Irresistible Bang Bang Chicken Recipe: Zesty Homemade Magic

Crispy, zesty bang bang chicken dances between spicy and creamy flavor profiles that instantly captivate your taste buds.

Layers of tangy sauce complement perfectly fried chicken pieces with surprising complexity.

Crunchy textures contrast magnificently against smooth, slightly sweet coating.

Every bite promises a delightful explosion of southeastern Asian-inspired culinary magic.

Restaurants across America have embraced this wildly popular dish for good reasons.

Innovative home cooks can easily recreate this restaurant favorite with simple ingredients and minimal preparation time.

Dive into this mouth-watering adventure that guarantees to spark excitement around your dinner table.

FAQs

• Why use buttermilk for marinating?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken, making it juicy and soft by breaking down protein fibers and adding subtle tangy flavor to the meat.

• Can I make the Bang Bang sauce less spicy?

Absolutely! Reduce or eliminate Sriracha sauce and adjust sweet chili sauce amount to control heat level according to your spice tolerance.

• What type of oil works best for frying chicken?

Vegetable oil or canola oil are ideal because they have high smoke points and neutral flavors, allowing the chicken to become crispy without absorbing unwanted tastes.

• How do I know when the chicken is perfectly cooked?

The chicken should be golden brown on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer, ensuring it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.

Bang Bang Chicken With A Kick

• Blast Flavor Combinations: Enjoy a perfect harmony of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors that dance on your taste buds with this irresistible chicken recipe.
• Crispy Texture Magic: Achieve a golden, crunchy exterior through the buttermilk marinade and cornstarch coating, creating an incredibly satisfying crunch in every bite.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Prepare a restaurant-quality dish in minimal steps that will impress family and friends with its bold flavors and professional-looking presentation.
• Sauce Customization Freedom: Easily adjust the Bang Bang sauce's heat level by modifying Sriracha quantities, making it adaptable for different spice preferences.

Ingredients For Bang Bang Chicken

• Chicken: Protein-rich meat that serves as the main star of this crispy and flavorful dish.
• Buttermilk: Tangy liquid that helps tenderize and add moisture to the chicken during marination.

• Cornstarch: Dry ingredient that creates a light, crispy exterior when frying the chicken.
• Vegetable Oil: Neutral cooking oil used for deep-frying the chicken to achieve a golden and crunchy texture.

• Mayonnaise, Sweet Chili Sauce, Sriracha: Creamy and spicy sauce ingredients that provide a complex and zesty flavor profile.
• Honey: Sweet element that balances the heat and adds a glossy finish to the sauce.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Fresh and nutty toppings that add visual appeal and extra layer of flavor to the finished chicken.

Step-By-Step Instructions For Bang Bang Chicken

Step 1: Bathe Chicken in Buttermilk

Submerge chicken pieces completely in buttermilk, allowing the tangy liquid to tenderize and flavor the meat. Let the chicken soak for a quarter hour, creating a juicy and flavorful base.

Step 2: Prepare Crispy Coating

Create a dredging station with cornstarch. Remove chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off, then generously coat each piece in the powdery cornstarch.

Step 3: Sizzle to Golden Perfection

Heat cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place coated chicken pieces into the hot oil, cooking until they turn a gorgeous golden-brown color and develop a crispy exterior.

Ensure chicken is fully cooked through with a beautiful crunch.

Step 4: Whip Up Zesty Bang Bang Sauce

• Creamy mayonnaise
• Sweet chili sauce
• Spicy Sriracha
• Golden honey
• Pinch of salt
• Dash of black pepper

Whisk all ingredients until smooth and well-blended, creating a vibrant and tantalizing sauce.

Step 5: Coat Chicken in Explosive Flavor

Transfer crispy chicken pieces directly from the pan into the prepared sauce. Gently toss and roll each piece until completely covered in the creamy, spicy mixture.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the sauced chicken. Plate immediately while still warm and crispy for maximum deliciousness.

Tips To Perfect Bang Bang Chicken

• Soak chicken in buttermilk for maximum tenderness and flavor infusion, allowing the acid to break down proteins.
• Use fresh oil at the right temperature (around 350°F) to ensure crispy, golden exterior without absorbing excess grease.
• Adjust sauce spiciness by modifying Sriracha quantity, creating a personalized heat level for different taste preferences.
• Pat chicken dry before dredging to help cornstarch adhere better and create an extra-crispy coating.
• Let fried chicken rest on a wire rack for a few minutes to maintain crunchiness and prevent sogginess.

Variations To Explore With Bang Bang Chicken

• Gluten-Free Crispy Chicken: Replace cornstarch with rice flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
• Spicy Honey Chicken: Increase Sriracha and honey ratios for an extra kick of heat and sweetness.
• Greek Yogurt Lightened Sauce: Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt to reduce calories and add protein.
• Air Fryer Healthier Option: Cook chicken in air fryer instead of deep-frying for a lower-fat alternative with similar crispy texture.

How To Serve Bang Bang Chicken

• Spicy Sidekick Plate: Serve the bang bang chicken over steamed jasmine rice with a sprinkle of extra green onions for a complete meal that balances heat and comfort.
• Street Food Style: Create chicken sliders by placing saucy pieces inside soft mini buns, topped with extra sauce and a quick slaw for a handheld party favorite.
• Crispy Salad Topper: Scatter the saucy chicken pieces over a fresh mixed green salad with cucumber slices and a drizzle of extra bang bang sauce for a lighter, refreshing option.
• Appetizer Party Platter: Arrange chicken pieces on a large wooden board with toothpicks, extra sauce for dipping, and fresh herb garnishes for an impressive shared starter.

Storage Recommendations For Bang Bang

• Store leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Keep the chicken and sauce separate to maintain crispiness and prevent sogginess.
• Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking to ensure food safety.
• Use shallow, wide containers to help cool the chicken quickly and prevent bacterial growth.

Quick Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 24 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Bang bang chicken highlights a spicy Sichuan-style dish with crispy chicken coated in a creamy, tangy sauce. Zesty flavors blend perfectly for a memorable meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Coating and Frying:

• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup cornstarch
• Oil for frying

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Garnish:

• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Immerse chicken pieces in buttermilk for 15 minutes to enhance tenderness and flavor absorption.
2. Prepare a deep skillet or fryer, heating oil to 350°F for optimal crispy texture.
3. Drain chicken from buttermilk and thoroughly coat each piece in cornstarch, ensuring complete and even coverage.
4. Carefully lower coated chicken into hot oil, frying for 3-4 minutes until exterior turns golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. While chicken fries, craft a vibrant Bang Bang sauce by whisking mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well-integrated.
6. Remove chicken from oil, allowing excess oil to drain on paper towels for maximum crispiness.
7. Transfer hot, crispy chicken into prepared sauce, gently tossing to ensure each piece is generously and evenly glazed.
8. Plate the sauced chicken and immediately sprinkle with finely chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal.

Notes

• Marinate chicken in buttermilk for extra tenderness and to help the coating stick better.
• Use a deep-fry thermometer to maintain oil temperature around 350°F for perfectly crispy chicken without burning.
• For a gluten-free version, swap cornstarch with gluten-free flour or rice flour to keep the same crispy texture.
• Adjust the sauce’s heat level by increasing or decreasing Sriracha sauce to suit personal spice preferences.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 740 kcal
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 35 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg