of those spontaneous cooking days where I stumbled upon a new recipe for Bang Bang Chicken Recipe. Little did I know, it would soon become a family favorite—a crispy, spicy, sweet explosion of flavor that would have everyone clamoring for seconds!

As I tossed the tender chicken into the creamy, tangy Bang Bang sauce, I could hardly wait to taste it. The first bite was everything I hoped for: a perfect balance of heat and sweetness that enveloped the crispy chicken in a loving embrace. With each mouthful, I felt a warmth that went deeper than the spice; it was a comforting hug from the kitchen, a reminder of how much love can be poured into a meal. Trust me, you’ll fall head over heels for this recipe just like my family and I did!

Why You’ll Love This Bang Bangh Chicken Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, this is a perfect recipe for a weekday dinner or a weekend gathering.
• Quick Cook Time: From start to finish, you can have this scrumptious dish ready in under an hour!
• Healthy Twist: Using lean chicken tenderloins keeps it nutritious without sacrificing flavor.
• Flavorful Punch: The melty spicy sauce will awaken your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s a family dinner or a potluck, everyone will rave about this delightful dish.
• Comfort Food Element: Crispy, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying, it’s the ultimate cozy food experience.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (232 g) mayonnaise: This adds a luscious creaminess to the Bang Bang sauce. Choose your favorite brand for a personal touch!
• 2 tablespoons honey: A touch of sweetness that balances out the heat perfectly—feel free to adjust for your taste!
• ½ cup (132 g) Thai sweet chili sauce: The star of our sauce! It brings that signature spicy-sweet flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Sriracha (adjust to taste): Spice it up as you like—go mild or bring on the heat!
• 1 ½ pounds boneless (skinless chicken tenderloins): Tender and juicy, the perfect canvas for amazing flavors.
• 1 cup (245 g) buttermilk: This helps to tenderize the chicken and keeps it moist during frying—don’t skip this step!
• ¾ cup (94 g) all-purpose flour: For that crispy coating—it adds the crunch we all love.
• ½ cup (64 g) cornstarch: This is our secret ingredient for extra crispy chicken—trust me on this one!
• 1 large egg (at room temperature): This helps bind the breadcrumbs to the chicken—no egg left behind!
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha: In the breading mix for an extra layer of flavor—hello, spice!
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder: A staple flavor booster—garlic makes everything better!
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt: For seasoning the breading and enhancing flavors.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Because every bite deserves a little warmth!
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): Want a little more kick? This is your friend!
• 2 cups (216 g) plain panko breadcrumbs: These will give us that deliciously crunchy coating—yum!
• Canola oil (for frying): It has a mild flavor and a high smoke point, perfect for frying.
• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish): A pop of freshness to finish it off beautifully!

Full recipe card is below.

How to Make It

Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce:

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, honey, Thai sweet chili sauce, and a dash of Sriracha. This sauce is the star of the show, oozing creamy goodness and a perfect blend of sweet and spicy! Take a moment to dip your finger in and taste—trust me, you won’t regret it!

Coat the Chicken:

In a bowl, combine the buttermilk, egg, 1 tablespoon of Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using). Submerge those beautiful chicken tenderloins in this marinade. Let them soak for at least 15-30 minutes. The aroma—oh, it’s heavenly!

Bread the Chicken:

In another bowl, combine the flour and cornstarch. Dredge each marinated chicken piece in the flour mixture, then dip it back in the buttermilk mix, and finally coat it in panko breadcrumbs. Press firmly to make sure each piece is coated well. You should hear that satisfying crunch as you make them!

Heat the Oil:

In a heavy skillet, heat about an inch of canola oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. This is where the magic happens! Be careful, though—hot oil can be feisty!

Fry the Chicken:

Working in batches, fry the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The sound of sizzling will be music to your ears. Place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.

Serve:

Toss the crispy chicken pieces in that fantastic Bang Bang sauce, then garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with a side of jasmine rice or a crunchy salad, and watch everyone disappear under clouds of delicious smoky flavor!

Pro Tips for Success

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry the chicken in batches, so it gets that crunchy texture we love!
• Temperature is key: Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying.
• Extra zing: Feel free to add lime juice to the sauce for an added tang.
• Let the chicken marinate: The longer it soaks in the buttermilk, the more tender and flavorful it becomes.

Flavor Variations

• Swap out the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a delightful variation.
• Try adding fresh herbs (like cilantro or basil) to the sauce for a fresh twist.
• For a fruity touch, mix in a tablespoon of pineapple juice to the sauce—tropical vibes, anyone?

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Bang Bang Chicken Recipe with a refreshing cucumber salad or fragrant jasmine rice, drizzled with extra sauce. For drinks, nothing beats a chilled sparkling water with lime or a crisp white wine!

Make-Ahead & Storage

You can marinate the chicken ahead of time, which will make the flavors even better! Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Cooked Bang Bang Chicken Recipe can be kept in the fridge for about 3-4 days.

Leftovers

Turn leftover chicken into a delicious wrap or toss it into a fresh salad for lunch the next day. It’s like enjoying a new dish all over again!

Freezing

You can freeze the uncooked coated chicken. Just make sure to wrap each piece well in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. It’s best to use them within 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before frying.

Reheating

For crispy results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. The oven is a good option, too—just pop them on a baking sheet at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of tenderloins?
Absolutely! Just cut them into similar-sized strips for even cooking.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, you can! For a healthier twist, bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes until golden and cooked through.

How spicy is Bang Bang Chicken Recipe?
The spice level can easily be adjusted! Use less Sriracha for a milder version, or add more if you like the heat!

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Certainly! The Bang Bang sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week.

Final Thoughts

Cooking is a beautiful way to express love and creativity, and this Bang Bang Chicken recipe is a wonderful example of that! With its spicy-sweet goodness and crispy coating, it’s a dish that creates smiles and warm memories around the dinner table. I hope you find as much joy in making it as I have—let’s get cooking together and fill our homes with delightful aromas and flavors! Happy cooking, my friends!

With love,
Chef Ellie from Thinerecipes.com