Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is a flavorful, crispy fried chicken dish drizzled with a sweet and spicy sauce that’s guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds. This dish features tender chicken tenders coated in a perfectly seasoned batter, fried to a golden, crispy perfection, and then tossed in the creamy and tangy bang bang sauce. It’s the ideal balance of heat, sweetness, and crunch, making it an excellent choice for appetizers, snacks, or even as a main dish for a meal that everyone will love. Whether you serve it on its own, with rice, or on top of a salad, Bang Bang Chicken is sure to impress your guests or family members alike.

The beauty of this dish lies in its crispy chicken paired with the creamy, spicy sauce. The combination of Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey creates a perfectly balanced sauce that’s sweet, savory, and spicy, taking the crispy fried chicken to the next level. With easy-to-find ingredients and simple steps, this recipe is perfect for both beginner and seasoned cooks alike. Once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is the ultimate comfort food with a kick. The crispy exterior, perfectly fried chicken tenders, and the irresistible bang bang sauce make it a dish that’s hard to beat. The sauce is rich and creamy with the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, complementing the crispy chicken beautifully. It’s easy to prepare and offers a fun twist on classic fried chicken. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, a main dish, or even for a party, this recipe is sure to be a hit with everyone. Plus, the bang bang sauce can be adjusted to suit your preferred spice level, making it versatile for all tastes.

Ingredients

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• Mayonnaise
• Thai sweet chili sauce
• Sriracha (or more to taste)
• Honey

For the Chicken:

• Boneless skinless chicken tenderloins
• Buttermilk
• All-purpose flour
• Cornstarch
• Large egg (room temperature)
• Sriracha
• Garlic powder
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• Cayenne pepper (optional)
• Panko breadcrumbs (plain)
• Canola oil (for frying)
• Parsley (chopped for garnish)

Variations

While this recipe is delicious as is, here are a few ways you can customize it to suit your preferences:

1. Chicken Breast Alternative: You can use chicken breasts cut into strips if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as chicken breasts may require slightly more time to cook through.
2. Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version of this dish.
3. Less Spicy: Reduce the amount of Sriracha in the sauce to make it milder. You can also omit the cayenne pepper if you prefer a less spicy dish.
4. Extra Crunch: For an even crunchier texture, you can double coat the chicken tenders by dipping them in the batter and breadcrumbs twice before frying.

How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

Step 1: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Stir the ingredients well until fully combined and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Add the chicken tenders to the bowl and toss to coat them evenly in the batter.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Add the panko breadcrumbs to a shallow plate. Working one piece at a time, remove the chicken tenders from the batter, gently shaking off any excess. Dredge each chicken tender in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing slightly to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken. Set the coated chicken aside on a clean plate and repeat with the remaining chicken tenders.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Heat about an inch of canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the oil reaches 365°F. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, add the chicken tenders and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 5: Toss the Chicken in Sauce

Once all the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a serving plate. Drizzle the bang bang sauce over the crispy chicken tenders and toss to coat. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Tips for Making the Recipe

1. Monitor Oil Temperature: Be sure to maintain the oil temperature around 365°F to ensure the chicken fries evenly and crisps up properly.
2. Double Coat for Extra Crispiness: For an extra crispy coating, you can dip the chicken in the batter and panko breadcrumbs twice before frying.
3. Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure that your mayonnaise, Sriracha, and other ingredients are fresh for the best flavor in the sauce.
4. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause the chicken to cook unevenly.
5. Adjust Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the Sriracha and cayenne pepper based on how spicy you want the dish to be.

How to Serve

Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is versatile and can be served in many different ways. Serve it on its own as a delicious appetizer, or pair it with steamed rice or a fresh salad for a more filling meal. For a fun presentation, you can also serve it in wraps or tacos with a side of dipping sauce. It also pairs well with a refreshing cucumber or coleslaw salad to balance out the richness of the fried chicken.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover crispy Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat it in a skillet over medium heat to restore the crispiness, or use a toaster oven for the best results.

Freezing

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the fried chicken tenders before tossing them in the sauce. To freeze, arrange the cooked and cooled chicken on a baking sheet and place it in the freezer. Once frozen solid, transfer the chicken to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken in the oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes until crispy, then toss with the bang bang sauce.

Reheating

To reheat leftover chicken, place it in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. If you prefer to keep the chicken crispy, avoid using the microwave.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken tenders?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts cut into strips. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as they may need a bit more time to cook through.

2. How can I make this recipe less spicy?

You can reduce or omit the Sriracha and cayenne pepper to make the dish milder.

3. Can I make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

4. Can I use a different type of oil for frying?

Canola oil is ideal for frying, but you can also use vegetable oil or peanut oil for frying.

5. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

While frying provides the best crispy texture, you can bake the chicken at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. The texture may not be as crispy, but it will still be delicious.

6. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make the recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.

7. Can I freeze the Bang Bang chicken?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken tenders before tossing them in the sauce. Once frozen, reheat and add the sauce before serving.

8. How long do leftovers last?

Leftovers will last in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Make sure to reheat them properly to restore their crispiness.

9. Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Yes, you can add some stir-fried vegetables, such as bell peppers or broccoli, to complement the crispy chicken.

10. Can I make this recipe in an air fryer?

Yes, you can use an air fryer for a healthier version of this dish. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F and cook the chicken tenders for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Conclusion

Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is the ultimate dish for anyone who loves a sweet, spicy, and crispy treat. With perfectly fried chicken tenders coated in a creamy, tangy sauce, this dish offers bold flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. Whether you serve it as an appetizer, snack, or a main dish, it’s sure to be a hit with anyone who tries it. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can make this flavorful dish at home and impress your guests every time.

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