Bang Bang Chicken

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Crispy, spicy, and irresistibly creamy—Bang Bang Chicken is the ultimate appetizer or snack that brings bold flavors to your table. Coated in a crunchy, golden crust and drizzled with a creamy, slightly sweet, and spicy sauce, this dish is an explosion of taste in every bite. Whether served as a party appetizer, game-day snack, or even a fun dinner option, Bang Bang Chicken is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Crispy and Flavorful Bang Bang Chicken

This dish is all about texture and flavor. The crispy bite-sized chicken pieces are coated in a seasoned breading and fried to perfection. But what truly makes Bang Bang Chicken stand out is the signature sauce—a creamy blend of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a hint of spice. The balance of crunch and creaminess makes it a favorite for anyone who loves bold flavors with a little kick.

Ingredients for Bang Bang Chicken

To make this crispy and flavorful dish, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. The key to the perfect Bang Bang Chicken is a crunchy coating paired with a creamy, slightly spicy sauce.

For the Chicken:

• 2 large chicken breasts – Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and crispiness.
• 1 cup buttermilk – Helps tenderize the chicken and makes the breading stick better.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour – Creates a light, crispy coating.
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs – Adds an extra crunch to the chicken.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder – Enhances the overall flavor of the breading.
• ½ teaspoon onion powder – Adds a hint of sweetness and depth.
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika – Gives a subtle smoky flavor.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Balances the flavors.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper – Adds a touch of spice.
• 1 egg – Helps bind the breading to the chicken.
• Vegetable oil (for frying) – Use a neutral oil like canola or sunflower for frying.

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise – Creates a creamy base for the sauce.
• ¼ cup sweet chili sauce – Adds a balance of sweetness and heat.
• 1 tablespoon sriracha – Gives the sauce its signature spicy kick.
• 1 teaspoon honey – Enhances the sweetness and balances the heat.
• 1 teaspoon lime juice – Adds a slight tang and freshness.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken

Making Bang Bang Chicken is a simple process that involves marinating, coating, frying, and finally drizzling the crispy chicken with its iconic sauce. Follow these steps for the best results:

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, add the bite-sized chicken pieces and pour in the buttermilk. Let them soak for at least 20-30 minutes. This step ensures tender, juicy chicken and helps the breading stick better.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading

In a shallow dish, mix the flour, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. In another bowl, whisk the egg.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk and shake off excess liquid. Dip each piece into the whisked egg, then coat it in the seasoned flour and panko mixture. Press lightly to ensure the breading sticks well.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat (around 350°F/175°C). Fry the coated chicken pieces in batches for about 4-5 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.

Step 5: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth. Adjust spice levels to your preference.

Step 6: Toss and Serve

Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the crispy chicken pieces or toss them in the sauce for a fully coated, flavorful experience. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor and presentation.

How Long to Fry Bang Bang Chicken

Frying time is crucial for getting that perfect golden-brown crispiness while keeping the chicken tender inside. Here’s a general guide:

• Small Chicken Pieces (1-inch chunks) – Fry for 4-5 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until crispy and fully cooked.
• Larger Chicken Pieces – If your pieces are bigger, fry for 6-7 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
• Air Fryer Option – Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.

If using an oven, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping once halfway through.

How to Store Leftovers

If you have leftover Bang Bang Chicken, here’s how to keep it fresh and delicious:

Refrigeration:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Keep the sauce separate to maintain the crispiness of the chicken.

Freezing:

• Freeze cooked and cooled chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag and store for up to 2 months.
• Reheat from frozen in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, or in an oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes.

Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Chicken

Here are some pro tips to ensure your Bang Bang Chicken turns out perfect every time:

• Use Panko Breadcrumbs – They create a crispier coating than regular breadcrumbs.
• Double-Coat for Extra Crunch – Dip the chicken in the flour mixture twice for a thicker, crunchier crust.
• Keep the Oil at the Right Temperature – If the oil is too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks. Too cool, and the chicken will absorb too much oil and become soggy.
• Drain on a Wire Rack – Instead of paper towels, place fried chicken on a wire rack to maintain its crunch.
• Adjust the Spice Level – Add more sriracha for extra heat or reduce it for a milder version.

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