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There’s something utterly delightful about the way crispy, golden chicken fills the kitchen with warmth and comfort. I first stumbled upon Unique Crispy Bang Bang Chicken on a cozy Saturday night, a spontaneous creation after a week filled with hustle and bustle. The sweet, spicy sauce wafting through my home instantly elevated my mood, sending my taste buds into a joyful dance. I remember biting into that crunchy exterior, coated in a lick-your-fingers-good sauce, while the comforting scent of fried chicken hugged me like a warm blanket. This dish quickly became a family favorite, bringing everyone together at the dinner table, ready to dig into crispy bites drizzled with that wonderfully zesty sauce. Trust me, once you give it a try, you’ll know why this recipe has earned its rightful place in my heart—and soon, yours too!
Why You’ll Love This Unique Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Whip this up in around 30 minutes—perfect for those busy days!
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet, spicy, and creamy makes each bite memorable.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Friends and family will be begging for seconds, and maybe thirds!
- Customizable: Play around with the spice levels to suit your taste buds.
- Guilt-Free Options: You can swap in Greek yogurt for a lighter twist without skimping on flavor.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this scrumptious dish:
1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version): This adds creaminess to the sauce, but for a healthier spin, Greek yogurt does a fantastic job!
1/4 cup sweet chili sauce: Look for brands like Frank’s for that perfect balance of sweetness and heat.
1-2 tablespoons hot sauce (Sriracha recommended): Spice it up just the way you like it—a little goes a long way!
2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup as a substitute): This adds a delightful touch of sweetness to the mix.
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces): The star of our dish! Cut into smaller pieces to ensure those crispy edges.
1/2 cup all-purpose flour: This gives structure to your coating, ensuring a beautiful crunch.
1/4 cup cornstarch: Helps achieve that extra crispy texture. If you don’t have any on hand, potato starch works just as well!
1 cup buttermilk (or milk mixed with vinegar): This marinade makes the chicken tender and juicy.
1 teaspoon garlic powder (or fresh minced garlic): Adds that irresistible umami flavor.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika): Gives an earthy flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.
1 large egg (beaten): Helps bind the breadcrumbs to the chicken for maximum crunch.
1 cup Panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs): Panko delivers ultimate crunchiness, but you won’t go wrong with regular, either!
1 cup vegetable oil (for frying): Essential for getting that gorgeous golden color. Canola oil works too!
Full recipe card is below.
How to Make It
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by soaking your cut-up chicken pieces in buttermilk, adding in the garlic powder and smoked paprika. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes—this step is crucial, as it tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station
In one bowl, mix the flour and cornstarch. In another, beat the egg. Finally, in a third bowl, spread out the Panko breadcrumbs. Get ready for an assembly line that makes you feel like a culinary pro!
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Take a piece of marinated chicken, allow any excess buttermilk to drip off, then dip it into the flour mix. Shake off the excess and move it to the egg, then finally into the Panko, pressing lightly to help it adhere. Repeat with each piece, laying them out on a plate.
Step 4: Fry, Fry, Fry!
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot (about 375°F), carefully add the chicken pieces, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until they are a beautiful golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. The delicious aroma filling your kitchen could win an award!
Step 5: Create the Sauce
While the chicken is frying away, whip together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, and honey in a mixing bowl. This luscious sauce is the icing on the cake!
Step 6: Toss and Serve
Once the chicken is crispy and golden, drain on paper towels, then toss it in the sauce until well-coated. Serve immediately, and watch everyone’s eyes light up!
Pro Tips for Success
- Use a thermometer: Make sure your oil is hot enough for frying—this prevents greasy chicken!
- Don’t rush the coating: Let it sit on the plate for a few minutes to allow the Panko to stick properly.
- Add fresh herbs: Garnish with chopped cilantro or scallions for a fresh finish.
- Double the sauce: If you just can’t get enough of that bang bang goodness, make extra!
Flavor Variations
- Swap out the chicken for shrimp or cauliflower for a delightful twist.
- Want to jazz it up? Add sesame oil to the sauce for a nutty flavor.
- Incorporate citrus zest into the sauce for a bright, fresh note—perfect during the warmer months!
Serving Suggestions
Pair these crispy bites with fluffy jasmine rice to soak up all that sauce or serve alongside a crisp green salad for a refreshing contrast. A cool drink, like iced tea or lemonade, keeps things balanced and refreshing.
Make-Ahead & Storage
To prep ahead, marinate the chicken and prepare the sauce in advance—just store them separately in the fridge. You can keep the cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Leftovers
Transform leftovers into tasty wraps or salad toppings! Slice the crispy chicken and toss it onto a bed of greens with the bang bang sauce drizzled on top—so delicious!
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze this dish! Allow the chicken to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat leftover crispy chicken in a skillet over medium heat to restore that delightful crunch. You could also warm them in the oven at 375°F for around 10-15 minutes, but be cautious with the microwave—this can result in sogginess!
FAQs
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Arrange the coated chicken on a baking sheet and spray with cooking spray. Bake at 425°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How can I make it less spicy?
Feel free to adjust the amount of hot sauce or substitute with a milder option. You could also skip the hot sauce entirely and use more sweet chili sauce.
What can I serve this with?
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken pairs well with a variety of sides such as fried rice, coleslaw, or even carrots and celery for a crunch!
Final Thoughts
I hope you dive into the crispy goodness of Bang Bang Chicken, not just for the taste, but for the joy it brings when shared with loved ones. Cooking is all about love, comfort, and the cozy moments gathered around the dinner table. So grab your apron, crank up the music, and enjoy the magic that unfolds in your kitchen. Happy cooking, my friends!
- Chef Ellie
Unique Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Soak the cut-up chicken pieces in buttermilk, adding in garlic powder and smoked paprika. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes.
- In one bowl, mix the flour and cornstarch. In another, beat the egg. In a third, spread out the Panko breadcrumbs.
- Take a marinated chicken piece, allow excess buttermilk to drip off, dip it in the flour mix, shake excess, then dip in egg, and finally into Panko breadcrumbs.
- Heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, fry until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, and honey.
- Once chicken is crispy, drain on paper towels, toss in the sauce, and serve immediately.
