Bang Bang Chicken

Making Bang Bang Chicken is not just about the crispy, delicious bites of chicken; it’s an experience that captures your taste buds with contrasting textures and flavors. This recipe has become a favorite for many because it brings comfort food to a whole new level, perfect for casual dinners, family gatherings, or even as a game-day snack. Personally, I love how easy it is to whip up a batch, and the sweet and spicy bang bang sauce adds a delightful kick that keeps everyone coming back for more!

Why You’ll Love Making It

What makes Bang Bang Chicken stand out is its quick preparation and crowd-pleasing flavor. This dish is not only budget-friendly but also very forgiving, making it the ideal candidate for weeknight dinners or spontaneous gatherings. Kids adore the golden, crispy bites, and adults appreciate the layers of flavor in the bang bang sauce.

“I made this for a family dinner, and it was a huge hit! The kids couldn’t get enough of the crunchy chicken, and the sauce added the perfect zing.”

Whether you’re hosting friends for a brunch or just need a satisfying meal on a Tuesday, this recipe deserves a spot on your table!

How to Prepare This Recipe

Making Bang Bang Chicken is straightforward and fun. To get started, you’ll be preparing a flavorful sauce while your chicken tenderloins get their golden coating. The chicken is first breaded and then fried until it’s perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy inside. The combination of the crunchy panko and the luscious bang bang sauce makes for a delightful dish that everyone will enjoy. Here’s a quick overview of the process so you know what to expect:

1. Make the bang bang sauce.
2. Set up your breading station with flour, eggs, and panko breadcrumbs.
3. Bread each chicken piece.
4. Heat the oil and fry until crispy.
5. Serve hot with the sauce.

What You’ll Need

To make Bang Bang Chicken, gather the following ingredients:

• Chicken Tenderloins: The star of the show, providing a tender and juicy bite.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: For that perfect crispy texture.
• Flour: Helps the egg stick to the chicken.
• Eggs: Acts as a binder for the breadcrumbs.
• Oil for frying: Choose a neutral oil like vegetable or canola.
• Mayonnaise: The base for the bang bang sauce, giving it creaminess.
• Sweet chili sauce: Adds sweetness and a hint of spice.
• Sriracha: For that kick!
• Garlic powder: Infuses great flavor.
• Salt: To enhance all the flavors.

Ingredient Notes: You can substitute chicken tenderloins with chicken breasts if that’s what you have on hand. For a lighter version, try baking instead of frying!

Step-by-Step Directions

Now, let’s dive into the cooking process!

1. Prepare the bang bang sauce: In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, garlic powder, and salt until well combined. Set this aside.
2. Make your breading station: In one bowl, place the flour. In a second bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, spread out the panko breadcrumbs.
3. Bread the chicken: Take each chicken tenderloin, dip it in the flour, then coat it in the egg mixture, and finally roll it in the panko breadcrumbs until fully covered.
4. Heat the oil: In a deep fryer or large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
5. Fry the chicken: Carefully place the breaded chicken tenderloins into the hot oil, cooking until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side.
6. Drain and serve: Once done, drain the chicken on paper towels and serve hot, drizzled with the prepared bang bang sauce.

Perfect Pairings for Bang Bang Chicken

This dish is not just yummy on its own. Here are some creative ideas on how to serve it:

• Over Rice: Serve the chicken on a bed of steaming white rice or fried rice. The sauce complements it wonderfully.
• With Veggies: Pair it with a side of stir-fried vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Fresh Slaw: A crunchy slaw adds a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken.
• In a Wrap: Wrap the chicken in tortillas along with your favorite greens and a drizzle of the bang bang sauce for a fun twist.

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which might be rare!), here’s how to keep Bang Bang Chicken fresh:

• Refrigerating: Place leftover chicken in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Just ensure it’s well-wrapped.
• Reheating: For the best results, reheat in an oven to maintain its crispiness. Microwave if you’re in a hurry, but it may not be as crunchy.

Helpful Hints

Here are some pro tips to elevate your Bang Bang Chicken:

• Breading Tip: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying; this helps in achieving that gorgeous golden crust.
• Flavor Boost: Add fresh herbs or lime zest to the bang bang sauce for extra flavor.
• Chicken Swap: Try substituting chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist!

Creative Twists

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your Bang Bang Chicken:

• Spicy Kick: To ramp up the heat, add extra sriracha or even a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
• Herbaceous Touch: Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a refreshing touch.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken for cauliflower or eggplant for a delicious vegetarian-friendly dish.

Your Questions Answered

1. How long does prep take?
Preparation takes about 15-20 minutes, making it a perfect quick meal.

2. Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Absolutely! Boneless thighs can be used and would be just as delicious.

3. What’s the best way to make this meal healthier?
You can bake the chicken instead of frying it. Just coat it in the same way and bake at 400°F until cooked through and crispy.

Enjoy your cooking adventure with Bang Bang Chicken, and watch it become a new family favorite!

Bang Bang Chicken

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Crispy and juicy Bang Bang Chicken coated in a sweet and spicy sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb Chicken Tenderloins
• 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup Flour
• 2 Eggs
• Vegetable or Canola Oil (for frying)
• 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup Sweet Chili Sauce
• 2 tbsp Sriracha
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the bang bang sauce by mixing mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, garlic powder, and salt in a bowl. Set aside.
2. Create a breading station with flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
3. Bread each chicken tenderloin by coating it first in flour, then egg, and finally in panko breadcrumbs.
4. Heat oil in a deep fryer or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
5. Fry the chicken in hot oil until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side.
6. Drain the chicken on paper towels and serve hot, drizzled with the bang bang sauce.

Notes

For a lighter option, consider baking instead of frying. You can substitute chicken with shrimp or use vegetables for a vegetarian version.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 27g
• Cholesterol: 150mg

Keywords: bang bang chicken, crispy chicken, easy dinner, Asian cuisine, comfort food