Description

Bang Bang Chicken is a dish that tantalizes the taste buds and speaks to the soul with the perfect balance of crispy textures, a succulent chicken profile, and an addictive spicy-sweet sauce. Originating from the vibrant kitchens of Asian cuisine, this dish has spread its wings across the globe, capturing hearts—and stomachs—everywhere. The secret? It’s all in the wonderfully crispy fried chicken tenderloins paired with a silky-smooth sauce that dances between sweet and spicy.

Imagine serving this at your next family gathering or cozy dinner. The aroma wafting through the kitchen will have your friends and family flocking to the table before you can even say, “Bang Bang!” Despite its enticing name and fantastic flavor punch, this dish is surprisingly simple to prepare, making it the perfect option for both experienced home chefs and those just starting their culinary journeys.

The best part? Whether served as a main dish or an appetizer, Bang Bang Chicken is versatile enough to fit any occasion. Dive into the kitchen and uncover the joy of cooking this delightful dish, bringing a little Asian flair and warmth into your home.

Ingredients

• For the Bang Bang Sauce:
• 1 cup (232 g) mayonnaise
• ½ cup (132 g) Thai sweet chili sauce
• 1 teaspoon Sriracha, or more to taste
• 2 tablespoons honey
• For the Fried Chicken:
• 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken tenderloins
• 1 cup (245 g) buttermilk
• ¾ cup (94 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (64 g) cornstarch
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, adjust for spice preference)
• 2 cups (216 g) panko breadcrumbs, plain
• Canola oil, for frying
• Chopped parsley, for garnish

Preparation Method

First, let’s whisk up that creamy Bang Bang sauce that will give our chicken its distinctive character. In a small mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Stir these ingredients together with a whisk or a fork until they amalgamate into a luscious sauce, smooth and well-combined. Set this bowl aside—resist the urge to sneak a taste because you’ll want to save it for the chicken!

Now it’s time to prepare our chicken tenderloins. Begin by pouring the buttermilk into a medium mixing bowl. The buttermilk not only adds moisture to the chicken but also tenderizes it, resulting in juicy bites. Next, add the flour and cornstarch to the bowl, followed by the egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper for those who love a touch of heat. Using a whisk or fork, blend these ingredients until they form a cohesive batter.

Once the batter is ready, toss the chicken tenderloins into the bowl, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. This mixture provides the perfect balance of flavor and texture for each tender. Now, set up your assembly line by placing the panko breadcrumbs onto a shallow plate. This is where the crispy magic starts to happen!

With each chicken piece coated in batter, lift it from the bowl, letting any excess mixture drip off gently. Now, roll the tender in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to ensure they adhere well. Repeat this process for all the tenderloins, placing them neatly on a clean plate once coated.

Next, let’s talk oil—specifically, canola oil for frying. In a large skillet, pour enough oil to create about an inch of depth—this will help in achieving that coveted golden-brown fried texture. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches approximately 365°F (185°C). A good way to test if the oil is ready is by dropping a few breadcrumbs into the skillet; if they sizzle upon contact, you're ready for frying!

Now, it’s time to fry the chicken! To prevent overcrowding in the pan, work in batches and carefully drop the coated tenderloins into the hot oil. They will sizzle beautifully! Fry each piece for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through—ensure an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.

As your tenderloins cook, resist the temptation to keep turning them; let them sit undisturbed for optimal crispiness. Once done, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. The result should be gloriously crispy and utterly delectable pieces of chicken.

After all the chicken is fried to perfection, it’s time to bring it all together. In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the hot fried chicken with the previously prepared Bang Bang sauce. As the sauce clings to each piece, you’ll see every tender gleaming with flavor, ready to impress.

To serve, transfer the glorious coated chicken to a serving plate. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness that also enhances the flavor profile. Now, gather your friends or family around the table, dig in, and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors this dish offers.

Tips and Conclusion

For a delightful pairing, consider serving your Bang Bang Chicken with a side of jasmine rice or a refreshing slaw. The tenderness of the rice complements the crispiness of the chicken beautifully, while the slaw adds a delightful crunch. If you want to cater to a spicy palate, try adding extra Sriracha to the sauce or serving it alongside timed jalapeños. Enjoy leftovers? Store any uneaten Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven to keep that crispiness intact, rather than using the microwave which may leave the chicken soggy.
Creating Bang Bang Chicken offers a fulfilling culinary experience that results in an extraordinary dish worthy of any table. The delightful crunch, the scrumptious sauce, and the juiciness of the chicken create an unforgettable meal that’s as enticing to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or treating yourself, this flavorful dish brings a little touch of culinary adventure right into your kitchen.

If you're looking for more inspiration, why not explore other recipes that take traditional flavor combinations and elevate them? Try your hand at crafting homemade spring rolls or a comforting bowl of coconut curry for a delightful fusion dinner. Feel free to share this recipe with friends and family, and encourage them to explore more delicious dishes on the site! Happy cooking!